Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press Review from a Piano Technician
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.
Recently, I interviewed my friend Nick Savage about his favorite tools. In this article, I am sharing what he said about his Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press.
Nicholas Savage, Registered Piano Technician
Opus 57 Pianos & Savage Piano Service
Authorized Representative for Mason & Hamlin Pianos of Chicago
Why did you get the Nova Voyager drill press for your piano rebuilding Shop?
I almost didn’t!
The Voyager is nice, but expensive. Initially, I purchased an already assembled display model of another brand at a much cheaper price, but then I realized it would be much easier to transport an unassembled drill press. I also reminded myself that it is better to “buy once, cry once.” I hate buying things twice! It has been several years now, and I have no regrets; the Voyager has several features that no other drill press has.
What features make this drill press unique?
Most drill presses are belt driven which limits the number of spindle speeds they can have; a cheap drill press may have as few as 5 speeds and a better one may have 12. To change the drill speed, you must stop the press, open it up, and manually change the belt around different combinations of pulleys. When your work requires you to use different sized drill bits in different materials, this is a time-consuming nuisance. The Voyager is beltless which allows for quick RPM changes in small increments from 50-3000RPM by turning a dial. Another benefit to the beltless design is significantly reduced vibration.
This drill press also has an onboard computer with LCD display. The computer menu features include drill speed recommendations by drill bit type and material, electronic depth stop, slow and self-start, forward and reverse rotation, and saved favorite speeds. It can be set to both metric and Imperial units.
For me, these are highly convenient, time-saving features!
What do you use the drill press for at your piano workshop?
We have a slab of pin block material attached to a machinist tilting table installed on it for pin block drilling. The extra table surface is nice for drilling holes in keys for lead, capstans, back checks, etc. With its wide range of speed settings and 6” of quill travel, it can handle almost anything.
What did you own before the Voyager Drill Press?
My first drill press was a cheap $120 drill press from a big box store. I do not miss it.
Is the Nova easy to assemble?
No. The net/shipping weight is 284/313 lbs. In my case, I picked one up from the store, but I would never do that again.
Spend the extra money to have it delivered and make sure you have one or two extra helpers!
For your rebuilds, will you be using it a lot?
It is one of the most-used tools in my shop.
Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press Features (Images)
Speed Chart
Self Start Setting
User Set Depth
Advanced Modes
Edit F Shortcuts
Direction Setting
Edit Favorite Speeds
Configuration
Questions about the drill press?
Contact:
Nicholas Savage, Registered Piano Technician
Opus 57 Pianos & Savage Piano Service
Authorized Representative for Mason & Hamlin Pianos
Attn. New Piano Tuners! Educational Resources/Opportunities
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.