I did buy a Sew Steady table to go with the Viking that my sister gave me. It's been very helpful, was easy to assemble. My biggest problem (like everything else!) is storage when I'm not using it. Mine is the 'large' ...I'd love the extra giant monster size, if they made one!! They're rather expensive, imo, but worth the bucks. Seems like it took a few weeks for delivery, too. The only drawback is that it fits only the machine for which it is custom made.

I have one for each of my three machines. I really don't use them very much. I sew at the kitchen table, and while that is a bit high for me, I find that adding the tables makes it more awkward by adding height and depth. That means the needle is farther away from me, a longer stretch. Perhaps if I ever mastered FMQing, they might be more useful to me but since I only do straight line And on smaller quilts, I can manage without them.

Theresa

I have the extension table made by Viking for my Viking and wouldn't want to sew without it. I bought an extension table for DD's Janome Jem and have borrowed it to use with mine for classes. I'm not sure of the brand but it may be a Sew Steady. I really like that table too.

Linda OH

My Babylock came with an extension table, and while I do like using it, I have the same issue as Theresa. The machine needs to sit several inches farther back and it's a farther reach.

I haven't quilted with this machine, so I use the table to lay pieces out.

Donna

A small extension table came with my Bernina but I don't use it much. My husband made me a custom one out of thin wood and I love it. I keep it on my machine all the time and I can hide my tools under it so they don't get lost or fall on the floor when I am FMQ. The table doesn't raise the sewing surface, it is flush with the needle bed. Like all things, it takes times to get used to.

I have a small extension table on my Brother PQ1500 and love it for quilting. I miss the extra room when I use my other machines.

wow...that sounds like a cool table, Sharon! I'd love the hidey hole space!

Beth, There's about a 7-8" opening in the front and that's where I keep a couple of my fav/most used rulers. Right handy....reach in and pull out my ruler. It was actually DHs idea to make it.....he's quite a handyman, we both have learned to make-do with what we have on hand and keep the $$ in the bank. :-)

Like some others, my machine came with one and I wouldn't be able to do the large quilts I do without it. It relieves the drag that a heavy large quilt creates beneath the needle. But if you don't do large projects, I suppose it's possible to manage without one.

Well, I ordered one. Now have to wait for them to make it & ship it. (I don't like to wait....) I'll let you know if I like it after I get to use it a bit. I'm thinking it'll be good particularly with paper piecing. Right now, my surface slopes and has little flat space in front of the needle.

I also found a new ruler product for quilting and I think the extension table would be helpful if I buy those and try them out.

Thanks for all your feedback.

Jen, you'll have to fill us in on the ruler! :) And I hope you don't have to wait too long for the table.

Donna