You may have already picked one by now, but since you've got a rather handsome budget availible for a drill press, check these guys out:
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're tough as nails, and the variable speed is really nice. Doesn't hurt that they're American made, either. Looks like the 15" models can be had for under $1000 if you search around a little. I can't imagine you'd find one that was much better- these are designed for production metal drilling, and will run 24/7 without breaking a sweat. Some of them even come on a table as big as a good workbench.