The way to get around that would be to make one opening that is big enough for any of them, with room to spare, and then have an insert that custom fits each of the machines. This is the way some sewing tables were designed. There are small metal clips around the edges of the large opening that support the inserts. This is not too hard to do with a scroll saw.

You will love having your machine flush with the desk top - It's much easier to sew almost anything that way, unless you need the free arm, and even that is fairly workable if you have the removable insert that gives access. If you have a machine that has the bobbin cover below the level of the machine bed, as I do on my 40-yr-old Bernina, then you need easy access to that area. If it's tightly fitted into the desk top, it would have to be lifted out each time you change a bobbin.

Another advantage to a rolling chair is that you can place a little table or TV tray of some sort at an L to the main table, and you can easily turn to do ironing, trimming or pinning. If your floor has carpet or a delicate floor, you'll need to get a chair mat to roll on. It's probably a good idea even without the rolling chair.

I'm all for recessing the machine, but as for the chair with wheels...I do not want one. I WANT to get up occasionally to stretch my old bones. Any anything that uses up calories...even getting up to iron or pin... I am FOR it!

I have mine on a table, but if I had the option, I would have it inset. It's just a bit high for me, and insetting would fix that. You seem to be used to the moving the machine method, and if it were inset, you you'll have to relearn the process a bit. Maybe you can try not moving your machine on the surface you have now, and see whether its something you can get use to.

I bought two tables where the inset can be adjusted for the machine. What I didn't consider was that everytime I have to change the bobbin, I have to lift the machines up and out. So think about that before you buy. The older I get, the more it's like work to change the bobbin!

Rose Marie,
I had that problem too with the quilt catching the edge of the plexiglass table. So glad when I could finally afford a cabinet for my machines; 4 machines share the Horn Quiltmate that I bought 10 yrs ago.
Sharon

You won't regret putting it in the desk. You'll be amazed how much easier it is to sew.

I love mine inset as I am short and even with the moving chair I can reach better

My 42" quilting machine table has height adjustable legs, and is set so the sewing machine bed is at table height. The table will hold both my Sapphire and H-Viking S-21 Serger. They are both big machines. Both sit on placemats I made, so they slide across the table surface. The serger is often stored in a plastic box on the floor next to the table when not needed, allowing for a rotating cutting mat on the table next to the sewing machine while piecing. Do use a plastic machine extension when quilting -- would give it a solid "B" for ease of use. The table sits behind a large sofa, where a quilt can drape across while quilting. I'm so used to this lowered height that taking my machine to classes and having to sit it atop a table feels unnatural, really prefer to look down on my work. Agree with most of you that it's easier on the back and shoulders for the set-in height. The odd part of my set up is that my ironing board is upstairs -- yes, on purpose, makes me get up and move! Actually like "stepping away" from the machine and moving.

+1 on the height adjustable, rolling chair for sure.

This is what I did for the multiple machines, one table problem:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t216312.html

It's possible, and cheap too. I was tired of being tired and sore when I quilted / sewed. I even shortened the desk to make it height appropriate for me.

It looks like the majority of everyone likes their machines inset. What kind of table is good for that and has easy access to the bobbin areas on the older machines. I was looking at the arrow and koala cabinets but they are way out of my price range. Has anyone tried those Gidget tables? I also need it not to vibrate as I sew. I only know warp speed when I sew and it drives me crazy when the machine vibrates. No one likes to sit beside me at retreat due to the tables moving when I sew. Thanks