I have an old executive desk I use as a sewing table. I can use the center drawer to put my machine in and it's pretty much level with the desk top. It also has two pull out shelves on each side. I've debated about having my DH cut a section out of the top for my machine but I would hate to lose the top of the desk. If you cut a hole in the desk top, make sure you cut it a little larger than you need and mount a shelf to sit your machine on just deep enough to keep your machine level with the desktop. Use the piece you cut out to replace in the desktop if you move your machine. That way you still get the use of a level desktop without a hole in it.