I was all set to use a laminated douglas fir top for my new workbench (basically hand tool only use), but I asked for tips on ripping the lumber without a table saw over in the general woodworking forum and they explained a myriad of difficulties I will have staying accurate, wood warping, etc. Several people recommended a torsion box design made out of plywood. It sounds like a great idea, keeps it flat and light... but is it really suitable for a hand-tool bench? I'm afraid it may not be stout enough? Also it causes some additional design difficulties like how to attach the face vise or make dog holes work.

Anyone have experience with benches like this? Or should I scrap the idea and just try to laminate 2x4s?