Nova Voyager Drill Press

[Jiggy Joiner]

[member=69479]Jiggy Joiner[/member] thanks for enlightening me on this. I didn’t realise there was so much to chucks! I just remember the term morse taper and thought this was standard for pillar drills. I think I’ll have to keep looking for the drill and then upgrade the chuck.

[member=24307]msc[/member] You’re welcome mate, it sounds a bit confusing but, makes sense once you delve into it.
I very nearly bought the chuck with an integral arbor but, that would have limited my use of it on other machines. With a different arbor, I’ll now be able to mount it on another machine if needed.
If you can pick up a decent Fobco Star drill press, they are an extremely good engineering drill press. Meddings are also superb, original Startrite are another.

[member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] I totally agree, the chuck and arbor that come standard on the Voyager, are usable but, seem to made from cheese or chocolate, the metal is very soft.

 

[08G8V8]

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:

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

[attachimg=4]

[attachimg=5]

[attachimg=6]

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.

[attachimg=8]

Sketchup Plans are available on the 3D Warehouse. HERE

They are also attached as a zip file below.

neil

Neil, where can I get this hose attachment?

 

[Mario Turcot]

Update on the Nova Voyager Drill Press. After +18 months of use, I still love it and have no regret. Took me a while but finally was able to work on a new table. I dod nothing fancy because I know I will want to make another one with more features  [embarassed]

I realized a bit too late that the two tracks to hold the fence were too close to each other. The tracks are holded from under the table and are all removable.
[attachimg=1]
All I have left to do is glue up the middle part, make some blank inserts and trim the edges.
[attachimg=2]
The fence is an aluminium extrusion with a few sub fence (still in the tinker).

I have an universal joint, shaft, bearing and wheel to setup in order to raise/lower the table.

 

[Michael Kellough]

“ I have an universal joint, shaft, bearing and wheel to setup in order to raise/lower the table.‘

We need a photo of this!

 

[Mario Turcot]

“ I have an universal joint, shaft, bearing and wheel to setup in order to raise/lower the table.‘

We need a photo of this!

It's not built yet. I just gather the parts. To start on it I need the table to be done  [wink] Which should be ready start tomorrow  [smile]

 

[Cypren]

I notice that Nova has a newer drill press model, the Vulcan, that seems to have improved metalworking features for light milling. Oddly, I also noticed that it's going for about US$1300 brand new online. Looking over the spec sheet, it seems to do everything the Voyager does plus more; anyone have any idea why it would be that cheap when the Voyager is still about $1700 at my local Rockler?

 

[Mario Turcot]

I notice that Nova has a newer drill press model, the Vulcan, that seems to have improved metalworking features for light milling. Oddly, I also noticed that it's going for about US$1300 brand new online. Looking over the spec sheet, it seems to do everything the Voyager does plus more; anyone have any idea why it would be that cheap when the Voyager is still about $1700 at my local Rockler?

The new Nova drill press is the Viking. It's a bench top DP with new features. However it do not share all the same features that the Voyager. The Vulcan I believe was the first DP from Teknatool.

Viking

 

[Michael Kellough]

The Voyager came first followed by the heavier duty Vulcan but the Vulcan never made it to market. The only way to buy one is from Striatech via eBay. It cost less because it’s discontinued.

 

[Bob D.]

Nova Vulcan Info - It's not your Fathers' drill press. It's still listed on the NOVA website. I didn't see anything about it being discontinued. But yes when you click on the Buy Now button you are taken to an eBay listing. Admittedly it's a hybrid or mish=mash of two machines, and as such probably not the best at either, but it may serve some for light duty applications. Which as has been stated is probably why it's discontinued.
https://www.teknatool.com/product/n...on-bundle-with-downfeed-attachment-sku-83821/

The Downfeed Attachment which NOVA made can be used on both the Vulcan and the Voyager. Might be worth a look for some. Here's a link to the manual for the Downfeed Attachment.https://www.teknatool.com/wp-conten...A-DownFeed-Attachment-Manual-25.Oct_.2018.pdf

Description of features from the manual-

NOVA DOWN FEED ATTACHMENT FEATURES AT A GLANCE

The NOVA down feed attachment is specifically made for the NOVA Vulcan and Voyager drill presses.
This attachment allows the users to have precise control over their spindle which will be beneficial if you are either a wood worker or a metal worker.

Hand wheel Features - Precise control mode of the quill is enabled when the worm gears are engaged on the down feed attachment. When precise control mode is enabled, the quill extension is controlled by the front handwheel.

Keeping Quill Extension lengths - When precise control is enabled the quill will not retract automatically therefore keeping its extension length. This makes the machine suitable for milling operations.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Wonder what the story is with this from the downfeed attachment description?

“Compatible with the Vulcan and the Voyager

Note: Currently, this accessory is not suitable for the NOVA Voyager DVR Drill Press.
May be compatible in the future.”

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=233]Bob D.[/member]  thank you for the additional infos.

Wonder what the story is with this from the downfeed attachment description?

“Compatible with the Vulcan and the Voyager

Note: Currently, this accessory is not suitable for the NOVA Voyager DVR Drill Press.
May be compatible in the future.”

It's compatible meaning that the voyager interface will accept it. Not suitable meaning that it is not recommended. I agree it's extremely confusing  [eek] It may be something that would affect voyager longetivity???

I can see the attachment as an interesting concept for mass production. Being able to free both hands to switch material without the quill going up all the way.

 

[Cypren]

Knowing that the Vulcan was discontinued makes everything snap into focus. It also explains why I couldn't find the compound table accessory for sale anywhere. Thanks for the explanation!

Knowing that Teknatool has cycled through products so quickly in a few years makes me considerably less enthused about buying from them; I'd rather go with a vendor that can still give me parts and support a decade from now.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

[member=71910]Cypren[/member] Before I bought my Voyager, I did some research like I always do when considering a purchase.
I heard nothing but great reports regarding Teknatool, they provide great customer service, and take customer care seriously. That’s good enough for me.

Also, the Voyager is like no other pillar drill ever made, they really are something else.
So no other vendor could supply you with one.

I wouldn’t worry about discontinuation or re design, this can happen in manufacturing, even soon after a product release. It might be a new designer took over, or potential for improvements was realised just after release.
The design and aesthetics of the Voyager, is so much better than the Vulcan, so I can see why Teknatool changed it, and glad they did so.

 

[Bob D.]

Why do you say it can't be used with the Voyager Michael. Did you find that somewhere on their site or is that information from an inquiry you made. What I posted is from their current website. Now it may be they are trying to sell off remaining stock I don't know. You mentioned the Vulcan is discontinued and that would seem to be the real market for the downfeed attachment. If the Vulcan is gone then it follows the accessories would dry up too.

 

[Mario Turcot]

Bob, this is from the first link you posted

"DOWNFEED SPECIFICATIONS
Under Precision Quill Control
Quill Feed 2.5mm (1/10”) control per revolution on hand wheel (when gears are fully engaged)
Quill feed .025mm (1/1000”) control per division on the hand wheel (when gears fully engaged)
Compatible with the Vulcan and the Voyager

Note: Currently, this accessory is not suitable for the NOVA Voyager DVR Drill Press. May be compatible in the future."

 

[Bob D.]

OK, didn't catch that down near the bottom of the page.

Strange to have all the copy about using on both machines then have a one line disclaimer at the bottom for the Voyager.

 

[dragoneggs]

Hey... new here.  Recently have invested in a couple of Festools (1400 router, 500 domino, and CT26). Wallet took a hit obviously but happy so far.  Happened on this thread as a guest as I have a Voyager and after reading through it, decided to join in.

Super happy with my Voyager.  Upgrading now to a keyless chuck and hear all the talk about Albrecht.  No one is mentioning Llambrich.  Anyone own one? I have one on order and it seems similar quality. but far less money.  I'm all for quality but don't much like paying just for a brand if there are other equivalent options.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R62N4Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also looking to build a better and more useful table.  Thanks everyone here with ideas, etc.  The crank mod for table height adjustment is what I need to resolve.

Anyways... thanks for putting up with a newbie here.

 

[Mario Turcot]

[member=72968]dragoneggs[/member]  [welcome] to the FOG

I never heard about that brand. I bought a cheap keyless chuck and I'm satisfied with it so far. I am working on my table and waiting for the last piece of hardware to put a leveling crank. Will post update soon as I get it wworking  [wink]

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I always bought Rohm chucks, mainly because they were quality and also because they are readily available over here.
I ad a bd experience with the last one I bought, and got refunded. I then bought an Albrecht, it’s without any doubt the nicest chuck I’ve ever owned or used, so the issue with the Rohm was a blessing in disguise.

Cheese has good experience with Albrecht chucks, and was one of the people that recommended them to me.

I have no experience with Llambrich though.

 

[Cheese]

Cheese has good experience with Albrecht chucks, and was one of the people that recommended them to me.

I'm a fan of Albrecht chucks, I have a dedicated one for the drill press and I swap between 2 others on the lathe. You can find them on eBay used but in like-new condition for only $125-$150. They're a beautiful piece of equipment. They put the Jacob Ball Bearing chucks to shame.

I think [member=297]Michael Kellough[/member] may have some experience with Llambrich...maybe?