Gap for split top worth it?

[fjdog]

I am in the middle of a "mini hybrid roubo" style workbench build. In my self-created plans, I have a faux-split top where there is basically a cutout for a removable section. I drew this into the plan because it seemed cool. But now that I am in the middle of the build, I am questioning how useful it would be. In my typical (chaotic) workflow, I question whether I would use it for holding saws/chisels, but maybe I should. I was also thinking it might be nice to clamp stuff from the middle of the bench, but when am I ever going to do that?

So my question to anyone who made a split-top design roubo is do you ever use the split section? or would you have preferred a completely solid worksurface? Below is my sketchup rendering. The whole top would be glued as one solid (unlike a true split-top), but I was going to capture the essence with the cutout in the middle with a drop-in piece.

 

[creasman]

Mine is a split top and I use the gap for tool storage. Organizes common tools and keeps them at arms reach. I find it very useful. The gap is 1/2" wide in my case.

 

[Mark Johnson]

Mine is also a split top & I use it to allow an insert that lets me plane toward center of the bench which comes in handy fairly often.

 

[NOTW]

Mine is a split top I use it to allow all the chips and shavings to fall to the shelf below and cover the tools that sit on the shelf.

 

[fjdog]

Looks like the recommendation is split (wink wink). I'll have to do some more thinking on this. I've got a little time to consider as my vise hardware has not yet arrived. Thanks and I love that photo of the tool storage solution. It is tempting!