Another router table question - overhang for clamping

[Edward Morimoto]

Thanks to the forum for being generous with their opinions for my pending router table build.

So based on that input, I am planning on building the base cabinet myself and, despite some folks' belief of its limited utility, I will have a miter slot in the top. Given that I should be able to use the latter for featherboard mounting, is there ANY reason to leave much of a top overhang? My kneejerk thought was to size the cabinet leaving maybe 1 1/2" - 2" of overhang but that would be to allow for some clamping area. For the life of me, I cannot think of any cases where I would want/need to clamp something down to the router table (unless its being used for some other purpose), in which case I might enlarge the base cabinet dimensions and just leave a small reveal for aesthetic purposes.

Any reasons to think otherwise?

[ChrisA Edwards]

Nothing wrong with an overhang around all four sides as long as it doesn't interfere with your reach to the center of the cut. I'd give myself about 3", if you clamping handle is a screw kind below the table and you hang a full cabinet, you need to allow a bit of room to get a decent grip on the clamp handle.

[Jay Aubuchon]

I would leave an overhang for clamping. You never know what accessory you might want to use. For example:

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Further, in my smallish shop, the router table sometimes is pressed into other service involving clamps.

[James Cheever]

I agree with Jay. I’d leave a small overhang (maybe 2” or so) just in case you need it for clamping a special fixture.

[Mike Wilkins]

If you don't add some overhang during the build, you will have a need for some clamping space in the future. I rarely have to clamp something to the top during a routing operation, but have done so once or twice.
At least you get some additional surface area.

[Jim Dwight]

I agree a couple inches is a good idea. I have to have it because my fence clamps to the top in the overhang area.

[Von Bickley]

I would leave an overhang. There may be a need in the future.