At long last, I've got my own dedicated, tailored-to-hand-tool-use workspace. I topped my bench with 2 sheets of MDF, framed up on the underside with squared-off 2x4s and edged with maple. The maple edging is cut 1/4" proud of the MDF to allow for a piece of replaceable hardboard to be dropped in. The vise is walnut trimmed with an odd bit of tiger maple I had in the shop.
After having to make do with much-less-than-optimal work surfaces, clamping and vise set-ups, it is just an absolute joy to have a workspace that doesn't so much as wiggle, holds my work securely, and is at just the right height for me!
I don't know if they show up in the pictures, but I got a couple of the Wonder Pup sets from Lee Valley - the Wonder Pup plus bench pup combo - and just as everyone said, they work great!
Thanks to everyone for all the ideas, suggestions and encouragement. Now that I've got a bench, I'm really looking forward to starting on some hand tool projects!