Bench Rebuild - Solicitation for Advice.

[BikerDad]

So, I am most of the way through rebuilding my old workbench, pre-rebuild configuration shown in the picture. To this point, the rebuild has consisted primarily of new "short" stretchers to allow the bench to straddle the Handy B.O.B. Motorcycle Lift that is behind it in the picture. Along with the new stretchers comes a new shelf. And roughly a foot of open space behind the existing top.

It is this open space that I'm noodling over. I'm thinking I will make it a grinder & vise home, so I'm looking for some advice on what material to use for the new area. The current top is 1.5" thick hard maple, 6' long. The overhang is about 1' on one end, 16" on the other. I have an 8" Baldor, a 7" Blockhead, and a 6" blockhead, as well as three vises, a big Rock Island, a medium Wilton non-bullet, and a lit'l 3 1/2" Craftsman. I will likely mount all of them on boards and just clamp them down, probably with dogholes for registration purposes. The reason for clamping them down is the bench will be doing duty as an assembly table. Occasionally I may need all the space unobstructed.

Material options are completely open at this stage, although particle board and MDF are highly unlikely.

 

[PoorOwner]

I would use a trailer hitch under the top
For area where sparks might hit I would put galvinized or stainless sheet over it.

That looks like a nice wood working bench.

 

[BD1]

As above, receiver tubing . Drill and through bolt or lag screw to underside of table or to front when needed.
http://www.harborfreight.com/class-iii-18-in-x-2-in-standard-receiver-tube-69815.html

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612683_200612683

There are a few posts about receiver tubing,
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159647&highlight=receiver+tubing

Or you could make a receiver tubing stand vertical to accommodate various items.
Here's what I did , Post # 6 and # 7 ,
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315093&highlight=receiver+tubing

 

[drivesitfar]

BD: AWESOME Looking bench and too nice for just a vise or grinder. I like the trailer hitch idea and am planning on using it on a few of my benches as soon as I learn to weld or get my busy neighbor to help me.

here's a thread with a lot of ideas if you haven't already seen it take a peek.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252799

again WELL DONE with the table.

 

[BikerDad]

So, I've gotten to the point where further progress depends on making a decision. I erred previously in giving the thickness of the top, it's 1.75" thick, not 1.5". The top is not currently fastened down, so pay no attention to the fact that it's sitting slightly cattywompus on the base.

Here are pics of the current status.

The first pic shows the "open" area that is the subject of this thread. The second pic gives a good view of the increased depth and raised stretchers, as the bench is straddling the lift.