I rearranged the shop and butted my two really expensive (lie- they are cheap, but they make do) benches together to see how an idea I have would work. So far I love it.
I love the Ruobo with sliding leg vise (yes I want an extra sliding vise and not just a deadman) but I also like the idea of encased storage on the shaker, and like a wide bench. The problem, of course, is the sliding vise interferes with the drawers or doors on the shaker.
My idea is to make a split top "Rubaker"- a Ruobo/Shaker hybrid. The vise side would be open and the back would have drawers and a small cabinet. The cabinet stores a small shop vac, and the drawers just add storage to my small shop. The top would be a split top with one section wider than the other. The open side would have one middle and a bottom shelf but open otherwise.
My my workbench has to be a do-all, and currently is too narrow for large assembly projects. My plan is 66" x 38", which as big as I can make it without taking up too much room in the shop.
I am am open to thoughts good or bad on this. Below is my shop with benches put together. By the way, I hate tool recesses (clutter catchers) on the bench top. It would not have those. When standing at this side I would do inlays, drawings, and other work where I need a wide, flat surface. I would stand at the other end for woodworking. The tool bin behind has a wood top and I lay out my tools on it within easy reach when working.