[alumic]

Another potential alternative would be some sort of book wheel. Where the book surface is wide enough to accommodate the desk's surface. Each surface could then have its own layout to suit its unique purpose.

I share your frustration with electronics. I'd love to be able to simply shove it all back into the wall once I'm done. Power supply, soldering iron, components and all.

[grues-dinner]

Retractable spools for soldering iron, oscilloscope, DMM and power cables would be amazing. Nothing I can think of would avoid mechanical damage at the spool end, though, even if you can get good signal integrity.

Mid-cable spools are easier but would be right in the way on the bench.