I recently built this very large (total 60” x 48”) sewing table for my spouse. I used distressed oak that occurs from disease or insects and causes the dark streaks in the wood. In my opinion, it gives it a beautiful appearance compared to just basic oak. But because it was oak, it was definitely hard to work with. I don’t mind hard – hardwoods, but sometimes you forget how many blades you have to go through when you build with the harder woods.
This table has a sewing machine lift to raise and lower the sewing machine or to completely hide it away for storage. I got it at Rockler, and while I must admit it is very strong and works great, it was not cheap. Also, it was a little tricky getting it set in just the right place, but after checking and rechecking, I finally felt comfortable cutting the hole. It worked out perfectly.
I used folding leaf brackets to raise and lower the back leaf, and while it works okay, if I were to do it again, I’d just use regular hinges and put legs on the leaf. I had to put a supporting leg on it anyway, since it was so heavy when fully extended that it tipped the main table. That was a design flaw that I was able to manage, but it didn’t work the way I intended.
I used breadboard ends simply to add a bit of a feature to something that might have seemed pretty plain without it. And finally, I used epoxy to finish the top to make sure it was super smooth to run fabric across. It seems to have had the intended effect, but I truly do not like working with epoxy. It is so messy and nasty in the shop.