Router table design problem

[David Merzel]

I am building a router table into the extension of my table saw. I am having trouble deciding how far back from the edge I should center the opening. Router tables I have seen at suppliers have 12" from front edge to center of the hole. This seems a bit far back but does give good space for the work piece. Any advice on avoiding too much reaching/leaning vs. optimal support for wider pieces? What did most of you guys do for your tables?

[glenn bradley]

You have the advantage of building it to fit your height and reach. I find with my elbows at my side and my forearms parallel to the floor, my fingertips are just shy of the bit position. This works well for me, provides enough table real estate and avoids reaching. Mine is 12-5/8". YMMV.

[Mike Goetzke]

I am building a router table into the extension of my table saw. I am having trouble deciding how far back from the edge I should center the opening. Router tables I have seen at suppliers have 12" from front edge to center of the hole. This seems a bit far back but does give good space for the work piece. Any advice on avoiding too much reaching/leaning vs. optimal support for wider pieces? What did most of you guys do for your tables?

Mine is at lease 12" from the edge of the table to the center of the bit (for ref. this is a 9-1/4"x11-3/4" router plate):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/mbg/Unisaw%20Cabinet/IMG_0684_11_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/mbg/Unisaw%20Cabinet/IMG_0902_1_1.jpg