Re: lucite extension table
I have an extension table with mine too. The only time I use it however is at a class or retreat. A couple years ago I made a decision to get a table that my machine fits in. The bed of the machine is the flush with the table top. That has made all the difference to me. While expensive, I think it was worth the price.
Re: lucite extension table
I don't think it's the extension table that is making the machine too high and causing you the problems. It is the table or whatever the machine is sitting on that is the troublemaker. The machine sits the same height whether you have the extension attached to it or not. You either need a lower table or a table/cabinet your machine can fit down into. With the two new machines I just got, I had to get a new table because neither fit in the hole of the old one. MM was going to adapt the tabletop to hold the machines, but as they have different footprints, and the top is a nice butcher block, I told him not to. I got a chair that sits up higher. Well, now that was causing problems because it made it hard to reach the foot pedal. So, I unplugged them from the machine and I just use the button on the front of the machine to run it.
Re: lucite extension table
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bubba
I don't think it's the extension table that is making the machine too high and causing you the problems. It is the table or whatever the machine is sitting on that is the troublemaker. The machine sits the same height whether you have the extension attached to it or not. You either need a lower table or a table/cabinet your machine can fit down into. With the two new machines I just got, I had to get a new table because neither fit in the hole of the old one. MM was going to adapt the tabletop to hold the machines, but as they have different footprints, and the top is a nice butcher block, I told him not to. I got a chair that sits up higher. Well, now that was causing problems because it made it hard to reach the foot pedal. So, I unplugged them from the machine and I just use the button on the front of the machine to run it.
Don't both your new machines have a knee lifter lever to push to sew?
Re: lucite extension table
I have an extension table, my chair raises high enough so it's not an issue, but I can see how it could be. I was thinking recently that I could have my hubby saw off about three inches or so from the metal legs on one particular table, so it would be at a more natural height with the extension in place. This would make it around the same height as a recessed machine :)
Re: lucite extension table
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vonnie
Don't both your new machines have a knee lifter lever to push to sew?
They both have a knee lifter, but it is for lifting the presser foot, not for making the machine sew like they did in the old days!
Re: lucite extension table
I too have the same problem with my Janome 82000. I do like the large Perspex extension table but as it extends a lot at the front i have to lift my arms to rest on it to sew, causing aches in my neck and shoulders. If the table the machine is on was at the correct height to avoid this, I wouldn't be able to get my legs under it! It seems the only way is to get a table with the cut-out and they are jolly expensive. Looks like I will just have to keep on suffering for my art!
1 Attachment(s)
Re: lucite extension table
When I started quilting and got the new Juki machine, whether with or without the extension table, (I was sewing on my kitchen table - it's 30" high) I was getting back and shoulder pain.
I ordered a Lifetime Personal Table with 30-by-20-Inch Molded Top, White - (Amazon, it's fold-up and very reasonably priced) it's height adjustable and one of the settings puts it at just the right height to fit under my kitchen table (which is thick butcher block).
Attachment 96462
Then I sewed at the shorter table butted up against the kitchen table - and much relief from the back & shoulder pain. I'm just hoping I can use the same arrangement with the new sewing cabinet.
Re: lucite extension table
I have that problem in general because I'm a shortie. I've adjusted my chair all the way up too, but find it helps sometimes to sit on a pillow (or two) then put a block/foot stool/lego bin under my feet.
Whenever I make fudge, apple butter or anything that requires a lot of counter time I have to fold up 4 rugs to stand on to keep from whacking my elbows on the counter edge or pan sides. It helps with shoulder tension a lot because I don't have to worry about hunching them up to clear stuff/reach stuff/work.
Re: lucite extension table
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bubba
They both have a knee lifter, but it is for lifting the presser foot, not for making the machine sew like they did in the old days!
My bad. I assumed they were controllers - never used them. Don't understand why on the presser foot. The Babylock has an auto lift on it.
Re: lucite extension table
I don't know why either! I had always thought it was for sewing too!
Re: lucite extension table
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vonnie
My bad. I assumed they were controllers - never used them. Don't understand why on the presser foot. The Babylock has an auto lift on it.
I use the knee lift all the time. it frees up my hands to adjust the fabric.
Re: lucite extension table
I started sitting on a pillow :)
Re: lucite extension table
Can you cut off the table legs so the sewing surface is at a more comfortable level? I bought an adjustable padded office chair, which mostly solved the problem. One needs to take freq. breaks to relax/stretch the arms & shoulders, esp. when FMQ.
Re: lucite extension table
I bought this table from Walmart.com to take on vacation back in October. I used my Singer on it. It is a very sturdy table and I didn't notice the bouncing or vibration that bothered me when using the plastic folding tables at the guild. I would recommend this table because it is adjustable and the table top is fairly large.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bscuzz
When I started quilting and got the new Juki machine, whether with or without the extension table, (I was sewing on my kitchen table - it's 30" high) I was getting back and shoulder pain.
I ordered a
Lifetime Personal Table with 30-by-20-Inch Molded Top, White - (Amazon, it's fold-up and very reasonably priced) it's height adjustable and one of the settings puts it at just the right height to fit under my kitchen table (which is thick butcher block).
Attachment 96462
Then I sewed at the shorter table butted up against the kitchen table - and much relief from the back & shoulder pain. I'm just hoping I can use the same arrangement with the new sewing cabinet.
Re: lucite extension table
Thanks for all the replies. I ordered the lifetime personal table. My machine is on a countertop that is part of a wall of built in cabinets so it can't be adjusted in any way. I'm going to see if I put the machine on the adjustable table if it makes a difference.
I think this is the table I used my embroidery machine on that my friend had at her house when I was there. It was a very sturdy table.