Question for wide table owners - router

[drumpriest]

I'm about to install a FX lift into my table extension. I had 2 interesting thoughts/questions for those of you have have done similar.

1. Is there any reason that the life should not be installed with the adjustment facing the front of the saw, so that the long axis is parallel to the rails? I can't think of a reason that it would be an issue.

2. Did you offset your plates or lifts in a fasion similar to the accessory table?

[final_t]

1) Only reason I would say not is that the lift crank hole might get filled with sawdust - I had this problem with my previous home-made lift of for the Milwaukee 5616. Otherwise, there is no reason why not.
2) I didn't - mine is centered front-to-back. No reason why not - whatever your design calls for.

[JimD]

My router table setup on the BT3100 is centered on the end of the wide table and I use it standing at the end. That lets me leave the rip fence on the saw most of the time and the blade in cutting position, etc.. If you feed wood parallel to the rails (not sure that is your plan, just making a comment) you will need to remove the rip fence and lower the blade, etc.. If you feed across the rails (right angles to the rails) standing on the front or back, you will have a little difficulty reaching across the bit to the other side. I found it most comfortable to stand at the end. My saw is mobile so I can shift it to get the necessary space.

Jim

[drumpriest]

Jim, I don't have the room to do that in my shop. The saw barely fits that way, so I'm going to have to feed across the rails. I did think of a reason to go the other way though. The pins for routing end grain need to be oriented such that they are useful. Thanks guys for the suggestions, I know what I've got to do now.

The only other issue is how much space I should leave on either side of the router, balancing the distance between bit and the TS blade VS limiting router fence travel. I'll probably just split the difference.