The Mullet™ ThirdHand™ Dust Collection Boom Arm is a modular dust collection system designed to provide flexible and efficient dust extraction for various woodworking and workshop applications. It aims to keep workspaces clean by positioning a dust collection hood close to the source of dust generation.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Mullet™ ThirdHand™ Dust Collection Boom Arm is to provide a movable and adjustable dust collection point. It connects to a vacuum source (such as a Mullet® High-Speed Cyclone Dust Collector, a shop vac, or a dust extractor) and positions a dust hood near the work area to capture airborne debris and shavings. The modular design allows users to customize the length and configuration of the arm to suit different tasks and workshop layouts, including attachment to a dedicated dust collector, a shop vac on a mobile base, or directly to a workbench.

Important Technical Specifications:

Pipe Material: 1 ½" Thin-Wall Furniture Grade PVC Pipe (light gray for the boom arm, black for shop vac and workbench setups).
Pipe Sections: The boom arm typically includes 24, 16, and 8-inch sections for customizable length. For shop vac and workbench setups, 24-inch (black) and 4-inch (black) sections are provided, respectively.
Pivots: Clear, StayAndPlay™ Polycarbonate Pivots (3x) allow for articulation and positioning of the arm.
Dust Hood: Clear, Polycarbonate Dust Hood for visible dust capture.
Hose Adapter: Mullet® Wet Dry Shop Vac Hose Adapter for connecting to vacuum sources.
Mounting Options:
- Direct connection to Mullet® High-Speed Cyclone Dust Collector (Part no. 3900-110).
- Connection to a shop vac/dust extractor using the Mullet StabilQuad™ Base (Part no. 3901-110).
- Secure mounting to a workbench using a 1½" PVC Table Mount (Part no. 3902-110).
Fasteners: Includes Self-Drilling Screws for more secure attachment of pivots to pipes/inlets, and #10 Cap Mounting Screws for wood (for workbench mounting).
Bushings: Vac Hose Bushings (4x) are provided to ensure a tight friction fit for various vacuum hoses.
Tee Knobs: Used to tighten and lock the pivots in place, featuring wave teeth for a secure hold.
Dimensions (StabilQuad Base): Designed to fit most shop vacs/dust extractors, with adjustable caster positions to avoid interference.

Usage Features:

Modular Design: The boom arm is fully modular, allowing users to add/remove sections, shorten pipes, and attach to various bases or even a wall. This flexibility enables customization for different tasks and shop layouts.
Easy Assembly: The boom arm comes mostly pre-assembled. Users simply insert pipe sections into the pivots and dust hood.
Adjustable Positioning: Polycarbonate pivots allow for precise positioning of the dust hood over the work area. Tee Knobs are used to lock the pivots, ensuring the arm stays in the desired position.
Center of Gravity Optimization: Users are advised to arrange pipes and pivots to keep the center of gravity as narrow as possible for a stable setup.
Multiple Connection Options:
- Mullet Cyclone: Slides firmly onto the cyclone inlet for direct dust collection.
- Shop Vac: Connects to a shop vac or dust extractor via a 1½" Blind Tee and the Mullet StabilQuad™ Base, which includes casters for mobility. The base can be adjusted to accommodate different vacs.
- Workbench: Mounts securely to a workbench using a PVC Table Mount, providing a fixed dust collection point.
Hose Compatibility: Includes bushings to ensure a tight friction fit for various vacuum hoses into the Tee.
Temporary Attachment (Workbench): For those hesitant to drill into their workbench, a 2x4 piece and clamps can be used for a temporary, movable attachment.
On-Demand Dust Receptacle: The constant suction from the dust hood can serve as a convenient receptacle for pushing small shavings and debris directly into the vacuum.
Dental Precision: For small-scale work, a tray can be added to the base using extra mount holes, providing a dedicated workspace with integrated dust collection.
Angled Vac Inlet Support: Mullet Tools offers free 3D-printed adapters for shop vacs with angled inlets, ensuring compatibility.

Maintenance Features:

Replaceable Components: Every component of the Mullet™ ThirdHand™ Boom Arm is replaceable. Spare parts and accessories are available directly from Mullet Tools.
O-Rings: Worn O-Rings can compromise rotation. Replacements are available to restore easy movement.
Teflon Washers: These small washers are crucial for the proper function of the Tee Knobs, preventing them from tightening or loosening during rotation. Replacements are available if lost during disassembly.
Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a troubleshooting section addressing common issues such as loss of suction, pivots rotating on the inlet, pipe pulling out of pivots, base interference with vac wheels, and hose fitment.
Customer Support: Users can contact "Gus" at Mullet Tools for assistance with missing parts, angled vac inlets, hose fitment issues, or any other questions.
Cleaning: Users are advised to check for blockages at pivot joints or in the pipe if suction is lost, and to remove, clear, and re-attach components as needed.

Mullet ThirdHand - Workbench Mounting