I re-did a Singer sewing machine table over a year ago. Although I liked the look, the top didn’t seem worthy or strong enough for this heavy treadle base.
As I was readying for Glendale 2016, I dragged this out of the back of the garage for a little makeover.
I tested out an option for the top of this Singer treadle machine—a desk top I didn’t use when I made the dressing table out of a desk. This is the top of the desk turned with the front to the back.
Here I’m testing it with the front facing forward. After weighing the options, I decided it would be better to be left with a small scrap that is curvy (for a future project) rather than a straight routed piece.
I used the table saw to rip the desk top into a more narrow/useful piece for the Singer sewing machine base. Look for that cut off piece coming in a project in the future. I never throw anything away!
I mixed up some diy chalky paint primer with plaster of paris and some flat paint in my favorite black color Beluga.
As always I begin my project with the base upside down and the table top’s underneath side. I used my Homeright Finish Max to spray the chalky paint primer on the top and the base.
not shown: I applied 2 light coats of the very flat primer, then switched to Beluga in Satin. To protect the table top, I sealed it with Minwax Polycrylic.
To give the raised lettering a little color to make it stand out I used rub-n-buff (Patina). If you’ve never used this, it’s so easy! You literally just rub it on anything that you want to highlight. One little tube will last forever, because you only need a tiny bit. It comes in 16 colors!
I didn’t attach the top to the base because I knew it would be difficult to carry through the huge crowds at Glendale. It really worked out for the best. Three women carried it off, two with the base and the third one with the table top. I think it will make the perfect sofa or hall table. Cutting the desk top to a more narrow piece really made all the difference for this project.
What would you do with the curvy part I ripped off the original desk top?
gail
marilyn says
July 5, 2018 at 12:40 pmA year or so go, I made a table from my sewing machine base. I actually used plywood for the top, well sanded of course add stained it with a dark walnut and polyurethane over that. It looks great in my living room, and without a close inspection no one, even me notices that it is plywood. I also did not attach the top, for same reason., moving.
I have refinished the coffin for the sewing machine and it looks great, but still no idea how to use it for something other than a sewing machine cover.
Gail Wilson says
July 5, 2018 at 5:53 pmohhh, I’m sorry. I guess I’m of no help. I’m having a difficult time seeing what you’re talking about.
gail
Jennie says
November 30, 2016 at 3:20 pmThe desk was fabulous, I love the use of patina rub n buff. It’s so easy to over do that. And the added perk, you can exercise while you’re working ????. Oh, so many ideas for that little piece of wood that you cut off. Of course there is always the tried and true coat hook (unnecessary here in the desert southwest). I think it could be used as a backsplash for a small bar, or bathroom vanity. It could be hung on the wall with a sign or chalk board hung from it with hooks. Oh, what about a frame shelf down a hall way or a dish rack over a buffet. Maybe a pretty crown over a window or mirror frame. It could be the front of a wall box to toss keys, gloves, and stuff in, or make a metal box to go inside the wall box and use it as a long skinny indoor herb garden. Can’t wait to see what you make with it.
Linda says
November 30, 2016 at 2:01 pmYes, the top you used does look better in terms of scale. I love the rub and buff, and I have some somewhere – but wanted to complement you on this good job!
Gail Wilson says
November 30, 2016 at 2:20 pmThanks Linda!
I have lots of colors of rub-n-buff. It’s so easy to use!
gail
Christina in FL says
November 30, 2016 at 1:00 pmBEAUTIFUL job with the Singer table! I mean, if I can’t have a working machine in that base then… a table it is. 🙂 (Can you tell I long for an old Singer treadle machine? 🙂
The curvy part would make a wonderful shelf!!!
Gail Wilson says
November 30, 2016 at 2:03 pmChristina,
I hope you find a singer base someday very soon! 🙂
The curvy part did make a wonderful shelf. Look for it on the blog after the first of the year.
gail
Patty says
November 30, 2016 at 12:30 pmGail I love what you did with the Singer base. I bought one over 40 years ago. At first it had a small butcher block top on it – from a broken dishwasher. Then I bought a large piece of butcher block and had it as an island in the kitchen. I found a beautiful thick butcher block at Habitat Restore so I put the table in my craft room and my sewing machine is on it. My son gave me a bottom with the top intact and I also have that in my craft room. I think you were right when you cut the top. I love your ideas.
Gail Wilson says
November 30, 2016 at 2:02 pmThank you Patty for your comment. Those sewing machine bases are indestructable, and are so handy for so many projects and uses!
A butcher block top is perfect for the kitchen and the craft room!
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail