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 49 questions
Browse 49 questions
and 185 answers
Why did you choose this?
Rockler Store
Good reviews and it was recommended for the cabinet I built
TERESA P
on Apr 24, 2018
Saw it on the computer and liked what I saw as well as the reviews I read.
Mary L
on Mar 11, 2018
Good reviews and it was recommended for the cabinet I built
TERESA P
on Apr 24, 2018
Cause it was vertical and seems to have a nice personality.
Justin P
on Mar 22, 2018
My airlift seems to be stuck in the lowest position. It has worked well up to now. My husband can't even press down hard enough so that the mechanism will work. No, the locking latch is not engaged. How can we fix this?
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
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
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
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
Ok my wife wants to know if this lift will bring the sewing surface even with the top of cabinet but then can it go higher to change a bobbin when needed??
BEST ANSWER: yes, absolutely, there are 3 settings and you can set them anywhere you like. The bottom setting is for when it is put away but that leaves 2 more setting to have it above the work table top or level. {or both} It really is an excellent mechanical lift. I built the cabinet and was a little shaky about installing this but it is terrific in my opinion. I'd send a photo but no way to attach it. You shouldn't have any problem.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Don T on Apr 5, 2018
- Purchased on May 9, 2016
Does the bracket attach to the underside of the cabinet tabletop?
BEST ANSWER: The short answer to your question is, "Yes." My husband built the cabinet for my sewing machine, and the machine sits on a wooden platform (similar to a tabletop). The bracket is attached to the platform. In my cabinet, the platform is always lower than the work surface because I have a plexiglass panel that fits the shape of the machine and creates a flat sewing surface. Even so, the bracket is directly attached to the underside of the platform that holds the machine. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. The lift mechanism is a dandy invention and a quality product.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Carolyn P on Mar 5, 2018
- Purchased on May 29, 2016
I have the Bernina 880 plus will this work for my machine? Weight and size?
BEST ANSWER: I don’t recall the maximum weight, but surely it is specified in the product description of the lift. As beefy as the lift is, it’s hard to imagine that it wouldn’t accommodate any machine; but check the specifications to be sure.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Carolyn P on Apr 17, 2018
- Purchased on May 29, 2016
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
My machine is very large and heavy, do you have that will lift 50 - 60 pounds?
BEST ANSWER: My wife's machine was just over 40 lbs. with a a 9" x 15" footprint and the lift works perfectly. I believe the lit will handle something heavier that her machine, just not sure how much.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Robert D on Aug 3, 2017
- Purchased on Aug 30, 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
Can this lift be installed in a vintage (over 100 years old) Singer Treadle sewing machine cabinet?
BEST ANSWER: Don’t believe there’s enough backing to mount this in an old cabinet like my grandmother had.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Margaret G on Feb 21, 2018
- Purchased on Apr 7, 2016
What is the dimension from the very top bracket to the bottom bracket - I see no number for that?
BEST ANSWER: 19 1/4" Top to bottom..
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- christi h on Jan 24, 2018
- Purchased on Apr 2, 2016
Reviews
4.8 / 5.0
65 Reviews
Hard to Find Item
This works like a charm!!! It’s so convenient and now my machine is in the proper position so my neck doesn’t pain me!
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
sewing machine cabinet with lift Mechanism
Love this cabinet. Lots storage. Extra table to side for serger.
Margaret G
Margaret G
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Excellent equipment.
The mechanism finally allows me to see flat!
I love my sewing cabinet with lift mechanism, built by my husband.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
If you need to lower a sewing machine this is the lift you need.
It is fantastic and was no problem to install which was what I was ?? looking for.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Easy to install works great
Installed the lift in my wife’s antique sewing cabinet and it turned out great. Very easy to install.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
A very nice lift mechanism.
A very nice lift mechanism. Easy to install and adjust. Works well with the Janome 6300.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (1) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Horn Lift
This lift fit our over 25 year old Horn sewing cabinet perfectly. It was very simple to install and didn't require any adjustments for our particular cabinet. Even though it didn't have any install instruction any DIY handyman can install it relatively quickly and easily. It works like a charm and my wife is completely satisfied.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Quality product
Weak on installation instructions and supplies but other than that a great product. Wife is really happy with it.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
Love my lift.
Love. The lift. Mine broke and now I am spoiled again.
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
- Was this review helpful? Yes (0) No (0)
- Flag as Inappropriate
