I don’t use my PM 2820 EVS very often but IMHO it doesn’t take that much space and I 100% would never trade it for a benchtop. On numerous occasions...
I also built a "detached" screened dining room on a deck. The fact that it sat on a deck that was attached to the house allowed it to be built close...
John, I had the same experience about 20 years ago. My neighbor/now friend and I share tools (he was a contractor, I am a woodworker) and its worked...