My $0.02:
Must haves:
Reliable
Stable
Easy to use depth of plunge system
A table lift of some kind (usually a crank)
Variable speed via pulleys
Minimum 1/2 hp
Decent 5/8" chuck
Nice to haves:
Large work table
Long quill travel
Floor-type for really long pieces
Infinitely variable speed
I have an old Delta 18" Reeves drive model with 6"of quill travel waiting for a fix-up. In the meantime my Taiwanese 17" dp keeps on drilling holes as it has for the last 25 years...
-Mark
Must haves:
Reliable
Stable
Easy to use depth of plunge system
A table lift of some kind (usually a crank)
Variable speed via pulleys
Minimum 1/2 hp
Decent 5/8" chuck
Nice to haves:
Large work table
Long quill travel
Floor-type for really long pieces
Infinitely variable speed
I have an old Delta 18" Reeves drive model with 6"of quill travel waiting for a fix-up. In the meantime my Taiwanese 17" dp keeps on drilling holes as it has for the last 25 years...
-Mark