Both have areas where they perform best. A vertical table is the easiest way to cut mortises, dowel holes and is safer for cutting raised panels since the bit is smaller. A horizontal table will cut arches for cathedral doors which you can not do on a vertical table. It also is easier for edge treatments, dovetails and finger joints. Perhaps the question should be which is most useful to the individual member? Since both have their strong points perhaps a dual purpose table which uses both designs would be ideal? It would not be difficult to add the vertical cutting feature to the end of an Oak Park style table, thus killing two birds with one stone.
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Mike |