Nice machine! Certainly looks stout!
I've always wondered why some of these old drill presses, such as this one, had such short spindle-to-post clearances. This one doesn't appear to have much more than 8"-10" (ie., a 16" or 20" drill press). Considering the bulk and sheer sturdiness of these, it would seem they could have been built with more clearance; hence, more versatility.