I'd prefer solid wood and made in the US. Timing is more of a concern than price -- so no custom built option I guess -- and there's no space restrictions that would require a folding or portable unit. There isn't a specific hobby. Woodworking, metal crafting, general construction/repair are all possibilities. I've stayed away from Home Depot, Loewes or Sears for now. I saw a rolling cart in Wired magazine's gift guide from a company called Garrett Wade -- and their workbenches look nice too. Just wonder if there's good quality workshop furniture still available in the US.

Some considerations, most of which will depend upon your intended usage, materials, and tools:

- Size : no sense having a 4x8 bench for clock repair, no sense having a 2x2 bench for building tables.

- Height : generally lower heights for hand power and rising height for more and more intricate work

- Work surface : something friendly to your material, you would not want the same surface for fly tying as for rebuilding carburetors or the same for cutting dovetails as for welding

- Access : up against the wall for space conservation or out in the open so you can have access all around

- Portability : fixed location or mobile

- Accessories : what power tools will be used on it, what hold downs (dogs, vices, bench hooks, etc.)

If you can find a copy in your library, you might check out the book below for a survey of benches.

Chris Schwarz has two recent books out on the subject, but they tend to be more for hard-core woodworkers that want to build their own bench.

I remember the old workbenches in my Jr. High shop class. Most people think that they are possibly the worst design ever for a workbench. Essentially a sturdy 4' x 4' table with a cheesy vice on opposite corners.

The neighborhood library is actually open tomorrow, so I'll drop by. Could find inspiration.

Thanks both.

Again, tx!