Simplest "boom arm"

Mavrik

Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
239
I had all sorts of plans to make a boom arm after the various inspirations here.
Then I found something that works amazingly and it's embarrassingly simple.

A bit of bungee cord, a knot and a hook:

hook_zps3c87b24a.jpg

attached_zps5340a62b.jpg
 
That's simple?  That extra loop tied in that think makes it crazy complicated  [big grin]
 
How much you think you invested in this project? Is the  hook stainless steel? How did you calculate proper length or bungee? Is that a square or slip knot?  Can you give some more details and are you going to design a Sketch-up drawing we can download?
 
Guilliaume woodworks said:
How much you think you invested in this project? Is the  hook stainless steel? How did you calculate proper length or bungee? Is that a square or slip knot?  Can you give some more details and are you going to design a Sketch-up drawing we can download?

[thumbs up]
 
Guilliaume woodworks said:
How much you think you invested in this project? Is the  hook stainless steel? How did you calculate proper length or bungee? Is that a square or slip knot?  Can you give some more details and are you going to design a Sketch-up drawing we can download?

Don't worry, next year Festool is planning to market these as "Boom Arm Lite" for a bargin price of $285.
 
I use a similar bungee cord set up for sanding. I find that because the bungee cord allows some swing, I can keep the hose as "short " as possible to hold it off the work but still reach  the far corners easily. 

Seth
 
Mavrik,

I hope that it is coming across that the posters are attempting to interject humor.

Peter
 
Very nice.  Simple and effective.
However, am a little concerned regarding some health & safety issues - which are taken very seriously here in uk at any rate; by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive.)

Just imagine - you're holding onto the saw, with the bungee under some tension; perhaps stretched further than is wise.
Then, say something startles you - perhaps a 'static' shock referred to in other posts - you let go of the tool in surprise.
Whizz, bang, whallop - the saw flies across the work-shop as the bungee suddenly contracts.
Maybe the glass in door / windows could be broken, the clock knocked off the wall - etc, etc.

Would strongly suggest wearing a full face helmet, as important PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as it might even hit your head.
Also, might consider (as far as possible) encasing the saw in a thick protective rubber casing - to reduce any potential damage.
In addition it might be prudent to wear, say, goal-keepers gloves - these might help you to catch the tool (as it flies about) thus reducing consequential damage.

In addition, perhaps worth considering some of damping system, so the bungee doesn't freely bounce up and down in such circumstances.

Should you allow others to use the bungee solution, would also suggest they attend a one day training course - unfortunately, at great expense.
That might help to protect you (legally) if someone didn't follow correct operational procedures.

Were you in the UK, the HSE would be pleased to arrange for risk assessment of the equipment set-up; probably at great expense as well.

Richard
 
I have 4 bungee cords hanging from my ceiling.  Works great!  I'm glad I'm not tripping over the hose and cord anymore. 

A lot cheaper then the boom arm. But I still want one.  [big grin]

Eric

 
Kev said:
I want to see you use it outside  [wink]
Fill a MAXI systainer with "FESTOOL" written all over it with helium and tie it to that.
 
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