I want to make a working oversized drill for a costume. Any advice on making a big enough motor?

I'm making an oversized hand drill for a costume for a Halloween party. What the best and cheapest way to make a motor big and powerful enough to turn a 2.5 foot drill?

Can you use AC, or does it have to be DC (battery powered)?

AC is prefered but mainly because I'm unfamiliar with DC. If you've got a portable suggestion lay it on. By the by, we're making this
http://nexus404.com/Blog/2007/11/11/video-an-interview- with-bioshocks-big-daddy/

Epic!

Well the easiest thing I could think of is a stand mixer, it's only about (depending on the model of course) 300w or so, but is geared so low that it has enough torque to easily push the drill and at a very safe speed (eliminating the need to excessively balance the 'bit', plus most have a nice shaft w/ a threaded ole to easily attach just about anything to... (and adjustable speed should an idiot spill their drink on you )... Still gotta plug it in though...

As far a DC motor goes, taking the motor/gear box out of a power wheels (kids electric car) should have again, enough torque, and be geared low enough so you dont have to mess w/ gearing. the easiest thing would be to build the "bit" out of some flashing rivetted into a cone w/ more flashing for the blades, and attach it straight to the plastic wheel ripped out of the car... plus most are 6v or 12v, and run off batteries the size of my fist...

After reviewing the video, I'd probably go for the old power wheels drivetrain... less bulk to hide, plus portability (helluva lot lighter)...as long as the 'bit' section isn't enormously heavy I don't see why it wouldn't work, you could whip up a simple frame to mount it to slide the battery in, plus a push button switch , and a handle and have everything functional internal in the drill

Dude, you'd better post pics when you're done!

Totally what we were going for!! a 12 volt motor attached with PVC pipe to a fiberglass drill bit seems to be the vote of popular opinion. any suggestions on the switch wiring? Thanks so much for the suggestions!! Now if only I could lock down the rest of the pieces of the costume. We're basically looking to use fiberglass on most of it making the molds out of random household items. Sadly some are more complicated than others. Back to work!

Buy a cheap rechargeable drill or screwdriver. They have plenty of torque and will hold a charge throughout a 2-3 hour party. That will solve all your problems regarding a switch, power, etc. You really don't want the drill to turn fast, because you would be risking injury to innocent bystanders. Can you imagine getting the Wicked Witch of the West's hair tangled on a fast-spinning 2-foot drill bit? I would not recommend rigging up an AC motor for what you are doing, particularly if you want to make things portable (ie, walking around at the party). I just don't think you really want to be plugging your costume into a wall socket!