Making a folding portable worktop

[stealthwolf]

We moved into our first house two years ago. Still have lots of stuff in the garage. But I'm developing a bug for woodworking and am keen to develop some skills. I haven't done anything since secondary school, though I have done bits of DIY around the house.

I was thinking of building (or maybe buying) some folding sawhorses that could be stored away. I know a board on top would make a reasonable workbench. But a single sheet might well be too big to store. So I was thinking about two sheets of plywood/mdf/something else, hinged together, that I could use as a worktop. Unfold it and place it so it would not collapse on the sawhorses, then fold it away for storage. Maybe have some holes for "handles".

Does this seem like an incredibly stupid idea?
What would I go for the worktop?
What type of hinge would work best? Piano? Butler? Something else?

 

[Rob Platt]

workmate plus one saw horse same height and some 4x2 to extend it if necessary.
possibly on a par with how should i sharpen my wit
all the best
rob

 

[gmgmgm]

If I was limited for space and starting out, something like this MFT-style folding workbench would be very helpful.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Festool-Makit ... SwdvpWDpji

Not strong enough for planing I expect, but good for many other tasks. I'd avoid hinges if possible. Also look up "Ron Paulk" on youtube to see his solution to your problem.