Author Topic: Nova Voyager Drill Press (Read 111785 times)

Mario Turcot · « **on:** August 21, 2018, 09:23 AM »

Any one have any experience with the Nova voyager drill press? I currently have a cheap bench drill press and I am sick of it. Next to zero accuracy a pita to change speed and it feels like everything is going to fell apart when running.

I watched several videos of the Nova Voyager and I am wondering if what they claim is real

Also if you have experience with it do you think a keyless chuck would be a good idea despite the fact that the reverse feature would not be of much use.

Thanks!

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2018, 09:36 AM »

I just find out this new feature;

Power Spindle Hold (for keyless chucks)
A new feature which has been introduced is the “Powered Spindle Hold” function which powers and holds
the spindle for 30 seconds, freeing up one hand to hold the drill bit and tighten the chuck.
NOTE: This function applies 11% of the maximum motor power to the spindle when tightening
To access the Powered Spindle Hold function, go to Menu > Advance Modes and select the Pwrd Spindle
Hold function. To activate the hold, press the button while the following screen is displayed.

RJNeal · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2018, 09:44 AM »

Good morning Mario. Do a search here of the FOG.
There was a post about the drill press ~18 months ago.
Rick

neilc · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2018, 10:34 AM »

I have one. Purchased around the first of the year. I like it a lot. The 50 RPM to 5000 RPM infinitely variable speed is great with the turn of the dial. Digital depth readout in digital or fractions. I use the hole depth auto stop, the speed control, the various drilling modes for speed based on bit size (forstner, metal, etc). I have not tried the auto tapping mode but will.

There have been two software updates since I purchased. You plug a Windows machine into the unit and download their update utility. It will also update the SW with a Mac IF you are running a windows emulator on it, which is what I do.

The standard chuck doesn't quite go down small enough for a 1/16" bit, so I changed out the chuck with one from Amazon. But I've found runout to be minimal and the tool to be great to use. It is keyless and I replaced it with a Chinese import keyless that is accurate.

Yes the keyless auto hold is a cool feature too. For larger bits I use it but have found sizes below 3/8 in wood work with a hand tightening of the chuck.

Fit and finish are great. It does take two people to assemble and get the motor on the column. I upgraded from a 20 year old Delta and the difference is night and day in performance, torque, accuracy, etc. I made a custom top for it using Woodpecker's components for a fence, T-tracks, etc.

neil

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2018, 10:36 AM »

The Nova Voyager is a great machine. With the push button speed changes and a keyless chuck you can work very quickly. Once you get used to using the dp that pre-programmed 30 second hold will seem like an eternity. I’d consider it a drag rather than a feature. You can tighten a non-keyless chuck in less time.

Get a keyles chuck that allows you to mechanically tighten also so you can make use of the reverse feature when tapping metal.

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2018, 10:39 AM »

It is possible for one person to assemble but get help if you can.

Bought mine early 2017. The features I needed were only available via the first sw update. Had a deadline and wasn’t familiar with sw emulation on Mac so I just bought a cheap PC. Have not done the second update.

Cheese · « **Reply #6 on:** August 21, 2018, 11:39 AM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on August 21, 2018, 10:36 AM

Once you get used to using the dp that pre-programmed 30 second hold will seem like an eternity. I’d consider it a drag rather than a feature. You can tighten a non-keyless chuck in less time.

Get a keyles chuck that allows you to mechanically tighten also so you can make use of the reverse feature when tapping metal.

Ya, I wouldn't get too excited about that feature. It'll definitely slow you down and rapidly become a nuisance.

I have an old Delta that I put an Albrecht keyless chuck on. I just hold the chuck with one hand and tighten with the other hand, you don't need to use much force. It literally takes me less than 2 seconds to tighten the chuck. The Albrecht chuck tightens itself when you're drilling.

Presently, I'm drilling 13/32" through-holes in schedule 80 steel pipe with just a quick twist of the chuck.

So, chuck up a 1/4" bit, tighten, drill pilot hole, loosen, chuck up the 13/32" bit, tighten, drill through-hole, loosen and move to the next hole.

The keyless chuck is a god send.

Cheese · « **Reply #7 on:** August 21, 2018, 11:43 AM »

Quote from: neilc on August 21, 2018, 10:34 AM

I upgraded from a 20 year old Delta and the difference is night and day in performance, torque, accuracy, etc.

Just curious Neil what model Delta you owned?

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #8 on:** August 21, 2018, 01:11 PM »

Rick, I did search on Nova Voyager and found/read a few threads. However what I am looking for is people that have worked with the drill press and gather their impression on the subject... thanks.

Thanks Neil and Micheal for your inputs. I have mine in the SUV and plan to unpack and stare at it tonight, than start the assembly a few days from now

neilc · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2018, 02:17 PM »

Quote from: Cheese on August 21, 2018, 11:43 AM

Quote from: neilc on August 21, 2018, 10:34 AM
I upgraded from a 20 year old Delta and the difference is night and day in performance, torque, accuracy, etc.

Just curious Neil what model Delta you owned?

I no longer have it. Think it was a 10 or 12" benchtop model. Don't know the number.

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #10 on:** August 21, 2018, 02:37 PM »

Solo assembly,
put pole in stand
Add table mount and rack collars (and leave parked right on top of base so you won’t have to lift so much of it later)
Lay pole on side on an adjustable riser (I used a cardboard box so it could be crushed to get top of pole to height of head)
Place head unit on folded packing blanket on dolly (folded blanket is another adjustable shim)
Roll head/dolly to pole and wiggle into place (leave head at wacky rotation so you can tighten set screw without leaving a mark anywhere near final rotation)
Lift assembly upright (easier said than done)
Loosen head set screw and rotate to suit base
Re-tighten set screw
Raise table mount and add rack
Add table (at this point I realized the table mount was upside down and had to lay it down and start over, easier the second time)

ChuckS · « **Reply #11 on:** August 21, 2018, 02:51 PM »

Mario,

I just found this

What a drill press!

Did you get yours from King Canada?

RKA · « **Reply #12 on:** August 21, 2018, 03:06 PM »

I pondered doing what Michael suggested with my Delta drill press. But looking at the 4 tiny bolts that hold the flange to the thin casting on the base, I decided it wasn't worth the risk. With my luck, the casting would crack and the head would drop on my foot!
With an extra set of hands, it was very easy to lift the head over the post.

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #13 on:** August 21, 2018, 04:41 PM »

The connection of the pole to the base is robust on the Voyager. The weak point is the way the head attaches to the pole.

The pole is a cast iron pipe that has been ground round on the outside. The remaining wall thickness is much less than I’d like. What’s worse, instead of a clamp connection the head has an oversized hole that slides over the pole and is “secured” by a single set screw. Really wanky in my opinion but it seems to work okay.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #14 on:** August 22, 2018, 12:36 AM »

@Michael Kellough

Quote from: Michael Kellough on August 21, 2018, 04:41 PM

The connection of the pole to the base is robust on the Voyager. The weak point is the way the head attaches to the pole.

The pole is a cast iron pipe that has been ground round on the outside. The remaining wall thickness is much less than I’d like. What’s worse, instead of a clamp connection the head has an oversized hole that slides over the pole and is “secured” by a single set screw. Really wanky in my opinion but it seems to work okay.

My head have two set crews

I know I will look dumb for asking but what is that key for?

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #15 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.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #16 on:** August 22, 2018, 12:50 AM »

Pickup time - Fit nicely in the SUV

Getting the monster parts on the abomination table

Leveling the base

Attaching the column

Checking handle clearance

Attaching the table

Still have to set the head. It's ~100lbs and I really don't want to drop it. Will do it tomorrow with some help

Svar · « **Reply #17 on:** August 22, 2018, 01:25 AM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 22, 2018, 12:50 AM

Still have to set the head. It's ~100lbs and I really don't want to drop it. Will do it tomorrow with some help

Assemble it horizontally on the floor and than lift the hole thing upright. Attach the table last.

Cheese · « **Reply #18 on:** August 22, 2018, 01:46 AM »

Quote from: Svar on August 22, 2018, 01:25 AM

Assemble it horizontally on the floor and than lift the hole thing upright. Attach the table last.

I’m with Svar again on this one (I hate it when that happens). I assembled a 400# plus Delta drill press horizontally on the floor and simply attached it to a come-along mounted to the floor joists and just raised it into place. Easy-peasy.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #19 on:** August 22, 2018, 08:09 AM »

Quote from: Svar on August 22, 2018, 01:25 AM

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 22, 2018, 12:50 AM
Still have to set the head. It's ~100lbs and I really don't want to drop it. Will do it tomorrow with some help
Assemble it horizontally on the floor and than lift the hole thing upright. Attach the table last.

From the last picture you can tell it was late last night, around midnight when I closed the shop. I will try that today if I cannot get my son's help. He is in weight lifting so i thought it would be an easy and safe task for him. Thinking about it, that's how I assemble the band saw and it was darn easy and pretty much the same weight ~300lbs

Vondawg · « **Reply #20 on:** August 22, 2018, 08:10 AM »

Mario you’re going to love this drill press...I really like it! I have plywood bolted to both table and bottom-helps me attach jigs,fence, etc. It’s smooth, quiet and powerful....I do hope nothing burns out as I forget and leave the power switch ON (on the side) more than I’d like to admit

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 22, 2018, 08:34 AM »

@Mario Turcot I'm definitely interested in this drill press and may pull the trigger in the next few weeks. Curious to know - what do you think the weight of the head of the drill press is. My son is 9 so I don't think he'll be much help lifting it..... Thanks in advance!

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #22 on:** August 22, 2018, 08:40 AM »

@PeterJJames13

Quote from: PeterJJames13 on August 22, 2018, 08:34 AM

@Mario Turcot I'm definitely interested in this drill press and may pull the trigger in the next few weeks. Curious to know - what do you think the weight of the head of the drill press is. My son is 9 so I don't think he'll be much help lifting it..... Thanks in advance!

The head is definitively over 100lbs. It's an odd shape to lift and the top of the column sits at about 5'6". For me it's at the mustache level

. Lifting 100lbs over your shoulders is not something terribly hard but the shape of the head lead me to be extra cautious. I will try the horizontal way to avoid any frustration. A pulley system would make it a joke but I have no way to hook anything from my closed ceiling. also two people make this a breeze.
I hope I can turn on the power tonight and give it a try

P.S. Ask your son to hold your cup of coffee and watch

Note: If he show some interest, cease every opportunity to show some "how to" to your son.. I have two sons, 25 and 22 and I always do my best to transfer my knowledge to them

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #23 on:** August 22, 2018, 08:44 AM »

Quote from: Vondawg on August 22, 2018, 08:10 AM

Mario you’re going to love this drill press...I really like it! I have plywood bolted to both table and bottom-helps me attach jigs,fence, etc. It’s smooth, quiet and powerful....I do hope nothing burns out as I forget and leave the power switch ON (on the side) more than I’d like to admit

I know exactly what you mean... thanks for the reminder. i may setup a strobe

to prevent memory leak

I will definitively build a cabinet to fit under the table for accessories. Would like to see picture of your jigs

Also if any one know of a quality keyless chuck. From what I read it's a jacob type II but I know next to nothing about chucks

PeterJJames13 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:31 AM »

Ask your son to hold your cup of coffee and watch

Note: If he show some interest, cease every opportunity to show some "how to" to your son.. I have two sons, 25 and 22 and I always do my best to transfer my knowledge to them

[/quote]

Wiser words were never spoken. My father was always a perfectionist, thus not wanting kids to help him for fear of not achieving perfection. In Cub Scouts the past year, I helped my son and his den build bat boxes. It MAY have sparked something in him. So fast forward and I'm building racks for my fourth of July show and he was there helping a bit. Even more so when it came time to take everything apart. He's got drilling down pretty good for a kid his age. Definitely plan on building on that foundation. You should have seen the look on his face when I opened up the CXS - "Daddy, is this for me?

?" Well....it's for both of us, son lol. Appreciate the feedback.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #25 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:36 AM »

Quote from: PeterJJames13 on August 22, 2018, 09:31 AM

You should have seen the look on his face when I opened up the CXS - "Daddy, is this for me??" Well....it's for both of us, son lol. Appreciate the feedback.

Got me chuckle on that one

Cheese · « **Reply #26 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:48 AM »

Hey Mario, I thought this was interesting.

I was at the Nova website because I'm interested in possibly purchasing the Nova Vulcan metal drill press. I was reading the reviews on the Nova Voyager and this popped up...

Everything fits together well, and I had no problems with assembly. I am 68 years old, but in good shape, and I had no problem moving most pieces. I did have to rig the machine head from the floor joist above, using a come-along and nylon rope. I should say that I have rigging experience, and did so, so that the ropes hung on the metal parts of the head only. The head slipped onto the post without problems.

Cheese · « **Reply #27 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:58 AM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on August 22, 2018, 08:44 AM

Also if any one know of a quality keyless chuck. From what I read it's a jacob type II but I know next to nothing about chucks

I like Albrecht keyless chucks. They really, really work well, a bit more expensive but worth the extra money...German.
I use them on both my metal drill press and metal lathe. You can find them used on eBay for 1/2 to 1/3 their new purchase price.

http://www.albrecht-germany.com/en/products/1stdrill-chuck/morse-taper/

neilc · « **Reply #28 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:37 AM »

Mario

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

Drawers are on full extension slides. Rear sides have adjustable shelves for additional storage.
Mobile with four fixed wheels to pull forward.
Rubber pads can be screwed down to hold the unit in place under the press, though it does not move with them up.

I purchased the wheels and pads from McMaster.com

Wheels - https://www.mcmaster.com/#2781t72/=1e9mktj
Pads - https://www.mcmaster.com/#6103k167/=1e9ml41

Photos:

The table was made from phenolic ply. I cut out the right rear corner to give me maximum table size but still allow the table adjustment to work.

Light is a magnetic base from Lee Valley that attaches to the fence.

Drill Press Cabinet.pdf (110.56 kB - downloaded 598 times.)

Sketchup Plans are available on the 3D Warehouse. HERE

They are also attached as a zip file below.

neil

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #29 on:** August 22, 2018, 10:41 AM »

Wow

that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.

I was just looking at that

and didn't like the idea of having a plain cabinet under the table. But yours as a mobile cabinet that fit nicely on the column is fantastic. Great work

Thanks again!