Singer "Trapezoid" Spinet Cabinet No. 74 -- modification to fit a 500a!
 

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the forum but have found lots of really great advice and information here before. I thought I would share my adventures with finally obtaining a Singer "trapezoid" cabinet for my 500a... only to find that as I worried, it doesn't *quite* fit.
Being pretty handy and tenacious, I was able to get it to fit by remaking a single piece. There's a (trapezoid-shaped, ironically!) wood block at the back of the cabinet that the base of the machine head comes to rest against when dropped down into the cabinet. I knew that taking this down a bit would allow the 500a to rest a little deeper, allowing the top to close properly. Rather than permanently modify the original, I removed it for safe-keeping (who knows, may get that Centennial 301 someday!) and remade the part just 1/8" smaller. Now the 500a fits perfectly.
I'd be happy to help anyone else with their "trappy" trying to fit a non-301!

Matt

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Welcome Matt: Sounds like you already know this is a great place to hang out. That was a nifty "repair" that you did.

Looks to be a beautiful cabinet!

I'm digging the ingenuity! Great job. Exactly how I would have done it.

Help
 

I have a 401A and my block is step shaped and the screws seem to be glued on. I think the block is, too. I fear I am stripping the slots on the tops of the two wood screws. If I manage to ever get this piece off, I think I will just duck tape a slice of pool noodle on the bottom of my machine for a stopper... If I can get it out. Might have to go buy a sawzall to cut it out...

I'm learning that sometimes these Spinet cabinets were modified to accept other machines -- I have seen where the block is different than the one on mine. I seem to recall it was glued as well but came off once i got the screws off. I wanted my modification to be reversible, so I could always "make the cabinet whole again" and put in a 301 someday perhaps (you know, if I ever get that Centennial 301).
I would say make sure your phillips head or slotted screwdriver (whichever is appropriate) is the best fit you can get with those screws, and try to unscrew them. If you need to irreversibly modify it, probably not a big deal really. A new piece can always be made or improvised... hope that helps.