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Member since 10/14/03
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Posted on: 10/10/06 2:32 PM ET
A couple of years ago, I bought a nice movable cutting table from Atlanta Thread Company. Here it is I love it because I can fold it up and move it around my sewing room. However, I'm starting to get severe backaches when I spend any amount of time cutting out fabric. I recently found out that I have a new, third, (lucky me!) herniated disc. This one is higher up (L3-4) which makes it especially bad when I'm leaning over this table. When I bought it, I thought I was buying one that would be fine for my back.

My question is, what is the appropriate height for a cutting table? I assume it would be best if it was waist high. I'm 5"7", so I thought 35" would be fine, but apparently not. Does anyone have any information or experience regarding the best height for surfaces for people with back problems? I can't be the only sewer with a bad back. Any physical therapists out there? Also, does anyone have any ideas for how I could make the surface taller without rendering it unable to roll and fold up. (And while you're at it, could you please tell me how to get the moon and stars, too? Any help would be appreciated. I'm willing to suffer for my craft, but there's a limit.
-- Edited on 10/10/06 2:33 PM --
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If I sewed any slower, I wouldn't be sewing at all.

  
Member since 1/27/06
Posts: 827
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Posted on: 10/10/06 2:44 PM ET
In reply to OP Gal
Hi OP Gal,

The correct height of your cutting table depends on several things. How tall you are, yes, but also the height of your waist from the floor. How high are your kitchen counters? And are they comfortable to work at?

As for raising your current table, you might want to try "bed risers." I put 4" risers under my bed, attempting to gain more storage space underneath. The bonus was that it is now much easier on my back to make and change the bed. I had back surgery 22 years ago, and still try to be careful of my movements. To test this out, you might try books or 2x4s under the legs of your table, to see what height is best for you.

As for the moon & stars, someone (whose name escapes me right now) said that a man's reach should exceed his grasp. Keep reaching!!

Good luck!

Regards,

Sophiecat
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Well-behaved women rarely make history.
Laurel Ulrich
  
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Member since 2/12/06
Posts: 2182
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Posted on: 10/10/06 3:01 PM ET
I never had bad back problems until I really got into sewing. I have bad posture already, but I hunch over even more when sewing. I need to adjust my sewing chair and other furniture so I sit up straight. I think my sewing hobby might drive my chiropractor nuts, because my back will be doing fine....until I do some sewing.

Maybe this thread will help remind me later to adjust my sewing area.
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Jennifer
  
Member since 10/14/03
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Posted on: 10/10/06 3:02 PM ET
In reply to Sophiecat
You know, I thought about the waist height thing and tried to measure how far from the floor my waist is, but it's different when I stand up straight and when I bend. Standing, it's about 40" from the floor. My counter tops are 36" and seem comfortable, but my back really hurts when I'm doing dishes for any length of time (how convenient!). I'm guessing it's because I'm having to lean down a little to reach the bottom of the sink. The idea about testing the height sounds like a good one. I'll try that. I had one back surgery 27 years ago and one 9 years ago and I'm not having another one!

Thanks for the advice, Sophiecat.
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If I sewed any slower, I wouldn't be sewing at all.

  
Member since 10/29/03
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Posted on: 10/10/06 3:33 PM ET
In reply to OP Gal
I have back problems too. I'm 5'6" & my cutting table is 36". I find that the perfect height for me.
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Beverly
  
Member since 3/4/02
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Posted on: 10/10/06 3:55 PM ET
I had a custom made table built last year, based on one that I'd cobbled together with risers and lifts. The new one is 40" high. I am 5'7", and it hits just about waist high, so I don't need to bend or reach. It's perfect, and I don't have backaches!
  
Member since 10/14/03
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Posted on: 10/10/06 7:44 PM ET
In reply to Mandi Ballard
Your 40" table sounds about right. My waist is 40" from the floor, too. Maybe I should break down and have one made, too. It's just that I recently paid $265 for the one I have. Too bad DH isn't the handyman type...
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If I sewed any slower, I wouldn't be sewing at all.

  
Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 10/10/06 7:47 PM ET
In reply to OP Gal
Those bedrisers sound like a great idea for instantly modifying a too-low table. I think I'd give that a try before investing in a new table.
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“Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.” -Robert Heinlein and Ann's father. Thanks for the reminder, Ann.

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket?

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The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'



  
Member since 4/23/02
Posts: 2678
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Posted on: 10/10/06 7:53 PM ET
In reply to OP Gal
I would try the bed raisers also you might need to wear one of the back brace thingys you see employees wear that are lifting stuff..
  
Member since 7/28/04
Posts: 3233
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Posted on: 10/10/06 7:57 PM ET
I use this method for my cutting table heights. Read or heard somewhere years ago from someone in the sewing industrty, sorry, don't remember who:

Standing in front of table, bend elbows at 90 degrees Then drop hands down in front to table top. Finger tips toward the surface. The height should hit where your finger tips rest.

Hope this helps.
  
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