You can get by without a workbench, but if you have the space for it, why not make one? It’ll make all your jobs go much easier.
Many books offer plans, but here are some ideas you may want to incorporate into whichever plan you settle on.
Weight and stability are important, so large-dimension hardwood is your best bet for materials.
Of course, if you make it heavy, it’s going to be tough to move. Normally, this is good; you don’t want it to move. But you may want to change location occasionally. So consider installing rubber wheels, with sturdy brakes. Four wheels makes it quite portable, but if you just want to move it to clean behind it, you can probably get away with two.
Build it to the right height for you. Stand straight and let your hands hang at your side. Design so the top of the bench is at the level of your wrists. (Remember to keep your other saw tables at the same height.
Solid core doors make heavy, sturdy tops, and you may be able to get damaged ones very cheaply. Look for salvaged or damaged doors.
Cover it with 1/4″ tempered hardboard or masonite, screwed down with drywall screws. Make sure you recess the screws below the surface. Some recommend gluing the surface down (which leaves no screw recesses), but if you want to replace the surface only (when it wears out), you won’t be able to.
Be sure to include a toe kick area, or leave enough of an overhang on top, so you’re not forced to lean over the workbench.
We’ll have a few more ideas for your workbench next time.