Since most of our operations are on the tight budget of nearly $0, and we needed a repair stand for performing some of the necessary tasks involved in rebuilding, or repairing bikes, we built our own. A simple google search will bring back a number of attempts and nice stands that others have made with similar intent. These were valuable research when we built ours. Since many of the designs are compact, lightweight designs for garage corners, and apartment entryway use, our design was taken to the next level. Super sized.The difference I have noticed in designs was primarily purpose. Most need something to clean, or perform minor repairs on their modern light bikes. Their designs suit this need very well, including pvc frames, conduit, and even wood. Our choice in materials was 1/2 steel pipe. It started as a simple I frame with a matching leg support for the top clamping posts for support. Then we decided we wanted each side to be different heights. for either smaller bikes, or those awkward positions that leave you stretching or bending in a uncomfortable ways to work on a component. One high side, and one low. Made sense to us. Once we started threading pipe, adding T's, and unions, we decided that we also wanted a tray for tools in the middle of the stand. We then piped in some more pieces to accommodate the placing of a shelf. The actual clamps are mounted 1/2 inch pipe clamps that any hardware store carries. With some sticky backed foam on the jaws, and a shop rag wrapped around the victim bikes frame, they work very well without scratching.
Stability works out as long as you keep in mind a wider base than the top, and also use materials that can support up to 50 pounds as ours can easily. We say 50 pounds because a fully dressed prewar tank cruiser bike is no lightweight. With nothing on the opposite side, the stand has minimal flex when holding a large, heavy antique. The shelf was cobbled from two pieces of cut off shelving. A few screws and some banding formed into clamps, and its secure. We added a support off of the base to the end of the shelf, and it also helps the weight ratio and balance for the heavier bikes. Now for our shop, the size of this beast was not a problem. It is generally always in use, and is the center piece of our work area. For some it may prove too large for their available space. To make it durable enough it would be hard to add in simple knockdown points to fold it, or store it in a more compact way. Once its built, its a monument to your hobby.
If you want to paint it, remember that steel pipe is generally very oily when you buy it from the threading process. Some de-greaser is necessary to even get primer to stick to it. Otherwise, I cant imagine why paint would be needed, or even desirable. A homemade bike stand is truly a utility piece best admired in its raw state. Paint would just scratch up fast on something of this nature, unless you have it powder coated, which defeats the inexpensive nature of the project all together. There are plans in the works to add a tool cart, stool, and chemical station to the stand so everything is within reach. It works very well, and can be moved when not loaded, (we move it to the door bay so we can get some sun while working). The pipe is a common enough size and use, that finding clamp-on lights, and other fixtures for whatever customization one can dream would be easy enough to add or do. 
The dual sides has worked great for tearing down a donor bike for parts to use on a bike mounted on the other clamp. If you plan to build your own stand, remember that it is something you can make your own with some simple adaptions in design. Wall-mounting, suspended, or cantilevered designs are all possible with a little thought. Using pipe in 1/2", 3/4" or even 3/8" is fine depending on your need, or load.
The next project is going to be an attempt at a side car for our shop dog. Its always been a shame to see her sad look as we ride off for the day, and a sidecar would allow her to come along without her running behind or being dragged by a dangerous leash set up. A side car would also give us some storage room for longer trips, so it will be a project with many design challenges.
As always enjoy your bike, and I hope you find this info useful...
Ant
