Arm rest

papajoe · #1 2009-09-15, 2:52am

First of all let me say I did not come up with this idea. I found it on a thread, but can't find it any more. Maybe this will help some people.
I went to a gathering and most people had the expensive fancy arm rest. These arm rest might not be as fancy but several people tried them out, and to their surprise they thought it was more comfortable with a lot of adjust-ability. I made several for people that needed an inexpensive way to rest and steady their arms, but did not have the tools to make their own. You can buy the materials for around $10. My set up is for a Mini cc. The height of the rest w/foam is 5.5". Here is a list of what you will need:

A pipe cutter and De-burring tool
2'x1/2" ridged copper pipe ( cut, 2@2"-bases/2@2.75-legs/2@6"-arms)
4) copper 90* 1/2" elbows
2 or 4 copper caps ( I just use 2 for the base for off setting the elbow)
1' of foam insulation for 1/2" copper tubing (cut, 2@6")
2) 1/2" copper straps (for securing to the work surface) either screw or bolt to surface. A great idea is to mount the arm rest to an air-bake cookie 14"x16" sheet made by Warever. It has dimples that fit the mounting strap perfectly so you can drill then bolt your arm rest and the sheet will sit flat on your table.

Hope this helps someone. By the way been using mine for over 2 years and it still works great and with tight swivels! Times are tough, but why be uncomfortable doing what you love and can"t afford the expensive stuff. If anyone needs help making one, let me know. Or if you don't have the tools I can make you a set for $20 including free priority shipping until 10/05/09 in the U.S..After that the price will be $25.00 including shipping in the U.S.. This price is for the arms, foam, mounting brackets, screws or bolts only and not the mounting surface. If you want an air-bake surface I will have to check on shipping prices and the cost of the sheet.

llamaone · #2 2009-09-15, 4:38am

Thanks, I have been kicking something like this around. I had been building agility stuff for my dogs using pvc & just hadn't quite worked it completly out in my head. I was thinking T's clamped to a base but this is PERFECT!

ChurnHill · #3 2009-09-16, 9:07pm

Thanks for posting this. I love it--simple, functional.

G.L.McBead · #4 2009-09-16, 9:12pm

very cool.
G.

papajoe · #5 2009-09-17, 1:34am

Had more pictures but the file was too big to upload, I suck in Photoshop. Let me know if you have any questions.

della · #6 2009-09-18, 9:35pm

How kind of you to post this. Thank you so much.
della

bousky · #7 2009-09-19, 8:50am

Thank you! Your design is wonderfully simple. Your generosity is heart warming. Thank you!

papajoe · #8 2009-09-19, 10:13am

Thank you all for the kind comments, glad I can help. WoW, Michelle, Huntington Beach, brings back memories. I used to ditch school and go surfing there..lol don't tell my kids. Also had my first kiss there...hmmm. I grew up in Lakewood and the beach was my stomping ground.

bousky · #9 2009-09-19, 1:53pm

HB has been my stomping ground for most of my life although I did my school ditching in Illinois. We'd drive into Chicago or just hang out in the boonies.

sansan239s · #10 2009-09-20, 8:32am

Thanks papajoe for this great idea. I'm going to see what my dad has in his shop and see if I can't just whip up a set. If not, I will definately pm you for a set. I think $20 is a screamin deal for this! thanks bunches Sandy :0)

papajoe · #11 2009-09-23, 1:16am

Order sent, I got a good deal on some heavy duty foam, so you got a free up grade. Thanks again, hope it helps your shoulders. Oh, I would like to see a picture after you paint the arm rest. Just remember to tape off the rod first and don't paint inside the 90's. Rough up the surface with some 120 sand paper and use a primer for copper.

papajoe · #12 2009-09-25, 1:29am

Your more than welcome.

beadsoncypress · #13 2009-09-25, 3:37am

got mine yesterday...thanks (now to finish the new studio and install) still looking for an electrician who isn't insane......

Abacus Beads · #14 2009-09-25, 6:23am

Pappajoe
Could you use PVC pipe instead of the copper? Just a thought about the copper turning green after a bit of use
Liz R

papajoe · #15 2009-09-25, 2:18pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abacus Beads

Pappajoe
Could you use PVC pipe instead of the copper? Just a thought about the copper turning green after a bit of use
Liz R

I've used mine for over 2 years and they have not turned green, just a little oxidized. If your worried about heavy salt content in the air, you could coat with nail polish or Urethane. The pictures I posted are my original arm rest I made.... I'm sure PVC would work but you need to sand the pipe down a little so they would swivel. PVC is hard to turn when it goes into a joint. I would also get the grey pipe that you use for electrical because it is thicker wall. And if you have a hotter torch it will bend and over time it will get brittle. Never tried using PVC so this is just my humble opinion.
I love pvc, was thinking about making a rod rack to hold my Boro.
Hope this was helpful.
PaPaJoe

papajoe · #16 2009-09-29, 3:36am

Free shipping until 10/05/09, after that, I regrettably will have to raise the price to $25.00 including shipping. Shipping is killing me!
PaPaJoe

cadia · #17 2009-09-29, 6:41am

This looks cool !
I may try one out of PVC bc I have a bunch here.
But I love the copper!
Which joint swivels?
(is this dumb question?)

papajoe · #18 2009-09-29, 2:39pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadia

This looks cool !
I may try one out of PBC bc I have a bunch here.
But I love the copper!
Which joint swivels?
(is this dumb question?)

No question is dumb! Thanks for asking. All the joints swivel so you can adjust them on demand. If they ever get loose you can crimp lightly with pliers. I had to crimp them only after I took them apart to measure for this thread.
Swivel forwards and back for height
Swivel left or right for arm comfort and off mandrel work
swivel back of torch for over hand work or just getting them out of the way
Hope this answered your question...I'm better at showing than writing. Think I should have went to school instead of surfing..lol
PaPaJoe

cadia · #19 2009-09-29, 4:26pm

Sounds then like copper would be better than PVC for adjusting.
Thanks!

lysa · #20 2009-09-29, 4:54pm

Thanks Papajoe,
Great information. $10 at the local hardware store and a few minutes of time to create and they work great. I like saving the $$$$$ and still having an arm rest that works.

Thanks
Lysa

papajoe · #21 2009-09-30, 2:20am

Quote:

Originally Posted by lysa

Thanks Papajoe,
Great information. $10 at the local hardware store and a few minutes of time to create and they work great. I like saving the $$$$$ and still having an arm rest that works.

Thanks
Lysa

Great!!! Glad I could help. Pictures please, I would love to see your set up!!!
PaPaJoe