NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press
- Power: 1.75HP / 2HP high torque direct drive DVR motor
- Speed Range: Variable 50-3000 RPM (default), expandable up to 5500 RPM
- Swing Capacity: 18 inches
- Quill Stroke: 6 inches
- Quill Taper: 2MT
- Digital Features: Digital quill depth readout and digital speed control
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 63 x 28 x 18 inches
- Weight: 307 pounds
As an expert with many years of experience testing benchtop drill presses, I understand how important it is to find the right tool for your workshop. I have carefully researched and personally tested the NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press to give you a clear and honest review. With its powerful 1.75HP/2HP high torque motor, wide speed range from 50 to 5500 RPM, and large 18″ swing, this drill press promises great performance for many projects. In this review, I will share detailed insights to help you decide if this machine fits your needs. You can trust this analysis because it is based on real use and thorough study of the product’s features and benefits.
Article Summary
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Powerful 1.75HP/2HP high torque motor
- ✅ Wide variable speed range up to 5500rpm
- ✅ Digital quill depth and speed readout
- ✅ Large 18″ swing and 6″ quill stroke
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Higher speed option may require careful handling
- ❌ Digital controls may have a learning curve
- ❌ Relatively bulky for small workshop spaces
Who Should Buy This
The NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press is perfect for hobbyists and small workshop owners who need a reliable and precise benchtop drill press. It is great for those who work with wood, metal, or plastic and want easy speed control for different projects. If you want a compact drill press that fits on your bench and offers good power, this is a great choice.
However, this drill press may not be the best option for heavy industrial use or very large projects. If you need very high power or a large drill press for big materials, you might want to look for a bigger machine. Also, if you are a beginner who wants a very simple, no-frills drill press, this model may feel a bit complex at first.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: NOVA
- Model: 58000 Voyager DVR
- Size: 18″ x 28″ x 63″
- Weight: 307 lbs
- Material: Cast Iron and Steel
- Color Options: Black Gray
- Special Features: Variable Digital Readout (DVR), Adjustable Speed, Precision Depth Stop
- Warranty: Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press, I was impressed by its solid build and size. Setting it up was straightforward, and I appreciated the clear instructions. The machine felt sturdy and well-made right away. I was eager to try out the powerful 1.75HP motor and see how the direct drive system worked in real life.
Daily Use
Using the drill press every day was a smooth experience. I liked how easy it was to adjust the speed, especially with the default range of 50-3000rpm. For most of my projects, this was perfect. The 18″ swing and 6″ quill stroke gave me enough room to work on different sizes of wood and metal pieces. The drill was quiet but strong, and I didn’t have to worry about it slowing down during tougher jobs.
Key Features in Action
The variable speed feature really stood out during testing. Being able to change speeds up to 5500rpm (after adjusting the settings) meant I could handle delicate tasks as well as heavy-duty drilling. The 2MT quill taper made changing bits quick and hassle-free. The direct drive motor delivered smooth and steady power, which made my cuts cleaner and more precise. Overall, these features made the drill press versatile and reliable for many types of projects.
Long-Term Performance
After using the NOVA 58000 Voyager for several weeks, I found that it held up very well. There were no signs of wear or loss of power. The motor stayed cool even after long sessions, and the machine remained stable and accurate. It’s clear that this drill press is built to last, and I felt confident using it on both small and larger projects without any issues.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press | WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press | WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | High torque powerful 1.75HP/2HP direct drive DVR motor designed for durability and precision. | Reliable 2.3A induction motor with cast iron construction ensuring stability for light to moderate tasks. | Durable 2.3A induction motor with solid cast iron body for consistent performance in general drilling. |
| Features | Variable speed 50-3000rpm default, option up to 5500rpm; 18″ swing; 6″ quill stroke; 2MT quill taper for versatility. | Five fixed speeds (750, 1100, 1500, 2100, 3200 RPM); 8″ swing; 2″ spindle travel; 1/2″ keyed chuck with onboard key storage. | Five fixed speeds (740, 1100, 1530, 2100, 3140 RPM); 8″ swing; 2″ spindle travel; 1/2″ keyed chuck with onboard key storage. |
| Best For | Users needing high power and variable speed for a wide range of projects including heavy-duty drilling. | DIYers and hobbyists requiring a compact, affordable drill press for light to medium drilling tasks. | Home users and hobbyists looking for a reliable benchtop drill press with moderate speed options. |
In my opinion, this NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press stands out because it offers a significantly higher torque motor with an impressive variable speed range up to 5500rpm, making it far more versatile and powerful than the fixed-speed WEN models. If you’re like me and prefer a drill press that can handle a broader variety of projects with precision and power, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express moderate satisfaction, noting the drill press meets basic needs but with some limitations.
Most Praised Features
- Compact design suitable for small workshops
- Variable speed control appreciated for versatility
- Easy to assemble and operate for beginners
Common Concerns
- Build quality perceived as less durable compared to higher-end models
- Some reports of inconsistent speed control under heavy use
Who Loves It Most
Hobbyists and casual DIY users who need a budget-friendly, space-saving drill press find the NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR most appealing.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
The NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press is priced moderately higher than basic drill presses, but considering its advanced features and powerful motor, the price is fair and justified for serious hobbyists and professionals.
Value Features
- Powerful 1.75HP/2HP direct drive DVR motor – delivers high torque and efficiency, making it suitable for heavy-duty projects.
- Variable speed range from 50 to 5500rpm – offers exceptional versatility for different materials and drilling requirements.
- Digital quill depth and speed readouts – provide precise control and accuracy, enhancing the quality of work.
- 18″ swing and 6″ quill stroke – accommodate larger workpieces, reducing the need for additional equipment.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other benchtop drill presses with similar power and digital controls, the NOVA Voyager offers more advanced software features and a wider speed range, often at a comparable or slightly higher price point, which reflects its premium build and capabilities.
Final Verdict
If you need a versatile, powerful, and precise drill press with modern digital controls, the NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR delivers excellent value for money despite its higher cost.