router worksurface ideal size...?

[rafezetter]

I'm currently moving on with my bench build after a few false starts; it's definitely true you need (or it certainly helps) a bench to make a bench, and it's going to have an integral tablesaw with a side "flap" for a router table.

As it's going to be mobile (moved to and from working area on casters) size is important, but good functionality moreso, so I'd like to ask all of you with both homemade and bought router tables:

"What is the minimum size in width and length that you can comfortably get away with to accommodate the most common tasks?"

Bearing in mind I'll also ideally be using it as a jointer with maybe the longest pieces being for a dining table top, and with enough space for a mitre slot so I can make jigs like Steve M's finger jointer.

I've seen many homemades online, but you never know if the builder got it "just right", so I'd rather take some time now to get viewpoints than jump ahead and miss points to consider that come only from experience.

I'd also like to ask; and this goes for both router and tablesaw tops; "are there any unforeseens with using a T slot instead of a U for jigs or would I need both in the tabletop?", other than the fact you can't simply lift in/out.

In the interest of brevity I'll say now the fence will be fully adjustable; split, cutdepth offset etc so no need to go into that unless it's part of a jig / mitre slot size / position issue.

Thanks for any advice / suggestions you might be able to share.

 

[mseries]

my table top is approx 40cm x 60cm and it's suited me for most things. Maybe a bit short to feed long workpieces but I solve that by using additional supports. if I was to make a new one I don't think I'd change much about the table itself. If I had more room perhaps a little longer.