Jim that's a good idea but that would lead me into other temptations for which i would get into serious trouble with Linda.
But i do have an alternative plan. Shipping internally in the USA is only around $79 on a DP from Grizzly. So i might use one of the private mail box companies in Niagara and a DP shipped there and then go down and spend a weekend in Niagara and bring it back duty free.
With this in mind i am looking at this machine right now. Anyone have one of this model. Its a good short term compromise for me. In comparison to its General Tai chi counterpart here, its got a 3/4hp motor versus the 1/2hp of the general and i like how low the lowest speed setting is at a claimed 140 versus 280 of the general. There is a
General that goes for $399 with 16 inch swing with spindle travel pretty much the same at 3&1/8" versus 3&1/4" but i think the speed issue and motor hp win out on the Grizzly. They probably come out the same factory. General does have a nice on off switch which will stay off if power fails while drill i in operation, i can see that being a good safety feature just not sure its a critical item on a drill press. If i happened to cause motor load to trip the mains by doing something stupid on the DP first thing i would do is shut off the switch unplug and then go to the panel and before plugging in make sue the DP bit is free of whatever i was doing.
I also think on the future resale side having the extra HP will make it easier to out this unit later when i move to a new shop.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Speed-Heavy-Duty-14-Floor-Drill-Press/G7944
What i would like to know that is of concern to me is what I can expect as far as run out is concerned. Does anyone know what a reasonable specification for run out would be. I plan on calling Grizzly to check what they say it should be but that will only be a number to me. It was the one aspect that aggravated me on my bench top cheapie. Have not come across any mention of this in anyones specs so far.
Also anyone got or use a keyless chuck on their drill press? Anyone used this actual chuck and got any feedback on it? Or any educational input on keyless chucks as a rule ? Wondering whether to get one at the same time as the DP.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/1-2-Keyless-Drill-Chuck-JT33/G8581
Thanks for the input i really appreciate it. I got a big dose of buyers remorse from my last impulsive benchtop buy now have a chance to improve that with your assistance and knowledge.