Do folks really use the Boom Arm stabiliizers?

[Bill Fleming]

Do folks really use the Boom Arm stabilizers?  I know that Festool had to provide these - all the liability issues - but it seem that they get in the way and the make the Boom Arm less a efficient addition?

Really thinking about this great additon, esp. before the price goes up.

Thx Bill

 

[pteubel]

Nope. I removed mine within a day of mounting them. They just get in the way. I have a heavy systainer on my CT. As long as I don't pull the hose starply to one side, the vac remains very stable.

 

[Per Swenson]

You bet.

I don't care how many systainers you stack on it..

When you swing that arm the other way (180),

you could fill a systainer with sand, remember

that Archimedes fella? Something about give me a lever,

and maybe I could move Mildred off the couch when she is watching

as the world turns.

Per

 

[Per Swenson]

Oh,

I forgot. That would be first hand knowledge,

not about Mildred of course. She needed both leverage

and booze to tip over.

Per

 

[Tinker]

I don't use them.  I have boom attached to my CT 33 which is right beside, almost under, the end of my MFT.  i have tried to tip it all and have found, with the way it is placed, is near impossible.  i suppose, if i moved the CT away from the MFT, i might have a problem.  i do have that covered in that every bench/machine in my shop is on wheels and i could just move something up against the CT.  i have plenty of Velcro tape (hook one side/loop other side) to tie to whatever.  That is easier for me than to struggle with moving the whole operation with those feet sticking out to the side or out the back.  Per is right about the lever. It just takes a little planning to overcome the physics of the lever.  Besides, with the way my shop is so crowded, I don't thnk the CT could find room to tip all the way over and come even close to the floor.
Tinker

 

[Dan Clark]

I've only had mine for a few days, but I haven't had any problems with tipping.  I keep the stabilizer bars on the CT, but folded forward with just enough room for the front wheels to turn.  If I need to use them, it's only a minute's work to swivel them around. 

Dan.

 

[woodshopdemos]

I have removed mine and had a few near tippy moments...but no disaster, yet. Still safer than SUVs.

 

[stvrowe]

Mine spent all of one hour attached.  These are a real pain.
Steve

 

[Jeff Magnus]

They work great for me. Like some have said, you remove the bottom crossbar and they become a permanent fixture for the vac. When wheeling it around I just fold them to the sides. If your not using the vac for production oriented work, I probably wouldn't have made the purchase. But setting up the vac and saw, router, planner, etc. in back of a 4x8 sheet on horses is awesome. The boom swings effortlessly around your table keeping hose and cord out of the way.

 

[Corwin]

When I first assembled my Boom Arm I skipped installing the stabilizers just to see.  I don't think that they are required when the arm is extended over the vac, but wouldn't go the other direction without them.  So I went ahead and installed them and now leave them folded along the side at the ready.  

As is, the Boom Arm functions very well.  A few minor tweaks on Festool's part might make it just a little better.  These stabilizers might be easier to deploy if the mounting clamps were affixed to the handle so only the stabilizer bars moved.  And they might eliminate the need for the cross bars if the mounting brackets incorporated alignment notches or detentes (on steroids) to keep the stabilizer at a given position.  The brackets used to mount the hose to the arm could also be modified to provide increased function.  Replacing the existing hose brackets with ones that worked like a spring clamp to clamp around the hose would improve the ability to change out hoses.  But these are very minor items that do not really distract from the wonderful advantages this Boom Arm brings.

I think the Boom Arm is a most welcome addition for anyone, production worker or hobbyist.  Getting the hose and cord off the floor is more than merely a convenience, it is one of those things that benefits you, your work and your tools all at the same time.  Great fit with the Festool 'system'.  

Corwin

 

[Tinker]

I another area, the question was asked about height of boom.  I had not thought about that when I answered this thread.  The general consensus i am getting from following this thread is that the feet are necessary.  i have stated that i have found then to be not necessary.  i cannot tip my CT 33 unless i put an extra effort into the action.  I feel perfectly safe with the way i have set up without the feet.

When i read the other question about height, i realized i had not quallified my reply to this thread.  i went down into my cellar shop and measured the height.  i have the boom set at its absolute lowest with the hose/cable clamps turned off to the side for ceiling and lighting clearance.  i have the assembly set at 72", absolute minimum height,  which is a big difference in tipping leverage comapered to the 81+" at maximum height.  I hope this clarifies somewhat.

Per was correct about the geometry involved towards tipping.  I think i am correct in determining there is a safe height to set up to prevent tipping.  At some point in between, the assembly will probably become unsafe without the feet.

Tinker