Before you cut the space, make sure that your machine is sitting in the right spot. My son cut a space for my machine in an old desk, and afterwards, the machine was too far away (only inches, but it was unconfortable). Draw around the space that you want, then take away the machine and pretend to sew where the hole is. It makes a difference when the machine is lower. I found that out too late. Also, make the hole more to the right, (unless you won't be quilting the quilt on your machine), as you will want more space to the left and back when you actually quilt. Try to think of everything before you cut the hole. I just raced into it and ended up getting a bigger desk with the machine back on top. Live and learn!

One advantage of the plexi, as it can cover the hole.

Also ... plexi can be custom cut at a glass shop.

If your machine is designed to fit in a cabinet, you can cut the hole smaller than the machine and the table will hold it at table height (slightly above). There's no problem with the wood in the table snagging fabric. The original sewing cabinets were made out of wood. Mine is wood.

If your husband could put a piece of trim about 1/4" below the surface of the table then you could get a piece of 1/4" acryllic/plastic cut to fit the opening with space for your machine.

We have a great plastics company down here. They have cut various items for me. One was a piece for a smaller extension table for my DSM. I made my pattern with double thick freezer paper and gave it to the plastics people.

You can PM me if you like.

I did this with an old farm table with a butcher block top, it was very difficult to cut through and we ran into some kind of wood that was nearly impossible to get through but once it was done it worked great. I didn't use an insert and never had trouble with anything catching or snagging.

Hi...my hubby did that for me. I've posted a link below where you can see it. I didn't use the plexiglass table either. Hubby made a fill in piece from MDF to fit the hole and it works fine. I take it out if I need to use the free arm and just leave the machine in the hole and I can still use the freearm.
Good luck with it...you will love it

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...on-t76568.html

When my husband built my table he made the cut out to accommodate the extension for my machine.

Home Depot or Lowe's will cut plexiglass to size for you.

This is the tutorial I am going be following to be make my own sewing tables next time I go to IKEA. It looks very doable to me... I have a friend's husband who will help me do the cutout as I don't own a saw.

http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/11/d...ing-table.html

This is a very good point! I will make sure I sew a few days before I mark my holes.