Need To Build A Work Platform For A Cylinder Head Machine

[Crystal]

Hi all!

I need to build a work platform for a cylinder head sewing machine. If you have any tips, tricks or suggestions I am all ears!

What are the dimensions that work well for you for front, back and side work room? Best way to attach to the exisiting table? Foolproof way to cut in the angle to accomondate the difference in width on the cylinder area from the top to the sides? ( I really don't want to cut and re-cut and cuss and re-cut....)

Thank you!

Crystal

[Tree Reaper]

Crystal;

Did you look at any of the commercial units for ideas?

I don't have a machine or I'd offer some help with the dimensions.

Kevin.

[Crystal]

  On 4/18/2011 at 11:40 AM, Tree Reaper said:

Crystal;

Did you look at any of the commercial units for ideas?

I don't have a machine or I'd offer some help with the dimensions.

Kevin.

I have the basic idea. I was just looking for some suggestions on things to consider when making it up. There's always more than one way to skin a cow!

Thanks, Kevin!

Crystal

[bruce johnson]

Crystal, for mine I used a piece of 3x4 plywood and bought the folding banquet table leg sets from Ace. I screwed the legs on and it sits about 2" below the level of the bottom of the arm. I traced the outline of the arm from above from aboove and cut with jig saw. Being below the level is good for sewing gussets into bags and things like that. The table supports the weight and the piece sits up enough to run under the foot. When I need to raise the table to sew flat, I slide pieces of PVC pipe over the bottom of the legs and they are cut at the length to raise the table to be level with the top of the arm. The nice thing about the folding legs is I can take it down and it stores easily.

Edit - I made the cut out so it is in 10 inches from the front edge of the table. I had seen one that was in further and it was a little hard to get your feet in to run the pedals and still be over your work to keep it feeding right.

[dirtclod]

Crystal i haven't built a flat top for my machine yet either. But i think i am going to use a sink cut out from a new counter install. I have been looking at what other folks have done for a couple of years and think i will borrow ideals from them. The ones i have seen one had hinges so the top could fold down and had a pipe holding the other end up. Only problem i see with doing it that way is that the table might be in the way of your leg. The other one i seen on here and i think i am going to try part of it. Use the fittings on the end that sets on the table and use the pipe on outside end to hold the other end of the top.

As far as cutting the slot for the top. I think i am going to try holding a piece of cardboard under the arm and mark it with a sharpie and see how close it comes to fitting before i cut out my sink top piece.

[Crystal]

  On 4/18/2011 at 5:15 PM, bruce johnson said:

Crystal, for mine I used a piece of 3x4 plywood and bought the folding banquet table leg sets from Ace. I screwed the legs on and it sits about 2" below the level of the bottom of the arm. I traced the outline of the arm from above from aboove and cut with jig saw. Being below the level is good for sewing gussets into bags and things like that. The table supports the weight and the piece sits up enough to run under the foot. When I need to raise the table to sew flat, I slide pieces of PVC pipe over the bottom of the legs and they are cut at the length to raise the table to be level with the top of the arm. The nice thing about the folding legs is I can take it down and it stores easily.

Edit - I made the cut out so it is in 10 inches from the front edge of the table. I had seen one that was in further and it was a little hard to get your fett in to run the peddles and still be over your work to keep it feeding right.

Thanks, Bruce! That's going to help. I hadn't thought about having it lower and being able to raise it with the top of the arm. I was going to make it stationary at the top, and remove it when I needed to. This will save some time. I did have the folding legs in mind, but didn't know Ace carried them.

Thanks again!

Crystal

  On 4/18/2011 at 5:27 PM, dirtclod said:

Crystal i haven't built a flat top for my machine yet either. But i think i am going to use a sink cut out from a new counter install. I have been looking at what other folks have done for a couple of years and think i will borrow ideals from them. The ones i have seen one had hinges so the top could fold down and had a pipe holding the other end up. Only problem i see with doing it that way is that the table might be in the way of your leg. The other one i seen on here and i think i am going to try part of it. Use the fittings on the end that sets on the table and use the pipe on outside end to hold the other end of the top.

As far as cutting the slot for the top. I think i am going to try holding a piece of cardboard under the arm and mark it with a sharpie and see how close it comes to fitting before i cut out my sink top piece.

Thank you, Dirtclod! I also have a piece of countertop I was going to use. After Bruce's suggestions, I think I will need to go a bit larger than I originally had in mind. I was going more of a 3x2 size because of a doorway. But now, I may see if I can hinge like you are thinking of while incorporating the folding legs. (Maybe).

Thanks!

Crystal

[Randy Cornelius]

I just move my mini frig over next to the machine when I sew skirts or chaps. Just the right height and the beer is close by..LOL

[Crystal]

  On 4/20/2011 at 3:16 AM, Randy Cornelius said:

I just move my mini frig over next to the machine when I sew skirts or chaps. Just the right height and the beer is close by..LOL

I knew there was something missing in my shop!

Crystal