Should the tool rest on a grinder be fitted in line?

[Steinmann]

I marked the center of the wheel; Is it right to place the rest exactly in this line, or should it be lower or higher?
Must there be a groove machined in this rest as wide as the belt ? Or can I skip it?
Thank you – Michael.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It is best to place the table at center wheel.

A boxed table ( one that goes on both sides of the wheel) is safer than a straight edged table, as thin sections (edges) can ride on the side wings while the blade is run across the wheel. Without the side areas, a blade can become wedged between the belt and table....and that instantaneously will ruin a blade. The trade off in this is that you have to pull out the table when changing the belt, so you will see it done both ways.