I made a Peterston press for mine and make briquettes out of them. I don't use any mdf in my workshop just ash, oak and pine. In the winter I burn them on a woodburner along with the usual logs. The process is time consuming and a bit messy but it's free energy cuts down on our use of the oil...
One alternative that nobody has mentioned is a combination machine. I mention it as something more aspirational perhaps at this time for you and because you stated you work in a small garage so space is a premium.
I have a Robland 310 which is single phase and gives me a large table saw with...
They deliver a million parcels a day across their network so they must be doing something right! I think in the end it comes down to the knowledge/tenacity of your individual driver.