I'm new to woodworking and excited to dive in as I transition into retirement. I've got some funds to invest and decided on the Sawstop PCS 3 HP 240v with the 36" T-glide fence. I'm also looking at adding the left-side router attachment, but I'm curious about whether the left or right side is better for mounting the router. Is this a personal preference deal, or are there practical reasons for choosing one side over the other? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Ultimately, it boils down to your specific setup. If you can use the same outfeed table for both the saw and the router, that's a win! My router's on the right due to space constraints, but I find it manageable.
If you're adding a vacuum attachment, it's worth knowing it won't work on the right side. So if dust control is a priority for your setup, the left side might be the way to go.
Shop layout is key! Most of the time, it boils down to how your space is arranged. If you put the router table on the right, you might be able to keep it set up while using the saw, which can be handy in some scenarios. However, I personally like having a standalone router table. You can save some cash and even get yourself a good router lift instead of the more expensive wing option from Sawstop.
Best move is to focus on a good lift—definitely worth the investment!
Totally agree! You could also check out some DIY router lift plans to save money. I built one myself and it works great! Just be ready for a bit of trial and error if you go that route.
Yeah, same here! I had to position mine in a way that maximizes the available space while ensuring functionality.