New table
 

Hey guys, I’m looking at getting me a sewing table. I currently have a Bernina 630 with the embroidery module. I’m looking for something to help me get better organized and also store my embroidery module. My closest store is about an hour away and they sell both koala and horn cabinets. The problem is they are closed by the time I get off from work. My question for you guys is which do you like better and or what is your favorite model? I’m really wanting to try to get something soon and don’t know which direction to go.

I have a white Horn cabinet and it's withstood lots of hard use, so I recommend that brand. I was looking for a second cabinet and found a Koala on craigslist. When I went to look at it I found that the plastic wood-looking laminate was separating from the cabinet in big sheets. I don't know if that was because of a manufacturing defect or perhaps the cabinet was stored in a damp place, but it made me wonder about the construction. Both cabinets come with a lifetime warranty.

I also have a Horn. It's the small machine-only school model, but it is very well made.

Thanks for the reply, that’s good to know. I did not know they cake with lifetime warranties. If you don’t mind me asking which model do you have?

I love my Horn table...I hope you'll find what you want...It makes such a wonderful difference to have the machine on the same level as the table!

Might have been heat that delaminated it, not moisture. I put a cabinet out to the curb with a free sign on it on a hot (about 95 to 100F) sunny day. Went out that evening to find that the Formica sheet on top had curled right off, caught a breeze and sailed out into the street, to be run over by a car. Wow! Didn't see that coming.

There are a couple of considerations for purchasing a table specific to your machine. They are costly tables and may be limited to the specific machine.

Is there enough table surface to give you room for the accessories (threads, etc) that are out when using the EMB module?

Will a different or bigger machine fit the table if you change machines later? Do you need storage in the table? I find the storage spaces seem small.

Do you have room to lift the back of table for quilting if that is the model you want?

I have the dream on a used kitchen table 60x34. EMB threads are placed on the side when doing those projects. My other tables are H-O-N utility tables. One is 20x 60 and the other is 30x 60. They are sturdy and fit next to each other in an L shape.

Different options here if you are interested.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...+utility+table

I understand the issue with the EMB arm. I store mine in the arm bag when not in use. Good luck with your decision.

I don't know what model mine is. I bought it about 12 years ago. I keep my Bernina 440 in it, and don't use it for embroidery. I found that the extension on the back was very helpful when I did my quilting on the Bernina (I now do it on my longarm) as well as the extension to the left. I don't use the cabinet for storage of anything but a few stencils in the drawer.

I recently purchased a "fashion sewing cabinet" from Sewing Machines Plus I am very happy with purchase it is well made perfect height has auto lift not air

I also don't know the model number (it's at the cottage). One thing to keep in mind is that with both these brands, the machine will sit flush with the work surface so when you do want to embroider, you will probably have to take it out of the cabinet.

I've had a Koala for about 4 years now. I have the Dream Machine. I love the hydraulics to lower the machine when I rarely need to. I bought it during a quilt/sewing expo and got a much better price. Also, if you wait for an expo, you can check out both brands. We are currently in the middle of our 3rd cross country move since purchasing the Koala and it still looks brand new. I love the cutting surface and shelf/drawer space. But when fully assembled, it takes a lot of room. I didn't consider this issue when I purchased it since I thought I was in my forever home. But work had other ideas and now, we have to make sure that we have a room with enough space before we buy a home. Still, I would do it all the same if I had to go back and do it again.

I also have a Koala for my Bernina and pop it up (my drop in is spring loaded) when I attach my embroidery module.

Thanks for the input everyone. The boyfriend thinks he can make me one instead of spending the money on one so we may see how that goes before jumping into a purchase.

I love my Tracy's table. I had it made an inch shorter because I am short.

lucky you...my DH isn’t that handy. Even if he was I would be waiting a lonnnggg time for it. ;)

I watched a great video on Arrow Cabinets. The company rep demonstrated EVERYTHING in the line. It was great to watch. Arrow is more affordable vs Koala and Horn.

Any of the brands made for sewing will be fine. I got Arrow because of a fantastic sale I couldn't pass up with free shipping.

I bought a table top and adjustable legs from a home store for my machine. I have an extension table with it so when I want to embroider, I just take off the extension and put on the embroidery module. I like that I don't have to lift it out of a cabinet.