Guess it might make sense if placing storage drawers or shelves under a bench to build them into free floating/loose modular boxes or whatever - that way they could always be lifted out if needed, or repositioned or whatever...
+1 on the use of tool trays Winton - I have lots of stackable plastic work totes bought used from a factory that was closing down. (like extra robust filing trays with the fronts in) I load the tools for the job in hand into a tray like you do. The frequent use layout, marking and measuring stuff all goes in a small metal toolbox bought on sale at a local box store which can be placed where convenient - a similar layout to this one: http://www.pepboys.com/product/detai...nlyStore=false
The engineering related stuff goes in a full size mechanics mobile tool cabinet in a small sharpening/eng room next door
Rather than fixed assembly, outfeed and the like tables i also have four of these cheap and very solid IKEA kitchen trolleys in what is a very small shop. http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/30240348/ They make good mobile small work tables, places to place tools/tool trays while in use, two or three ganged up make the outfeed table on my table saw, or an assembly table. (the plan is to build some plys tops with batons underneath to drop over and enclose two or four trolleys)
ian