Author Topic: Nova Voyager - Aftermarket table (Read 4852 times)

Caboose1966 · « **on:** October 25, 2018, 09:47 AM »

Hello, folks!
I just recently purchased a Nova Voyager drill press and I see that there are a handful of owners of the same on this forum. I have read a couple of real informative, extensive threads on here so thought I would pose this question...

I am looking at adding a bigger table to this drill press, which seems to be a pretty common modification for woodworkers. I am strongly considering the Woodpeckers' offering, but wondering if any of you have any input on that. I know building your own is a popular option, and I might do that... just have the same issue as many with time constraints.

The other issue I'm wondering about is interference between a larger table and the table height crank. For those of you that have added a bigger table, what have you done to mitigate that? I am considering replacing the crank handle with a 5" handwheel... just haven't found exactly the right option yet, and it will depend a bit on the table I add.

Thanks for any input/advice you may have.

Dean

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2018, 10:30 AM »

I went with a hand wheel. I also have 30 or 40 pound cross slide table on the includesteel table and it’s not a problem to elevate. Not at the shop now but I think the hand wheel is below the table so a larger table would still work. Don’t hold me to that though...

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2018, 06:17 PM »

Thanks, Michael.
Do you recall the manufacturer/model of the handwheel you went with? I think I can go up to 5" - figured the biggest one that would fit would be best for leverage. Also. Looks like it's about a 1/2" bore which, surprisingly, was not easy to find on smaller than 6" diameter wheel. Also, having an issue finding one with a set-screw or drilled for one. How did you attach to the shaft?

Thanks,

Dean

Cheese · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2018, 10:43 PM »

I have a Woodpeckers drill press table attached to an older Delta metal drill that has a production, cutting fluid assisted table. The Woodpeckers table is attached with 2 SHCS that will allow easy removal if you need to swap it out. My typical work incorporates probably a 50/50 spread of metal vs wood projects. The Woodpeckers drill press table remains on the drill press for 95% of the tasks I perform. It’s very nice and I would highly recommend it. I’d also recommend purchasing both fences.

Prior to that, I installed a Rockler drill press table on the Delta and it was a real POS. It’s up for sale...anyone want to take a chance?

neilc · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2018, 11:16 PM »

I used woodpecker fence and adjustable T-track. For the table, I purchased 3/4" phenolic and doubled it up and added inserts on the bottom to drop into the slots of the OEM table. For height handle adjustment, I cut out the corner of a phenolic plywood top to accommodate the handle revolution.

Go to post 28 in this thread for photos. Plans are also there for the cabinet I made as well. http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tool-reviews/nova-voyager-drill-press/

Happy to share more if you have questions.

Neil

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2018, 08:08 AM »

First, thank you for the hand wheel suggestion. This is something I never thought about.

My advice: Before making any decision make sure your NEW table will not affect the tilt feature. Not that you will use it often but it hurt when you limit a feature on such a nice power tool. I am currently playing with a design to run on my CNC and just before I start to cut a prototype I realized that the tilt option will be limited. So here again back to the design phase

Neil show off his setup a month ago

and that inspire me to start with his design.

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2018, 08:40 AM »

See this thread

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/nova-drill-press-52667/

Reply # 9

PS. When searching for older posts in the Fog it’s better to go out to Google and search. Just include Festool Owner’s Group in the query.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2018, 08:43 AM »

Quote from: Michael Kellough on October 26, 2018, 08:40 AM

See this thread

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/nova-drill-press-52667/

Reply # 9

@Michael Kellough, did you extend the shaft at all or only replace the handle with the wheel?

Michael Kellough · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2018, 08:44 AM »

Just added the wheel.

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2018, 12:31 PM »

Thanks, everybody, for the feedback and suggestions. Sounds like the Woodpeckers is a good way to go.

Michael,
Thanks for the link to the other thread and the info on the chuck and handwheel. I actually just ordered that same Llambrich chuck on Monday and received it yesterday. Haven't mounted in yet, but will this weekend. I will do some measuring and head-scratching this weekend to see if I can make that handwheel you suggested work with the layout on the Nova. If not, perusing the McMaster site shows a lot of different handwheel options so I think I will be able to find one that fits the bill.

Thanks again for all of the great info. Now it's time to start makin' holes in stuff

Dean

SRSemenza · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2018, 06:12 PM »

@Caboose1966

I used a socket with extension and flex head ratchet (extra stuff I had) in place of the crank on this Delta. It works very well. Plenty of leverage, easy to reach with out contortions, and works around any other objects that might be in the way.

Seth

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 26, 2018, 11:48 PM »

Another good idea. Thanks, Seth.

Dean

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 26, 2018, 11:53 PM »

Hey, Cheese... a couple of questions for you.
I’m usually pretty good at figuring out acronyms, but what are “SHCS”?
Also, you mention getting both fences... I’m looking at the Woodpeckers WPDPPACK2 that has the fence face at the rear. What fences did you buy? I’m seeing the DP3 fence, but what’s the other one?

Thanks,
Dean

rvieceli · « **Reply #13 on:** October 27, 2018, 06:57 AM »

@Caboose1966

Dean SHCS is a Socket Head Cap Screw

https://www.boltdepot.com/Socket_screws.aspx

SHCS look particularly nice when you counterbore the piece to sink the head to below the surface.

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Holemaking/Counterbores-Porting-Tools/Solid-Pilot-Counterbores-Sets/Solid-Pilot-Counterbores?navid=12106214

I think @Cheese is referring to the T track fence that comes with the table and the DP3 high fence.

Ron

Bob D. · « **Reply #14 on:** October 27, 2018, 07:04 AM »

I have plans to get the NOVA drill press soon. I have been thinking about replacing the table and wishing it had something like the Delta 18-900L which tilts L/R and F/B and has a flat edge for easier clamping plus the square sacrificial center is a nice touch too. IIRC the Voyagers' is round so not as easy to duplicate as it's probably some odd diameter that I don't have a hole saw to match and I can batch out a stack of square blanks from scrap in no time.

Reid Supply (now http://www.essentracomponents.com ) or McMaster-Carr are two sources with good selections of handwheels and cranks of all sizes/types. Not the least expensive options but I think the best selection.

Both are pretty easy to navigate and find what you need. My personal preference is McMaster, I think their online catalog, ordering, and search system is the easiest to use.

I believe there is a free fence available from NOVA until Dec 31, 2018. Might be worth go ing to their website and finding out the details.

Cheese · « **Reply #15 on:** October 27, 2018, 09:44 AM »

Quote from: Caboose1966 on October 26, 2018, 11:53 PM

Hey, Cheese... a couple of questions for you.
I’m usually pretty good at figuring out acronyms, but what are “SHCS”?
Also, you mention getting both fences... I’m looking at the Woodpeckers WPDPPACK2 that has the fence face at the rear. What fences did you buy? I’m seeing the DP3 fence, but what’s the other one?

Thanks,
Dean

Hey Dean, Ron's correct on both the acronym and on the fence questions.

Here's a shot of how I mounted mine. It's an easy 2 screws on and off, and no poking around under the table, yet stable as all get out when you crank down the fasteners. The SHCS threads into T-bolts that slide in slots in the Delta table.

The second shot is to give you an idea on how durable the surface of the Woodpeckers table is. That's a 35# Heinrich vise that's been slid around the table hundreds of times for workpiece alignment purposes. I just wipe the Woodpeckers table with some Goof-Off on a paper towel and it cleans right up.

What I've really used a lot in woodworking are the Woodpecker rail flip stops. They make repetitive tasks easy and FAST. I'd recommend the aluminum/stainless version over the molded plastic version.

https://www.woodpeck.com/ssflipstop.html

[ Specified attachment is not available ]

SRSemenza · « **Reply #16 on:** October 27, 2018, 10:13 AM »

The Delta I have originally had a crank. I replaced that with a hand wheel, it was steel , 5 or 6". That worked pretty well. But was still difficult when reaching around or under. Even though I need to ratchet instead of just spin the wheel, the ratchet set up is much easier and more convenient. It will depend on other objects next to and behind the press. If you can easily step in next to the press the wheel will be pretty good. But even when I had the press in a location with good access the hand wheel did not work as well as the ratchet. It is simply a matter of the add on table being both relatively heavy and in the way.

Seth

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 27, 2018, 11:51 AM »

Thanks for all the excellent info. We’ve got a Tacoma Screw branch fairly close by so I should be able to peruse their selection of SHCS (thanks for the education on the acronym, by the way

) to see what will work for me. Thanks, Cheese.
Taking a couple of vacation days next week so will have a little time to get this mod done...just have to do a little shopping between now and then.

I hope the hand wheel works out well. I definitely need to do some mock-ups before I decide on the size, to make sure I have the clearance I’m hoping to have. I want to go with as large a diameter hand wheel as possible, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to be limited to 5”. McMaster Carr definitely had a great selection and I think I found the right combo of wheel diameter, bore and set screw options to fit the bill. Definitely easy to navigate, like was mentioned - thanks, Michael and Bob.

I notice that the DP table is available with the standard hold-down clamps or with knuckle clamps. Has anyone had experience with both and/or can comment if the knuckle clamps are a better option? It’s only a $15.00 price difference, so worth it if they are better/more convenient.

Having a hard time finding the aluminum/ stainless flip stops for the drill press table... will have to do some digging to see if they are still available. Definitely trying to avoid plastic wherever possible. I’ve been spoiled a bit by some of my JessEm stuff... they seem to have a similar plastic allergy to mine

.

Thanks again for all the great info. I really appreciate it! I’ll digest a bit more of all y’alls informative posts and probably think of more questions.

Dean

Cheese · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2018, 12:45 PM »

Quote from: Caboose1966 on October 27, 2018, 11:51 AM

Having a hard time finding the aluminum/ stainless flip stops for the drill press table... will have to do some digging to see if they are still available. Definitely trying to avoid plastic wherever possible. I’ve been spoiled a bit by some of my JessEm stuff... they seem to have a similar plastic allergy to mine .

https://www.woodpeck.com/ssflipstop.html

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 27, 2018, 12:45 PM »

Told ya’ I’d have more questions...

Cheese, what kind of setup do you have there with what I assume is a vacuum nozzle? Does it pick up the shavings pretty well?

Bob. Yep, I’ve already sent in my rebate form for the free fence from Nova. Although, if I get the woodpeckers setup installed, I may not use it much. Maybe I will reserve that fence for metalworking when I remove the woodpeckers setup...that will be reserved for woodworking.

Just did a little more measuring and ordered the 6” zinc hand wheel from McMaster.

Thanks,
Dean

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 27, 2018, 12:50 PM »

Thanks for the link (again), Cheese. Don’t know how I missed it in your earlier post...and on the woodpeckers website

.

Will be putting together my shopping list this morning. Amazon is a little higher priced but I know I’d get the stuff in time to do the work while I’m on vacation. Woodpeckers site shows backorderd but Toolnut has in stock and good price. Wonder how fast their free shipping is...?

Thanks again,
Dean

Cheese · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2018, 12:57 PM »

Hey the link is tough to find on the woodpeckers website. That's the reason I included it for you.

You'd think it would be under Flip Stops, however it's not.

Cheese · « **Reply #22 on:** October 27, 2018, 06:26 PM »

Quote from: Caboose1966 on October 27, 2018, 12:45 PM

Cheese, what kind of setup do you have there with what I assume is a vacuum nozzle? Does it pick up the shavings pretty well?

Hey Dean, it’s a vac nozzle that works well. Woodcraft sells it for about $25. The hose is really cool, you can shorten it, lengthen it or bend it to hold any shape you want, and then return it to its original size. It also comes with a scoop end rather than the nozzle end for wider dust collection. My last project was aluminum so that’s the reason the nozzle end is still on.

I made a bracket from BB and fastened it to the Delta with 2 MagSwitch magnets. The sizing of the hole for the hose was the most difficult part of the project.

A small enough hole to hold the hose securely yet large enough so that the hose can be adjusted/moved with one hand.

Again, no clamps, no straps, no extraneous parts...just friction holds it in place.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #23 on:** October 29, 2018, 07:21 AM »

Hey cheese or anyone with the Woodpecker table, can you give me the measurement C to C between the two tracks, and the tracks thickness?

I just ordered the tracks and low profile fence and some SStops

I will be making my own top since the woodpecker top alone bumped the shipping from $46 to $111

The table will be based on neilc top with probably some magswitch magnets to hold it (ty Cheese). I'm also planning to incorporate a circular offset insert.

rvieceli · « **Reply #24 on:** October 29, 2018, 08:34 AM »

@Mario Turcot I’d suggest bolting the table down. Unless you’re going to spend the big bucks the magnets can’t hold against the torque involved.

Ron

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #25 on:** October 29, 2018, 09:26 AM »

Quote from: rvieceli on October 29, 2018, 08:34 AM

@Mario Turcot I’d suggest bolting the table down. Unless you’re going to spend the big bucks the magnets can’t hold against the torque involved.

Ron

Ron, I was thinking to screw a runner like, under the table that would make a snug fit. Sliding the table in position and securing it sideways from magnets through the runners. The magnets would ultimately hold the table to stick on the DP table and the side runners to avoid spinning. Do you think it would be enough to keep it secure?

Another option would be a L channel with pressure screw from under. All i am looking for is a quick way to remove the top for when I drill into metal+lubricant using a vise.

Sorry to hijack your thread Dean

Cheese · « **Reply #26 on:** October 29, 2018, 10:08 AM »

Quote from: Mario Turcot on October 29, 2018, 07:21 AM

Hey cheese or anyone with the Woodpecker table, can you give me the measurement C to C between the two tracks, and the tracks thickness?

Hey Mario, the CL to CL (center line) distance between the tracks is 13.75". The track width appears to be 1.75" because the slot width is 1.77/1.78". The track thickness however, is another story. It is .50", I think ?? It's tough to get an accurate measurement of the track thickness without removing it from the table.

I'd suggest you wait until you have the track in your hands because you want it to be slightly recessed relative to the top surface. Woodpeckers recesses their tracks by .030" (1/32") to prevent anodization wear from sliding things across the table.

I'd also echo Ron's thoughts on bolting your home made top down to the Voyager table. It's not only side thrust & twist you have to worry about, it's also a heavy off set load on the table could flip it off. I can place a 35# vise loaded with another 25# of material ANYWHERE on the top and not be afraid of it landing on the floor...or my toes.

Mario Turcot · « **Reply #27 on:** October 29, 2018, 10:25 AM »

Gotcha on the toes

and thanks for the measurements.

I will probably sandwich two pieces of BB 12mm together. Hopefully the tracks will recess enough to prevent wear out with 12mm. That way i don't have to make any dado to sit the tracks on. will have the bottom layer in one piece and the top layer in three pieces. Want it modular enough so I can replace any top part w/o having to redo the whole top.

Back to the design table

Grev · « **Reply #28 on:** October 29, 2018, 10:43 AM »

Quote from: Caboose1966 on October 27, 2018, 11:51 AM

I notice that the DP table is available with the standard hold-down clamps or with knuckle clamps. Has anyone had experience with both and/or can comment if the knuckle clamps are a better option? It’s only a $15.00 price difference, so worth it if they are better/more convenient.

I also have the WP DP table on my Delta 18-900 and love it. Just wanted to let you know the Festool track clamps work good with the track and also accepts 1/4"-20 hex bolts/nuts for custom jigs.

Caboose1966 · « **Reply #29 on:** October 29, 2018, 10:55 AM »

More great info and pictures. Thanks, everyone.

Mario, no worries about "hijacking". Personally, I like it when everyone chimes in with their related questions/ideas. Makes it more one-stop shopping that way

.

TrackTubes... thanks for the info on the Festool track clamps. Good to know.

I've got to get on ordering the table today. After that's in place and the way I want it, the vacuum setup looks like a great addition. I've got a few dust-collection related tasks things I have to get figured out. Everything is just set up to hook up to my shop vac on an as-needed basis right now. Ultimately, when I get a permanent dust-collection system set up, I'll have to re-work some of the connections, but trying to think ahead as much as possible to minimize that re-work down the line.

Thanks again for all the helpful info.

Dean