Toverly, the loose block idea is something to consider. And I may get used to inserting the bobbin with just the door in the machine, in time. Kimarene, thanks for posting that interesting picture. I haven't seen one done like that. What a lot of table space you have!!
i will be having just a top (an island top ordered from Lumber Liquidators) and adjustable legs, so I'll need to make a cutout and a shelf underneath. It wasn't the cheapest idea, but still less than a lot of the cabinets. I really wanted surface space. Since DH has only done one of these, I'll try to just lower the table first and see if I can work with the extension table.
Of course, if I'd seen my disks on MRI before ordering the table, I'd have gone for a cabinet and hydraulic lift. Now, the "just pull it up and plunk it on the table when you need to get under there" option isn't looking quite so good.
hugs,
Charlotte