NM51,
I think you will have a choice between; China, Taiwan, India or Malaysia. They look like they all came from the same foundry pattern and everyone has a bizarre, overrated HP stamped on the motor plate.
I tried to upgrade, so the last one I purchased I got from Grizzly Imports...a 1 1/2 HP floor model. It had the same poor workmanship all the rest of the ones had.
I would stay away from any that have an intermediate sheave in the belt arrangement. A 1/2" chuck would be minimum, and probably standard issue. Whatever you end up with, you will undoubtedly have to fine tune as you use it.
You might spend a little time to hunt for a older, American made unit....Craftsman had some nice, accurate bench and floor models.
Stuart
