Get yourself a large, heavy, sturdy table. I use an old oak library table that's about 6' x 30". It's dead-nuts flat and sturdy enough to hammer and drill on. Cover the top, using contact cement, with ceiling tile turned backwards. Cover that with 3/32" cork sheeting, again using a light application of contact cement. The tile and cork are easily removable as they become worn and damaged from building. You can even use a hollow core door if you brace it well and build a heavy, sturdy frame to attach it to. Look at workbench plans in woodworker's and handyman's magazines for some good ideas, too.

Dr.1