Thanks for the encouragement Steve. My small shop wouldn't allow me the space that I need to build a 40% plane though... I am probably putting my house up on the market this spring and my next workshop, well then that would be another story!
I went to the lumber yard this AM and bought a 4x8, 1/2" thick sheet rock which I trimmed down to size to fit my build table. For under 10 bucks its the best work surface that lays flat and holds pins for me. In case your wondering what the green edge on the sheet rock is for, that is tape that I put on to protect me from getting chalk all over me during the build as I'm always rubbing against its edge. Along side my build table is my mobile adjustable tool platform that I like to use to keep the tools that I need at the ready. It's always a good feeling to get a fresh sheet of build plans on the table!
Won't be long now boys and girls...