The fence on the sliding table is pretty easily removed. What's left
is a big broad flat surface which works well as a table extension. The
sliding portion has a locking lever so that it stays in place.
I've never considered it to be a pain to walk around to the other side
of the saw. It might be a consideration for the sedentary. Use a big
outfeed table and it will wait for you to get there.
Ed Bennett
http://www.ts-aligner.com
Home of the TS-Aligner