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