Grant wrote:
Do you mean that if you chuck up a drill bit, power off, grab the
outside
of the chuck and wiggle that there is tangible side play in one or
more
directions? That would be terrible if so. Or do you mean that if you
put
a workpiece on the table, chuck up a drill bit, start the motor, and
as
you lower the drill bit into the workpiece as it touches it "skitters"
around a little? These are two very different issues and I'm still not
clear on which you've got going on.

Once more into the breach...

1) power off, bit in, quill retracted: no noticeable side to side
play. a very little bit of rotational play (as described in your
article on spline wear).
2) power on, bit in, quill extended until bit contacts work: bit moves
off target (centre punch or mark)slightly, then digs in and starts
cutting.

Thanks for your patience.

Chris