Iām about to pull the trigger on purchase of the mk2 but I want a plan for the table first. I really like the table on the shapeoko 5.1 pro but the open loop weak stepper motors steered me away. I feel silly purchasing a more expensive setup that requires new controller and closed loop steppers.
The t-slot plates are not cheap, near the difference in cost between the 5.1 pro and the Altmill mk2. 
They have a few other types that get much more expensive because they are machines flat on both sides.
I can use the t-slots to mount a waste board with recessed screw heads just likt the 5.1 pro, I can use the t-slots to fixture directly too, mount a clamping vice, or make a nice aluminum fixture top that i can mill flat on the cnc. If I want to use mist coolant that will work with making a mess of mdf.
What is the downside of the approach besides the cost of the plates?
I really wish the altmill had the front clamping area of the shapeoko. That would make doing finger joints so much easier. Iām going to have to figure out something to hang stuff off the first rail from the front.
Thanks,
-Joe