I have built all of my benchwork with steel studs - far more dimensionally stable than forest products in the conditions usually encountered here in the Dessicated Desert.
Heavy-gauge ‘C act like L’ girders may be appropriate for my 5x12 not-quite-freestanding main sections. (Lacking a chop saw, I cut them with a hacksaw.) For a 2x8 they are gross overkill unless you’re planning to use your benchwork as a scaffold. I have used (nominal) 2x4, 2x4 header and 2x2, all assembled with steel stud screws driven by crosspoint bit in a cordless screwdriver.
Tools? A GOOD pair of gloves, tin snips, steel carpenter’s tape, miniature triangular square (rafter square?) sharp-pointed marker or soft pencil, flat file (for use on sharp corners) and clamps. ‘Sawdust’ consists of little bits of steel, easily picked up with any kind of a magnet. Duct tape will blunt sharp edges to protect electrical wiring.
The nicest part? Steel studs recycle - even the little screws can be re-used. I have yet to discard any piece more than 4 inches long.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - on steel stud benchwork)