Padded work tables

[bobbin]

I do work that requires me to press as I work.   I quickly realized that dragging drapery panels to the an ironing board sucked.  So...

Rolling work table (48"x96") with a melamine top received a fold down leaf (24"x 96").  The leaf is supported by 3 legs on folding hinges.  I bought Homasote (48"x96") and cut it into pcs. 24"x96".  The pcs. can be stored under the table when I don't want a padded surface. 
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I used the compressed padding for upholstery as the padded cover, joining the widths by butting them to each other and joining them with a pc. of canvas as the "hinge":
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I fitted this "blank" to the table top with the Homasote in place, stretching and pinning it until it was as snug and flat as I wanted it to be:
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I did the same thing with raw canvas that I preshrank and joined, reinforcing the edges that would be pulled under the melamine top with a double folded edge:
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Here's the final product.  I may press on it with abandon.  It doesn't have any "bag".  And, I can remove it easily if I don't want to work on it, OR, if I want to launder it!
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I now have 3 outlets in the ceiling and lengths of chain that carry the water hose and the electric cords down the entire length of the two padded tables (16' total length).  This was a huge improvement and has saved me a lot of time on projects. 

[crammage]

Awesome idea.  I have one work table that I use for almost everything, which means it is not a good surface for keeping things clean unless I cover it.  I usually just use a blanket or towel depending on the size of the project but they always move around and I spend lots of time straightening them out.   Never thought of a custom fit cover.  That's something I can do, thanks for the idea.

Clay

[bobbin]

I really like the Homasote, Clay.  I Googled it to be sure it would be the right material to put on top of the melamine.  It resists water and isn't damaged by steam from the iron.  You cut it the same way you cut drywall, really easy!  And, I can pin into it when I'm doing a drapery heading or trying to get an accurate finished measurement on a long run of stitching (I use T pins for that purpose, but it will accept smaller, more delicate straight pins). 

My cutting tables are 72"w with the leaves extended, so I bought 3 sheets of Homasote and cut them in half lengthwise; 3 pcs. for each table.  The pcs. store easily under the tables, in between the legs (on the slats in the first shot) .  I installed a shelf a few inches over those slats and use large clear plastic bins (with lids) to hold my stash of garment fabric, and other supplies. 

I've worked in the marine field for many years now and one of the toughest things is dealing with the clear plastic (which scratches so easily) on a hard surface.  I have long thought snap on padding would be a great help, but no one I've ever worked for has shown any interest in the idea.  I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the topic.   

[Mojo]

Awesome idea Bobbin. Thanks for posting those pics.

:)

Chris