I have four of the $75 (or less) Harbor Freight small cast iron drill press. My scratchbuilt brass locomotives have thousands of holes drilled on these cheapie but high quality drill presses.
I did not know that home laser cutters can make holes in brass. Keep your fingers out of that beam!
I have a really good X-Y table. It is only used when I emboss rivets.
Matt, next time in San Diego look me up.