We have this great old sewing machine table. 

I especially love the fold out flap to extend the space.  I need a kitchen cabinet with a small conuter top.  Time to make some adjustments.

I took out that shelf that was too close to possibly use.  It was to hold up a sewing machine through the working surface.  I took the braces for the shelf down and put them aside.  Then I added a couple 2x4s to the base to give it a little height.

I put the braces for the shelf a little lower so that it was functional shelf space.  You can see where they used to be.  The sewing table was well built by my grandfather a long time ago so it was hard to take apart.

Next I took the block that had filled the hole for the sewing machine, and turned it perpendiclar to the hole.  I screwed it in place, forming the opening for the compost bucket.  It also gives you a raised work surface.

I put the shelf back in place on the braces in their new, lowered position.

I took a big, flat piece of wood and propped it up on 2x4s to make a cutting board surface. It is also a taller surface, in case you are tall and it comes off of the counter as a separate work surface in case you need extra room.  I like that it covers the opening for the compost bin too.

I put a bucket under for the compost bin, perfectly under the opening.  I added a small piece of wood next to the bucket so that it could be perfectly lined up every time.  We call this the “off grid garbage disposal.”

Now to put all the stuff away!