Abstract: A split idle station assembly, a transfer press assembly including a split idle station assembly and a method of operating on a work piece in a transfer press assembly. The split idle station assembly is situated adjacent one or more work stations of the transfer press assembly such that an operator may manipulate a handle in order to adjust the split idle station assembly between a support configuration where a work piece is secured and a split configuration where the operator may perform one or more operations on the work piece consistent with known idle station functions. The handle has a retractable construction such the handle can be stowed regardless of whether the idle station is in a split or support configuration. As such, the handle need not extend into a work space adjacent the transfer press assembly during periods where it would otherwise be unattended, thereby avoiding becoming a tripping hazard in or around the work space.