I would bet you will find sewing with the machine flush to the surface so much better. With the machine dropped down in a cabinet you are not reaching up and causing your shoulders and arms to be in an awkward position.

I prefer my machine to be flush with the table, all of my acrylic tables are stored away and my machines sit in their tables with an acrylic surround. It makes sewing for me easier and less tiring. When I first stared I bought a Sew EZ table just so I could sew in comfort, I did not mind that it was small, comfort was key for me. I think we all have our own preferences and certainly the extension tables are must of you do not have the ability to sit flush with the table.

I have a large acrylic extension table around my machine setting on a height adjustable 5' long Wal-mart table.It's set up to be at an ergonomic height for me, the needle and my line of sight are exactly lined up, and knees bent about 90-degrees. Very comfortable and the quilt doesn't hang. I also have a machine in a cabinet which would be fine except the opening for my legs is a little too far to the right for the line of sight to be lined up with the needle. So I much prefer the extension table setup. So I think the answer to your question is that you can make either setup work well. My quilts do not hang on either one. I think you would enjoy watching Margaret McManus address this topic at this youtube site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbmQ2riM7Yo. All of her videos are very informative.

Thanks, I will ask my local glass co.

Sewing flush is more comfortable and your shoulders will thank you.
Sandy

I have both. My favorite is my kangaroo table. It is adjustable to different heights and has an insert that keeps my diamond at the right level. The table was expensive but well worth the money. I can also order different inserts for other machines...but I love the diamond so much that I rarely use any of the others!

I have one of Tracy's tables. My husband gave it to me for my birthday. I just love it. Best money spent. There's no comparison to insert.

I want a table so the machine will be flush with the table. Have my newer machine sitting on top of old Kenmore cabinet, it has the extension thingy, but I just quilted a lap size quilt yesterday and it nearly killed me! Hurts my shoulders, back, and the quilt gets caught on the extension thing. I love that sewperfect table, but cant afford 400 dollars right now, think I'm gonna start looking around for something.