Warning, this is long...
I just installed a VSCTools table saw fence and made the guide rails for it. I had an ancient Rockler router table that fit between the guide rails on my Grizzly G1023Z. It was old, tired and beginning to fall apart, so I'm replacing it with a new shop made router table that I make, it will be 27" x 24". I have purchased an Incra Mast-R-Lift II - I'm excited to have a router lift! A few questions:
Router positioning: Router center point 9" from the front edge of the table and centered on the 27" width? I have watched a bunch of videos and this distance was mentioned. Any thoughts or advice on router positioning would be appreciated. I bought Incra's template for routing the recess.
Do you see and need for a miter slot on router table? If yes, how far from front edge and why? My old table did not have one.
I am planning (I think) on t-tracks on either side of the router mount/lift plate for the fence to move on, they will run from front to rear. Are there any uses for t-tracks other than those for fence? Thoughts on the spacing of these t-tracks for the fence?
The router tabletop will be mounted on top of an oak frame that will attach to the TS guide rails. I am planning on putting stiffeners under/along the 27" width to help prevent sagging if I go with a single 3/4". I have access to enough excellent 13 ply 3/4” plywood to make the top either 3/4 or 1-1/2. Top thickness: 3/4 or 1-1/2"?
I think the saw/router station might be tippy. I’m adding a good bit more weight on the router TS extension side. The new rails are 3"x3"x1/4" angle and hang off the right side of the saw by 24". I'll be using 3/4 plywood for the table; the new lift will be there and a Milwaukee 5625-20 router. The old rails were 1-1/2 x 3/16 angle.
My TS mobile base can expand another 6 inches or so toward the router. Would this help if I bolt the table saw to the mobile base - so the saw can’t tip independent of the base? How about extend the base and install angled (cantilever) braces from the front of the mobile base up to the table saw rails? Or am i over thinking this... Any advice would be great.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. This will be the first time I have built a router table for my TS. I have also never routed out an opening for a lift to drop into. Thank you! Did I mention that I am excited to have a router lift?