Which Nova Drill Press Belongs in Your Shop?

Nova, made by Teknatool, took a look at the drill press, a tool whose basic design had not changed in a century, and rebuilt it around a computer-controlled direct-drive motor. No belts, no pulleys, just a dial that changes speed instantly and a motor smart enough to hold constant torque while it does. The Nova lineup is small and focused: a couple of sizes, all built on the same DVR technology. That makes choosing straightforward once you understand the differences. Here is which Nova belongs in your shop.

A Nova drill press is a computer-controlled, direct-drive DVR (Digital Variable Reluctance) machine made by Teknatool, sold in two main lines: the 18-inch Voyager floor press and the 16-inch Viking in benchtop and floor versions. All use belt-free electronic variable speed, digital displays, and smart features like tapping, rather than conventional stepped-pulley drives.

Short answer: choose the 18-inch Voyager if you want the most capable Nova with the widest speed range, deepest stroke, and highest power for a serious wood-and-metal shop; choose the 16-inch Viking (benchtop or floor) if you want the same belt-free smart technology in a smaller, lighter, less expensive package. All Nova presses share the core advantage of instant dial speed and no belts. Here is how to decide.

What all Nova presses share

Before the differences, understand what you get with any Nova:

• Direct-drive DVR motor, no belts. Speed changes happen electronically with a dial, instantly, with no cover to open and no belt to move.
• Electronic variable speed across a wide range, with a digital display of the set speed.
• Constant torque held by the onboard computer, which monitors the motor continuously.
• Vibration-free, quiet operation because there are no pulleys or belts.
• Smart features including programmable presets and, on the models that support it, tapping via electronic reversing.

This is the Nova pitch across the line: the convenience and precision of computer-controlled speed, which no belt-drive press can match.

The Nova Voyager: the 18-inch flagship

The Voyager (SKU 58000) is the top of the line: an 18-inch floor press with a 1.75-HP direct-drive motor, variable speed from 50 to 3,000 RPM (programmable to 5,500), a 6-inch quill travel, an MT2 taper, a 5/8-inch chuck, a 16-1/2-inch tilting-and-rotating table, and about 306 pounds of mass. Its standout traits are the very low 50 RPM floor (great for large bits, metal, and tapping) and the deep 6-inch stroke.

Buy the Voyager if you run a serious shop, work in both wood and metal, tap threads, and want the most capable Nova. Our Nova Voyager guide covers it in depth.

The Nova Viking: the 16-inch option

The Viking brings the same DVR technology in a smaller, more affordable form. The benchtop version (SKU 83700) is a 1-HP machine with variable speed from 150 to 3,000 RPM (programmable to 6,000), a large digital display, an auto-start feature for one-handed drilling, an electronic depth stop, built-in LED lighting, a laser, and a tilting-and-rotating table. A floor version offers the same technology in a full-height frame.

Buy the Viking if you want Nova’s belt-free smart speed without the Voyager’s size, weight, or price, for a shop doing general woodworking and lighter metal work. Our Nova Viking review covers it fully.

Matching a Nova to your work

Serious wood-and-metal shop, larger work, tapping: The 18-inch Voyager. Its 50 RPM floor, 6-inch stroke, and 1.75-HP motor cover the most demanding tasks.

General woodworking and light metal, limited space or budget: The 16-inch Viking benchtop. Same smart technology, smaller and cheaper.

Want a standing machine but not the full Voyager: The Viking floor version.

Occasional basic drilling: Honestly, any Nova is more machine than you need. A conventional belt-drive press like a JET JDP-17MF or a WEN benchtop covers light use for much less.

The honest flaws

Price. Every Nova costs a multiple of a comparable belt-drive press. The DVR technology and smart features are the premium.

Electronics dependence. A belt-drive press can be repaired with a belt and pulleys anywhere; a Nova depends on its motor and control electronics. The warranty (2 years motor and electronics, 5 years other parts) reflects that this is the critical system.

Availability. Nova presses are often on backorder. Check the manufacturer for current stock.

Overkill for basic drilling. If you drill at a few set speeds in wood, the smart variable speed buys convenience you may not fully use.

Where to buy and support

Nova presses are sold through Teknatool and authorized dealers. For current availability (backorders are common) and support, use teknatool.com. The warranty is a genuine strength given that the electronics are the machine’s heart.

The verdict

The Nova drill press lineup comes down to two choices built on the same excellent belt-free technology: the 18-inch Voyager for serious shops that want the widest speed range, deepest stroke, and most power, and the 16-inch Viking for shops that want the same smart, instant-speed drilling in a smaller and more affordable package. Both beat belt-drive presses on convenience and precision, and both cost accordingly. If your work justifies the premium and you can handle the electronics dependence and possible backorder, either is excellent. If your drilling is basic, a conventional press is far better value. Match the size and power to your work, and buy through Nova or an authorized dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Nova drill press? A computer-controlled, direct-drive DVR drill press made by Teknatool, with belt-free electronic variable speed, a digital display, and smart features. The line includes the 18-inch Voyager and the 16-inch Viking.

What is the difference between the Nova Voyager and Viking? The Voyager is an 18-inch floor press with a 1.75-HP motor, 50-3,000 RPM, and a 6-inch stroke. The Viking is a 16-inch machine (benchtop or floor) with a 1-HP motor and 150-3,000 RPM, smaller and more affordable.

Do Nova drill presses use belts? No. All Nova presses use a computer-controlled direct-drive DVR motor, eliminating belts and pulleys and the vibration that comes with them.

Which Nova drill press is best for most shops? The 18-inch Voyager for serious wood-and-metal shops; the 16-inch Viking for general woodworking and lighter work or tighter budgets and spaces.

Can Nova drill presses tap threads? Models with electronic reversing can tap threads without a separate tapping head. The Voyager supports tapping; check the specific Viking configuration.

Where do I buy a Nova drill press? Through Teknatool and authorized dealers. Check teknatool.com for current availability, as Nova presses are often on backorder.

Are Nova drill presses worth the price? For shops that value instant dial speed, low RPM control, and smart features and use them regularly, yes. For occasional or basic drilling, a conventional belt-drive press is far better value.

References

• Teknatool, NOVA drill presses (Voyager and Viking): https://www.teknatool.com
• Pro Tool Reviews, Nova Voyager DVR drill press: https://www.protoolreviews.com
• Woodworker’s Journal, NOVA Voyager drill press features: https://www.woodworkersjournal.com