So I am considering making my own table, a couple of questions...

Hi Cowinacape

I think you got it (your own personal comfort) and what you want to use it for.

Feather boars,jig sleds,hold down device,etc. you will see some about 8" to 10" from the bit and some on the edge of the (front side) of the router table , I have them both ways ,the one on the front of the table works best for me ,it has the small T-Slot and the wide T-slot to take on many items.
Here's a tip,,If you buy some 5/16" x 4" toggle bolts and just grind the head on two sides you will have all the fastners you need for the T-slots at about 1/10 the price of the going price of T-bolts, if you need a shorter one all you need to do cut off the bolt to the size you need.
But keep the cut offs so you make the stud type that will need from time to time,like for knobs to hold the items in place (i.e. start and stop blocks for the fence)

Bj

I think that BJ hit the nail on the head with his response. It is all about your likings. It is all about what works best for you. I started with a small bench top style table that was given to me and it worked ok as I learned. Then I upgraded to a better system that allows me to do what I want to do. This is about YOU. The system has to work for you and be to fit your needs. There are many different commercial styles to look at. Some have stronger features than others. I looked and looked and looked to the point that my wife thought that I was obsessed until I figured out what it was that I was looking for.

I like for the router to be offset to the rear of the table a bit to allow for those little bit bigger projects when needed. I like for my table to have a removeable plate for ease of use. I also have tracks for my fence to slide in. I also have a track at the front to accomodate my feather boards as well. This is what I wanted and did.

It's all about what YOU want!

Most people start out wanting to buy or build "Captain Billy's Whiz Bang Router Table". Lots of expensive doo hickeys and whatchamacallits sure looks impressive. Then along come Bob and Rick and the Router Workshop and burst your bubble. They are building all these great projects with a simple table and no glitz! You watch the show in disbelief, how can this be possible? No miter slots, no micro adjusters and the projects still fit perfectly. Have I made my point? I learned over time that you dont need a miter slot for building projects. Your table edge is right there and can act as a guide if needed. Featherboards can be clamped in position faster than you can set one up in a miter slot, guaranteed. I have no problem with somebody designing and using a table with T tracks. I have done so myself. Bob and Rick opened my eyes to the "Simple is better" methods and I have been converted. The one recurring theme on this website is this: You are the one who will be using your router and table so go with what is most comfortable for you. There really is only one requirement for routing; Work safely and enjoy!

I built my first table including the table insert, bit inserts, & fence with built-in clamps & micro adjustment. The top is 24" x 32" x 1" thick MDF laminated both sides. No T slots. I thought that I might need one down the road. That was 10 years ago & still no T slot to gather cuttings/dust. I also avoided dicky-doo drawers for my bits by attaching a tray on one end of the table with a piano hinge. Inside the tray are angled blocks drilled for 1/2" shank bits.
I still have a few 1/4" shank bits so counter drilled 1/2" dowels with 1/4" drill and these drop into the 1/2" holes in the blocks to accept the smaller shank bits. When I swing open the tray, I can see all of my bits at a glance instead of pulling drawers. I do have a couple full table width drawers in which I store accessories, such as guards, feather boads, etc.
I thought by building my table that it was likely that I would want certain features of which I knew nothing about as a neophyte & I would not be "trapped" with a high cost purchased
table that I would be reluctant to set aside. Hasn't happened yet...luck I guess.

Lee