Thanks Prism99 - I managed to get the entire white case off. Just 9 screws. Now it is naked on the dining room table. I can see the lifter but I am afraid I'd have to take something else off and I am no expert and I really do like the machine. Tomorrow when I am more rested I will give it another look. I feel like if I had some good instructions or a picture I might be able to see what's what. I've been googling and searching you tube all afternoon. Will check out the yahoo group.