Speaking of workbenchs...

Hi Tony,
Check this out. This might be something your interested in. I built it and absolutely think its the greatest.
It’s called the Ultimate tool stand once you see it I think you’ll agree. Its made out of all MDF materials.

http://christophermerrill.net/ww/plans/UTS/Tool_Stand_1.html

-- Willyb, Dearborn, Mich

Tony,
I built my bench 14yrs ago, and wouldn’t change anything on it-you can see it in my workshop pictures on my homepage here.
To answer some of your questions-
1) tool tray=a dust and tool clutter collector-I decided not to include one in my design after working on a traditional bench in woodworking classes with a tray.
2) I find a tail vise useful because it’s a Veritas Twin Screw vise which runs the width of the table at one end. Like you I”m not fond of traditional tail vises because you only have one bench dog in use with it-limiting the maximum width of board to work with.
3) Bench width-mine is 24” which has worked very well for me. I wouldn’t go as shallow as 18” because you never know when you’ll need the extra depth and work space, not to mention it would be more stable
4) Holes for stops-see my bench, it’s covered with them, offering lots of flexibility
5) Front vise-I recommend the Jorgensen Quick Release with wooden pads installed-the best for the money.
6) Holdfasts-take a look at the Veritas holdfasts-a brass bar fastened to a screw mechanism with a handle that runs through the bench dog. Works well when used with a standard round hole bench dog on the other end of the piece being held.
7) Construction-mine is solid hard maple, trestle legs with stretchers top is 2 1/2inches thick with 4inch aprons-weight about 200 pounds. Very stable for hand tool work (chisels, planes, etc)

Hope this helps.
Gerry

-- Gerry