On Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:49:12 -0700 (PDT), NT
wrote:

I thnik the issue is that first time buyers have no real knowledge of
what to look for, beyond 'a pillar drill.'

Exactly where I am.

One point not mentioned regarding power. A couple of hundred watts is
enough for drilling all sizes of hole. More power has its uses, but
might not be something the OP actually needs.

I was thinking of woodwork only. Hadn't thought of doing any metal
work.