Talked to a woman at the quilt expo and she was telling me that tilting the sewing machine toward you helps with back and eye strain. How many of you do this and what do you use? Is this harder on the machine?

I have used the rubber door stoppers you buy @ the $ Store...
I know it helps me to see better......

I have an old, non computerized machine that I do this with. I like it tilted for FMQ work because it's more comfortable. But I have not tried it with a computerized machine.

I use a book about an inch thick or so. Don't know how I was able to sew before doing this

Interesting...so by tilting your machine, it makes that much of a difference? I have a computerized machine...I wonder if it would do damage after awhile...does anyone know?

I did it long ago. My machines are all computerized. It doesn't hurt them in the least. Nancy's Notions actually sells a tilt board that is adustable and has cut outs for your knee lift bar, cords etc. The only thing that bothers me sometimes is seeing in the bobbin case when I am changing bobbins or cleaning etc. I have my whole sewing table set up at just the right height where my arms are level with my sewing machine surface when they are bent at the elbow. It does help with fatigue and neck strain. You can accomplish the same thing with door stops under the back of the machine. The tilt table is just more stable and I love gadgets. I don't remember what I paid for it but it has been well worth whatever it was.

I read this before but, have forgotten to try it.

I am going to try this.....thanks

That's a great idea. I would think using the rubber door stoppers also keeps the machine from sliding. thanks!

I tried this..but I am too vertically challenged..could never see my needle area...

Wow. Never thought of doing that and after years of ER Nursing believe me my back can use all the help it can get. I will try that today!!!! Thanks

I bought a tilt board at the Houston international quilt festival many years ago and used it for years. It does help with back and neck strain and if your table is not the best height for your machine.

Seems if you are short, tipping the machine would be ideal. No???????

Sounds like a great idea.

Wasn't someone making them and selling them here?

Here it is:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-54134-1.htm
It's closed but I saw more recent posts listing the lifters for sale.
You could PM to see if they're still making them.

Most economical would be using the rubber "door stoppers": simply
prop two of them at the rear of your sewing machine.

I haven't tried the lifters, but I may just have to try it, as these old bones get more and more sore nowadays...

Will have to try this.

That went rattling through my noggin too. I put the door stoppers in the back so the machine tilts toward me. It doesn't lift it very much. I like to vary the angle, easier on the neck too.

piney

Why would tilting a computerized machine damage it?

My husband made me a tilt tray for my computerized machine and I love it! It's set at 45 degree angle & it's great! I use it all the time because I sew in my recliner on a TV tray & I have a real bad back, but haven't had any issues with this.

If you're tipping the machine towards you, the area in question would be more visible. If you're tipping the machine in the other direction, you have more than one problem! LOL:)

your avatar.....that is a twin to my 301A in its very own cardtable.....love that slant needle...no need to tip, but i do have bed lifts under each table leg

It makes a world of difference to me to have my machine tilted. We have small blocks, one inch thick, under the back legs of the table. Besides that, I have a foam wrist support under the back of my machine. This is a long foam piece about an inch thick meant to rest your wrists on when working at a computer.

All this helps me because I am short and it is easier to see this way and less strain on my upper back, neck, etc.

That sounds like a great idea...I will definitely try that one. Thanks.

I looked at NancyNotions and did not see a tilt table available...I will search another way just to check it out...

Have used the door stops for tilting my machine forward for a long time, work fine. A friend discovered one of those computer lap trays (with the little fan inside) works well too. She had one in which the little fan no longer worked, it is higher in the back than the front and works like a charm...gonna watch garage sales or thrift shops for one...door stops work o.k., but sometime slip out of place, the tray stays put.

I don't get it. If I tilt my machine toward me the top of the machine gets in the way and I can't see anything. I would think that tilting it away from you would open up the area where the needle and make it so you don't have to been over the machine.

I bought a couple of rubber door stops last night and that really seems to do the trick. Feels like the machine is steady and I can still adjust as needed. Starting a new project tonight so time will tell.

I have a computerized machine and have used a tilting board for many years. It has not damages the machine but has definitely helped me not only see better but alleviated a lot of the neck/shoulder pain I got from sewing too long. I highly recommend it. :thumbup:

I also use the rubber door stoppers, it does help, and the price is right.

I do this and the difference is amazing. There is less stress on the back and shoulders and the needle is not so much in a shadow.

I have used rubber door stoppers under my machines for years! Definitely helps with strain on my neck, arms, etc.

Debbie Umphress also makes/sells boards to go under your machine. She is a member here~ :)

I have a support for my laptop that I bought at Ikea (put "Brada" in their search) It's inexpensive and would work in a similar fashion as the tilt boards. It has a ledge in the front to prevent slipping. (works fantastic for my laptop too!)

interesting after 20 years of sewing I learn something new everyday !! Thanks !!!

I have the tray that tips the machine, and when I first started using it, I felt it helped my neck and shoulders. But, I've since removed it and don't notice any difference. My machine is computerized. Doesn't hurt them. But, I wouldn't invest in the tilt table without trying other cheaper lifting options first. Oh, yes! It made it very difficult to put my extension table on AND be tilted. That's probably why I took it off!

I used the rubber door stoppers to tilt my machine, and I thought it helped me a lot. However, when I quilted, I didn't have a very wide flat space for the quilt, so I bought a 'filler' for the space in my cabinet for the machine to fit into so that I would have a flat space. However, I think I will be going back to tilting my machine when I do my piecing because it helps so much.

Yes, it does help. Nothing is designed for us "height-challenged" folks.

Another wonderful tip from this board..I will have to try this..thank you..