Arrow 98700 Bertha Sewing Cabinet for large machines - Oak Finish Review

98700

Rec'd cabinet within 5 days of order! Assembled this afternoon and began sewing. I found this to be an ergonomic pleasure. Set up is simple and will be better when insert arrives. Solid construction. Easy to move and stable when wheel locks are set.

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Poor design at sitting area

Love the cabinet but the front sitting area is a poor design. Where you sit your legs will hit the wood piece across the front and your thighs will rub on the magnets. If you lower your chair to accommodate then you are sewing with your arms up in the air & the purpose of sewing in correct posture is defeated.( I purchased the Koala Sew Comforts Chair which is awesome!) I am not… read more a big person, (5’5”/size 14) but you would have to sit tall and have stick legs to be comfortable. Arrow obviously didn’t think this through: you should. It is not the sellers fault!

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It's large but design issues

The Bertha provides you with more than enough sewing/quilting space. If that is your main concern, you'll be quite happy with this cabinet. The doors have bins that provide quick access to your most used sewing items and thread, another nice feature. Here's what I don't like:
You can't put the leaves down unless you are closing the cabinet. If you don't need to use them, other… read more than the quilting extension table in the front - you can't put them down. I see this as a design flaw.
The leaf on the left of the cabinet when you are sitting to sew is too long for the small support provided to hold it. I can see this warping over time due to inadequate support. I have mine supported by two tension curtain rods.
I'd love this cabinet a lot more if I could lower the leaves to the sides when I don't need them, but it is just not an option.
It took me a while to assemble and Bert's Bees Wax lip balm or another lubricant for the long screws is a must. All the parts where there and the instructions were easy enough to follow.

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Assembly directions not written well.

After waiting for a replacement of a part constructed backwards, my husband and I found the instructions often times frustrating. The steps did not flow well from one step to the next and screw numbers were often confusing. We used the videos as well as the paper directions. We're not inexperienced DIYers. One wing nut wasn't threaded, and the left door magnet strikes the strike… read more plate right at the brass screw, so it doesn't latch - we'll fix that by purchasing a steel screw. On a positive note, customer service was very understanding and polite. A little bummed I didn't qualify for the free light, but I understand the timing on special offers.

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Not Solid Wood

The sewing cabinet looks nice and is spacious. We had some difficulty putting it together. With the instruction video(which was not of good quality) and the written instructions we managed to put it together. I was disappointed that it was not solid wood, but a laminated composite. For the list price and even the sale price, it should have been more substantially made. The acrylic… read more insert really makes it look nice. Their customer service is good and service is prompt. My main disappointment and problem with the Bertha cabinet is the material it is made of.

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Love being able to sit directly in front of the needle!

I love the larger opening on this desk so that I can sit in front of the needle when sewing. I do wish the left leaf had better support. The ‘wing’ that supports is quite short and I worry that if someone leans on the leaf it will break. Otherwise, it’s a great desk!

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Good price

Good price for what it is. Fits my machine, easy to use. Had to re drill about half of pilot holes as they were to small. Magnetic closures do not work good at all, I will be buying new ones to replace them.

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Looks god

The cabinet is sturdy with a nice finish. The directions do leave a lot to be desired though...there are steps missing in both the video and the owner's manual, but between the two, my husband and I got it put together. With the machine, the cabinet is not easy to move on carpet. I do love the sliding quilt attachment on the back of the cabinet. When working on larger quilts, it… read more really helps to have that open and carry the weight while stitching together or free hand quilting. I got in on sale and am pleased overall with the purchase. I would recommend it to quilters.

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Nice cabinet. Verify machine will fit.

My machine doesn’t quite fit which was disappointing after we got it assembled. Have to remove the tray and then large gap but not unusable. Just not what I pictured.

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Wished we could still use wood instead of pressed wood but then we wouldn't be able to afford the product.

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Owner

I absolutely love my "Bertha" and "Suzi". I was worried about having enough work space but the "Bertha" has everything I need. Such a pleasure to sew and Embroider with this wonderful cabinet.

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Loving Bertha!

Hubby bought this for me for my birthday July 2011. It took him 2hrs and 55min by himself to put together, not one part was missing and the directions were great. The sewing and embroidery machines I have are a pleasure to work with now, plenty of room, it's very comfortable to sit at. The cabinet is in my living room as my sewing room is already full. It's a great looking piece… read more of furniture when closed up. I would recommend this to anyone. I have another Arrow cabinet also that my husband uses. Thank you for a great product. Now I need an insert!! Carolyn Havens Navasota, Tx

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Nice cabinet!

I received the cabinet in record time. Ordered on Sunday and it was delivered on Wednesday. It is very nice. I have to say that the assembly is a real issue. It takes 2 people at several different times in the process. You will need a metric socket set to tighten some of the bolts so we had to purchase to complete the cabinet. My husband is very handy and it has taken him several… read more hours to complete the assembly. Otherwise, I look forward to using this cabinet . It has a lot of surface space where I can lay my quilts for attaching binding and finishing the large tops.
Thank you ,SewingMachinesPlus
PS: Would be worth paying someone to assemble it if you are not handy with tools and such.

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Good Deal and Great Price

My Wife is very Happy with this Cabinet. And as every Husband knows "A Happy Wife, A Happy Life". Nuff Said.

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Very pleased with purchase

Arrived quickly & in perfect condition

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Nice sewing cabinet!

This is a great sewing table! It's perfect for the location; compact when not in use and large when needed.

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Happy Customer

I am really enjoying my cabinet. My husband had a few challenges with assembly but they were mitigated by watching the video. I advise watching it first thing and may be having your tablet ready to watch step by step.
Delivery was timely even in this COVID world. My acrylic insert came one week later and fits well.

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Really nice quality!

Our 34 year old daughter assembled this for me. It is very well designed and planned. I love the organizing trays!

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