Since many machines are wired with sewing lamps anyway (and many are not integrated), why drill into the head at all? If the sewing lamp is integrated, set up a switch that can light the sewing lamp alone, light the table lamp alone, and together.

In this case, wiring a table lamp to a non-electric hand-crank machine is just...odd.

We've all seen other similar conversions. WWI and WWII shell casings or milk cans into lamps, hubcaps into clocks, painted handsaws, etc. You want to see some complaining? Show a rare handtool that's been converted into something else or painted to a collector and see what they have to say.
We're pretty mild.
Rodney

I agree...It really bothers me to see these in the booth...but at least they aren't beauties that he destroyed. His wife would probably swing a machine at him if he tried to use a useable one.

I don't care either way. Just don't turn MY machine into a lamp! :)
sandy

One word only. . . sacrilege!