well guys i'm building a smaller one. since that was my first wood working project i have learned from it
the new one is just going to use a 1x8 for the front and sides.. a 1 x 6 on the back, and 2 1x8s for the top with the front and the foreward most one hinging up
then i will see which one i like better
(boy its good to have lots of free time)