Ha, I couldn't help but to notice the old dusty Martin lights in the left hand side of the optical table picture. Thats actually where I started... as a professional lighting designer, I still do it here and there, but I just don't enjoy being away from home for months at a time. Another side note... I'm a Vari*lite person myself. heh, sorry I digress.
As far as your new optical table goes, did you build it yourself? I'm currently looking to purchase or make an optical table (preferably make it) however, I am afraid to run into issues with drilling and tapping all the holes.
If you bought- it where did you buy it from?
If you made it- did you go off of any plans