Thank you all for the kind words, however IME the most essential material component is the 5' X 5' X 1/2" Birch multi-ply. Lacking that level of decking integrity we would have potato chips at this point. Another positive aspect of this 5' X 5' multi-ply is how it works in over hanging the Mianne bench work which otherwise frequently leaves a linear half of the perimeter bench work frame exposed.
Building with multi-ply allows reverse construction in that I usually built the bench work frames then over lay them with some form of skin. Because this plywood is like a surface plate it allows one to free form the desired finished layout shape then fabricate the frame accordingly.
