Todd, I've had a Craftsman RAS for quite a few years. As others have
posted the table is in two or three pieces. Mine has a larger table
fixed to the frame in front and it used to have two narrow tables
towards the back. When I replaced the table I combined the rear two
tables into just one and put the fence between the front fence and the
rear. I definitely wouldn't use a dado to attach the fence since
either it won't be very well secured or you won't be able to easily
replace it. My saw carriage has a plastic guard that you raise with
the saws grip handle. When it's in the down position it's right behind
the fence. This is important because this way the saw carriage, and
therefore the blade, won't be able to creep toward the front of the saw
while it's running unless you purposely raise the guard. If your saw
doesn't have a guard you should look into getting one. So I would
suggest putting the fence right in front of the guard, or where the
guard should be. I suppose different manufacturers use different types
of guards but I would hope that they all would be as safe as the one on
my much maligned Craftsman. Mine is from the early '90s and has made
excellent cuts of all sorts for a long time now with only occasional
maintenance. Even though my shop is completely full of most major
tools it still gets used almost every day for one job or another. If
you happen to have a Craftsman let me know and I'll send you some table
measurements. Be safe with that saw by not using a blade with too much
hook. I use a blade with a negative hook and it has much less of a
tendancy to want to grab onto and pull it's way through a board.

Bruce