Has anyone made their own sewing desk?
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,673
When sewing with my viking on a table top it loved sliding over he table . My solution a piece of that roll that stops things sliding on car shelves and made a small quilt to go under with thick batting. Stopping sliding but it is so quiet as the quilt absorbs the sound.
#22
Does your sewing machine have a "lip" on the edge of it?
My sewing machine cabinet has a hinged section, so that you tilt the machine up, and fold the hinged section down, then the sewing machine sits on the table, not on a lower piece attached to the table. I've never had a vibration problem with the sewing machine cabinet/table.
But I have had major vibration problems with a so called craft table made out of plastic. The table and machine jumped all over the place.
I think your problem is lack of support on the surface where your sewing machine is sitting.
My sewing machine cabinet has a hinged section, so that you tilt the machine up, and fold the hinged section down, then the sewing machine sits on the table, not on a lower piece attached to the table. I've never had a vibration problem with the sewing machine cabinet/table.
But I have had major vibration problems with a so called craft table made out of plastic. The table and machine jumped all over the place.
I think your problem is lack of support on the surface where your sewing machine is sitting.
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Lansing, MI
Posts: 1,038
Here's what my DH did to modify an old desk. He removed the drawer and mechanism. Being a carpenter, he was able to stabilize the machine shelf using metal L brackets (I think that's what they're called). Here's some pics that might help.
Then we had a friend of ours make an acrylic top that fits my machine bed and the opening around it. It's not pretty but it's functional and so much cheaper than the actual bed inserts.
I have a higher-end machine and it sews quite fast (not that I use it that way often) and have no problems with vibration.
Hope this helps.
Then we had a friend of ours make an acrylic top that fits my machine bed and the opening around it. It's not pretty but it's functional and so much cheaper than the actual bed inserts.
I have a higher-end machine and it sews quite fast (not that I use it that way often) and have no problems with vibration.
Hope this helps.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Barnesville GA
Posts: 3,181
This is the table my brother put together for me It is very sturdy no vibration. I don't know how to put multiple photos in one picture so I apologize for so many but maybe this will give some ideas.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Prescott Valley, AZ
Posts: 1,329
Your problem is not at the machine, it is the desk itself. The desk was made to be light weight, so small vibrations are amplified throughout the desk all the way to the feet. Can't tell you how many of these desks I had to replace when I worked office management for Uncle Sam. Just the weight of files etc on them was destructive. Then people would decide to "sit" (semi-lean) on the edge and they would totally bend. Try adding weight down low on the desk legs, or perhaps extra legs made from 4x4 lumber.
I did exactly what you did but with a plywood desk that has solid ends clear to the floor, and I have no vibration. Good luck.
I did exactly what you did but with a plywood desk that has solid ends clear to the floor, and I have no vibration. Good luck.
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
I purchased a portable table at the Houston Quilt Festival several years ago, and this is how the shelf is connected on it, but they countersink the heads of the bolts, so there is no bump. And with a wooden table, you could use wood filler to fill the holes and make the desk top smooth.
i think if you got a piece of wood as thick as the space is between bottom of the top and the top of the bottom shelf{where the machine is ] and 4 carriage bolts ...you will have a small bump but out from the machine where the bolt is [they have rounded heads your fabric should not get caught on them ] and maybe one in the back of machine ....can't see how much room is there ......but that would make the shelf solid and not vibrate so much ...good luck
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 381
I just purchased a 4 foot folding table from Staples etc. and had my machinist husband cut down the legs until it is just 27" high. I set my machine on a Piece of padding like you use under carpeting to cut down on the vibration and used my clear acrylic extension table to make a generous sewing surface. The best part is that I can store things under the extension table and they are perfectly visible. I use a plastic draw unit from Walmart under the table for storing thread and other sewing necessities and the area to the right of the machine has enough space for scissors, pin cushions thread, bobbin winding machines etc. The acrylic extension table was probably the most expensive part of the whole set up. I think I ordered it from Nancy's Notions. I made a skirt for the table that is attached with double faced tape. A person entering my sewing room can not see under the table.
#28
Yel - that is exactly what we plan to do the next time my father in law comes to visit. I think it will completely kick out the vibration.
I've been using the machine the past two days and it is down to a minimum thanks to a floor mat in there but it's a hair too high so I'm going to look for a skinnier floor mat I think - or just lower the drawer 1/8"
I've been using the machine the past two days and it is down to a minimum thanks to a floor mat in there but it's a hair too high so I'm going to look for a skinnier floor mat I think - or just lower the drawer 1/8"
i think if you got a piece of wood as thick as the space is between bottom of the top and the top of the bottom shelf{where the machine is ] and 4 carriage bolts ...you will have a small bump but out from the machine where the bolt is [they have rounded heads your fabric should not get caught on them ] and maybe one in the back of machine ....can't see how much room is there ......but that would make the shelf solid and not vibrate so much ...good luck
#29
vickig626 and damaquilts - you both have great tables!
ShirlinAZ - I actually love this desk. It's the sturdiest desk I have ever come across so I think it is the way my father in law and husband did the shelf. I spoke with my father in law yesterday afternoon and we talked about some things to do to fix it. I think we'll get it perfect the next time he comes to visit. I have to hit Lowes and measure some wood. A 2" piece would be perfect between the top and the shelf (which I also want to replace. I want a nicer looking one lol. We used a piece of particle board from a stereo stand we used to have. It isn't the prettiest thing but it's functional.. I'd like it to be prettier
I really appreciate everyone's ideas an suggestions.
I'm pretty sure we're going to get it completely vibration free but just in case I'll offer the table up on freecycle as is. I have absolutely no need for a light table. I have never needed one and doubt I'd need one now. Someone else might love to have a light table though... I'm confident we're going to get it perfect though
ShirlinAZ - I actually love this desk. It's the sturdiest desk I have ever come across so I think it is the way my father in law and husband did the shelf. I spoke with my father in law yesterday afternoon and we talked about some things to do to fix it. I think we'll get it perfect the next time he comes to visit. I have to hit Lowes and measure some wood. A 2" piece would be perfect between the top and the shelf (which I also want to replace. I want a nicer looking one lol. We used a piece of particle board from a stereo stand we used to have. It isn't the prettiest thing but it's functional.. I'd like it to be prettier
I really appreciate everyone's ideas an suggestions.
I'm pretty sure we're going to get it completely vibration free but just in case I'll offer the table up on freecycle as is. I have absolutely no need for a light table. I have never needed one and doubt I'd need one now. Someone else might love to have a light table though... I'm confident we're going to get it perfect though
#30
here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...e-t216324.html
here: http://www.archaicarcane.com/second-...dies-lingerie/
and here: http://www.archaicarcane.com/followu...e-sewing-desk/
LOL! Sorry, the first two got fractured when it was copied to tutorials, and the last two are on my own website. I lurk on the juki yahoo list, and saw your post, but hadn't seen what you were working with.
I haven't gotten around to cutting the notch for the cord yet, I've been too preoccupied with the new to me frame and Juki.
Last edited by ArchaicArcane; 08-13-2013 at 09:28 AM.
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