Good Points
You bring up some good points. I agree that the type of work someone expects to do dictates the table that is best for them. I've been woodworking for about 30 years, and I've been thru just about every type of design out there. And I always build my tables, not because I'm cheap, but I can design it my way and I get as much enjoyment from building tools and jigs as I do doing actual projects. I guess it comes down to each person's preference. But the people just starting out really don't know what their preference is. (not to infer ignorance, only lack of experience) The plate mounted router is by far the most popular, and does work well. And as you stated, for using several different routers, it does make a lot of sense. But I just wanted to show Norm, and any one else just starting out, that there are other designs out there. You'll notice that I tried to get the point across that just because I use this type and others use another type, there is no right design or wrong design. I know from experience that the more informed a person is on this subject, the more satisfied they are with the final purchase. And I highly commend all of the newbys here, because they are wise enough to educate themselves before spending a lot of money on equipment, only to realize they didn't get what they really wanted or needed. All of us have purchased special tools that we thought were great, only to end up discarding them in a drawer or shelf, never to be used, therefore wasting money that could go to buy our common passion...........WOOD.
Happy woodworking!!!!!!!!