Assembling The Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press

[@water2color61]

Great Job! I finally received my Nova Voyager DRV after 4 months of waiting and your video helped and explained so much. The owners manual left little to be desired so really appreciated you video!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I've been working with it for a few weeks now and have enjoyed its operation. It really is a nice machine. Good luck with your press and thanks for tuning in.

[@FountainCityVol]

That self start feature is really nice.

[@marcelo403polo2]

It is. I love it on mine

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

that is definitely a great feature. Love it. Thanks for tuning in.

[@dennishall9260]

Very impressive! That thing walks, talks, and says Momma! You are such a "high tech" kinda guy Kenny. All you need now is a larger shop! Great demo Ken!

[@marcelo403polo2]

100%👍

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree more and if the city would have let me build a larger one, I would have. Unfortunately, I am bound by the city rules and regulations. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words Dennis.

[@pdwoodwerkz9625]

That drill press is a beast! And it's a marvelous piece of technology. When I worked for Rockler, I put many of the earlier models together and used them in the store for demo's and classes, so I definitely can identify with what you encountered. That head is . . .well, no other way to say it . . .Heavy as hell. In a couple of instances, I had customers who actually dropped it during assembly and in one case , luckily only cracked the case which Nova replaced. We finally recommended that if they are doing it alone, put the head on like when you build a bandsaw. . .on its back and then raise the whole thing vertical. I think you will grow to really love that drill press. You also have hit on the real "ah ha" moment for this expensive tool: Is it really needed and is it really better than a Jet or Rikon or Powermatic and additionally, after the warranty runs out, what might the electronic maintenance cost. I found that machinists really like all the bells and whistles while woodworkers, because of the medium we work in, don't deal in the minute adjustments. But, that said, it is definitely the last drill press you will probably ever need; if it can't do it, you probably don't need to do it. 😉Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy it. I really like the idea of getting a "keyless" chuck for it. I also think that for the $$$$, Nova should have provided a head that has 0.004" or less runout. But that's me. 🙂 Thanks for a great show this week. Along with everyone else, I'll be waiting to see the monster table you build.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for all the input. I truly appreciate it. So far, I like what I see in this DP. I hope that it continues to serve me well. Thanks for tuning in.

[@carolinesullivan9432]

You will really enjoy that drillpress. I purchased the Nova viking bench model and what a pleasure to use the electronic speed control. I immediately bought keyless chuck. I am surprised it didn't come with light or laser pointer. The Viking comes with both of those. This drillpress was so much nicer to use compared to my previous one.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I will be adding a work light of some kind for sure. I did consider the viking at one point due to the extra features of the work light and laser but in the end, the Voyager won out for me. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@williambuckley1185]

Yep, interesting drill press. good to keep up with technology. should be fun to use. Good video Kenny. Thank you.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you liked it William. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@earlbishop2314]

Wow, great walk through on your new tool. Lots of great features. Look forward to seeing you use it on future builds. Take care Ken and stay healthy and safe.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks Earl. I'm liking it so far. Thanks for tuning in.

[@robertkrueger3902]

im excited for you in your new tool purchase.. a simple solution I used for my chuck key was a magnet and it is easy to put back on the magnet..

[@marcelo403polo2]

Did the same before I upgraded to keyless chuck

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I did that within about 30 seconds of discovering that there was nowhere to mount the chuck key. LOL. Great minds think alike Robert. Thanks for tuning in and for the suggestion.

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

I just started watching your channel on my quest for a new drill press (upgrading my 20+ year old Mastercraft). I didn’t know you were Canadian.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Yup. Pretty much as Canadian as they come. I hope you're able to get some good information from the channel. Of course, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. thanks for tuning in.

[@marcelo403polo2]

Wow. Kenny what an upgrade. Awesome drill I got just Nova Viking one home and mine already rocks I will watch it when I get back home from work Congrats buddy!!! Edit Yeah, there good few useful features you didn't get there yet, I guess. And those really high RPMs, well, I got milling table for mine, And I do some milling on mty models with it. You will never stop that beast. I believe it's 1 1/2Horsepower. Unstoppable!!! There is also reverse rpm as well and tons more Awesome purchase. Congrats again

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

so far, I'm liking what I see and what I experience. My favourite thing so far is drilling slow with a forstner bit and not having a belt slip. It just keeps going no matter what. That's the direct drive 1.75HP motor (not 1.5) Thanks for tuning in .

[@woodysranch2690]

I think I suggested this tool years ago. I love mine, and so will you.. The only problem i have found is my chuck easily falls out with light side pressures. It is big and heavy and I wondered if the smaller Viking might have been ok. The Viking normally is a table model but in Canada it is sold as a floor model by King. I put my head on the column with it lying on its side, the lifted the entire press vertical. I also added wheels to the base, I used metal wheels from Princess Auto, so I can move it easily. The wheels are well outside the existing base that can swing so make it more stable not less. I also added a cabinet with drawers under the table for storage. The cabinet has recessed hand holds which can be used to lift off the cabinet for the times you need the extra depth for the drill press. There are shortcuts you can program into the machine for things such as reverse etc. I replaced the original chuck with a keyless which I like. If your chuck ever does fall out, its benign, it just drops and stops spinning. Careful with the 5000 rpm. Lets not forget some of the advantages such as noise level

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I don't ever see a need for me to use 5000 rpm Woody. I do believe that you were the viewer that asked why I just didn't go for the Nova and that thought has stuck with me for years. Not that I don't like the Rikon because I still do and it still gets used in the shop quite frequently but now I have two capable drill presses. I do really love the Nova so far but there are things that I would like to see changed. The chuck for starters, a work light and like you, cabinets underneath. I had a cabinet with drawers underneath my old drill press years ago so I may build the same thing for this one. We will see. Thanks for the suggestion and for tuning in to the show. It's very much appreciated as usual.

[@troycogan1030]

For a pedestal floor standing it’s a beast. Funny I was thinking I didn’t see a light also I don’t get why ALL floor standing tools don’t have foot emergency stops like you said it wasn’t cheap. Again another great tutorial Kenny, look forward to the drill press table & I’ll see you on alternative Tuesday. 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I hope you enjoy the Tuesday show Troy. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words on the drill press.

[@randysmith3828]

I watch another KZbinr from Canada and his shop is filled with King equipment. I can’t find a supplier in the states who sells that brand, the only King equipment I saw was their table saw and it seemed like a nice piece of equipment.

[@marcelo403polo2]

Basically same thing as Grizzly in States. Just different color for King

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

My original small drill press (which is still in my shop) is a King and I've had it for over 30 years and it's still going strong. Other than that, the Voyager is the only other piece of King Industrial equipment that I have. I am considering their jointer/planer combo units but it's about $4000.00 and weighs a ton. I might hold off on that one for a while. Thanks for tuning in.

[@markduggan3451]

That looks awesome, I wish I had the space and money for one.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

So far, I am quite pleased with it Mark. Time will tell. Thanks for tuning in this week.

[@meawayfromhome]

Hi Kenny, very nice toy indeed, enjoy it.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks Philip. I've had the chance to play with it a bit and I'm pretty impressed with what I see so far. Thanks for tuning in.

[@ASCarvings]

that's a serious bit of equipment. enjoy.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It definitely it. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words.

[@josephpotterf9459]

Thanks

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome. Thanks for tuning in.

[@hometeam52]

If you’re thinking about one of these, find a dealer with one in stock. I paid for one at Woodcraft in May and Teknatool can’t deliver. Shipping estimate from Teknatool has slid from August to January 2025. Really want one but will be looking at upcoming Laguna if that one becomes available earlier.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I completely agree. Before I ever ventured anywhere to buy one of these, I checked their stock, both online and I called to have them check in person. I'm not a fan of paying out the money and having to wait while they get one brought into them. Thanks for tuning in. I hope you get your drill press soon.

[@anthonyaustin9948]

I have the same Rikon variable speed drill press you had. I like it, as much as one can like a drill press. Can you explain a little bit why you wanted to upgrade to the Nova DVR drill press?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I still love my Rikon and still have it in the shop. The upgrade was not to replace my Rikon but simply because I wanted a new tool and that was what I chose. The Rikon is still an awesome drill press the I highly recommend but it doesn't compare to the technology and features of the Nova DVR. They are two very different animals. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@scottmorris4914]

It’s a great drill press. Look at it, not for me, as you said, not for everyone.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It's definitely not for everyone Scott. It's a pretty pricey piece of equipment. Thanks for tuning in

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

Great video. Lots of detail. Do you think it would be possible to put a mobile base on it? I’m working in my garage, and have to move stuff around. Thanks.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm sure it's possible. Almost all of my tools are mobile. The issue with the Voyager is that it is 300lbs. So for starters you would need one heck of a heavy duty mobile base. Secondly, it's very top heavy with the motor so tipping it would be a definitely concern. Still, not impossible though.

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

@@acutabove_woodworkings thanks.

[@harleywood9588]

Love to hear your opinions of this DP.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Once I have had a chance to work with it for a while, I will definitely post a review show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@rockydavies9555]

could a person use router bits be used at 5500 rpm?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have heard of people using shaper bits but I don't know if I would trust the open format of the drill press without some kind of guard on it. I guess in theory you could. Thanks for tuning in Rocky.

[@rockydavies9555]

yes would need a guard and protection

[@marcelo403polo2]

Routers are really cheap comparing to this beast, so I don't see point of using it as the router. However, I purchased milling table for mine and occasionally use it as milling machine with small cutters

[@steveh8724]

Nice review! I think you will enjoy this machine over the years to come. I've had one for 5+ years and still admire it each time I use it. Minor comment is that in imperial fraction display mode, it's not always "rounding up." As you show at about @18:45, 9/32 actual rounds to 1/4, as does 8/32. So 9/32 is not rounded *up*, it's rounded down to 1/4. I've never used this mode, but it looks like it simply rounds to the nearest coarser fraction, depending on how you specify the settings for that imperial fraction display mode.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You make a good point Steve. This show isn't really a review but more of an assembly and first impressions video. I will have to use it a lot more before I can feel confident in providing my full opinion. So far though, I like what I see. Thanks for tuning in