Anyone try using an overhead dental light as boom arm?

[mlau]

I'm thinking of installing a dental light/arm as a boom arm for my newly bought (used) CT36.

For the past week, I've been drooling over the boom arm and DIY options.
Then, I realized that I have two spare Belmont lights in the attic from an office rehab.
Most likely, my dental lights are more articulate and easier to use than the stock boom arm.

Has anyone done this before?

-Matt, a dentist.

 

[Svar]

I'm thinking of installing a dental light/arm as a boom arm for my newly bought (used) CT36.

I think about this every time I'm in my dentist's office. Could not find one, new or used, reasonably priced for this application.

 

[Mark Katz]

You could attach a drill to the end of it and ....

OK, never mind.  [big grin]

 

[Peter_C]

Please post pictures when you are done! Sounds like a great project, which happily involves re-purposing quality components.

 

[mlau]

I totally will.

My challenge will be the weight of the thing!
The lights look dainty, but are about 40-60 lb of very solid steel.
I think mine were made in Japan.

Do you guys have tips on supporting weight on home-made boom arms?
I may have to make a plywood insert onto the bottom to act as a support.
Also, I may need to buy/fabricate a mounting pole.

 

[Peter_C]

Post a photo of the light you have. Someone may have a fabulous way solution.

 

[Bob D.]

You might find this information helpful. I see some parts lists which should give an idea of how the arm balances the weight of the lamp.
http://www.belmontequip.com/downloads/

 

[HarveyWildes]

Hang it from the ceiling over your bench?

 

[mlau]

Thanks, guys!

I'd looked into it, and even contacted the Belmont guys (that was a fun phone conversation.)

There's a part available on American Dental Accessories that's for this--but it costs around $188.
Also, these lights are pretty heavy, so I may just mount it to a wall instead of the CT36 (will cause a likely tip-over).

On a side note, I'll be experimenting with mounting my metal dust deputy on a Systainer Cooler.
It was a "special edition" Sys4 that was onside at woodcraft a few years back for $40.
If it works, I'll post results! 

 

[huntdupl]

I had looking on eBay for a while for a cheap light, nothing with a price that justified buying one. They had two pop up on Craigslist recently that were pulled from a local hospital. $200 was a helluva score. This light sells for 600 on eBay without the ballast, like 2000 new...think you could get a used one shipped for 150-300 for a smaller one. 6000 lumen and I installed a three jack at the end for power -  the light has a 7' reach from the wall mount.. I have a midi so the boom arm wasn't and option.