Boom Arm

[Greg Pavlov]

Is there a way to shorten the boom arm?  I'm working in a basement with a low ceiling...

Thanks for any help!

 

[Dan Clark]

Greg,

The Boom Arm is 81-3/4" tall.  I think you can cut off the tubes, but that's about the only way.  FYI, here's my review:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=324.0.  In the review is a description of another option using a Triton work stand.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Brian 57]

I also work in a (small) basement with a low ceiling. I found that taping together the vacuum hose and (plug-it) power cable plus a series of strategically placed hooks fixed to the ceiling, (actually in my case to rafters), transformed my ease of working.
Regards

 

[glenhyrst]

Hi - my ceiling is also on the low side but notwithstanding that, I have found it preferable to mount my boom arm on the wall behind my bench.
The arm sits in a friction-fit hardwood block fixed to the wall and the hose attaches to the vacuum which sits in a small extension to my bench area, out of the way.
The arm can swing through 180deg and parks against one wall.  There is room for me to work between the hose and wokrbench when it is pivoted out to 90deg or more, without fear of the vacuum tumbling.
The plug can be replaced with a non-Festool tool.
The whole boom arm is easily lifted from its mount and remounted on the vacuum on the rare occasions when I wish to use it away from my workbench.
The attachments should make this clear.

Phil

 

[Dan Clark]

Hi - my ceiling is also on the low side but notwithstanding that, I have found it preferable to mount my boom arm on the wall behind my bench.
The arm sits in a friction-fit hardwood block fixed to the wall and the hose attaches to the vacuum which sits in a small extension to my bench area, out of the way.
The arm can swing through 180deg and parks against one wall.  There is room for me to work between the hose and wokrbench when it is pivoted out to 90deg or more, without fear of the vacuum tumbling.
The plug can be replaced with a non-Festool tool.
The whole boom arm is easily lifted from its mount and remounted on the vacuum on the rare occasions when I wish to use it away from my workbench.
The attachments should make this clear.

Phil

Phil,

Nice arrangement, but...

Your Boom Arm is sagging because of the plastic connector.  It's a known issue.  Festool will send you a new, metal connector that won't sag.  Contact your dealer.  He will arrange for a new one.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[glenhyrst]

Thanks Dan - the sag doesn't seem to affect function but you are right, I should get it changed.  Phil

 

[Dongar]

Hi Tinker posted about how he modified his boom arm for a low ceiling in this post (posthttp://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=397.0ed ).
Donald

 

[Greg Pavlov]

Wow, I get on this evening and see a bunch of answers and suggestions.  Thanks, everyone.  I took a look at the setup in the local Rockler's today and saw that I could just saw off a chunk of the bottom end of the arm, but that's a permanent change which I might regret later, so I'll try Tinker's fix (I think that I understand it).