Sewing table project (Part 1)

So this is the project inside a project.  I got the REX 607z walking foot sewing machine and need somewhere to mount it.  I had it on a simple folding table which wasn't sturdy enough, plus the machine is designed to be mounted into a table so that the material feeds straight into it.  I was able to do my first project, which was replacing a zipper in my boat windshield, but this setup wasn't ideal.  So I looked for another option which didn't involve purchasing a dedicated sewing table.  The reason not to buy one is the cost and size.  I wanted to be able to break the table down for storage.  The folding table was an option but as I mentioned it wasn't sturdy enough and second I didn't want to cut a hole into the perfectly good folding table.  So I had this piece of counter top from my recent counter top replacement and that seemed to fit the bill well.  I also needed to mount the table to strong legs, so I found some screw on table legs at IKEA that held 110#s per leg.  These also are easily removed from for easy storage.  Not quite a fold down but pretty easy to do.  With the materials chosen the  next step is the cut out for the machine.  This took some measurements on the machine and some transferring to a paper pattern.  Once I had the layout I drilled into the corners of the cutout pattern and connected these with a jig saw.  Now this works, but there was one task left which is fully recessing the machine so the bed is flush. If you look at the pictures below you see there is a 1/8 or 3/16 lip which is ok to leave but ideally this would be flush with the table top.  I left this detail to finish but then I was inspired to not only recess my machine but taking it a step further create a cut out template for the through hole and then create a routing jig to be used with a router and bushing attachment to create the cut out.  This process is detailed in the Part 2 to this entry.  

Game of thrones Season 4 Analysis

So I haven't comment, because I have enjoyed the season, but popular culture has documented the highlights of the season.  All I would be doing is pilling on.  Peter Dinkledge was excellent in the trial of the halfman.  No need to type that.  What I want to comment on is all the missing characters and not so much that all the missing depth.  The HBO series which has now been the most popular series over the Sopranos, is Game of Thrones Light.  If you like the show you should have read the book.  I say should have because it is spoiled for you now. You have missed all the depth in the character development that made the books so good.  I want to talk about the missing characters or more so if they are in the show how hollow they are.  Let's talk about Belwise (spelling is wrong) the hero of the slave pits who fought for Dany in all the major battles.  What about the dire wolves? they were an integral part of the story.  The various black brothers who in their small way contributed to the depth of the story.  How about the wilding leaders who each had a interesting back story and of by the way how about the other types of wilding creatures and peoples?  This is why the series just isn't the same.  Am I a bitter book reader, no.  But I want everyone to enjoy Game of Thrones as I have.  Enjoy the show, but you are missing something....

Day at the races and the next project

Old Hilltop or Pimlico

I have been checking stuff my bucket list (if I finish it do I die?)  left and right: First horse racing track live event attended. I went with my dad and his friends, who he told me over the years they make a yearly trek to the track.  I have been waiting to do it for years.  I played and went 3 for 4.  I think I like this, but if you know me you know this would be up my alley.  Actually, it reminds me of the first real gambling experience of my life which was playing the horse race game in a casino on Grand Bahama when I was 17.  That was really fun, but this real thing is another level.  It turns out racing here in Baltimore now is only about a month so that is a good thing...

Here they are crossing the finish on the turf track.  

Here is crossing the finish on the dirt. 

Pretty amazing animals.  More people should appreciate this sport so it doesn't die out.  I think lots of younger people would love it if they went.  

So my next random overspent project, where I do the usual and spend more than it would have cost to get it done professionally.  See this hearkens back to the last sewing project where I should have used a better machine.  So I got one, which is a walking foot machine which I should have used for the dog collars and the coaming pads:

http://www.sewingmachineoutlet.com/rex607z.htm

Here's what I am doing, repairing the zipper of the windshield. This was repaired about 4 years ago with plastic tooth zippers, which I learned shouldn't be used on curves.  I got #10 coil type zippers which is what I should've used from the beginning.