The bobbin on those machines face to the front of the machine. The slide plate goes to the side. Not a whole lot of room. My 319 cabinet is made with a door across the front. Behind the door is a hole to reach for changing the bobbin. No taking the slide plate off or the belt. It really can be done by feel. Plenty of room for the hand. I don't know that I would want that machine in a case. I haven't got mine running yet. I was waiting on some parts, then I got fascinated by other machines then ran out of time.