Nova Voyager Drill Press

[Jiggy Joiner]

[member=66597]Mario Turcot[/member] You were absolutely right Mario, mine arrived this morning, what a piece of kit!

I’ve used many pillar drills over the years but, nothing like this, it really is like nothing else. I am going to put a keyless chuck on it, probably a Rohm.
Very pleased with it though, it’s amazing!  [thumbs up]

Congrats, now lets bore some holessssssss  [big grin]

The only thing I wish the Nova Voyager have is a square pillar to stabilize the center point. I'm wondering why today's drill press are not offering that feature.

Thanks Mario, I also agree about the centre points.
This has crossed my mind with other drill presses. Today, I used a laser level to centre everything, and made a few references points with a Sharpy.
I’m off to make more holes now  [big grin]

 

[ear3]

Wondering if I could ask some dimensional questions from Nova owners, as I'm trying to figure out whether I can swap one out for the Ridgid drill press I currently operate in my shop.  The specs on the machine for the base are 22 1/4” x 17 1/2″.  Is that the total footprint for the rest of the machine?  The pictures show that the motor doesn't project back past the column, unlike belt driven presses, so it seems like the base dimensions should define the outer limits for the body rest of the machine.  My only worry is the handle on the right to raise and lower the table, which seems to stick out from the machine rather more than on my current press, and would therefore potentially knock into the workbench next to which it would stand.  Anyone got measurements on how far past the base dimensions that handle swings out?

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=37411]ear3[/member]

All dimensions are aprox

Handle side view: The back of the base from the center 5", from the exterior pillar to the edge 2".  Swivel protrude from the back 6" 3/4
[attachimg=1]

Handle front view: The handle protrude from the center of the pillar 14".
[attachimg=2]

Table side view: Base 23" x 18", table 16" 13 x 16" 12. The table protrude in front about 2"
[attachimg=3]

Hope I answer all your questions, if not do not hesitate to ask specifics.

 

[Michael Kellough]

I replaced my crank handle with a wheel. It might save an inch to the rear. Since it stays under the table it does not waste any space to the right.

 

[Mario Turcot]

I replaced my crank handle with a wheel. It might save an inch to the rear. Since it stays under the table it does not waste any space to the right.

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] you have a picture to share?

My next shop project is to make a table for the Nova and I would like to see how you handle the handle  [wink]

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I’m going to make a table and fence for mine, I’m collecting some melamine ply tomorrow.
I picked up a hand wheel today too. I was thinking of leaving the stock crank handle on, and spacing the table higher instead.
As long as it’s firmly secured, I can’t see a problem. The hand wheel would look neater though.
How amazing are these machines? I have been getting used to mine yesterday and today, and really am fascinated by it.

 

[sprior]

I've been thinking of (but not doing) about a drill press table upgrade.  Check out how they deal with the handles in this Woodsmith Shop video:

Those gears are expensive but available.  I still haven't figured out where to get the extension rods and connection points.

 

[Mario Turcot]

Jiggy, you played with the auto start yet? it's seriously  [eek]

I had my sister to make me a blanket to cover it when not in use. I was even thinking of building a little bird house roof on top lol.

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=14226]sprior[/member]  [eek] [eek] that is an awesome setup, thank you for sharing. And the crank is on the front  [big grin]

 

[sprior]

Yeah, I don't have the Voyager press, I'm thinking about doing this for my Delta benchtop press.  The thing that's holding me back from buying the Voyager is the idea of the Vulcan - the concept of having some metal milling capability is REALLY compelling, but there are NO review videos showing that in actual use and the availability of the Vulcan is VERY limited so I'm also concerned that it's not a fully real product and could disappear without warning.  I do have a Nova DVR XP wood lathe and I'm quite happy with it.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Jiggy, you played with the auto start yet? it's seriously  [eek]

I had my sister to make me a blanket to cover it when not in use. I was even thinking of building a little bird house roof on top lol.

Hi Mario, Yes I’ve dabbled with it, very clever indeed, and safer in many aspects.
The bird house roof idea has given me the giggles!  [big grin] [big grin]

[member=14226]sprior[/member] That looks very neat and functional  [thumbs up]

 

[rvieceli]

I'd be tempted to fabricate an adapter that mated to the spot where the hand crank attaches and had a hex head bolt on the other end. Then just use an impact wrench or something to turn it.

 

[sprior]

If I started thinking about it too much I might attach a stepper motor and cheap controller to run it.

 

[semenza]

I replaced the crank on mine first with a wheel, and then with a socket - extension - long handle flex head ratchet. The wheel was OK until I added a heavy table.  The ratchet set up works well ..... plenty of leverage and no interference with wall or table.

Seth

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

[member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] Hi Seth, yes i wondered how a wheel might be with a heavy table, the wheel I bought has a crank handle too, but still.

I can’t understand why more people don’t make a table that sits higher, to miss the crank. With a pillar drill there is plenty of room both up and down?

 

[Bob D.]

I'm thinking or a power drive, with a switch to raise/lower the table.

A reversible motor and the proper gearing is all it needs.

McMaster-Carr would be a good place to search for beveled gears,
bushings, bearings, and such. There are others, but McMaster comes
to mind right off.
https://www.mcmaster.com/bevel-gears
https://www.mcmaster.com/hand-wheels
https://www.mcmaster.com/rotary-electrical-actuators

A good source for linear actuators to use for projects is replacement recliner chair actuators. They come in various lengths and power requirements. Most are reversing which fits a lot of applications. And they are inexpensive, about $60 or less, you'll need to add a power supply for most but those can be had for $15 to $25.

 

[sprior]

This thread is taking a dangerous direction.  We'll start off just having a motor with an up or down button, then someone will get a bright idea to have a digital position readout (in mm of course), then how about programmable positions, then all the money gets sucked out of the room.  Oh I forgot, this a the Festool forum, no money left anyway  [wink]

 

[Michael Kellough]

This thread is taking a dangerous direction.  We'll start off just having a motor with an up or down button, then someone will get a bright idea to have a digital position readout (in mm of course), then how about programmable positions, then all the money gets sucked out of the room.  Oh I forgot, this a the Festool forum, no money left anyway  [wink]

Next stop, elimination of the need to turn the quill crank.

 

[Bob D.]

OK, I can take a hint. I'll stop before the bank is broke.

The NOVA Voyager is my next big tool purchase, later this year I suspect.

I've had the NOVA DVR lathe for about 8 years now and it's great.

 

[ear3]

Thanks [member=66597]Mario Turcot[/member]

[member=37411]ear3[/member]

All dimensions are aprox

Handle side view: The back of the base from the center 5", from the exterior pillar to the edge 2".  Swivel protrude from the back 6" 3/4
[attachimg=1]

Handle front view: The handle protrude from the center of the pillar 14".
[attachimg=2]

Table side view: Base 23" x 18", table 16" 13 x 16" 12. The table protrude in front about 2"
[attachimg=3]

Hope I answer all your questions, if not do not hesitate to ask specifics.