Last updated on December 28th, 2023 at 11:04 am
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Congratulations on getting a projector for sewing! Now you may be wondering how to mount a projector for sewing? Depending on the type of projector you have, will determine the mounts that will work for you.
Mini projectors used for sewing will need to be mounted pointing straight down to your sewing table. To achieve this, they can be mounted from the wall, ceiling, or using a portable setup.
Ultra-short throw projectors can rest on the cutting surface, a shelf, cart, or mounted to the table or wall. Remember, that UST projectors do have an “offset” sometimes up to 12″. Not sure what your projector’s offset is? Try looking it up on Projector Central.
Short throw projectors are not mounted directly above the cutting surface. This is because they have an “offset” and need to be mounted from the side. The offset varies from projector to projector. What are some of the popular short throw projectors? Read about the Best Short Throw Projectors.
Mini Projector Mounts
Here are some of the most popular ways to mount mini projectors for sewing. The mini projector section is divided into mounts that require holes and mounts without holes.
Mounts that Require Holes
The mounts listed here are great for a permanent setup. These setups mean you only need to calibrate your projector once, then you are good to go! But, that does mean screwing a mount into the wall or ceiling.
Ball Joint Mount
There are many different brands of ball joint mounts for projectors. Most are made for projectors that hang from the ceiling and point at a wall. They have a metal bar that attaches to the ceiling and have a round ball joint that the projector attaches to at the other end.
You will see many people recommend the cheap ball joint mounts on Amazon, pictured below. They can work, especially for lighter projectors. However, I have found that they really aren’t that great for anything over 2 lbs. If you have a small mini projector that is less than 2 lbs. or pico projector, then this is the perfect solution for you! Just mount it on the ceiling over your cutting mat and calibrate your projector.
Make sure to unscrew the screws before trying to adjust the ball joint. The threads can be easily stripped if you adjust the projector on this mount while it is tightened.
- Universal Mount: The Universal Projector...
- Screw Adapters Size: 3.9mm/0.154in,...
- Use Feature: Tilt Angle-90 degrees, Rotate...
- Simple & Convenient: The projector mount pole...
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A better ball joint mount that I have found is the Nierbo mount. It costs a little bit more, but is more durable and stable. Definitely worth the extra money!
- Projector Mounts made of high quality…
- Projector Wall Mount Loading capacity 11 lbs…
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Camera Mounts
Often referred to as spotlight or security camera mounts, these work pretty well for mounting mini projectors for sewing. Security camera mounts can be purchased at your local hardware store, Home Depot, or on Amazon. The security camera mounts are a good option when mounting mini projectors for sewing especially if you are mounting from the wall.
This Arkon camera mount has been used by some in the sewing community with good results. They like the adjustable arm to get the angle just right over their sewing table. You want the lens of the mini projector for sewing to be pointing straight down onto your cutting mat. Correct mounting will make calibration so much easier!
- Versatile Camera Compatibility: The Camera...
- Efficient Wall Mounting: Facilitating easy...
- Portable Design: With a special emphasis on...
- Secure 4 Hole AMPS Pattern: The mount...
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Basic Niche
Basic Niche is a company that saw a need and filled it by creating low profile projector mounts for sewing projectors. These mounts are designed specifically for certain projectors and made out of metal. They are sure to last and have a sleek look to them. They currently provide mounts for the Acrojoy, Viviamge Explore 2, Apeman 350 and 550, Bomaker, and Truwell H3. Each model is projector specific, so if you do not have one of these projectors, you will need to choose a different mounting solution. If you want something that is no hassle and you know will work well, then check them out. I’ve written a complete review and installation guide here.
Custom Printed Mount
These custom 3D printed mounts were designed specifically for sewing projectors. You can purchase them here on Projector Sewing or if you have access to a 3D printer, you can design and print your own!
DIY Mount
There are so many DIY mounting options! In fact, the sky is the limit! If you have a brilliant idea, why not try it out? Here are some ways the other projection sewists have mounted mini projectors.
Shelf Bracket
One of the simplest (and cheapest) DIY mounts are using shelf brackets and zip ties (I’d recommend Velcro strips instead). Buy 1-2 “L” shaped shelf brackets and some long zip ties or Velcro straps. Check which side of the bracket that the projector will sit closest to the ceiling and still be able to be secured on the bracket. I used this shelf bracket from Home Depot and it already had a hole at the perfect position to attach the projector with.
When using one L-bracket, the projector still could swivel on the sides. I chose to add zip ties to secure it. It doesn’t budge and I haven’t had to adjust it again. Make sure to turn on the projector image before securing the zip ties or Velcro! Many projectors don’t use a perfect 90 degree angle to get the perfect square image. It is best to find a square image before adding the zip ties. Then add the zip ties (Velcro) and make minor adjustments to keystone and focus as necessary.
However, you can see this does not create a very clean profile. Other options include 2 L brackets with a flat piece of wood connecting them. Then screw the projector onto the flat wood.
Wood Box
If you or someone you know is handy with tools, then you can build a homemade box similar to the Basic Niche box. A few sewists looking how to mount mini projector for sewing have designed a wooden box that goes around the projector and mounts straight to the ceiling. Some have even made a lever that allows the projector to be moved up and down, allowing the projector to come completely out. This allows the projector to be used for movies as well as sewing!
Wire Basket
Another clever option is using a metal wire basket and hooks. You will need to cut a hole for the lens. Then, screw hooks into the ceiling to hold the basic close to the ceiling with the projector inside. When you want to use the projector for something other than sewing, then you can remove the basket, and take out the projector. Since you will not be changing the height of the projector when you return the basket to the ceiling, there will be no need to recalibrate your projector.
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Mini Projector Mounts that Don’t Require Holes
Some people live in rentals or just don’t want to put holes in their ceiling or wall. If this is you, don’t worry! You can still learn how to mount a mini projector for sewing! Here are a few ideas of how to mount a mini projector without putting holes.
Clamp Mount
First, the clamp mount below is a great no holes choice. You can clamp it directly onto a shelf or use a tension rod. The tension rod can be placed horizontally above the sewing table if your sewing room allows. Or, the tension rod can be placed vertically and the clamp adjusted to desired height. Together the clamp mount and tension rod can create a “permanent” solution without the need for holes.
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If you need more space away from the tension rod, you can add an extender or the magic arm shown in the picture below. This will help your projection to be right above your sewing table.
- Adjustable Extender Rod: This extender rod is...
- Compatible Devices: The extender rod is...
- Ceiling Mount Design: The extender rod is...
- White Color: The extender rod comes in a...
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Tripods and Boom Mic Stands
Next, many projection sewists have found a tripod works well for them. An added bonus is that a tripod is portable. So, it is easy to take down if you don’t have a permanent sewing room. The downside of a tripod is that you will most likely need to cut on the floor to get a large enough image size from a mini projector and have room to cut. When figuring if a tripod will work for you, don’t forget to factor in the tripod leg space. Most find that a tripod will not fit on top of the sewing table and still have room to cut out a pattern.
Tripods are usually good and stable though! If you can’t mount to your ceiling or wall, then a tripod is a good option for how to mount a mini projector for sewing.
Tripods come in all kinds of sizes. This is a nice tall tripod at 77 inches! This should give you a large projection area!
- CONVENIENT: From 19’’ to 77’’...
- FLEXIBLE: 360°PANORAMA AND BALL JOINT: The...
- TRAVEL/OUTDOOR: 19’’ compact storage size...
- TRANSFORM: This tripod can be quickly...
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How to Mount Ultra Short Throws
Ultra short throws are often not “mounted”, but placed on a shelf or dresser near the cutting table. However, there are many ways to mount an ultra short throw projector.
DIY Ultra-Short Throw Adjustable Stand
Many members of the sewing community have created an adjustable stand for their Epson Ultra-Short Throw (UST) projectors. Having an adjustable stand really helps with the calibration process. Since we orient the projector differently than designed to be used, these stands do not exist in the readymade market. However, members of the sewing community have created build plans for anyone wanting to build their own.
Some simple instructions that were given to me are:
“Any wood will work. I used cherry. The wood is 3/4″ thick. I glued and finish nailed small square blocks on the corners set in 3/8″ from the edges. I then rounded all the edges with a router. You could use sandpaper. I then drilled 3/8″ holes to accept the levelers. The holes should be plumb/at a right angle to the top. The threaded piece that holds the leveler foot pounds into the hole. I finished it with stain and wax.”
These are the adjustable feet they purchased:
- {Premium Material}: Our adjustable feet are...
- {Wide Application}: The leveling feet...
- {Flexible Adjustment}: The heavy-duty...
- {Clever Installation}: First drill a hole...
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For more detailed instructions, then check out these build plans for an adjustable shelf. These plans were specifically designed for the Epson 455Wi, but can be easily adapted.
UST Mounts to Buy
Do you need the projector off your cutting table? Then look into a few of these options for Ultra-Short throw projectors.
Clamp Mount
A clamp mount, like this monitor mount, can be attached to your cutting table. Since it is in a “fixed” position, even if you move the table, you do not need to re-calibrate the projector. This is great for use on rolling tables that come out for sewing, then are put away!
- Fits 13” to 32” Screens - Single monitor...
- Articulation and Height Adjustment -...
- Integrated Cable Management - Keep your power...
- Easy Installation - Mounting your monitor is...
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Monitor Stands and Mounts
Monitor stands and mounts for TVs and computer monitors can be adapted very well for our needs. Here are a couple of options people have used.
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Short Throw Mounts
Short throw projectors are a combination of mini projectors and ultra-short throws in the way they work. Every short throw is a little bit different. All short throws will need to be “mounted”. Short throw projectors cannot “sit” on the table like an ultra-short throw. They usually have an offset from 0-14 inches. They can be mounted from the wall or ceiling. Like all projectors, the distance between the projector and cutting service will change the size of the projected image. But, short throws do not need a ton of distance to create a large image size.
Before choosing a mount for your short throw projector, make sure to check the back to see how it is mounted. Some projectors, like the Optoma ML1050ST, only have one mount hole. For these projectors, you can use many of the mounts listed under the “mini projector” section, including the custom mount sold HERE.
For short throw projectors that are mounted using four screws, look for mounts that say “Versa” mount. Here are some common suggestions below.
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are many choices for how to mount a projector for sewing. The best option for a mini projector is the Basic Niche mount. Short throw projectors are typically mounted on the wall near a table. Many versa projector mounts or monitor mounts can be used. Ultra short throws can be placed on the cutting table, a shelf, TV stand, clamp mount, or on a DIY adjustable shelf. Sometimes the cheapest solution may be to find something that is already laying around the house, such as a wire basket or shelf brackets.
Overwhelmed? Don’t let all the choices prevent you from setting up your projector! Just choose one that you think is best! Try it out. If you don’t like the way you set it up, you can always make a change later!
Just do it! I am excited for you to get setup and start using your projector. I’d love to hear about it and see your setup! Feel free to reach out to me!
