Need Advice on Sturdy Sewing Tables
 

I'm searching for a sewing desk that is sturdy and won't wobble when my machine is running 90 miles a minute! LOL

I'd like a sewing table/desk with an insert for the machine, but it is not a necessity. I'm just thinking I might has well invest in one if there's a durable, but inexpensive one out there.

I'm really not wanting to spend more than $250.

I've read through the previous searches/comments on tables, but am not sure how stable the setups were once the machine was in use.

Thanks,
Michelle

I have been using an old office desk which I salvaged from our company. It is stable and it holds my serger, a 40-pound quilting machine and my new Janome Horizon machine. It's about 48"x60". Or you can buy an Ikea table, which most of the site members recommend.

I bought the table JoAnns sell when it was a Black Friday special. It's very heavy. It is made by Arrow and looks the same as the Gidget. No wheels and it will fold up but too heavy to tote anywhere for me. The inset is adjustable. I have my Bernina in it with the extension table. The chain is fitted with long turnscrews that can be put in any link. I'm very happy with it. [ATTACH=CONFIG]394723[/ATTACH]

I just got my first sewing machine for Christmas this year so I'm definitely not the best source of information, but we bought a solid wood dining table (rectangular, about 5ft long and 3ft wide) from Walmart for $100 that I'm using and it's been great so far. I didn't expect to have so much working surface but it has worked out well for me. Bonus - it looks nice and can double as an extra table when we have too many guests for our normal dining set :)

A couple of the guild gals have this one

http://seweziusa.com/

It looks very stable when they use it

I've seen some very nice sewing tables on craigslist for very reasonable prices. I've also seen them discounted at big quilt shows, often damaged with a chip or some other kind of cosmetic ding that wouldn't affect their use. Smaller quilt shows sometimes have a "garage sale" booth. Even sewing machine shops sometimes have discontinued models or damaged items for sale. The one thing I don't recommend is the folding tables, like Costco sells. I started out on one of those, and the vibration was terrible when the sewing machine was running. I think getting the machine at the right height is one of the most important things for your comfort while sewing, so recessing it is usually necessary for me.

My fiend made my sewing table from an old desk that has all the drawers. He eliminated the center drawer, cut out the top of desk for the machine to fit and added narrow shelf for the machine to rest on. I have plenty of space on top and the drawers really come in handy. The desk was a "gift" from a friend as she was giving it away. You might be able to find them at thrift stores cheap. It should read "my friend" not fiend lol

A friend of mine has the Gidget II and loves it! It's on the small side, but she says it's very sturdy, even when motoring along with her quilting. Here's a link if you'd like to take a look. And it's in the price range you mentioned . . .

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Arrow-Gidg...Table/17366037

I started with a regular wood desk but decided i wanted an insert type of sewing desk after a while.. I searched craiglsist everyday for a month.. And eventually I was able to get this wonderful old HEAVY wood sewing desk for $200.. she was moving and didn't want to take it with her.. It was worth every penny.. I love it..

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I just happen to see this on Pintrest today ~ http://frommartawithlove.com/diy-ike...able-tutorial/

luv- that's an AWESOME desk!
I, too, have a 6' table that wobbles at certain speeds, and I'm just toying with the idea of putting a stabilizer two-by underneath it until I can get something sturdier. I don't see the DH building me one like his anytime soon.

Bought the gidget. Hated it. Sold it. Bought the sew ezi. LOVE THE SEW EZI. Very stable and comes with the custom insert for your machine.

I also use a wood kitchen table, it is very study and works great for me! Craigslist is a great place to look!

Im using one of my old office tables

I have an arrow gidget 2, They also make a gidget 1 for smaller machines. Mine has been great for the past year. I love it

If you have an IKEA buy one of their desks , not to hard to put together . Mine was way less than $200 in the scratch and dent area.

My Janome came with a table, so not sure what they cost, it also does not fold up. But I bought the SewEz for my Viking Topaz and love it. It has the wheels and a cover so when you do transport it, it is protected a little. It comes with an insert and I bought the wood insert so I have a flat surface when using the embroidery part. Good luck - hope you find one you like.

I bought one of the library-type display tables from Boarders ffor $75. 60"x30", and rock solid. Try places that have used office/commercial furniture - these things are built to take a lot of abuse and may not be pretty, but will last