Please tell me about your cutting table
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 1,271
Please tell me about your cutting table
I think I need a revamp. Currently I have a 2' x 4' piece of plywood over sawhorses. The size is perfect for my 24" x 36" cutting mat. However the sawhorses make the table too low and if I cut too much, my back hurts. I've read it should really be 36" high, like my kitchen counters.
A couple of caveats. Due to lack of space I have to keep my table in front of a set of drawers which I occasionally need to access. Right now shifting the top off the sawhorses is pretty easy. I don't even have to lift it up, just slide it to one side.
One option I've been looking at is a wheeled cart. Then I can move it easily to access the drawers. But so far the more reasonably priced ones are no where near the size I need on the top.
I found a table that is 2' x 4' (perfect size!) on Amazon. The height is adjustable and can go to 36". It's only $40. However, this table has become less appealing since I thought of using a cart with wheels because it would be harder to move. Plus the carts have bins to store things underneath.
Last, I use this table to pin my borders on and do some prep work. In those instances it's nice that it's low because I just pull up a chair and sit down. Any advice on how to do these tasks with a 36" high table? Bar stool maybe?
Please tell me what you have and how it works for you. Thanks!!
A couple of caveats. Due to lack of space I have to keep my table in front of a set of drawers which I occasionally need to access. Right now shifting the top off the sawhorses is pretty easy. I don't even have to lift it up, just slide it to one side.
One option I've been looking at is a wheeled cart. Then I can move it easily to access the drawers. But so far the more reasonably priced ones are no where near the size I need on the top.
I found a table that is 2' x 4' (perfect size!) on Amazon. The height is adjustable and can go to 36". It's only $40. However, this table has become less appealing since I thought of using a cart with wheels because it would be harder to move. Plus the carts have bins to store things underneath.
Last, I use this table to pin my borders on and do some prep work. In those instances it's nice that it's low because I just pull up a chair and sit down. Any advice on how to do these tasks with a 36" high table? Bar stool maybe?
Please tell me what you have and how it works for you. Thanks!!
Last edited by KenmoreGal2; 01-22-2016 at 04:42 AM.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
First I would suggest rather than go with the standard, generic, recommended height of anything, do a bit of research on ergonomics. Ideally, you want your 'working' height to be the distance from your bent elbow to the ground if I am not mistaken.
Not that that is the configuration I have, mind you! I'd be wary of something on wheels due to lack of stability. They would have to have some very positive locking mechanism before I would consider a wheeled anything.
If you could find, perhaps, a low-cost/free smallish bedroom dresser? Put locking wheels on yourself (Lowes/Home Depot carry these) you would get additional storage as well. See if your current bedroom dresser is a more comfortable working height for you than your kitchen counter. I have issues rolling cookie dough, for example, at standard kitchen counter height because I'm short so I know that would not be a comfortable cutting height for me.
I have one of the tables similar to what JAF carries that the two sides fold down and is only about 12" wide when sides are folded. It is wheeled but I have it on carpet. Can not tell you at the moment if the wheels lock or not but I think they do. I like the size of the table when extended and use for cutting; ironing (with just towels on top); pinning borders; basting quilts. Height is not ideal for me but it's workable.
Not that that is the configuration I have, mind you! I'd be wary of something on wheels due to lack of stability. They would have to have some very positive locking mechanism before I would consider a wheeled anything.
If you could find, perhaps, a low-cost/free smallish bedroom dresser? Put locking wheels on yourself (Lowes/Home Depot carry these) you would get additional storage as well. See if your current bedroom dresser is a more comfortable working height for you than your kitchen counter. I have issues rolling cookie dough, for example, at standard kitchen counter height because I'm short so I know that would not be a comfortable cutting height for me.
I have one of the tables similar to what JAF carries that the two sides fold down and is only about 12" wide when sides are folded. It is wheeled but I have it on carpet. Can not tell you at the moment if the wheels lock or not but I think they do. I like the size of the table when extended and use for cutting; ironing (with just towels on top); pinning borders; basting quilts. Height is not ideal for me but it's workable.
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 1,271
Thanks. A quick google search for "ideal height of cutting table" brings me right back here, to the QB. (I don't know about you, but I find QB articles much easier using google than the QB search feature.)
Here's a link.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t170778.html
This is a good place to start my research. I'd still like to hear what great ideas you all have come up with for your cutting tables!
Here's a link.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t170778.html
This is a good place to start my research. I'd still like to hear what great ideas you all have come up with for your cutting tables!
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
I have a bona fide Joann craft table I bought. But I have the space. Are the drawers that you mentioned in a dresser that's a height you want? Could you put a piece of wood on top and secure it somehow to prevent slipping? You'd want some overhang so you can put your feet under.
Last edited by zozee; 01-22-2016 at 06:02 AM.
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 1,271
I have a bona fide Joann craft table I bought. But I have the space. Are the drawers that you mentioned in a dresser that's a height you want? Could you put a piece of wood on top and secure it somehow to prevent slipping? You'd want some overhang so you can put your feet under.
The drawers are in a metal cabinet. I have another shelving unit on top of that holding a lot of fabric. So the top is already spoken for. Darn.
Last edited by KenmoreGal2; 01-22-2016 at 06:26 AM.
#7
Lower kitchen cabinet (can be found at recycle stores) add rolling casters ( would use the kind that lock). place your wood on top. Gives more storage under table, easy to move. I have a stool on casters that I cut down to the right height for sitting at my cutting/craft table (got it from a recycle store)
Last edited by Gramie bj; 01-22-2016 at 07:35 AM.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: 1000 miles from nowwhere
Posts: 671
if it was me i would go to walmart .home depot or the local big lots and get 2 of the small 3 shelf bookcases and reuse the plywood i already have ....try it that way ...i am a little bit taller than most so i got a few 2x6's and built a base for the bookcases to set on ...perfect height for me and bonus extra storage
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