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Hi, A craftsman drill press would be fine. Believe me, I'm NOT a blanket Sears fan. However, I placed an ad in the local newspaper: "Wanted, used drill press." Within two days could've had anything from a small Chinese benchtop for free, to a industrial American made Buffalo (about 2K pounds) for $300. Wound up with a 16" Taiwan (inbetween Chinese and American) for $125, perfect, been happy ever since. I'd keep my eye on 1/2 HP (American motor, 3/4 import motor) at least. The more speeds, the better. Look under the belt cover. If it has 3 pulleys, great. I have a 5 speed (2 pulleys) and it does fine. As for buying used, run the thing. The bit shouldn't wobble, ANY, although this is correctable. It should be rather quiet. Noisy probably means bearings are shot. My 50yr old Delta is noisy, those wierd bearings are going to cost $50-$75 each (I need two). I only paid $50 for the whole thing... Oh, two more things, a table with a crank is a real plus and I like the rotating style depth setters instead of the ones with a tall threaded post and depth stop nuts. Drill presses are simple, low maintenance and VERSATILE. Simple enough that unless it's coming out of a factory (my old Delta) or machine shop, it probably isn't hurt. Most people buy them for their spouse, who then doesn't use it much. Can't store too much on them either. Go asking for one and you'll wind up with a dusty, probably little used gem. However, unless you REALLY know tools, don't buy ANYTHING that can get carried to a jobsite in a pickup truck, used. You can't imagine how much work it took to fix my Stanley 4x24 beltsander! Good luck, Mike PS Are/were you Navy?
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