Welcome @PeterVD !
What size table are you looking to build? If your usable cutting area is small enough, did you already consider “landscape” orientation…
If you build in this orientation, and/or change the belt locations (increasing pivot distance between router bit), you will very likely end up with a less capable machine compared to building the default stock “portrait” oriented build. I have no idea how less capable
.
Consider building and trying stock build, figure out how capable that machine is, then try mods that add convenience possibly at the expense of cut performance and quality.
Fwiw - I also dislike front belts being in my way on a bench I also do non CNC stuff on. Fortunately, the belts are easy to unclip and move out of the way, so it’s not a big deal.