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I have the above extension table that came with my Horizon 7700, I like the idea of the extra space it gives while sewing but I find it is too high and my shoulders and elbows are at an uncomfortable position. I bought an adjustable chair but still couldn't get the right height for me, so I ended up taking the extension table off again. Anyone else had trouble finding it comfortable to sew with it on or is it just me. I'm on the short side so that may be part of the problem.
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.
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by bubba
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 :)
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!Quote:
Originally Posted by Vonnie
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!
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.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by bubba
I don't know why either! I had always thought it was for sewing too!
I use the knee lift all the time. it frees up my hands to adjust the fabric.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vonnie
I started sitting on a pillow :)
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.
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
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.
