extension table or recessed cabinet?

Nanc, I can only answer one out of three. I have a cabinet with a lift thing. One time (and it only takes ONE time) the sewing machine slipped loose and I was stuck holding too much weight and hollering for help lest my beloved SM hit the floor. The ability to flip a sewing machine out of sight and cover it so the table can be used as a desk is just not worth the risk. Whether having an extension table or something special so the SM surface is flat is better, I don't know. I'm eager to hear what our group says. Polly

I love my sewing table with the lift thingy (German-made, similar to Horn), since I occasionally need to use the free arm. There's plenty of space all around the machine, and comes with an acrylic insert to fit any machine -you tell them what you have and they send the one that fits. Roberta in D

"njk" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@e39g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...

My lift thingy table instructions said to bolt the machine to the lift platform. Roberta in D

"Polly Esther" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@mid.individual.net...

Nanc,

Since I am short I like the machine in a cabinet, yes the lift thing is wonderful. It is really nice to have your machine in a cabinet if you are going to free motion quilt.

JMHO,

Marsha in nw, OH

You might think of putting the machine sewing surface installed even with the top surface of the cabinet or table, by making a platform that is the proper height, to accomplish that, and install it beneath the underside of the top of the cabinet. Then use a cut out of plexiglas or the wood that the cabinet is made out of that can be removed and which exposes access to the free arm for free arm sewing usage when needed. This would eliminate the need for the lift mechanism, which is the one source of potential mechanical failure in that sort of application. If you mostly do quilting, then the use of the free arm would be minimal. I am going to do this with one of my free arm machines and will post a picture of the results, when I finish the installation,(after I finish piecing the quilt I am working on). I do less and less sewing of clothing, so it should work for me, as it still allows for freeharm usage, when needed. Even if you do sew clothing, the only time I use the free arm is to do cuffs.

John

On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:29:27 -0500, njk wrote (in article ):

I have my main machine in a table with a lift. I can recess it so it is flat with the top of the table (I have an inset that matches the table top) or have it up on the table. Depends on what I am doing.

I also have a small extension table (Sew SteadY? I think) that fits my "traveling machine"

For bigger quilts I really like my table. But I can work with small quilts on either machine with no trouble.

Maureen

Nanc, the extension tables are nice, but even the largest is usually not large enough for some projects. :) I wish I had a table with a lift in it, but I don't. However, a friend of mine very kindly "kidnapped" my drafting/sewing table a few years ago and cut out a spot in it for my machine to drop down inside. That gave me a nice large space even with the throat plate, and it works so well for me. :)

BTW, I'm also left handed, but I can't put either of my elbows on my table -- that would leave me in an awkward position for sewing.

Polly: You must have had one of the older style cabinets that had the SM actually turn head over heels to go into the well. I think that Nanc might have been talking about a lift that keeps the SM flat and right side up.... an elevator lift. As Roberta mentioned, the SM can be bolted to the lift. I have not bolted my Pfilomina and have had absolutely no problem. I rarely put the SM way down into the well, but do use the lift to access the bobbin area. I absolutely LOVE having the flat surface .... more so than an extension table, IMO.

I love hearing what everyone uses. I love hearing what machines they use, what tables, everything.

As a compromise, I have a folding table with a "well" that the SM fits into - for about $100, I get a level quilting surface and the table can fold up and go away when my sewing room is "transformed" back into a guest room (which only happens once or twice a year - we have a new guest room on the second floor, but when my in-laws visit, we use the first-floor room because the stairs are not really an option for them).

I agree with everyone who says that having your machine at the same level as the table will decrease your muscle strain and actually product better quilting results. I did not think it mattered that much, but after I got my little table I quilted a twin-size bed quilt in two sessions - and did not have to go into traction afterwards!

I made an extension table for my machine out of styrofoam packing - in my case it was discarded lids for stryofoam shipping boxes that arrive at work. I joined several lids side by side (I selected ones that were the same height as the machine bed) then made a cutout to fit my machine (a serrated knife works well as a 'saw'). I finally covered the whole thing with white mactac. My surface is a lot larger than any of the custom plexiglass ones that I have seen and very light (handy for transporting to workshops). And it appeals to my need to recycle. :) If you don't have access to box lids you can do the same thing with styrofoam insulation - you would need to stack several together to get the right height but the principle is the same.

Allison (the queen of the scavengers!)

njk wrote:

The results of my survey: The way to go is with a table that with a recessed area that will hold the machine level with the table. Lift is optional. Never used a free arm and don't expect to need one but nenver say never... Extension tables are good for classes and Allison had the best idea Creat your own out of styrofoam packing, cheap, easy for the sawing challenged, light . Now to find a class.... Going back to work next week at the Pioneer village so time will be limited.

Roberta, will email you privately, we might be distantly related.

thanks for the replies. Nanc

The results of my survey: The way to go is with a table that with a recessed area that will hold the machine level with the table. Lift is optional. Never used a free arm and don't expect to need one but nenver say never... Extension tables are good for classes and Allison had the best idea Creat your own out of styrofoam packing, cheap, easy for the sawing challenged, light . Now to find a class.... Going back to work next week at the Pioneer village so time will be limited.

Roberta, will email you privately, we might be distantly related.

thanks for the replies. Nanc

You clever one! This 'mactac' ... I am guessing it is an adhesive backed vinyl covering. We have a brand called Contac Paper. Anyhow, I wish I'd read this BEFORE the quilting weekend! I had fun any how and will post more on that later.

flat or the left side can swing up to made a table flat with the machine bed. Custom cut to my machine of course. No lift needed or possible dropping. IT is about the same size as Mom's opened cabinet and will fit in the designated space. It is also portable. Can I lift it to take to class is another thing.... ON sale at a sewing store for 10% off in July.

Nanc