Author Topic: Nova Voyager Drill Press (Read 111914 times)

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #30 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:50 AM »

@neilc

I'm still shocked by your cabinet

printed the PDF already.

Q: Where to find phenolic ply?

Much appreciated.

Drill Press Accessories List
Storage cabinet: checked
Adjustable table with fence and stops: xxx
Various jigs: xxx

ChuckS · « **Reply #31 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:52 AM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 22, 2018, 12:40 AM

@ChuckM I bought it from a local store called Ottawa Fastener Supply. The Nova Voyager drill press and lathe are distributed by King Canada Industrial. The drill press was 1999 + our famous taxes that bring it to 2250... Some times I wish I live in Alberta

That's one sweet drill press with a ton of features. I am now looking at drill press jigs so if you have any suggestions let me know.

Yes, the drill press can be had a little cheaper here because of tax difference (https://www.kmstools.com/king-industrial-nova-voyager-dvr-drill-press-144804).

A drill press in my opinion is more a machinist machine by itself, and the first thing I would add to any drill press for woodworking is a drill press table with fence. I got mine from Lee Valley: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=63315&cat=1,240,41060

I like the replacement inserts, dirt cheap, but you can make your own if so desired. The clamp is functional, but I am planning to see if I can replace it with one of these: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=70864&cat=1,43838,70865

Your new drill press is no doubt a Rolls Royce class of drilling machine. I am not doing a lot of boring jobs in my type of woodworking; otherwise it would be on the top of my shopping/wish list.

Regarding help for lifting heavy items, how come no one mentioned about neighbours?! When I needed help with my SawStop installation (the manual recommends three persons), I grabbed my next door neighbour (he brought along his visiting dad who was helping him with some deck work). In under two minutes (including my verbal explanation of what to do), the saw was mounted on its mobile base.

Cheese · « **Reply #32 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:53 AM »

Quote from: neilc on August 22, 2018, 10:37 AM

Here's the stand I made for my Voyager drill press.

Nice stand Neil...

That makes so much sense for storage and yet you don't lose the capabilities inherent in a floor mounted drill press.

I also like where you mounted the Woodpeckers DP3 fence. Mine is on the floor and I'm always tripping over it.

neilc · « **Reply #33 on:** August 22, 2018, 11:37 AM »

Mario

Phenolic Ply... Amazon carries it. I bought mine from Woodcraft locally.

I googled Phenolic Ply Canada and there are several sources listed as well

Neil

rvieceli · « **Reply #34 on:** August 22, 2018, 11:59 AM »

@Mario Turcot I’ll second the Albrecht chuck. Makes a world of difference. I’ve got the 1/16 to 1/2 inch one. That can usually be had on eBay for around 125 to 150 used.

Look for a listing that gives you a good photo of the working end so you can see if the jaws are in good shape. You can get kits to replace the guys completely but need to factor that into the price you’ll pay.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #35 on:** August 22, 2018, 01:51 PM »

Quote from: neilc on August 22, 2018, 11:37 AM

Mario

Phenolic Ply... Amazon carries it. I bought mine from Woodcraft locally.

I googled Phenolic Ply Canada and there are several sources listed as well

Neil

I searched several times to find a local source. Some local kitchen cabinet distributors can get you the phenolic ply but you have to order a minimum, they do not stock any. The closest Woodcraft is at 190 miles

All I can find on amazon is similar result for a 12" x 15" at a ridiculous price. The most frustrating is that there is factory between Ottawa, Toronto and Montréal that make phenolic ply but again you have to order a minimum to be part of the party

@rvieceli

Quote from: rvieceli on August 22, 2018, 11:59 AM

@Mario Turcot I’ll second the Albrecht chuck. Makes a world of difference. I’ve got the 1/16 to 1/2 inch one. That can usually be had on eBay for around 125 to 150 used.

Look for a listing that gives you a good photo of the working end so you can see if the jaws are in good shape. You can get kits to replace the guys completely but need to factor that into the price you’ll pay.

Used chuck is a good option since I found new ones at over 600$. Do you have a Albrecht reference # I can use that will fit on the Nova voyager? Since most used items have a no return policy, I don't want to buy the wrong chuck.

rvieceli · « **Reply #36 on:** August 22, 2018, 03:23 PM »

Mario you just need a chuck with a #2 Morse Taper attached or a bare chuck and an MT2

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #37 on:** August 22, 2018, 05:09 PM »

Quote from: rvieceli on August 22, 2018, 03:23 PM

Mario you just need a chuck with a #2 Morse Taper attached or a bare chuck and an MT2

Thanks!

Putting the head on horizontally was easy enough.

The head is more like 130-140lbs

ChuckS · « **Reply #38 on:** August 22, 2018, 05:29 PM »

Wow!

Ready for a spin now (pun intended)!

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #39 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:41 PM »

First spin test, Brad point HSS 3/8

Cheese · « **Reply #40 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:47 PM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 22, 2018, 10:41 PM

First spin test, Brad point HSS 3/8

So what do you think Mario...thumbs up or thumbs down?

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #41 on:** August 22, 2018, 11:05 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on August 22, 2018, 10:47 PM

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 22, 2018, 10:41 PM
First spin test, Brad point HSS 3/8

So what do you think Mario...thumbs up or thumbs down?

A dream machine

ChuckS · « **Reply #42 on:** August 22, 2018, 11:25 PM »

Mario,

I was hoping your response would be the opposite ... and then I would PM you that since we are both in Canada, I could buy your Nova second hand!

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #43 on:** August 22, 2018, 11:45 PM »

Quote from: ChuckM on August 22, 2018, 11:25 PM

Mario,

I was hoping your response would be the opposite ... and then I would PM you that since we are both in Canada, I could buy your Nova second hand!

Doesn't always proceed as planned

sprior · « **Reply #44 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:56 AM »

One of these days I'll upgrade from my benchtop drill press to a floor standing, but I have one issue - everything in my shop is on mobile bases because I don't have enough space for things to stay put. I know drill presses are pretty top heavy, but are there any mobile bases for them that can manage this? I was looking at the Nova Voyager, but then the Nova Vulcan came out...

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #45 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:59 AM »

Quote from: sprior on August 23, 2018, 12:56 AM

One of these days I'll upgrade from my benchtop drill press to a floor standing, but I have one issue - everything in my shop is on mobile bases because I don't have enough space for things to stay put. I know drill presses are pretty top heavy, but are there any mobile bases for them that can manage this? I was looking at the Nova Voyager, but then the Nova Vulcan came out...

On the Nova Voyager instructions it's stated to NOT use a mobile base. I would guess that the Vulcan is even heavier and that a mobile base is not recommended. I have a 20'x20' shop and the drill press is the first true stationary machine.

RKA · « **Reply #46 on:** August 23, 2018, 07:53 AM »

Quote from: sprior on August 23, 2018, 12:56 AM

One of these days I'll upgrade from my benchtop drill press to a floor standing, but I have one issue - everything in my shop is on mobile bases because I don't have enough space for things to stay put. I know drill presses are pretty top heavy, but are there any mobile bases for them that can manage this? I was looking at the Nova Voyager, but then the Nova Vulcan came out...

Any mobile base should work. Just adjust the base so the wheels have a 30-36” span from L to R to give you extra stability. Bolt the plywood base to the mobile base and the drill press base to the plywood. Watch where you roll it so the wheels don’t get hung up on cords or other debris.

You could also build your own, again making sure the outriggers allow the wheels to span 30-36”.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #47 on:** August 23, 2018, 08:31 AM »

Quote from: RKA on August 23, 2018, 07:53 AM

Quote from: sprior on August 23, 2018, 12:56 AM
One of these days I'll upgrade from my benchtop drill press to a floor standing, but I have one issue - everything in my shop is on mobile bases because I don't have enough space for things to stay put. I know drill presses are pretty top heavy, but are there any mobile bases for them that can manage this? I was looking at the Nova Voyager, but then the Nova Vulcan came out...

Any mobile base should work. Just adjust the base so the wheels have a 30-36” span from L to R to give you extra stability. Bolt the plywood base to the mobile base and the drill press base to the plywood. Watch where you roll it so the wheels don’t get hung up on cords or other debris.

You could also build your own, again making sure the outriggers allow the wheels to span 30-36”.

This is what I was planning to do before reading the instructions

.

Here my personal observation about the Nova Voyager Drill Press after an hour playing with the machine and features;

BODY
Major Parts and guess weight:
Base: 70lbs
Column: 70lbs
Table: 45lbs
Head: 125lbs
Total of: 310lbs (this is more or less what the drill specs says)

This make the drill press a little unbalance when it comes to tilt possibility. To prevent tilting you have a few possibilities, anchors or adding weight to the base. I went for flush floor anchors to secure the drill press.

ASSEMBLY
Cannot be easier intellectually and physically

. There is really few parts to put together. Everything was included (allen keys) beside a 17mm wrench and four floor anchors (optional). I used 5/8" x 2" anchors.
Tip: Make a wood insert to fit under the base and seal the base with clear silicone caulk to prevent dust to stack under.

USE
Plug n play they says... sheesh I had to put a drill bit to get any results

. I did a first test (previous post) and the hole was absolutely perfect.
Non scientific wobble test: I removed the bit and push it manually through the hole and it was a very tight fit. Zero tear out on top and of course some at the bottom but really minimal. I used a brad point HSS 3/8 from Lee Valley for that test.

CONCLUSION
I own a Skill drill press bench top for a few years. I haven't use it since I'm in the new shop, because it was not stable enough for my taste. When you have no confidence in a tool it become a waist of space

Now I am very happy with the press drill and no @ChuckM you cannot have it

.

CONS SO FAR
No where to store the chuck key or is it hidden

Cheese · « **Reply #48 on:** August 23, 2018, 10:51 AM »

Hey Mario here's a shot of one of my Albrecht chucks. This one looks brand new and functions likewise. It's the 1-13mm version that Ron also has. I paid $110 for it on eBay.

The other thing you'll need is the proper arbor. The one shown converts the JT33 in the Albrecht to a 3MT that's needed for the drill press. MSC has a complete selection.

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Tool-Holding/Drill-Chucks-Holders-Accessories/Drill-Chucks-Accessories/Drill-Chuck-Arbors?navid=12108653

ChuckS · « **Reply #49 on:** August 23, 2018, 11:03 AM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 23, 2018, 08:31 AM

Snip.
Now I am very happy with the press drill and no @ChuckM you cannot have it .

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #50 on:** August 23, 2018, 11:07 AM »

Thanks @Cheese.

Quote from: Cheese on August 23, 2018, 10:51 AM

Hey Mario here's a shot of one of my Albrecht chucks. This one looks brand new and functions likewise. It's the 1-13mm version that Ron also has. I paid $110 for it on eBay.

The other thing you'll need is the proper arbor. The one shown converts the JT33 in the Albrecht to a 3MT that's needed for the drill press. MSC has a complete selection.

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Tool-Holding/Drill-Chucks-Holders-Accessories/Drill-Chucks-Accessories/Drill-Chuck-Arbors?navid=12108653

I made some research last night and ordered a cheap chuck under 40$, including shipping and a 2MT-B16 arbor that fit also with the chuck that came with the machine. Not that I need a second arbor but it was included. The chuck is a nobrand one and looks like an uxcell chuck.

At least I will be able to experience keyless chuck for a fairly low price. I haven't found any Albrecht chuck under 190$ used and new ones are over 500$

. I learned that the quill on the Nova voyager accept 2MT arbor

.

By the way, where do you get that wedge to detach the arbor from the quill?

P.S. I really hate the new chuck key that comes with a loaded spring

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #51 on:** August 23, 2018, 11:20 AM »

Darn i just found out that there is keyless chucks that comes with a KEY

The key goes on the upper part to prevent the quill from turning when you apply pressure.

Hopefully the Nova Voyager come with a feature that apply force/hold the quill for 30 seconds.

@Michael Kellough wondering if that 30 seconds can be reduced?

RKA · « **Reply #52 on:** August 23, 2018, 11:40 AM »

A less expensive alternative is Rohm (German made) or Shars (Chinese made, but I've heard the quality is pretty good). The Rohm you might find around $100 on ebay, the Shars is probably around $40? I don't know much about excell, but I've seen it repeatedly on amazon while searching for various bits and bobbles.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #53 on:** August 23, 2018, 11:48 AM »

Quote from: RKA on August 23, 2018, 11:40 AM

A less expensive alternative is Rohm (German made) or Shars (Chinese made, but I've heard the quality is pretty good). The Rohm you might find around $100 on ebay, the Shars is probably around $40? I don't know much about excell, but I've seen it repeatedly on amazon while searching for various bits and bobbles.

Same here Rohm Keyless chuck

I will give a try to the chuck coming and if accuracy do not meet my expectation will look at Rohm chucks

Thanks for confirming

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #54 on:** August 23, 2018, 11:59 AM »

@ChuckM

Quote from: ChuckM on August 22, 2018, 10:52 AM

A drill press in my opinion is more a machinist machine by itself, and the first thing I would add to any drill press for woodworking is a drill press table with fence. I got mine from Lee Valley: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=63315&cat=1,240,41060

The clamp is functional, but I am planning to see if I can replace it with one of these: http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=70864&cat=1,43838,70865

You linked some quite interesting items. I bought that same exact table when I puchased my previous drill press and never been able to fix it on the drill table. Time to un-dust that table and give it a second try. And about the Bessey clamps, I have four of those for my Domino jig.

rvieceli · « **Reply #55 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:31 PM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 23, 2018, 11:07 AM

By the way, where do you get that wedge to detach the arbor from the quill?

@Mario Turcot that's called a drift key. they are sized for the various size taper. Here's one for a MT2

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Forged-Drift-Key-2/G9375?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzeCBgcyD3QIVQrXACh0WkQcyEAQYASABEgIVyfD_BwE

Ron

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #56 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:34 PM »

Most keyless chucks have an upper collar that is fixed. Hold that with one hand while you tighten the sleeve with the other, in a couple of seconds. Before I used the Voyager I too worried that using a keyless chuck would be problematic without all the friction of belts and pulleys but the inertia of the quill/armature of the direct drive head is enough to get the initial tightening done with one hand holding the bit and the other spinning the sleeve. With the bit in place just move both hands up an inch or so and wring the chuck to really tighten.

I bought an Llambrich keyless chuck from Zoro.com. Llambrich made Jacobs branded keyless chucks until Jacobs shifted to China.

https://www.zoro.com/llambrich-usa-drill-chuck-keyless-steel-0512-in-2mt-jk-13-mt-2/i/G2332206/

This chuck has a wrench for tightening the chuck sufficiently to use taps. You stick the chuck removal tool through the hole in the quill and use the wrench on the chuck and the bit will stay tight even in reverse.

I do have a problem using this keyless chuck but I don’t know if it’s me or the chuck. When I was doing a project in aluminum last year I had to do several operations on the same hole. The keyless chuck made that go much faster than a keyed chuck would allow but I’d often find that the bit wasn’t seated right in the jaws. There would be too much runnout. It sometimes took several attempts to get the bit to run true. (Even testing with virgin 1/2” drill rod) Never did figure it out. My procedure was to slowly rotate the bit while I gently tighten the sleeve. Then punch F2 which was programmed for 300 rpm to see how it spun. Had to tell with a twist drill but better than drilling with too much runout.

It was critical using a 5/8” counterbore. If I ran that bit seated out of true then there would be so much shakeing the chuck would get wrenched crooked in the quill and at least once came loose from the quill. (In that case ease up on the quill just a little to keep the arbor engaged in the quill enough to keep the bit/chuck from scampering but eliminate rotational drive so it stops spinning)

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #57 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:35 PM »

The Voyager does come with a drift key.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #58 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:35 PM »

Thanks Ron for the clarification. I watched a video last night on how to remove the arbor from a quill and saw the poster using it

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #59 on:** August 23, 2018, 12:40 PM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on August 23, 2018, 12:35 PM

The Voyager does come with a drift key.

about time you answer that question

I was wondering what that key was for lol. It have a magnet and both ends are shaped differently. see image on page #1