Jamie Jackson writes:

Thanks for the suggestion, but it looks like I'd need a model 7A, at
least, and I can't find a price for one anywhere. If it's any more
than a few sawbucks, though, I'd probably do better to put that money
toward a drill press.

I sold this 20-ton model that does 1/2" holes in 1/2" thick steel for $132
on eBay recently:

http://www.truetex.com/ebay/roper1.jpg

If you consider eBay as a "tool lending agency", you could probably do all
the holes you need, then sell it again and get your money back.

Richard J Kinch
Palm Beach County, Florida USA
http://www.truetex.com/metals.htm
http://www.truetex.com/machinery.htm