Has anyone bought and used an extension for the sewing machine base? My machine sets on a table and is 4 or 5 inches above the table. Seems like free motion would be easier as well as machine embroidery. And what is a reasonable price for such a thing....

The price depends upon the machine model (they're custom fit) but usually range from $80 and up. Pricey. I have one, have used it for FMQ, but find the quilt gets hung up on the far side of the extension or gets caught in the crack between the ext. table and machine. However, I find it useful when I go to a class; i.e., when class space is tight, I can tuck my tools and whatever under the ext table while keeping my piecing on the top side.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Check out the sew-ezi table, it's a folding table and you can get it to custom fit your machine, it's a great table, bought mine a few years ago so I don't remember the price, but worth the investment.

I bought an extension table from http://www.allbrands.com/

I love it. It's the clear acrylic table. It fits perfectly.

I actually don't use my extension table often as I have gotten used to being without one when I go to sew ins or classes.

I have seen those adjustable ones at quilt shows and don't like them. The surface isn't smooth enough for me what with all the edges where the pieces slide to fit your machine. I suggest if you are going to buy an extension table to purchase a one piece one.

There is a plastic company here in Phoenix that will cut whatever shape you want so you can make your own table. The difficulty is getting the legs for the extension table. Anyone who is handy with woodworking type crafts could probably come up with legs for it for you.

At home? Well I just plain got lucky and bought from a dealer a really old cabinet with a hydraulic lift that he adjusted to fit my machine. Then a local store helped make the plastic insert when I got a new machine.

For the ease and money a good cabinet is well worth the investment. I use my machine more when I have ready access to it and can leave it up yet put it away when company comes. I have a really good height adjustable 'chair' which helps.

ali

An extention came with my brother 6000i.

Jan..have a look at this thread and check out the link in it. Might be of interest

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-41663-1.htm

Makes FMQ a lot easier, more room for you to guide the quilt. But, It can not be used with an Embroidery machine. At least I have never seen one that can.

Me too and I love it!

my machine has one