Leon wrote:

That bit of information probably would have been helpful. ;!) I am wanting
a "flat" work bench to shape wood and or use for assembly of furniture. I
really want to get something bigger than my TS top. LOL


I built a very flat assembly torsion box, with a melamine top, that sits
on my hand tool bench, outfeed table, painter's steps (for tall
projects), or even the floor.

When I'm not assembling, I really prefer an unfinished wood top, with
end and face vices, a board jack, and surface dog holes. In addition
to hand tool work, the "hand tool" vises and dogs easily clamp router
dovetail and pocket hole jigs, and even nicely (and QUICKLY) holds
boards for biscuiting!

Whatever you build, don't forget pop-up planing stops, as they work as
well with belt sanders as they do with hand planes. Mine are just 4/4
white oak boards mounted in strategic locations with hanger bolts and
wing nuts through slots. With the proper screw tension, I can pop them
up and push them down without touching the screws.

While you're building stuff for yourself, I also like the mini-bench I
built a few years back that brings the work to chest level. I followed
a FWW article to build it from 8/4 maple and some veneer press screws.
It's nice not having to bend over to use paring chisels and the like.
If you end up doing a hardwood top, you could probably build the
mini-bench for free.

I've been thinking of building a copy of Popular Woodworking's "21st
Century Bench", the Bob Lang bench unveiled last fall. Check that one
out, too.