sewing machine table

[ANNE E.]

I recently purchased a Bernina 750. I am evaluating tables/cabinets to use with it. I am discouraged by how difficult it is to get to the bobbin area of the machine to change bobbins and to clean/oil the machine on a table with the recess to lower the machine. But it does seem like it is better to have the larger flat area for the quilt as you are working on it. Can any of you who use your machine on a table without a lift and use the plastic table that comes with the Bernina comment on how that works long term as you get used to operating it that way? The Koala and similar tables seem very expensive and I feel like you would have to always lift it up to do bobbin changes and cleaning. Comments? Thank you!

[Judith A.]

I have the heavy 830 Bernina, and a Horn cabinet with a lift. I usually sew with my Bernina recessed in the cabinet and the white slide-on table that came with my Bernina. The slide-on table slides easily off the machine and to the left over the top of the sewing table. It took a little trial and error adjusting the lift, but once it was adjusted, it works well.
I when I quilt a large heavy quilt, I like quilting on the big flat surface at table height. The quilt slides freely. I also like sewing on a a big flat surface at the right height for me ergonomically. That is important to me. Did your 750 come with a slide-on table?

I don't have any trouble changing bobbins underneath the slide-on table. There is a clear plastic window in the white slide-on table that I can see the bobbin area through. I reach under the front edge of the cabinet and open the bobbin door of the machine. Then the 830 screen automatically switches to a bobbin screen, with a little icon at the lower right that I can touch as an option to reduce glare off the clear plastic window if I want. It was a little awkward at first, but it is easy for me now. I don't even think about it.

To oil the bobbin area, I slide the slide-on table off to the left on top of the cabinet. It just takes a minute for me to oil the machine.

I don't know if the 750 is as heavy as the 830, but if it is, be careful if you decide to buy a cabinet with a lift. The first cabinets that came out for the 830 were large enough for the 830, but were not sturdy enough to handle the weight. The heavier machines need a sturdier support.

Hope this helps,
Judith

[Judith A.]

I have a Canadian-made Sylvia table made in Edmonton. They made me 2 separate acrylic inserts to fit my two Berninas that are a little different in size and shape. I have had this table for 12 years and the lift still works very well. My table will fold up to look like a small bedside table almost, however now that I have it permanently set up in studio it stays all open giving me lots of space to machine quilt larger pieces and also cutting if necessary. At the time I paid Can $ 1000 and it has been worth every penny.
Do make sure the lift is strong enough for the weight of your heaviest machine.

Jeanine

[Wendy P.]

You may be able to find a used cabinet at a lower price. I already had a Horn cabinet with a lift when I purchased a Bernina 820. The heavy duty replacement lift Horn sold (at the time) still wasn't strong enough for the 820. So DH modified the Horn by mounting an L-bracket and a rod underneath the machine area. I can't raise or lower my machine but I've never needed to anyway. This fix was a great deal cheaper than replacing my cabinet.

But - to your question of reaching the bobbin - I use a plexiglass insert with my 820 - great visibility but I do lift the glass a bit to ensure the bobbin assembly doesn't hit it when it swings out. (I insert a small rod between the glass and the machine base to hold the glass up.) No problems at all with oiling, cleaning or replacing the bobbin once you get the hang of it. (Frankly - Judith's use of the slide on table that comes with the machine is wiser. I was just accustomed to having plexiglass and didn't realize the plastic extension could be used with a cabinet!)

Keep at it until you find what works best for you! It's important to be comfortable as this will help you avoid injury hmy:

Wendy

[Wendy P.]

Thanks, Wendy. I am still using my machine on a table with the plastic slide on piece while I continue to investigate the possibilities. It makes it a little higher than is ergonomically best, but works while I am learning both my machine and the furniture. I appreciate your input!
Eileen

[Wendy P.]

Thanks Judith,
I continue to work on small projects now while I am getting used to all the things my new machine can do. So I am working on a table with the plastic slide on piece right now and this seems okay now. Not having the machine flat makes things too high to be ergonomically correct even with my chair raised to the top. But for now, while I am learning all the things I can do with my new machine and evaluating possible tables, etc, this is working. My machine weighs 54 pounds ... and I will make sure whatever I get will handle that weight!

Thanks for the information about the bobbin and oiling.

Eileen

[Rita C.]

Hi there Eileen, I recently purchased a Bernina 750 and the extension table for it too. I do not have a fancy table so what I have done is I bought a table top and adjustable legs from Ikea and I lowered the legs to a comfortable height with the the extension table attached to the 750. I also have an extension table from a different machine which I have adjusted to the same height as the Bernina extension table so that I have a larger area at the same height. It is not ideal but it's better than nothing. I agree with you about how difficult it is to get the bobbin case into the machine after oiling and it is particularly difficult to do when the extension table is attached - but you will get used to it. I hope that helps. :cheer: