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Conversational Threads

Cabinet for Sewing Machine

ChuckT | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

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I’m a crossover from Knots (Fine Woodworking). I’m interested in making a cabinet/machine stand for my wife’s Viking machine. Anyone have any plans?

Replies

  1. silkscape_ | | #1

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    A custom sewing cabinet....that's a lucky lady!

    I dont' have any plans, but you might want to ask her what is important to her as far as comfort and convenience go. For example, some sewer like to "go to the right" to use their serger, and some liek to "go to the left". Height is important of course. and if you are able, you might want to build in a lift. It allows the part of the table with the machine to drop into the cabinet for either flat bed sewing (for that she'll need a special insert made and I'm not sure where you can get that...perhaps one of the sewing cabinet companies) or storage.

    Another consideration is what type of sewing she does. The bigger the pieces of fabric she uses the more support they need. If she is sewing quilts and curtains and large items liek that, there needs to be plenty of table space around the machine to support that material. It is important for garment sewing too, but that generally used smaller pieces.

    One complaint i have about my cabinet is that when i am sitting at the machine, my left leg is right next to the storage part of the cabinet. The machine bed is too close to those storage parts, or the machine bed is not big enough. Not enough space under the machine for my legs. Like sitting too close to the "leg" of the table at thanksgiving dinner.

    Also, my table has a piece in the back that opens or folds up to extend the table behind the machine. but it too is too small. It's plenty big enough to the right rear of the machine, but it ends right at the left side of the machine, so the fabric just falls off the edge.

    I hope any of this is helpful.

    1. Paula | | #2

      *Some of the things that I think are important are;#1 - Height of the table. Mine is just right at 27 1/2". My sewing machine sits on top of the table and it is 3 1/2 inches high. If you make a recessed table it will be taller.#2 - Electric cords. Please make a place for electric cords to go so they do not have to come over the front edge of the table.#3 - Positioning of the legs. [As Dawn said above]. Just remember the the sewer always sits centered with the needle of the sewing machine, not centered with the middle of the machine.#4 - Storage compartments. ditto, ditto, ditto.#5 - If you are making a table for a recessed machine be sure there is an easy way to reach into the bobbin case without cramping the hands.This is what works for me; I have built in counter tops in an L shape. I have holes drilled through behind each machine so I can drop the electric cords through. Outlets are under the sewing counter with a master switch near the door so I can shut off all machines and the radio at once.

      1. sanderson | | #3

        *Some sewers find having the bed of the machine tilted is a help. If the machine has a floor accelerator or a knee bar will make a design difference. Will the space where the machine sits have to do double duty? If so, being able to quickly enclose the contents without completely dismantling the project is useful.

        1. betty_rose | | #4

          *I got my "stuff" from http://www.rockler.com Betty Rose

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