Really comes down to space.
The advantages of a standalone table are:
- You can have a lot of dedicated router storage nearby for accessories. I find this particularly useful if your fence system (e.g. Incra) has a lot of parts.
- You can control some of the noise of the router by enclosing it in the cabinet
- You can build dust collection into the cabinet and either have a standalone collector (small shopvac in cabinet) or hook up to your main DC system.
- You can stand at any location around the bit.
The disadvantages of a standalone table are:
- Space.
The advantages of an extension table router table are:
- Saves space.
- Probably gives you more workpiece support depending on where you’re putting it. For example, your outfeed surface for your TS may also give you a large outfeed surface for your router. You also have a lot more surface in front of the fence.
The disadvantages are:
- Having to use the same fence for router and TS – maybe you don’t want to change your TS fence position until after you rout something.
- Noise and dust control is a little more difficult – may need to buy or build some sort of box around router
- Depending where you’re positioning the router table on the saw, your standing options and feed directions may be less than convenient:
Right side, end of table: use opposite side of TS fence, feed is reverse of TS, can stand at end of table
Right side, middle of right extension: use same side of TS fence, feed is same as TS, have to stand as at TS
Left side: use same side of TS fence, feed is same as TS, can stand at end of extension
-- Optimists are usually disappointed. Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a disappointed pessimist.
