If it wasn't for some differences there wouldn't be much of a discussion. I actually like most of it, I think its great place to be creative. I elaborate some past the original post mostly from owmn experience of building owning and buying additional features that often seem like a better idea going in than coming out.
Most with the experience aint asking here, I really like to keep as simple and affordable on start up[ as possible. Nothing is as slow and painful as extra expense with minor return. Affordable leaves more to go around for things that often matter more.
The point that seems critical usually comes with some disclaimer and usually results from direct experience where I felt the pain.
Lots of tools the same way, not just benches. A 50$ 3 in 1 ball joint set great for a guy that comes and asks about a job or 2 on the family truck, he doesn't need 500 set with another 3 in additional adapters he might use once if lucky and could have been replaced with a socket. Same thing for a Blanchard grind and a hundred bolt holes and another few large in clamps fit only that table,,, great for NASA but the DIY guy is deluding himself at great expense that he really needs this.
A want is a different matter, you want it you want it but if a guy needs it I got to wonder if he sees the picture clearly or how he comes to this conclusion when direct experience says otherwise.
Some of it actually proved out in other threads, I believe Nasty cut a bench in half that had become either obsolete or never panned out. I can see specialty equipment in a job shop with repeats but as a couple other crusty old fabricators here that pop their head up on occasion seem to agree,,, the bench don't make all that much real difference provided its not real left handed and poorly located with junk underfoot.
For general work I got to agree, For 20 yr stretch hopped around quite a bit, dozens of shops and 75 jobs, seen how a lot of others did it. Seen how guys that work on benches all day do it, a little maint work a bench along wall with vise is good, fab like electric signs or steel like an island and benches in small shops are benches other than welding as is mine and how many places can a guy mount a vise? I can say with some certainty 8 tubes welded to a 3x5 on wheels is a waste of effort
