drill press??

[08G8V8]

What do you all think about the Nova Viking benchtop drill press? Looking at my needs and getting sucked into the Nova thing with all the posts I decided I really only need a benchtop drill press. I prefer to keep the top of the benches clean but I currently have that craftsman benchtop on the benchtop! Doh, so I wouldn't lose any space that isn't currently used. The crappy one I have now would be gone. So in comes benchtop searches. I like the Jet but the Nova certainly has a following and seems well made. Thanks for any additional comments and thanks to whoever pointed this out to me earlier.

I have the Nova Viking, and really like it, but it is still very big and tall compared to a typical “benchtop” drill press.  Putting this on a normal height benchtop will put the chuck much higher than where the Voyager chuck is. I think this is the reason they came out with the Viking in a floor standing model.

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[Michael Kellough]

The post/column can be shortened.

 

[Bertotti]

I am giving this little benchtop unit some serious consideration. Less expensive and does all I need it or would like it to. For my day job I work with similar motors and drives and have found them to be very reliable. I work on industrial equipment in less than ideal enviroments. Hot oily, abusive operators poor maintenance, etc.

If one was available locally I would already have it but the shortage is making it easier for me to put it off a bit longer.

 

[Bertotti]

I have been wondering about these mortising presses. For what I am doing I do not need a lot of swing or travel. How well, do they work as a very small drill press? I have never used one.

 

[Bob D.]

If you are referring to a mortising machine they are basically a single task drill press.

They are as far as I know all single speed and either 1725 3/4HP, or 3650 1/2HP motors, at least the ones available here are.

One could be used as a drill press I guess but remember the speed is not adjustable, they are no pulleys or belts by which you can change speeds.

I don't think you would find it very useful. If you are looking to find something less expensive than the Vulcan benchtop DP look at for a good used unit. I have found many drill presses on CL locally for less than $150 that have proven to be very good units. One is a older Craftsman 12" benchtop model and the other a 1974 Delta 16" floor model. Paid less than $150 for each of them.