Overview
With this Sewing Machine Lift Mechanism, your sewing machine can emerge from within the table then simply retract, concealing within the table again when not in use. A latch securely locks the mechanism in place to create a steady platform that is adjustable to your choice of two different working heights. The airlift mechanism mounts to the underside of your table top and the back of the cabinet. Mechanism is designed to lift and lower a sewing machine up to 30-35 lbs. in weight. Mechanism can be adjusted to fit most free arm sewing machines.
Note: Sewing cabinet is NOT included.
Questions and Answers
Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 35 questions
Browse 35 questions
and 96 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
I'm a senior and my sewing machine is very heavy
Tom K
on Mar 20, 2017
so machine would be out of the way, full table top can be used
Sparks D
on Mar 6, 2017
I'm a senior and my sewing machine is very heavy
Tom K
on Mar 20, 2017
For a sewing cabinet I'm building for my quilting wife
William S
on Mar 19, 2017
Were there supposed to be installation instructions included? I did not receive any.
BEST ANSWER: If you go to the product page on the Rockler website and scroll down to the Technical Downloads section you will find the complete instructions for this product.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- David Staff on May 27, 2015
My sewing machine is no more than 12" high and from one end to the other is about 18". Will this lift accommodate that size? Also, I have a Singer Embroidery machine which is much wider. Can you tell me the measurement requirements of this lift: (1) from the table to top of machine; (2) from side to side, lengthwise; and how wide can it be?
BEST ANSWER: Sorry for the delay in responding.
My wife's Bernina B580 is ~16" wide and ~13" tall. The lift should accomadate your Singer sewing machine. Your embroidery machine, is it an attachment to your sewing machine or a separate machine? My wife's is an attachment that attaches when the sewing machine is fully elevated on the lift so that the bottom of the sewing machine is level with the top of the table.
The lift height is adjustable. I was lucky and didn't have to adjust height. There are 3 heights. Full down machine completely beneath top of table. Full up so you can use the attachment base or slide shirt sleeves etc over the base. And finally a mid level that has the stitch plate level with the table top.
If I understand correctly the lift should conceal a sewing machine that is ~15" tall. Depending upon table thickness and thickness of base machine is mounted to.
As far as width of machine it will accomadate. I would say as a guess 30" maybe wider. Keep in mind lift is heavy duty but balancing the weight and mounting it to a sturdy frame are very important.
Hope that helps.
My wife's Bernina B580 is ~16" wide and ~13" tall. The lift should accomadate your Singer sewing machine. Your embroidery machine, is it an attachment to your sewing machine or a separate machine? My wife's is an attachment that attaches when the sewing machine is fully elevated on the lift so that the bottom of the sewing machine is level with the top of the table.
The lift height is adjustable. I was lucky and didn't have to adjust height. There are 3 heights. Full down machine completely beneath top of table. Full up so you can use the attachment base or slide shirt sleeves etc over the base. And finally a mid level that has the stitch plate level with the table top.
If I understand correctly the lift should conceal a sewing machine that is ~15" tall. Depending upon table thickness and thickness of base machine is mounted to.
As far as width of machine it will accomadate. I would say as a guess 30" maybe wider. Keep in mind lift is heavy duty but balancing the weight and mounting it to a sturdy frame are very important.
Hope that helps.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Monte W on Dec 10, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 20, 2015
What sort of cover have you came up with to mask the hole in the countertop when the sewing machine is down? Thank you
BEST ANSWER: When I cut out the hole for the sewing machine I also routed out a 1/4"x1/4" "shelf" around the inside of the hole for an insert to sit on.
One insert was made of clear plexiglass so that you could see through it. This insert sat on the routed out "shelf". It was designed to support the fabric when sewing so that it does not drop into the hole needed to raise and lower the sewing machine. It provides the maximum amount of flat working space next to the sewing machine as possible.
A 1/4" insert could be made using plywood or some other material to provide an opaque cover for the sewing machine when hidden beneath. This insert could then be placed on the "shelf" to provide a flat surface allowing other uses for the sewing cabinet.
One insert was made of clear plexiglass so that you could see through it. This insert sat on the routed out "shelf". It was designed to support the fabric when sewing so that it does not drop into the hole needed to raise and lower the sewing machine. It provides the maximum amount of flat working space next to the sewing machine as possible.
A 1/4" insert could be made using plywood or some other material to provide an opaque cover for the sewing machine when hidden beneath. This insert could then be placed on the "shelf" to provide a flat surface allowing other uses for the sewing cabinet.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Monte W on Jan 29, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 20, 2015
what is the insert that you reference? Is it merely a cover for when the machine is not the whole way up in the cabinet to cover the open space?
BEST ANSWER: If you look at the picture of the plans for building a sewing cabinet, you will see that the sewing machine sits on a board - I called it an inset - that is attached to the top of the lift. Then, you simply push down on the machine or pull up on the machine to retract or lift. The device itself is only the mechanical lift. It must be fastened securely to bottom, back, and top of the supporting cabinet in order to be used. Whether you decide to have a cover over the hole where the machine raises and lowers is, I guess, up to you. But I would think that if you wanted to have a retractable sewing machine, you would want it out of sight and have a cover. I recommend that you look at the plans. http://www.rockler.com/sewing-machine-cabinet-plan
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Nell M on Nov 2, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 24, 2015
Is the mechanism always mounted on the back wall of the cabinet? Is it made to mount there or can it be placed on side wall of cabinet?
BEST ANSWER: Mounting on the back centers the machine on the lift mechanism. It could be mounted on the side, but I'm not sure how it would function with the load hanging on the front edge. Because now the weight would not be centered over the mechanism
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Edward Z on Mar 4, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 27, 2015
Could this lift be used for another application, e.g., to lift a mixer in the dead corner of the kitchen?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, the lift could be used to lift a mixer in the dead corner of the kitchen if there is room for it. The vertical space needed for your application is 17 inches for the lift, the width of the piece of wood to set the mixer on, and the height of the mixer. Usually, the distance from a countertop to the bottom of overhead cabinets is less than this.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Cheryl W on Nov 2, 2015
- Purchased on Feb 5, 2015
What is the stowed height?
BEST ANSWER: 13 1/2 inches from the shelf to the top of the sewing surface . It will accommodate a sewing machine that is 13 1/2 inches tall
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- James S on Aug 18, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 24, 2015
Where can we get a cabinet to attach this lift to?
BEST ANSWER: We had an older "Koala" sewing machine cabinet (good cabinet) but after 10+ years the lift broke. They no longer make or service that model, so I ordered and installed the lift from Rockler, and it works very well.
As for getting a cabinet ? I don't know. e-Bay might be a possibility, but the lift probably already works on most that would be for sale. The cabinet is all melamine and right angles and hinges, so it would be easy to make, if you had plans.
As for getting a cabinet ? I don't know. e-Bay might be a possibility, but the lift probably already works on most that would be for sale. The cabinet is all melamine and right angles and hinges, so it would be easy to make, if you had plans.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Arnold H on Nov 20, 2015
- Purchased on Dec 31, 2014
Is the top of the carriage supposed to screw into the bottom of the machine?
BEST ANSWER: No. You'll need to fabricate a shelf that screws to the carriage and the machine just sits on the shelf. You msy need to add some adhesive non slip feet to the machine if you find it slippery.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Daniel F on Jan 29, 2016
- Purchased on Jan 14, 2015
I don't want to use an insert for a custom sewing table I'm making. I'd rather make the hole the size of my machine. I've seen this a lot when people have there machines fixed/bolted flush with there table. But I haven't seen this much when something like this lift is being used. Is there some necessary reason to have a larger hole and insert, that I am overlooking?
(The insert might just add an extra step for set up/take down. But a fixed flush set up leaves the machine in reach of a curious toddler.)
(The insert might just add an extra step for set up/take down. But a fixed flush set up leaves the machine in reach of a curious toddler.)
BEST ANSWER: The insert is necessary because the upper shape of the machine is larger than the dimension at the sewing level of the machine which needs to be flush with the machine and insert. If no insert was used it would not be possible to lower the machine for storage. I can send some pictures if that would help.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- James S on May 10, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 24, 2015
How are people finishing the edges of the wood cut outs and the hole edges when installing this product? I am planning to put this in a counter top being built over cabinets for a hobby-sewing room and realize the cut into it will leave a thick, unfinished edge. Any suggestions?
BEST ANSWER: If the materiel is particleboard, melamine, or plywood, iron-on veneer tape works like a charm. Just don't let the wife see you borrow her iron.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Arnold H on Nov 20, 2015
- Purchased on Dec 31, 2014
My Mother has arthritist in both her hands. Is this mechanism difficult to use, could a person with limited strength in their hans use it?
BEST ANSWER: I would say yes, as long as she can put weight on her arms, she can use her body weight to push down or hold back the lifting mechanism. With the weight of the machine on the platform it doesn't take a lot of extra strength to raise or lower.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- marc g on May 5, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 27, 2015
Hello, what material is this sewimg machine cabinet made of?
BEST ANSWER: the list I purchased will be installed in existing cabinet it was originally for a sing a Sears singer type sewing machine from 1968 or 930 I am however augmenting the back panels so be strong enough to handle the weight and operation of the list as well as the heavier sewing machine
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Gerald B on Apr 27, 2015
- Purchased on Apr 4, 2015
What is the mechanism overall height?
BEST ANSWER: From the top flange to the bottom, ours measures 19 3/8 inches.
Our unit has worked very well for a year. It is heavy duty.
Our unit has worked very well for a year. It is heavy duty.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Karen D on May 19, 2017
- Purchased on May 3, 2015
How much space is needed between the cutout and the rear wall of the cabinet? I need to replace the lift in an existing cabinet that mounts on each side of the cutout.
BEST ANSWER: I went 4 3/4 but I believe you can go as little as 3 1/2. I have pics taken from under the cabinet with a rule so you can see for yourself. Also I added a solid block under the base of the mechanism glued and screwed through the back because there is a great deal of pressure exerted when raising or lowering the machine. Find a way for me to send the pics. Allen
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Allen S on Sep 6, 2016
- Purchased on Dec 24, 2014
Will this sewing machine lift mechanism fit my 1968 Sears sewing machine cabinet?
BEST ANSWER: The mechanism will most probably "lift" most home sewing machines. Fitting in your cabinet is another matter. Someone will have to measure the top to bottom/side to side/front to back clearances to see if it will work.
Also, the back of the cabinet should be fairly robust for mounting and operating purposes.
I'm pretty sure Sears sold several different styles of sewing machine cabinets in 1968. There is no way of knowing if the lift mechanism will physically fit in your particular application. Sorry.
Also, the back of the cabinet should be fairly robust for mounting and operating purposes.
I'm pretty sure Sears sold several different styles of sewing machine cabinets in 1968. There is no way of knowing if the lift mechanism will physically fit in your particular application. Sorry.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Barry L on Aug 23, 2016
- Purchased on Jan 20, 2015
Can this be mounted from the side as well as the back? Thank you
BEST ANSWER: I think a machines weight is carried on the right side so you may be able to mount it on the right side of your cabinet if you have the machine as far to the right as possible but the lift is proportioned for back mount
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Carol H on Apr 25, 2017
- Purchased on Mar 31, 2017
I purchased a used sewing cabinet with a lift identical to this photo labeled "Horn of America" already installed but not fully functional. Is this the same lift pictured here? If so, how do I get the lift low enough so the front bar reaches the lowest bracket allowing it to lock into place? I have the lowest bracket adjusted up as far as it will go but I still need it to go down another 1 1/2"-2". The shaft that slides up and down on the rod inside the mechanism hits the bottom of the lift plate before the front bar reaches the bracket to lock it into place. Thank you.
BEST ANSWER: Yes, this looks like the same lift that I purchased from Rockler. I'm not sure what your issues is however. I fastened the top bracket to the underneath side of the top of the sewing cabinet. The bottom of the bracket was fastened to the side of the cabinet and there was no adjustment required since it's a solid bracket that fastens top and side. I did adjust the lift based on the heifht required so that the sewing machine was flush with the top of the cabinet. I did have to play with the adjustment to get the right height when the sewing machine was raised up above the cabinet for use. My only suggestion would be to "play" around with the adjustment and it should work.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- gary d on Nov 19, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 20, 2015
Do you think this can be retrofitted onto a Singer antique sewing table?
BEST ANSWER: I don't think so. The mechanism requires fixation under the surface and on the back or side and another at the bottom of the arm. My antique cabinet lacks the lower support but one could be added perhaps.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- PJN on Mar 16, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 24, 2016
my machine got "locked" on the bottom of the lift. how do I unlock it?
BEST ANSWER: Push down firmly on your sewing machine. The lock will release and the machine will rise
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Mary G on Aug 26, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 18, 2015
I am having difficult in lowering from flat to storage position.There is no locking pin.can you help?
BEST ANSWER: Push the unit down until it wants to stop; let it come up and then finish pushing it down until it hits the bottom stop. If you notice on the front of the unit, there is some offset slots. These facilitate the unit in ratcheting itself to the various positions.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Molly H on Jul 19, 2015
- Purchased on Mar 24, 2015
How do you get the lift to work?
BEST ANSWER: First release the lock. The lock is a simple lever that slides over a pin locater between the 2 shelf supper arms. Move the lever away from the pin. You may need to press down on the shelf/machine to get the lever to move. With the lock released press down on the shelf until you hear a click. Then release the pressure until you hear a second click. The machine can then be pushed down to the center or lowest position. When you hear another click release the pressure and the lift will lock in this position. The amount of force necessary to push it down will depend on the weight of your machine. Hope this helps!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Dale T on Jun 16, 2015
- Purchased on Feb 6, 2015
I have purchased this item from you several years ago and have finally gotten around to building the project but have lost installation instructions/template for cutout! Can you help me with this?
BEST ANSWER: The instructions for this system does not contain a template for the cutout as all machines are different. It states you should purchase an insert from the dealer you purchased your sewing machine from. I built a cabinet for my wife and placed the sewing machine on the table top and made the opening about a quarter inch larger then the machine all around it.Be sure to allow for the mounted electrical cord on the machine so it clears as the sewing machine comes up.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Richard N on May 19, 2015
- Purchased on Jan 5, 2015
I have a new tabletop sewing machine (Brother) and an old sewing machine cabinet. Does this kit work if I want to use it to mount my machine into the whole in the cabinet? The main reason I would like to do this is so the machine's work surface is level with a tabletop.
BEST ANSWER: Take a look at the example. You need a solid foundation to attach the lift mechanism. Solid bottom, back, and top. Open anywhere won't work. So, if your's is an enclosed cabinet, yes. If there are just legs with an opening below the surface of the work top, no.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Nell M on Mar 13, 2017
- Purchased on Mar 24, 2015
I have a sewing cabinet from Sears that I bought new in 1968. What I would like to know is if the sewing machine lift would work in that sewing cabinet?
BEST ANSWER: I just had my neighbor install this lift into a 1968 Singer cabinet and it works great! He mounted it to the back inside wall and put a wooden shelf/brace on bottom of lift attaching it to both back legs. He said it was easy and done in no time. So nice to have a place to store sewing machine -- he even put wheels on cabinet for me !
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Nancy G on Mar 2, 2017
- Purchased on Feb 9, 2017
How big is the hole width and length need answer soon!!?
BEST ANSWER: You make it the size of your sewing machine or a little bigger. The machine sits on a platform and is raised and lowered
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Carol H on Apr 25, 2017
- Purchased on Mar 31, 2017
Have a sewing area built like a desk with drawers on each side and top is formica. Will it be a problem to install the mechanism in this type of area?
BEST ANSWER: You will need a hole in the top for the machine to rise through. The hole would be determined by your machine dimensions to allow it to pass through the surface. The platform of the mechanism will need to be the same thickness as your formica to allow the machine to be at top level when in the highest position.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- PJN on Mar 16, 2016
- Purchased on Feb 24, 2016
Where can I buy this lift mechanism in the U.K.?
BEST ANSWER: i bought this item for a project for a friend and as of yet we haven't started on the project yet or even opened the box it's in. I got the hardware kit for plans to a sewing center at the same time. you might think about that. and the plans as a starting point. I guess the best luck for the lift would be to order it from america. Charles
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Charles H on Feb 11, 2016
- Purchased on Nov 22, 2014
Is this powered by electric or manual lifting and/or lowering? For the price it should be powered by a push of a button.
BEST ANSWER: It is manual lift but it is assisted lift. In my case If my sewing machine is in the "down" or "parked" position I just press slightly down and then let up on it and the machine comes all the way up to table height. My machine is quite heavy and this mechanism handles it well. You can set stops at table height ( for attachments like embroidery deck) or a few inches lower so the machine deck is at table height, then at the park position.
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- Sharon E on Feb 9, 2016
- Purchased on Jan 22, 2015
How deep is the actual lift mechanism less the lift arms?
BEST ANSWER: It is 15inches. Hope this helps.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Larry T on Aug 30, 2015
- Purchased on Dec 3, 2014
Reviews
4.8 / 5.0
49 Reviews
Installation of this lift was much...
Installation of this lift was much easier than expected. Directions for adjustment would have been nice, but the mechanism was pretty straight forward. My wife loves the sewing cabinet I built her. The three heights (full up/table level & storage) allow to her get full use out of her sewing machine.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (18) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
April 28, 2008
- Was this review helpful? Yes (18) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
I am much impressed how easy...
I am much impressed how easy it was to install and how easy it is for my wife to raise and lower sewing machine. This unit realizes multiple stops or hight adjustments for the sew machine so the unit is very versatile
- Was this review helpful? Yes (12) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
January 5, 2008
- Was this review helpful? Yes (12) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Easy to install and adjust but...
Easy to install and adjust but don't tell my wife. She thinks I'm a hero!
- Was this review helpful? Yes (9) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
February 21, 2008
- Was this review helpful? Yes (9) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
The Rockler tech support rep answered...
The Rockler tech support rep answered my questions prior to purchase so that I was confident that the sewing machine lift would work in a retrofit of my wife's old Singer cabinet. The project went smoothly and we are very happy with the result.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (7) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
September 8, 2008
- Was this review helpful? Yes (7) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Met my needs and easy to...
Met my needs and easy to retrofit into an existing cabinet from an older machine.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (5) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
January 29, 2008
- Was this review helpful? Yes (5) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
I purchased the lift and plans...
I purchased the lift and plans for my wife. The plans were modified to meet the need. The lift has worked every time and makes the cabinet that much better. My wife has been very happy with her sewing cabinet and has a few friends green because they can not purchase one like it.The cabinet is made of maple with the lift board framed in cherry. I inserted a tile in the right flip lid for use of an iron.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
September 12, 2009
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
I bought the sewing machine lift...
I bought the sewing machine lift mechanism about 2 months ago to install on an office desk that I am converting into a sewing machine cabinet. I installed it last week after putting it off all this time. I am a novice woodworker and was concerned it would be too difficult to install and align. I had read a number of complaints about the fact that the lift doesn't bring enough installation instructions. I install it and adjusted it to fit my cabinet and Brother Innov-80 sewing machine with no problem. The instructions could not be simpler. The mechanism is heavy but even I a petite woman was able to move it. I did need to have someone hold it while I marked the holes and placed the screws. Even this could be done by one person alone, if you lay the cabinet on its back. It is a great product.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
January 17, 2011
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
I am very impressed with this...
I am very impressed with this lift, at this price. I'm building a sewing cabinet for my wife, as I've found that any grade above 'cheap pressboard quality' is well over the $1,200 mark. I've been looking for a decent air lift, and most manufacturers don't seem to sell them direct, and the ones that were available are over $300 for the lift alone. I was unsure what I was getting, but expected quality from Rockler. It arrived this week - this is the same Horn brand airlift that is available elsewhere for $350+, and used in their $2,000 tables. I am thoroughly impressed at the quality and price.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
August 10, 2012
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Love this product
I purchased 3 lifts. I love the convenience of being able to drop my machines down below the surface so I can have more counter space when needed or raise to sewing level then to the counter surface for the embroidery unit
. It is so easy to lower & raise the machines. I highly recommend this product and the company.
. It is so easy to lower & raise the machines. I highly recommend this product and the company.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (3) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (3) No (1)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Replaced a nonfunctioning lift
I have a Horn sewing cabinet, and the lift was damaged during a move and would not move. I used this lift to replace the nonfunctioning one. I had to drill new holes as the holes on this lift did not match up with the holes for the original lift. It is great to be able to lower the sewing machine for storage or to use the entire table surface for other purposes or raise the sewing machine to use the free arm. The lift is easy to use and was easy to install. I'm a 69 year old female who is not afraid to use an electric drill.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
January 24, 2016
- Was this review helpful? Yes (2) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
