Even the most effective dust-collection system will have problems collecting debris from problematic tools like the drill press and lathe. A versatile new boom-arm system from Mullet Tools solves these problems and others, like managing a vacuum hose when using handheld power tools.

The two articulating arm sections pivot 360°, locking in place easily with nicely sized T-knobs.

I tried the $200 kit that comes with a workbench-mounted receiver, and also the optional StabilQuad rolling base that can go anywhere in the shop, and I found both to be very convenient and effective. The base attaches to any shop vacuum and rolls smoothly on high-quality casters.

A small rectangular dust hood is included with the kit, and a hose can be connected to the arm for use with handheld sanders, with optional clips that secure the power cord to the arm. Mullet also sells a fitting that lets you connect the arm directly to a shop vacuum or a central-vacuum system, and the arm folds relatively flat for easy storage.

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