CT Boom Arm Tool Holder - Is it worth it?

[JohnDistai]

Hi.  I am considering getting the boom arm for my CT22, and I see that several dealers are running a "special" on the boom arm, the handle, and the boom arm tool holder.  The "special" price is essentially the cost of the handle and the boom arm, with the tool holder thrown in for free.  It doesn't look like the tool holder is all that useful.  Anyone have any opinions on it?

 

[Kevin Stricker]

Well as you need the handle to mount the arm you might as well get the holder too right?

 

[JohnDistai]

Its more an issue of do I jump on a "deal", or do I pass this up and wait until later.  It really isn't a deal if I'm getting something that I don't want or need.

 

[Five Star]

I have the boom arm for my ct 33 It didnt come with the tool holder but it does look handy to have,i cant say no to free, if youdont want it well...HMMM, ok i,ll take it [unsure]

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

5star, you like the boom arm?  Move it around or leave it set up.  I keep thinking I want it but, it looks like a hassle to move.

I should buy a new vac later this year just for the boom arm.  That makes sense, right? [big grin]

 

[justinmcf]

why not make your own boom arm?
thats why i buy these tools in the first place,
too make stuff....

regards, justin

 

[BMH]

Having your vacuum hose and power cables coming down from above is very helpful when working on different projects. If you CT22 and your work table is stationary you just need to implement a cheap ceiling hanging jig and they are many on the forum. If on the other hand you have a mobile work shop then the boom arm and handle are worth the money. The 10 extra mn it takes to set up the Boom arm after transfer is well worth the increase in productivity and the reduce body stress.

Bruce

 

[BlueMaxx]

I have a relatively low ceiling in my workshop, what is the min. height for using the boom arm?
Mike

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I have a relatively low ceiling in my workshop, what is the min. height for using the boom arm?
Mike

The Festool USA Support Knowledgebase says:

http://www.festoolusa.com/support/Support-Article.html?ArticleID=236

Q:  How tall is the Boom Arm when set up?
A:  The Boom Arm is just under 82", so if you have only a seven foot ceiling in your basement, it will still work.

Other threads which ask that question and give answers with varying amounts of detail include Boom arm question and http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ct33-with-boom-arm/

Forrest

 

[BlueMaxx]

Thannk you!!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Having your vacuum hose and power cables coming down from above is very helpful when working on different projects. If you CT22 and your work table is stationary you just need to implement a cheap ceiling hanging jig and they are many on the forum. If on the other hand you have a mobile work shop then the boom arm and handle are worth the money. The 10 extra mn it takes to set up the Boom arm after transfer is well worth the increase in productivity and the reduce body stress.

Bruce

Bruce, I don't use the support arms with the boom so I can setup my boom in less than a minute.

5star, you like the boom arm?  Move it around or leave it set up.  I keep thinking I want it but, it looks like a hassle to move.

I should buy a new vac later this year just for the boom arm.  That makes sense, right? [big grin]

Darcy, I know I've mentioned this before but I'll say it again so you can spend all of your money. ;D The boom transports a hack of lot easier then you think. I have the CT22, the top of the boom pops off and you are out the door. Setups up fully in a couple of minutes or less without the support arms.

As it turns out the next thing I'm writing about is the boom arm and how easy it is to take to the job. I'll post it wen I've got it completed. 

 

[Corwin]

As Brice says, the Boom Arm is very easy to remove for transport and replace for use.  Once installed on your CT, you only need to remove one bolt, unplug the power cord and disconnect the hose -- all located where the Boom Arm's upper and lower support tubes join.  Once removed you can simply carry the upper portion, complete with hose and cord, over your shoulder.  It would have been faster to show you than to have typed this...

 

[intermod]

I recently bought the boom arm and received the tool holder for free with it as a Festool special deal (thank you Bob). At first, I thought this thing is something I'm never gonna use. But I trusted the Festool design and installed it. Sure enough, that's where my sander stays--in the tool holder, ready to go. While I'm working, if it's not too far away I just pop it in after sanding and it takes up no table space. So it's worth it in my opinion to go for the deal. Oh and I filed clean the metal and put some packing tape on the inside of the curved surface where it meets the boom arm so it wouldn't scratch the paint. You may want to do the same if you get one.

I think another question to ask is whether to wait for the newer vacuum models and boom arms to arrive (in the US).

 

[Brice Burrell]

...I think another question to ask is whether to wait for the newer vacuum models and boom arms to arrive (in the US).

Word from Festool was it might be some time before the new vacs make it to the US. This was taken from another thread in November:

Hello,

We don't have an ETA yet, since it depends on UL. My personal opinion based on the UL approval process in the past: We won't
see the Cleantex vacuums in the US in the next 12 months.

Christian

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

So you don't use the out rigger support things with the boom arm Brice?

I couldn't figure a easy way to get those things off or folded back when I was at Woodcraft.

Is it stable without the outrigger things?

Can you tell I need pushed over the edge to buy the Boom arm?

I wish I could do the whole package deal but, I all ready have the handle.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I had the outriggers on at first because I thought it needed it.  After finding that they limited my mobility in my crowded shop, I removed them.  I can't recall one time when the vacuum seemed to want to tip.  That said, though, I do keep my vacuum accessories Systainer on the vacuum so that makes the vacuum weigh a little more, though I seriously doubt that it would be tipsy otherwise.

 

[Brice Burrell]

So you don't use the out rigger support things with the boom arm Brice?

I couldn't figure a easy way to get those things off or folded back when I was at Woodcraft.

Is it stable without the outrigger things?

Can you tell I need pushed over the edge to buy the Boom arm?

I wish I could do the whole package deal but, I all ready have the handle.

Darcy, I've never used them. No problems.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Now can you send me about 275 bucks, then I can really take your word for it!! [big grin]

I think I should get the wire loop thing that goes on the front of the vac.

 

[TOOLMAN169]

I have the CT-33 vacuum with the boom arm kit. Wow it's great it keeps your hoses off the floor. I received the tool holder free. I keep my rotex-125  in it all the time. [ JUST BUY IT AND YOU WILL LOVE IT ]

 

[PaulMarcel]

Man... I have the tool holder on my wishlist.  "Early Boom Arm" adopters didn't get the holder with it (believe it came out later, but still... $60!?)  :'(