<p>Short answer:  Works fine!</p>
<p>Caveats - I don't have all the parts from the cabinet, so there are some potential problems</p>
<ul>
<li>Oil drips falling from machine to whatever is stashed inside the cabinet</li>
<li>User could touch moving parts underneath</li>
<li>Dropping something through the treadle power hatch while in use</li>
<li>Dropping the whole machine off its hinges when stowed.</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/JpgsosR2.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/JpgsosR2.jpg" alt="Hinge zoom from Singer lunchbox case" /></a><br>Zooming in on the old hinge, shows the flat for the grub screw.  I ended up making a new lid for this box, and filling it with Gridfinity boxes for storage.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/md6y6pcD.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/md6y6pcD.jpg" alt="Tilt bracket in Lunchbox case" /></a><br>The &quot;lunchbox&quot; case has this little prop on the right-hand side.  There is nowhere to connect it to on the floor cabinet, so changing the bobbin means laying the whole machine back.   (the 306 bobbin is underneath the machine, not accessed through the footplate like a 201.)
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/bZw0l5iU.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/bZw0l5iU.jpg" alt="Crooked hinge" /></a><br>The hinges were not exactly well-made.  Some filing was required to make it sit flush and flat.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/pYmmE5fg.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/pYmmE5fg.jpg" alt="Chinese Hinges" /></a><br> Close up of the hinges, showing filing needed.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/pzVVUpQf.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/pzVVUpQf.jpg" alt="Screws" /></a><br> I pulled a screw from the cabinet's lid hinge, and they're too small.  The screw for the two machine hinges is thicker and slightly longer.  I found a couple in my misc screws jar and cleaned them up on a wire wheel.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/r5tv9SkZ.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/r5tv9SkZ.jpg" alt="Singer 306 lowered into the cabinet" /></a><br> The entire weight of the machine is hanging from the two hinges when its lowered.  This feels unwise - the whole machine is supported by only two grub screws into the two hinges.  I will not store the machine stowed normally.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/c8IpckgY.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/c8IpckgY.jpg" alt="Right-hand end photo of Singer 306" /></a><br>I need to cut something to fill that hole, but not interfere with lowering.  At the moment, that's where I'd normally stow scissors.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/0kOYY4NC.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/0kOYY4NC.jpg" alt="Underneath photo" /></a><br> There is nothing under the machine, to catch oil or prevent the user from touching a rotating part.  There should be a large curved piece of thin wood.
<br><br>
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/rza1wtkZ.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/rza1wtkZ.jpg" alt="Another hinge photo and Singer rebuild info" /></a><br>I also took the chance to replace the bobbin winder tyre, and other misc parts.  Was not expensive, and provides the finishing touches.  Be aware to not block an oil port thinking it is a thread holder peg.</p>
<p>Other learnings: The Singer 306 uses a weird shorter needle length.  If you use the wrong one, it will hit the bobbin-holder case and cause damage to both.</p>
<p>ALSO you need L-style bobbins which are not the same as regular A-style bobbins.   All these things were found on Aliexpress.</p>
<p>My 306k does NOT have pattern disks / fashion disks, which is disappointing but not a huge loss.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2024-07-30T21:24:50.810Z
2024-07-30T21:24:50.810Z
Criggie
<p>I have a vintage Singer 306 with a clip-on cover and a wooden cabinet from another Singer.  I wish to install the machine into the cabinet.  What items do I need, and what else have I failed to consider?</p>
<p>The cabinet has lost all its treadle components at some time in the past.  The only trace remaining are screw holes.</p>
<p><strong>1. Hinges at the rear:</strong></p>
<p>I have these hinges at the moment:<br />
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/6jzVOaBM.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Photo of one hinge on a Singer 306 sewing machine"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/6jzVOaBM.png" alt="Photo of one hinge on a Singer 306 sewing machine" title="Photo of one hinge on a Singer 306 sewing machine" /></a></p>
<p>and I believe I need two of this style, and wood screws:
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/TPYecxJj.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Photo of one hinge on a different Singer sewing machine that has a larger mounting head"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/TPYecxJj.png" alt="Photo of one hinge on a different Singer sewing machine that has a larger mounting head" title="Photo of one hinge on a different Singer sewing machine that has a larger mounting head" /></a></p>
<p>I have found these <a href="https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004775511916.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.444c5c22RIJIAO&amp;mp=1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Black Sewing Machine Cabinet Hinge Fit For Singer 15-30 +</a> knockoff/aftermarket hinges.</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/mdMoi71D.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer" title="Product image for a similar cabinet hinge for a Singer 15-30 +"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/mdMoi71D.png" alt="Product image for a similar cabinet hinge for a Singer 15-30 +" title="Product image for a similar cabinet hinge for a Singer 15-30 +" /></a><br> They appear to be correct and I have ordered.</p>
<p><strong>2. Cover plate</strong>
Where the treadle strap used to go - <em>not sure of a name for this</em>:
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/AJkBAwe8.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/AJkBAwe8.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>I think this plate is cosmetic, and serves to stop scissors from dropping down.  What would you call it?</p>
<p>Here's my machine mocked up on the cabinet, showing the gap on the right:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/xVrLSQ3i.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/xVrLSQ3i.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p><strong>3. Curved board</strong></p>
<p>When the machine is folded away, there is supposed to be a thin &quot;knee board&quot;   This cabinet lacks any of that.  Does it serve any purpose?</p>
<p>Does the machine just hang under its own weight from the two hinges when stowed?</p>
<p>And - what else have I overlooked?</p>

<sewing-machine>
Converting Lunchbox Singer sewing machine to Cabinet mount?
Criggie
# Converting Lunchbox Singer sewing machine to Cabinet mount?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2024-07-07)

I have a vintage Singer 306 with a clip-on cover and a wooden cabinet from another Singer. I wish to install the machine into the cabinet. What items do I need, and what else have I failed to consider?

The cabinet has lost all its treadle components at some time in the past. The only trace remaining are screw holes.

**1. Hinges at the rear:**

I have these hinges at the moment:  
[![Photo of one hinge on a Singer 306 sewing machine](https://i.sstatic.net/6jzVOaBM.png "Photo of one hinge on a Singer 306 sewing machine")](https://i.sstatic.net/6jzVOaBM.png "Photo of one hinge on a Singer 306 sewing machine")

and I believe I need two of this style, and wood screws:
[![Photo of one hinge on a different Singer sewing machine that has a larger mounting head](https://i.sstatic.net/TPYecxJj.png "Photo of one hinge on a different Singer sewing machine that has a larger mounting head")](https://i.sstatic.net/TPYecxJj.png "Photo of one hinge on a different Singer sewing machine that has a larger mounting head")

I have found these [Black Sewing Machine Cabinet Hinge Fit For Singer 15-30 +](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004775511916.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.444c5c22RIJIAO&mp=1) knockoff/aftermarket hinges.

[![Product image for a similar cabinet hinge for a Singer 15-30 +](https://i.sstatic.net/mdMoi71D.png "Product image for a similar cabinet hinge for a Singer 15-30 +")](https://i.sstatic.net/mdMoi71D.png "Product image for a similar cabinet hinge for a Singer 15-30 +")  
 They appear to be correct and I have ordered.

**2. Cover plate**
Where the treadle strap used to go - *not sure of a name for this*:
[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/AJkBAwe8.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/AJkBAwe8.jpg)

I think this plate is cosmetic, and serves to stop scissors from dropping down. What would you call it?

Here's my machine mocked up on the cabinet, showing the gap on the right:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/xVrLSQ3i.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/xVrLSQ3i.png)

**3. Curved board**

When the machine is folded away, there is supposed to be a thin "knee board" This cabinet lacks any of that. Does it serve any purpose?

Does the machine just hang under its own weight from the two hinges when stowed?

And - what else have I overlooked?

**Tags:** sewing-machine


---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_0 on 2024-07-30. Score: 0

Short answer: Works fine!

Caveats - I don't have all the parts from the cabinet, so there are some potential problems

* Oil drips falling from machine to whatever is stashed inside the cabinet
* User could touch moving parts underneath
* Dropping something through the treadle power hatch while in use
* Dropping the whole machine off its hinges when stowed.

---

[![Hinge zoom from Singer lunchbox case](https://i.sstatic.net/JpgsosR2.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/JpgsosR2.jpg)  
Zooming in on the old hinge, shows the flat for the grub screw. I ended up making a new lid for this box, and filling it with Gridfinity boxes for storage.
  
  
[![Tilt bracket in Lunchbox case](https://i.sstatic.net/md6y6pcD.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/md6y6pcD.jpg)  
The "lunchbox" case has this little prop on the right-hand side. There is nowhere to connect it to on the floor cabinet, so changing the bobbin means laying the whole machine back. (the 306 bobbin is underneath the machine, not accessed through the footplate like a 201.)
  
  
[![Crooked hinge](https://i.sstatic.net/bZw0l5iU.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/bZw0l5iU.jpg)  
The hinges were not exactly well-made. Some filing was required to make it sit flush and flat.
  
  
[![Chinese Hinges](https://i.sstatic.net/pYmmE5fg.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/pYmmE5fg.jpg)  
 Close up of the hinges, showing filing needed.
  
  
[![Screws](https://i.sstatic.net/pzVVUpQf.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/pzVVUpQf.jpg)  
 I pulled a screw from the cabinet's lid hinge, and they're too small. The screw for the two machine hinges is thicker and slightly longer. I found a couple in my misc screws jar and cleaned them up on a wire wheel.
  
  
[![Singer 306 lowered into the cabinet](https://i.sstatic.net/r5tv9SkZ.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/r5tv9SkZ.jpg)  
 The entire weight of the machine is hanging from the two hinges when its lowered. This feels unwise - the whole machine is supported by only two grub screws into the two hinges. I will not store the machine stowed normally.
  
  
[![Right-hand end photo of Singer 306](https://i.sstatic.net/c8IpckgY.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/c8IpckgY.jpg)  
I need to cut something to fill that hole, but not interfere with lowering. At the moment, that's where I'd normally stow scissors.
  
  
[![Underneath photo](https://i.sstatic.net/0kOYY4NC.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/0kOYY4NC.jpg)  
 There is nothing under the machine, to catch oil or prevent the user from touching a rotating part. There should be a large curved piece of thin wood.
  
  
[![Another hinge photo and Singer rebuild info](https://i.sstatic.net/rza1wtkZ.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/rza1wtkZ.jpg)  
I also took the chance to replace the bobbin winder tyre, and other misc parts. Was not expensive, and provides the finishing touches. Be aware to not block an oil port thinking it is a thread holder peg.

Other learnings: The Singer 306 uses a weird shorter needle length. If you use the wrong one, it will hit the bobbin-holder case and cause damage to both.

ALSO you need L-style bobbins which are not the same as regular A-style bobbins. All these things were found on Aliexpress.

My 306k does NOT have pattern disks / fashion disks, which is disappointing but not a huge loss.


---

