CT Boom Arm Modification.

[bremner]

I've just ordered a CT26 as my MIDI is just too small plus the fact I'm constantly switching the hose to other tools I thought it would be handy to have a second extractor.
I'm thinking of getting the CT boom arm to go along with it but I'm limited with head room in my workshop. I've read quite a bit on here about people cutting pieces out of one of the upright sections but nobody has said just how much you can get away with cutting out.
If I've read correctly the full height of the boom arm is 7' unmodified, I need to get it down to 6'8" or even just a tad lower. Would I be able to cut out 4" or maybe 5" without any repercussions?

Cheers.

 

[GarryMartin]

You can certainly remove some of the straight section to reduce the overall height; you would simply have to drill two new holes for the knob/bolt to pass through. The below photos should help visualise what you'd need to do - cut the section between the two red lines out, and drill new holes for the green circled bolt.

However, you could also mount the arm directly to a wall or to the bench - you don't have to mount it to the extractor if you're not moving it around with the extractor...

 

[grbmds]

I've just ordered a CT26 as my MIDI is just too small plus the fact I'm constantly switching the hose to other tools I thought it would be handy to have a second extractor.
I'm thinking of getting the CT boom arm to go along with it but I'm limited with head room in my workshop. I've read quite a bit on here about people cutting pieces out of one of the upright sections but nobody has said just how much you can get away with cutting out.
If I've read correctly the full height of the boom arm is 7' unmodified, I need to get it down to 6'8" or even just a tad lower. Would I be able to cut out 4" or maybe 5" without any repercussions?

Cheers.

[member=19482]bremner[/member] I cut that much out of mine as I had the same problem in my basement workshop. To keep the boom arm under the light fixtures I needed to cut about 5" off at location indicated in the previous post. It works fine and the CT with boom arm can be rolled all over the shop regardless of ceiling lights.

 

[bremner]

Thanks very much for the replies guys, think I'll get one ordered in the next couple of weeks.

Cheers.

 

[Tinker]

I have the same problem with ceiling height of 6'8"
I don't remember cutting any of the arm, but did lower the whole thing to 1/2" above the floor.  The boom worked fine for some of my setup.  The arm does not have 360º rotation and that's where my problems came from.  I could work to one end of my shop, but could not rotate the arm 180º to work the bandsaw and wood rat at opposite end.  I do not have space to roll my CT around.  My ceiling joists have metal cross the bridging and i found out it is much less problem to use rubber straps and move the straps around as needed.  I don't say it is no problem doing that way, but it is a LOT less problem than I was having with the boom arm.  That is currently residing in a corner of my barn until i make my second million and can get a bigger space.  My first million disappeared when i discovered Festoys.  :
Tinker