I have used a drill motor clamped in my Workmate. Then I built a horz. fixture from plywood for my drill, I can clamp the drill motor in it and chuck the rod; use it like a poor boy's lathe with a file. Last Xmas, I got a Roybi drill press, again I chuck the rod in it, on the vert. now. The drill press is much better, var speed, more secure. Plus, a drill press will serve you well in soooo many ways during the construction. Plus plus, it's real cool drilling accurate, right angle holes
Ditto on Phil's list! I would add a good set of HS drills and a Tee square. And if you have your check book out, a circ saw is a must; a table saw is better but I get by with a 6 1/2" Black and Decker with a rip guide, makes life easier. With a 60 tooth carbide blade and some cut wax you can cut 1/2" alum plate! A bench sander and/or grinder is helpful, but you can get by with elbow grease. I use the heck out of my power Roybi chop saw and a cheap bench top band saw, again you can work alum with the right blades. Oh yea, a router
Bill