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Ideas needed for tabletop for sewing machine base

18 years ago

I have an old iron treadle type sewing machine base that I'd like to make a table out of. It is rectangular - about 20" by 14" on the top where the tabletop would go. I could even use a square or round item instead, although I'd prefer something rectangular.

Ideas? Pictures? I want to be ready to start looking when yard sale season starts up again.

TIA

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Comments (13)

kudzukween
18 years ago
I've seen people use leftover pieces of granite and stone from kitchen counter jobs. Here we have places that sell the smaller pieces real cheap.
lydia1959
Original Author
18 years ago
Those are both great ideas! Thanks!

I'd never have thought of using stone or granite pieces.

Keep the ideas coming!!!
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I had one that I used a piece of butcher block on it. I used for an island in my kitchen (one kitchen had 12" of countertop space; another had absolutely none!) The piece was 24 deep and 36" wide. After 30 years of hard use, the butcher block cracked (yea, I know .. I should have taken better care of it but by that time, it was plant stand!) So now ... I use it as a small dining table (for 2) in a small gazebo. We found an enameled top from an old kitchen table and put it on it. And when you look for stone .... go directly to the fabricator and ask to see their mis-cuts and mis-ordered pieces. If you are flexible, you can get pieces extremely cheap. I covered a 36"x48" island in solid surface for $25/ 9' laundry folding area in solid surface for $125 and a 36" vanity in quartz for $100.
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That is also a neat idea - and I thought of that - if I only had time to visit salvage places and such. It is really strange, because mine is so low. I sort of measured it against my knee and it is about the same height as my current coffee table - yet yours is so tall --- wonder how the machine fit on top of it - mine has a whole cabinet on top with drawers (2) on each side ---- The other thing I am trying to do is avoid the Made in China tables - I just bought furniture and it is USA made. Some of the components may be made in China - I don't know -but it is made in Indiana. I have no large pieces made other than the good ol' US of A - and I would like to keep it that way. I have been looking at tables in the $600 - $800 range and all are made in China. I think this is one of the 'be true to yourself' in decorating things. It might not matter to someone else, but I find it important. Of course, when I told DH I was once again saving him money, he was all for it!!
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Well Folks..more than a year..the table is back to being...ehhh. Recall I had wiped it down with mineral spirits and pretty much left it go. We have not used any polish since either but it was likely polished with pledge at some point...again not for at least a year and never regulary. So, it time to strip or seal. About half the posts mentioned stripping. I have some concerns and my wife does not like the idea for a variety of reasons including the mess and smell and time without the table. So..that not happening. She'd be happy leaving it go but I do not want it getting worse. It was bought at 'Just Cabinets' 10 years ago..From the other posts it seems the consensus is that its likley a was water based poly use by manufacturers of cheaper table because it dries quick. If so, it sounds like I can sand lightly and re poly with another water based poly without worry of peeling. Correct? Is there a huge difference in the MixWax water based Poly and anything else. I am guessing I will have to do this again down the road so unless special ordering something somehow lasts longer, I can get MinWax locally. Thanks!
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Were you thinking you wanted to pour the concrete in place and then never move the table? Not a good idea IMO. Easier to have the base fabricated in metal and then attached to the underside of the granite which will have plywood glued to it so you have something to screw the base into. Not like it's going to fly away in the wind.
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robolady
18 years ago
Here's a couple from my web site
This one is from Mary in Wisconsin

This one is from Nancy Jo

here's something else I've done with old sewing machine cabinets
lydia1959
Original Author
18 years ago
I love that printer's drawer idea Robolady!! I'd have a fun time finding things to fill it with too! Thanks for the pictures!
jeannespines
18 years ago
Here's one I got this summer at GS made with cast iron floor grate...I love it for outdoors...it's out all winter now. Jeanne S.

{{!gwi}}
lydia1959
Original Author
18 years ago
Jeanne - love your table!! I had a grate, but already used it for another T to T project. Now I have some things to look for at yard sales this spring. Yay!
mojojojogrlnj
18 years ago
here is one i did shabby chic with childs roll top desk

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
robolady
18 years ago
Mojo, and jeanie, I'd love to use your pics on my site. LMK if it's OK.

Here is a link that might be useful: my site
jeannespines
18 years ago
Sure, Robolady, you can use my pic... and I love your site! Jeanne S.
mojojojogrlnj
18 years ago
sure robo no problem....had a lot of fun making this
vagardenlady
18 years ago
I made a cement leaf from a large Elephant Ear plant, painted the leaf, sealed it and use it outside on my patio. It makes for an interesting table.
robolady
18 years ago
Thanks girls. Look for them to show up soon on the Furniture page

Here is a link that might be useful: here

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