The weapon differences look like this:
swords: very high maximum damage, very low minimum damage. huge difference between this points. for lucky ones or with good gear, 1-10 damage on level 1
clubs: very high maximum damage, very low minimum damage. huge difference between this points. for lucky ones or with good gear, 2-9 damage on level 1
staffs: higher maximum damage, lower minimum damage. big difference between this points. but more controllable damage, 3-8 damage on level 1
daggers: high maximum damage, medium minimum damage. medium difference between this points. even more controllable damage, 4-7 damage on level 1
axes: medium maximum damage, high minimum damage. small difference between this points. very controllable damage, 5-6 damage on level 1
if you say you like consistent damage ( which is quite popular especially among barbs ) you should go for axes, they have the most consistent damage.
Stats to look for e.g.
Charms with dexterity, strength, life steal, life after kill, max life
Armour with dexterity, strength, life steal, life after kill, max life
Weapon with enhanced effect, eventually life steal,life after kill
here is a guide that might help you:
http://forums.d2jsp.org/index.php?showtopic=18377324&f=272