Humbird, your husband deserves an A+++++++++. Anyone could do this, even with an antique table and not destroy its value. Give him a great big hug if you haven't done so already.
I want to do FMQ and am considering a new machine. The one I'm looking at won't fit in my existing cabinet. My local sewing machine dealer wants $600-800 for a table to fit the machine. This idea would let me use my lovely antique walnut dining table. If I put the "new" leaf for the machine at the right end of the table, there could be 4 to 6 ft. of space to the left of the machine, ideal for FMQ.
Thanks for the marvelous idea!