Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 02:35 pm
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Do you want a large image for sewing, but not a lot of ceiling height? Then check out the best short throw projector for sewing! Show throw projectors are projectors that need a short distance to create a focused and large picture.
Short throw projectors are a mix of the good qualities of a mini projector and ultra short throw projector. Short throw projectors are mounted on the wall or ceiling “offset” from the cutting table (instead of directly above).
Since they are typically mounted higher above the cutting surface than an ultra short throw projector, you will see less distortion caused by cutting on the fold or thicker fabrics. Just like ultra short throws, these projectors can create a large image size at a short distance.
How big your image gets really depends on how high the projector is mounted. If you have short ceilings, or want a large cutting image, a short throw may be right for you!
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
All short throw projectors should work for sewing. They usually need at around 1.5 ft distance to create a good image. Some take less, and some more. The max distance varies greatly, but this doesn’t really pertain to projection sewing because you would get a larger image than you need.
A short throw projector has a typical throw ratio between 0.4 and 1.0. (Some may say that short throws also include up to 1.5 throw ratio.) Short throw projectors are able to focus in as little as 1.5ft. away from the screen. Short throw projectors are typically more expensive than a mini projector, but there is a good second-hand market if you are working in a budget.
Willing to spend a little more? Then, getting a new short throw projector for sewing is the way to go!
Short throws have typically have more “offset” than mini projectors. These typically range anywhere from 0-18 inches between the lens and image. You may need to pull your table out from the wall or project hanging from the ceiling on the opposite side of the table to reduce “deadspace”.
AAXA SLC450ST: Best Budget Short Throw Projector
- [SHORT THROW] Short Throw 0.7 TR optics with…
- [SUPER BRIGHT] Silicon Liquid Crystal 4K…
- [ART SKETCHING] Perfect for Art Tracing and…
- [COOKIE & CAKE DECORATING] For Larger Cookie…
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a fraction of the cost of other short throw projectors new, the AAXA SLC450 wins our vote for the best budget short throw projector. It has a compact size great for multiple types of setups including ceiling mounted, desk clamps, tripods, and tension rod setups.
While you are going to get a great image size with its 0.7 throw ratio, the image will not be brighter than other short throw projectors. This projector is best used in a dim environment.
Read the Full review of the AAXA SLC450ST Here.
Optoma ML1050ST: Best Portable Short Throw Projector
- COMPACT SIZE: Weighing under one pound, this…
- EASY SET-UP WITH AUTO FOCUS: Simply place the…
- SHORT THROW PROJECTION: Easily project in…
- RGB LED light source with up to 30, 000 hour…
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Optoma ML1050ST is a nifty mini short throw projector that was released in 2018. It is about half the size of the popular Vivimage and ArcoJoy mini projectors. Read my full review of the Optoma LM1050ST. It weighs about 14 oz and has one mounting hole on the back.
This projector is a great choice for those needing a more portable option and for sewing setups that the cutting surface is up against the wall.
The native resolution is 1280p X 800p. It comes with a remote that can access all of the features including focus and keystone adjustments. The throw ratio is 0.8, which means at three feet distance you will get an image that measures 44” x28”. The minimum focus distance is 1.4ft (0.4m).
The vertical offset for the ML1050DT is +0. This means the projector will sit directly at the “top” of the image and no extra space is needed between the table and projector. This type of offset is great for cutting tables that are up against a wall.
This projector is best connected to a computer throw an HDMI cable. There is no built-in WiFi technology. You will need to purchase a Chromecast or the Optoma wireless dongle for wireless connections.
There is a built-in office document reader designed for business presentations. It isn’t really useful for our purposes since we need to zoom to a certain percent. However, if you are looking for dual purposes, this is a handy business tool too!
Pros:
- Auto/Manual keystone adjustments, 40 degrees
- Auto/Manual focus adjustments
- All features accessible from remote
- Portable, mini size, under 1 lb.
- Mount hole on back
- HDMI port
- LED lamp
- 20,000:1 contrast ratio
- Document viewer for PC-free presentations
- Comes with a softshell carrying case
- Throw distance 1.4 ft. (0.4m) -11.1ft
- Vertical offset is 0” (No dead space from lens to table)
Cons:
- Price
- 1000 lumen (better than mini projectors, but less than most short throws)
- No wireless connection without an accessory
- Built in speakers are not great (not needed for sewing)
Optoma ML750ST: Alternative to the ML1050ST
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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Optoma ML750 WXGA 700 Lumen 3D Ready Portable… | $579.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Optoma ML750ST is very similar to the Optoma ML1050ST. This is the earlier version that came out in 2016. This means that you may be able to find this projector a little bit cheaper than the ML1050ST. They both have a throw ratio of 0.8 and contrast of 20,000:1. It is not quite as bright with 700 ANSI lumens versus the 1000 ANSI Lumens of the ML1050ST. However, still great brightness for our uses.
The other difference is that the ML750ST doesn’t have auto focus, it is a manual focus only. The focus is adjusted with a lever around the lens. This projector takes a minimum of 1.8 ft (0.5m) to focus and can go up to 10.6ft away.
Pros:
- 700 ANSI Lumen*
- Contrast 20,000:1
- Throw ratio 0.8
- May be cheaper than the ML1050ST
- Comes with softshell case
- Document viewer
- Throw distance minimum 1.8 ft (0.5m)
- Offset is 0 (great for tables against a wall)
Cons:
- No wireless connection without accessory
- Manual focus around lens*
- Speakers are not great (if you want to use for movies, use external speakers)
*Differences between the ML1050ST and ML750ST
Note: You can also look for the Optoma ML550ST at secondhand markets if you like the mini short throw projectors, but want it for cheaper. Remember to check the hours on the bulb if possible!
Epson Powerlite 535W: Classroom Short Throw
Most Epson projectors are designed for classroom use. That being said, you can often find these on secondhand markets such as Ebay for a decent price. The Epson Powerlite 535W was released in December 2014 and discontinued in May 2021. The resolution is decent at 1280 x 800p. It uses bulb technology with about 5,000 hours in normal mode and 10,000 hours in Eco. New bulbs can also be purchased online if needed.
The throw ratio is 0.48, which means at just 2 feet above the cutting surface you will get an image that is 50”x31” (80cmx128cm at 61cm distance). Not as bright as the Optoma GT1080, but still very bright at 3,400 ANSI Lumen. The projector is 5.20″ x 13.50″ x 12.70″ (HxWxD) and 8.2lbs (3.7 Kg). This makes it the biggest and heaviest short throw projector reviewed.
This short throw projector has many connections available including USB, HDMI, and VGA. Both horizontal and vertical keystone can be adjusted for a completely squared screen. The Epson Powerlite 535W does have a small vertical offset of 4” (9cm) from lens to the top of the screen. The focus throw distance is 1.6ft (0.6m) to 3.9 ft (1.2m).
Another feature is that it is iProjector compatible. This is a separate app that can be used to project your phone screen to the projector. Unfortunately, this is just a fancy wireless document and Chromebook viewing tool. You will still need to connect using Chromecast or HDMI to zoom in Adobe. But, you could pull up the pattern instructions in Google Docs! You can also browse the web through the app and your phone or Chromebook. For classroom use, up to 50 devices can be connected and share to the projector screen. While this is pretty cool, it really isn’t needed for sewing. Haha.
While this projector is a great projector sewing, it is one of the more expensive short throws available. Since Epson projectors are often used by schools, you may find them available more often in second-hand markets. Outside of the United States, you may find this projector called Epson CB- or EB- 535W.
Pros:
- Bright 3,400 ANSI Lumen
- Replaceable bulb technology
- Throw ratio 0.48
- HDMI connection
- Low offset of 4” (9cm)
- iProjection compatible (office document viewer)
- Throw distance minimum 1.6ft. (0.6m)
Cons:
- Price
- Size
- No built-in wireless connection
Note* All other Epson short throws will work as well. Espon short throws 400-430 only have VGA port (No HDMI or USB port). Sometimes using adaptors can cause distortion issues with Mac. Windows users have not reported any issues with using a VGA adaptor.
BenQ MW632ST
- EXECUTIVE QUALITY PROJECTOR – WXGA…
- DESIGNED FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT – With it’s…
- EXTENDED LAMP LIFE – Up to an impressive…
- BIG PICTURE IN SMALL SPACES – 0. 9 Short…
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The BenQ MW 623ST projector was released in July 2015 and is still being sold today. You can find this used and new at many different markets. This projector has a manual zoom and the throw ratio is 0.72-0.87. Which means at 3 feet (91cm) you will get a screen with a median size of 45”x28” (115cmx72cm). The vertical offset is only 1 inch (2cm). This means you will have very little “dead” space when mounted on the wall. The minimum throw distance is 2.5ft (0.7m) which is a little bit higher than the others.
The native resolution is 1280×800. It is a bright projector with 3,200 ANSI Lumen and a contrast ratio of 13,000:1.
This all means that it is a decent projector that will be bright enough for most rooms and provide an image good enough for sewing. But it is not the best movie or gaming projector out there. It is built for classrooms and conference rooms.
The BenQ projector is a little bit smaller than the Epson projector at 4.50″ x 11.30″ x 9.20″ (HxWxD) (11 cm x 29 cm x 23 cm ) and 5.7 lbs (2.6Kg). There is no built-in wireless connection. You will need to use an MHL dongle or Chromecast device.
Pros:
- 3200 ANSI Lumens
- Low offset 1 inch (2cm)
- Throw ratio 0.72-0.87 (on the higher end of short throws)
- Lowest price new on the list
- Size (bigger than the mini, but smaller than the others)
- Throw distance minimum 2.5ft (0.7m)
Cons:
- Lower contrast
- No built-in wireless
View Sonic PS600X: Budget Short Throw
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Lumens XGA HDMI… | $473.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- VERSATILE PROJECTOR: High brighness 3700…
- EASY SETUP: 0.61 throw ratio, H/V keystone…
- LONG LAMP LIFE: SuperEco Mode allows the lamp…
- AMAZING COLOR ACCURACY: A 6 segment color…
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The View Sonic PS600X is another good option for a short throw projector for sewing. Some features are better than previous projectors and some not as good. It is a little bit brighter (3,500 ANSI Lumen) and slightly lower resolution with 1024 x 768. Is that enough to make a big difference? Probably not. The contrast ratio is 22,000:1, which may make it a little be easier to see lines. The aspect ratio is 4:3, which means you may need to adjust the ratio on your computer when using it (many computers are at 16:9). The throw ratio is at 0.61. It is on the average size at 4.53″ x 11.50″ x 9.29″ (HxWxD) (12 cm x 29 cm x 24 cm) and 5.7 lbs (2.6 Kg). Where this one might really beat out others is on affordability. The price is lower than Optoma and Epson brands.
Pros:
- 3500 ANSI Lumen
- 22,000 contrast ratio
- Average size
- Price
- Throw ratio 0.61
- Throw distance minimum 1.2ft (0.4m)
Cons:
- 4:3 native aspect ratio
- No wireless
Conclusion
Did you get this far and still not decide on a short throw projector for sewing? Here is the run down.
The AAXA SLC450, Optoma ML1050, and 750ST are nice and small. This makes it a lot easier to mount because they are less than 1 lb! They are also perfect if your cutting table is right against the wall because there is no “dead” space between the lens and image.
However, if you are not worried about mounting a little bit heavier projector, than any of the other short throw projectors are a good option!
So now, just pick one! You really can’t go wrong with any of these, I promise!
Next, make sure to choose a way to mount your projector for sewing!
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who is the seller on Ebay that you recommended to buy a used short throw projector? ?Kent
Hello! Yes, Kent is one. He is the MoSurplus on eBay. I also have worked with another seller Good4U that has quality used projectors on eBay.