So, I built a table. Usually printing tables are made with metal legs, so they won’t shift or wobble. However as I have a studio in a basement and I am working within a very tight budget, I went with wood. With the right structure and a lot more effort I have a table that is rigid and “sturdy enough to Can-Can on” – Dad. The advantages of building my own table don’t stop at cost effective, it has also meant that it is exactly the right height for my 5″11 frame and my carpentry/handyman skills have improved no end.
I should point out all of this was only made possible with the help of my useful people, in this case Dad and Tom. Without them I would be in dire straits.
Sketched measurements, B&Q provided the wood for the legs and the loft flooring which made up the main structure of the table. It may look rough but it’s precise, meaning less wastage and no disastrous mistakes.
Laying out the pieces, the floor isn’t even so I’ll have to add some wedges of paper when everything gets settled.
When the main frame was constructed we lined up the loft flooring so the overhang was equal all the way around. Modelled by useful Dad.
Drilling the table top, this last bit of constructing the frame and top of the table ensures its rigidity.
Stapling the carpet underlay flat and smooth means the table top will have an even surface.
Carpet underlay is great for the wadding as it has even thickness, I’m planning on using it for another project so it made sense to buy it on a roll.
(The above 2 photos are courtesy of Tom)
Smoothing out, stretching and stapling the pond lining. This required two people because I was aware that creasing the material would ruin the surface and it was heavy and difficult to maneuver.
Finished.
For under £200 you can build an 8″ by 4″ (144cm by 122 cm) textiles printing table.
I have kept all of the measurements, perhaps I’ll build another one and have an even longer/deeper table in the future. For now I have a long list of things to do before I can start printing again but I am one huge man leap forwards.