: What rpm- 1725 or 3250?
: What hp rating is good for overall cutting? 1/2. 3/4, 1 hp?
: Enclosed or non-enclosed?
: Shaft diameter- 5/8" standard?
: Anything else I should look for?
: Anyone know a good source of inexpensive yet quality motors?

Take the motor off the machine and check the nameplate data. You want the same RPM. Lower speed won't cut and higher speed is a safety issue. Plus higher speed exacerbates balance and vibration problems.

The nameplate data will also tell you the horsepower. You can go higher in horsepower if they are the same size. Most 1/2, 3/4 and 1 horsepower motors have a 56 frame, so you should be able to go up to 3/4 without a problem. There are some 48 frame 1/2 horsepower motors out there which might make going to 3/4 difficult. Take the motor with you when you buy a new one just to make sure it is the same size. If you now have a 1/2 horsepower and it has worked well for a long time, I don't see any value in a 3/4 horsepower motor.

I would get the same size shaft as your existing motor. You could get a different size if you want to cahnge pulleys. But get the same pitch diameter pulley.

You probably have an ODP (open drip proof) motor. Get a TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled. Get thermal protection, auto reset.

You want good quality motor, you get US, Reliant or Baldor. Practically, go to Grainger and get a Dayton. You aren't an industrial user wanting 24/7 capability.

Change from a vee belt drive to a link-type belt.