Hey RVM, I read the thread and of all the suggestions that were offered i didn't see my favorite. I use a sheet of 1/2" wallboard (brand name "Sheetrock") to top the work surface. It accepts straight pins and is a great surface to work from in that it is forgiving about spilled glue, paint, oil, thinner, what-have-you. It will soak in and wipe flat when you clean it up before it dries. Even after it dries you can pop it off with a putty knife and the surface is only fuzzy where the paper released the lump. The BEST thing is tha a sheet is around $6-7 each and a new top is just on the other side!!! Just filp it over. BTW you can drill into it as well if you need to and then fill the whole, or not, your choice. Speaking of fillers I use light spackle from Home Depot. Works great and cost little...

I'm currently using a board of Celotex. It's not bad at all, though I wish it were thicker. 1/2" isn't quite enough. 3/4" would be perfect I think.

RVM - That sucks!
I feel quite blessed with a reasonable shop 8 miles away and another about 45 miles away!
I feel so bad for you and others like you....190 miles -jeez!

There are a few within 190 miles, but they are generally about the size of a closet...