-

[Seth Hawkins]

 

[Hoof Hearted]

Seth

I'm gonna try to help.
First I use a HUGE "offshore" Mill/drill machine that has about a 3 inch arbor. Ain't worh a "POO" as a mill but is hell-for-stout and way more accurate than yer run of the mill drill press.

Drill presses lack substance and accuracy, but they will work for things as simple as drilling that hole out for Ruger plungers.
Buy an ENCO brand small copy of a KURT angle lock vise. And then look for the biggest drill press that you can afford. In other words don't but the Harbor Freight cheapy. Watch the auctions in yer area and the Thrifty Nickle and try to buy older american if you can find one.

The reason the mill/drill is a better choice is the "milling table" that allows you to move the work around after clamping.

HH

[Willie Dixon]

My drill press is a Craftsman, can't complain about the warranty, or the fact that it was my dad's, is now mine, and is going strong for 20+ years.  All we did was add a happy laser sight like on the new ones, that's it.  that and most important are some good vises that allow for different "grips" so that you don't mar the finish on your guns.

[Ozark Tracker]

I don't know if you've looked at the Grizzly line of tools,  I've bought a few over the last few years,  they are good tools

check out some of their presses.      http://grizzly.com/products/12-Speed-Heavy-Duty-Bench-Top-Drill-Press/G7943

[Willie Dixon]

Grizzly is a great brand!
all my woodshop tools are from them!
the jointer
planer
lots of great stuff and a free catalog to drool over!

[Ozark Tracker]

I  just yesterday got the new Master Catalog, bigger than an old Sears Roebuck 

[El Peludo]

Keep your eye on your local "Craig's List", or other local online classified sites; there are often some bargains there.  This is my take on what you are looking for: look for one with tapered roller bearings in the quill, rather than bushings (JMO); they will stand up to all the side forces of drum sanding, as well as being more accurate for down forces in drilling.  Most any industrial or higher end machine will likely have them, but you have to check.  I have a Craftsman Industrial model, and it is very accurate, and has the bearings in it; I picked it up from a private party off of Craig's List, basically new, for a buck fifty - it's a 250 to 350 machine in the stores.  Other good ones are Delta's high end models, Jet, Powermatic, Grizzly, Wilton (expensive, but excellent machines).  Also, go for a floor model; you will surely need the size, if you go small, and they are most often a lot more stout than a bench model.  15 inch would be minimum (swing, or the distance from the center of the quill to the column) 17 inch good, and a 20 would be great; 12 Speed, or variable, 120 volt is more convenient, and the higher horsepower the motor the better; 3/4 or one hp are common.  In the long run, you'll regret not getting a good one right off, and will likely want to upgrade somewhere down the line.  Other opinions will vary.