Nova Voyager 58000 DVR Drill Press Review

Drill press technology has been stagnant over the years. Mainly size, power, and gimmicky features have been improved or added in the recent years. The Voyager DVR Drill Press by NOVA is a significant upgrade over the "traditional" drill press. The drill press still had all the same traditional features of a drill press but has DVR technology and a full blown digital functions that really bring this unit to the next level.

Voyager DVR Drill Press

As previously mentioned, this drill press brings technology never seen before but this technology is in a package that is well built and engineered to last along time. At first glance, you will notice how small, both in size and height, the Voyager DBR Drill press is. This is due to the DVR technology, which eliminates the need for pulleys and belts. This shrinks the top unit of the drill press in both the depth and height.

The lack of pulleys and belts makes this unit extremely quiet. No more rattling covers or out of balance pulleys.

Included:

Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press
Drill Chuck (key)
Table
Hardware/Fastenings pack
Owner's Manual

DVR Technology

DVR is an acronym for "Digital Variable Reluctance." This technology automatically adjusts and maintains the speed and power of the machine based on the resistance the computer registers. The computer optimizes efficiency so the motor only draws as much power as needed, this is said to save up to 50% in energy over conventional motors.

The units boasts a 1 3/4" HP high torque motor which has plenty of power to compete your tasks. We could easily drill a 2 1/8" hole with a forsner bit, which takes a lot of power. That was the largest bit we had on hand.

Variable Speed Control

The DVR technology allows the user to change the RPM or speed of the drill press by simply rotating the nob on the front of the unit. No changing belts or anything. This saves so much time and allows the user to dial in the exact speed for the drilling tasks, which creates a much safer environment.

Prior to the Voyager, we had a traditional drill press and kept it at a speed that was in the middle of the road. Changing speeds was such a hassle that we rarely moved it. We performed most of our tasks at that speed, which wasn't the safest nor the kindest on our bits. Excess speed can cause bits to heat up and wear out there temper and go dull extremely fast.

Digital Depth Readout and Stop

The Voyager DVR Drill Press by NOVA has your traditional mechanical depth stop but it also has a digital depth readout and stop. The user can set the zero point anywhere (typically placed on the surface of your material) and then the depth can be digitally set. Once the bit gets near the depth the user set, an audible beep will get faster and faster and once the bit reaching the set depth, the drill press will shut off.

This is an excellent for production work or very precise hole depth work.

Who is this drill press for?

Professional woodworker - a woodworker that desires extreme precision on drilling holes or work created at the drill press. In addition to precision work, the speed at which a user can complete their work is substantial faster than traditional drill presses.

Metalworker - In my opinion, matching the speed of your drill press to the material is extremely important but it is substantially more important with metalworking than woodworking. When drilling holes in metal, it is imperative that the speed of your drill be set correctly. With the variable speed changing knob, the user can easily do this in a jiffy. Not having the right speed will be detrimental to your bits.

Production facility - We can see a production facility replacing their fleet of traditional drill presses with a few of the Voyager DVR drill presses.

[stevensrspcplusmc]

I have one and it’s a beast.. if you compare this to anything on the market, it’s a no brainer .. don’t think twice about it.. it can handle anything you throw at it.. just bought a keyless chuck..👍😊

[phillipja]

Hey. Excellent sweet video. I found 2 problems with this drill press. Problem 1: the work table only tilts -45/+45 left/right. It should also tilt forward/backwards. This would allow you to very quickly square the drill bit to the workpiece, which is locked in the drill press vice. Useful when drilling/tapping 2inch thick steel. Problem 2: runout. Should be zero.

[Broncort]

I've never seen (or heard) a loud drill press before so that's not a sell point. Best part of this machine is the speed selection...that's awesome.

[johnbluebeard]

IF the electronics in this hold up and cheap repair boards become available, this will be the drill of the decade. If not, there will be lots of mud thrown at Nova, Teknatool and Striatech. Simply put, if an electronic breakdwn becomes a $660 repair item, or even a $200 repair item, this drill will quick;y get a reputation. Interestingly, Rikon has picked the motor up for the 10-316DVR, meaning that at least one third party is expressing confidence. On the other hand, Nove warns that you must use a surge suppress0or with this drill. Good luck with that.
I do own one and am very happy so far.

[nico]

How is the accuracy of the down feed travel ? Tolerance ? inch/mm

[edisonpendelton]

*Love this unit. **MyBest.Tools** Cuts like a dream. For bigger projects cut back on pressure or you will snap a blade but otherwise wonderfullyrics small and mobile.*

[joec.]

Thanks for the great video. I am researching this model. I work with 6061 aluminum. Also this model is just under 6 feet tall. Holy Moly Batman! What are 7 feet tall? Thanks again.

[czellner]

Teknatool just took first place in the drill press segment with that thing.  The last time I felt this way was the night I discovered girls! LOL That thing is SO sweet!! It's a tad expensive for my shop but it's not outrageous. The price is less than $1500 but it isn't the price that would stop me if I were in the market for a new machine. It's so dang high tech that I'd want to wait until I know all the wrinkles had been ironed out. I feel that it may be a tad over complicated. Thanks for sharing

[DavesCave]

it looks low to the ground. Should it be a little taller?

Would have liked to have seen a higher quality touch screen and a Bluetooth app.

[johndeaux]

I know this is an old video, but just picked up my Voyager. What type of runout are you or anyone else seeing with stock chuck?

[TomKirkman]

Mine has been great. Only complaint is the low height. I built a base to raise my 4 inches higher. Otherwise, it's a tremendous machine.

[Destro]

Does the menu have suggestions for speed based on bit type for drilling metal like it does for wood? Did you measure the runout?

[steinbierz]

Can the U.S. version be converted to 240V? Thanks.

[jc]

How are you feeling about this drill press these days? Do you still use it alot in your WW projects? I am about to buy either the Nova or the Jet 17" DP, leaning Nova. Would love to hear how you feel about it a couple of years later. Assuming you still have it.

[bigdogmn]

Hey Andy - what keyless chuck are you using?

[robsan]

Andy, I too would like some information on the key-less chuck you used.

[richardobermark]

I noticed @ around 11:25ish and a bit after when you were drilling with the Forstner bit and the plug cutter bit that the motor stalled several times when filming. This usually happens with a standard drill press and you have to adjust your feed rate or change belt speeds when using larger or smaller bits. I was a little disappointed with the cost of this thing that it even did that. When you read the description of this thing it’s supposed to anticipate the load and adjust accordingly but it clearly did not do that or maybe I misunderstood others description of how this thing works. I am just wondering because I really want to own one of these and I noticed when this happened you kept adjusting the knob so I am guessing you were increasing the speed but it took a few times from what I could see and then it switched over to another bit so not sure what the overall outcome was on that. So I guess my question is will this thing still stall out even if you have it set correctly? Also I realize that it was new and you were testing while filming so was any of these issues described above caused by something not set correctly or even with this expensive DVR technology you’re still going to get stalls? Thank you for taking your time to answer these questions and concerns.

[michaell]

No laser sight? Gosh for that price you would think they would have that.

[barryinn]

We don't need you to tell us all the spec's, there is a spec sheet for that.

[dblehar]

Does Nova sponsor your site? Do you have to return the tools they send you to review?