See the Meddings are cheaper made than the Fobco. Alloy pulleys, tube for the pillar, sheet metal as opposed to ally cast guard and one-piece casting for the head. The Fobco feels like the last gasp of early 20c engineering to me. It's clunky and over-engineered, and that's why I love it!
For what it's worth I wouldn't get a Myford as they're overrated and recently overpriced for what you get. I thought about a Boxford or a Bantam, whichever appeared first. I lost out on a Boxford for $1450 and a few weeks later bought my Bantam for just $500! Funny old world.
Agree about the quality of the Fobco - you can tell it’s just that bit better made, but the Meddings is still a darn fine drill and much better than most of the modern stuff!
Thanks for the advice with regards the lathe. Only reason I’m looking for a Myford is that they seem a lot more readily available in my area than any of the alternatives, and because there are so many around at the minute the prices are now somewhat reasonable - found a Super 7 with the proper Myford stand and accessories for £850.