I got an old Craftsman RAS and I want to set it up for cross-cuts exclusively.
A lot of videos and online posts show the table made from two layers of 3/4" material. But I cannot find any explanation of why.

I'm guessing this is to allow the top layer to be discarded once it is ripped up from use?

Because I plan on only 90° cross-cuts is a negative rake tooth blade still the recommend?
I have some nice cross-cut blades but they are positive rake.

Thanks, Mark