Wood – How to build an insert on a desk that adjusts the height of a sewing machine

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I'd like to take my executive desk ( now sewing table) and cut out a piece of it to use as a support for my sewing machine. I want the sewing machine support able to lower the machine to table height, which would enable me to have everything level and I'd be able to sew faster. I'd like it to be mechanical and not air powered. Support needs to be able to swing back up to table height when machine is not in use and must be able to lock in place.

All ideas and links appreciated

Best Answer

My sister has a working surface for this purpose as well. Except there isn't a mechanical swivel to raise and lower it.

There is simply a drop in the desk where the machine fits. Like a small cubby, lowered from the surface. If you were to search for "sewing desk" I'm sure this is what you'd see.

Then, when she isn't sewing, a piece of glass fits into a shallow rim around this hole to make the work surface completely flat.

Consider this log at IKEA Hackers:
http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/07/melltorp-to-sewing-desk.html

A simple cut-out, except that the surface piece is removable.

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Wood – Good technique for squaring-up hardwood edges

You don't say what saw you used to cut the wood, but if you use a tenon saw you should get a cleaner cut in the first place that requires less sanding. This is because the saw has finer teeth for a smoother cut and a stiffening spine that means you get a straighter cut.

Clamping a second piece of wood to use as a guide is another alternative.

Alternatively you could use a plane to remove the excess wood - but make sure that you clamp a piece of scrap wood to the end of the plank to avoid it splitting:

------> direction of plane
+---------+---+
|         |   |
|    ^    |   | <- Scrap
|    |    |   |
|    |    |   |
  direction of grain

Wood – How to determine the thickness of wood needed for a desk

If I were making a desk 3/4" is the minimum that I would go on thickness. You could definitely go thinner with strapping under but I just like the look.

If you are worried about flex I would use the sag calculator. It is great and I use it when I build custom shelves. A desk should inherently have more support than a shelf but a desk will also have more load - so I believe the the calculations should be pretty close.

Best Answer

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Wood – Good technique for squaring-up hardwood edges

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