March 4, 20178 yr I came across this promo for the new Nova 18" drill press and I thought you guys might be interested. I don't know anything about the quality or longevity, but it is on par, cost wise, with similar presses and eliminates the need to change pulley belts and guess at the correct speeds.
March 4, 20178 yr That's the DVR drill press, and I can see a lot of advantages to having one. I've read 2 or 3 hands on reviews and they may still have a few bugs, but I'd still like to have one.
March 5, 20178 yr Author 9 hours ago, lew said: Pretty cool! I would think a floor model would be a little taller. It does seem to have a smaller footprint...and that is bad, how? I agree, that, I would personally like it a little taller... 6 hours ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said: That's the DVR drill press, and I can see a lot of advantages to having one. I've read 2 or 3 hands on reviews and they may still have a few bugs, but I'd still like to have one. I'd be interested in seeing some reviews of first hand users. The controls sure make it quicker, easier and more accurate. However, circuit boards do have a tendency to go South and they ain't usually cheap, neither!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 5, 20178 yr Thanks Bill...informative video...not as pricey as thought it might be but still above my use budget; more suited to production type environments when lots of change-overs needed; depending on sales volume, prices might come down some later on? A lot of great features though for the money...I really like the big eStop button in front; also the built in speed selection guide and electronic depth stop.
March 5, 20178 yr 1 hour ago, schnewj said: I would personally like it a little taller... Just read another review. Seems they put the display at "average" eye level. Often, that type of display is difficult to read unless you are viewing it "head on". So I guess that might partially explain it. I like the drill press table high so I don't have to bend over and stress the back.
March 5, 20178 yr Author Another advantage that I suspect, is that with the additional hardware gone from the head, the press is not as "top heavy" as a conventional drill press. I didn't see an overall weight listed, so, it is hard to tell how much of a reduction in the gross weight is for a comparison. However, I can guarantee that the center of gravity is lower on this tool. This makes the tool more stable and easier to move around if, like some of us, you have a mobile workshop. Conversely, I don't like the Black LCD on the green background. It makes it hard to see. Especially, if sunlight is causing any glare on the panel lens. Powermatic did it right with their drill press digital readouts. (I suspect that you can see those Powermatic numbers from across the room.) Overall, the prices are MSRP and on par with an 18" type press. Street prices will probably be lower. However, I would not buy one for a couple of years or until the longevity is established and the bugs worked out. Added: In looking for the gross weight (which nobody seems to have listed) I read the specification for the tool. Apparently, another desirable feature exists on this tool. Since the operation is microprocessor controlled you can lock the operation out by inputting a password. This would be great to keep unauthorized fingers from getting into trouble. Much better then a plastic lock-out "key' on a lot of plastic switches. Worried about forgetting the password; just perform a factory reset and you're good to go. Also, the firmware is upgradable for future improvements to the controls. Just one more plus in my book. Edited March 5, 20178 yr by schnewj
March 5, 20178 yr Shopsmith's new Power Pro uses the same technology and it's also made by Nova. Early on, they did have some circuit board problems which Nova addressed promptly. It's a great power plant. Wish I had one.
March 7, 20178 yr Well that may go on my list of drill presses to consider. I really like the slower speeds available A 0.050" depth settings is fine for most wood but Not in metals 6" quill travel is nice I wonder what the bearings in the quill are and what class they are. The PM 2800B still has more appeal Edited March 7, 20178 yr by Cliff
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