How portable is the Boom Arm?

[Tom the Remodeler]

Hi everybody! I primarily use my tools in a "installer" profile, where most of my work is on-site. I recently (FINALLY!!) bought myself a CT22, and I've tried the boom arm in stores and I really like it, but I wonder how quickly will it break down and reinstall, and how compactly can it be stored? Is it at all suited to on-site use, or is it best used stationary in a shop setting? Thanks!!!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Tom the top of the boom arm disconnects as does the hose and power cord, making the whole unit much easier to transport. It's doable. I'll take some pictures in the morning that shows the boom parts.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Thanks Brice, I'd really appreciate that!!

 

[Dan Clark]

Tom,

I did a review of the Boom Arm here:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=324.0.  It includes pics of the boom arm  ready for use and broken down for transport.  It also includes measurements in both modes.

Enjoy,

Dan.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Dan, thanks for the link to your article! I've only just had a chance to skim it tonight, but it looks very informative and I'm looking forward to reading it more in-depth 

 

[Dan Clark]

Tom,

A lot of people added value to that article - either providing more information or asking very good questions.  FYI, with the Boom Arm broken down for transportion, the CT22 is 1365mm tall (53-3/4").

Dan.

 

[Hotwheels]

I don't use my Festools to make a living, but I do use them to make living easier. My experience is that the boom arm is a wonderful addition in my garage shop, but it makes moving the CT22 a pain: top heavy, hard to get in the house, etc.... Yes it can be done, but for me personally, I feel as if it has made the Ct22 less mobile. I am going to buy another Ct22 because I find the boom arm is very desirable in the shop, but a nuisance to move ... everyone has their own experience ....

 

[Corwin]

... everyone has their own experience ....

True.  I find the Boom Arm quick and easy to take apart for transport.  The additional height of the upright does prevent me from closing and locking my truck's roll-top cover, but I play at home.  I do take the upper portion off to move the unit from shop to garage and don't think twice about it -- the Boom Arm is just way too nice in use to go without.

 

[dirtydeeds]

boom arm modifications for transporting

the out riggers had 50mm cut off so they dont foul the front wheels of the ct22

my workshop ceiling and ford transit roof are both low, 55mm chopped off the vertical fixed to the ct22 and two new holes for the nylon stub cured this

 

[Michael H Hinkel]

I have the boom on a ct33 for use in my shop. I took off the out riggers and find it easier to move around and so far it has not tipped over. I have 3 systainers stacked on top. My shop floor is pretty level.

 

[Dan Clark]

Dirtydeeds,

By "nylon stub" are you referring to plastic connector bearing that connects the top and bottom pieces?  Is your boom arm sagging?  If so, Festool will replace the plastic connector with a milled aluminum one so the arm won't sag.  Cost?  Free, of course!

Regarding the outriggers, I've removed them on mine too, primarily because they fouled the wheels.    I had not thought about shortening them.  I might do that. 

Dan.

 

[dirtydeeds]

dan

thats the long version of why my outriggers got shortened, without them it fell over one time

yes the nylon stub is sagging, thanks for the tip

ill ask festool uk about getting one.      without paying for it...................

 

[Dan Clark]

DD,

I forgot that you were in the UK.  Here in the US, it's free.  I don't know the UK policies. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[dirtydeeds]

dan

my "without paying for it............." was a comment on uk companies generally who are less inclined to "do" customer service

 

[Dan Clark]

DD,

I guess we are lucky in that respect.  Of course, we in the US don't have the CMS, Kapex, MFK700, and host of other goodies that you have.  No justice either way I guess.  8)

Dan.

 

[dirtydeeds]

perhaps im giving a too biased point of view, some companies even do "customer satisfaction"

i had a piece of luck with a lamello cantex last year 700 quid ($1400) incl vat

having destroyed some work pieces i started checking, it was a 2005 model. the supplier wanted another 20 percent to give me the correct model 

so i called the importer "sorted" the supplier phoned me back

 

[Corwin]

I fail to see why anyone would shorten the outrigger legs when they can simply be raised up and out of the way of the front wheels. 

 

[Tinker]

When i first set up my boom, I had it just clearing my ceiling joists (6'8").  A few weeks later, i noticed it was further away from the joists and I reset it.  Eventually, I was noticing the same problem.  It was about that time that a conversation came up, here on the FOG, explaining about the plastic "stub" bending.  i went to my local WodCraft toy store and they replaced with the aluminum part.  That plastic had bent somewhere between 5? and 10?.  What a difference as the boom now sits where I possition it wirth no sag. 

I have had no problem with my CT tipping as a result of attaching the boom.  But I think that is just because I have set it so much lower there is not the leveredge against the vac.  i don't even have the feet attached.

Tinker