Given that you are down to the wire:
I would get a cheap band saw. It can cut 1" and 2" aluminum stock much faster than a hack saw. Plus it can be used to cut 2x4's, plywood and sheet aluminum. Ours came from Home Depot as a donation! Currently priced at $130.
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Har...tialmax&NCNI-5
Granted it only has a 9" throat and a 1/3 hp motor, but for the price it works great. Its 4 1/2 years old.
I would buy a band saw over a chop saw as it can cut tube and plate stock.
Our drill press is from Lowes.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_78742-46069-...tt=drill+press
A little pricy at $320 list, but they gave as a nice discount.
Having a floor standing model allows us to use large bits and to change the table angle. Its 1/3 hp motor is on the weak side for larger bits, but it too has held up for 4 1/2 years.
But for all around time savings, you can’t go wrong with a belt sander.
Ours has a 1/3 hp motor. Its been caked up with aluminum dust and still running fine.
Sears just lowered the price. Its now $102!
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-3-h...2&blockType=G2
More power would be nice and Sears has a new one with a 1/2 hp motor.
http://www.sears.com/rikon-4inch-x-3...cPara=159_4555
If you really want a chop saw, why not get one that can accurately cut a variety of angles?
We have a 12” Dewalt saw. We added a metal cutting blade to cut wood and Aluminum.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_122210-70-DW...Ntt=dewalt+saw
Dave