I just bought a new router and purchased the electronics its all up and running. My question is my router came with a MDF 3/4 solid board its cutting area of the machine is 16x17" am I going to need to go with a T slot table to clamp my parts down? I dont want to go with a vacuum cause my air compressor is too loud and I dont cut hours at a time.

How about a good shop-vac and some small diameter thru holes,
if needed try some window screen rubber intalled in milled o-ring
groove.

how much vac uum is required for a table this size?