I passed on one a few months back, and I'm really regretting it now as nothing has really come up since. I'm like you I can't justify big money for one, so... the search continues. Good point about the hydraulics being a costly issue, I hadn't really put to much thought into that.
It does have a hinge in the middle, the two halves flip together and then slide in to reveal the drawers. It's an old Beach side box that used to be my pops'.
Thanks gearhead, I was trying to build it as quick as possible. I had the exact same problem as IMCA38 I moved my drillpress away from the lathe and got tired of walking back and forth.