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Shop Fox W1668 Review
Some brands have been around for over a hundred years while others are relatively new to the scene. Shop Fox is the latter when compared to companies like Black & Decker, but they have made a big splash in a very short amount of time.
That’s due in part to machines like the Shop Fox W1668, a drill press built for consumers with a tight budget. In our Shop Fox W1668 review, we found it to be surprisingly powerful and one you should definitely consider.
Technical Specifications
- Motor: 3/4 HP 100-volts
- Spindle Travel: 3 1/4”
- Swing: 13 1/4”
- Chuck: 5/8”
- Speeds: 12 (250-3,050 RPM)
- Dust Port: 2-inches
- Height: 38-inches
- Weight: 130 pounds
Who is it for?
This drill press is for anyone, but best suited for consumers tight on space. That’s because it’s a benchtop model, so you will need to bolt it down and clear some room on your workbench.
It’s also affordable, something nobody is going to complain about.
Speed, power, and capabilities
The Shop Fox W1668 has a 3/4 HP motor which is neither good nor bad. It’s average, and more than strong enough to get through metal, wood or other materials.
The chuck allows you to use a wide variety of bits with the machine as well from 1/64” all the way up to 5/8-inches. The arbor is a JT-33, and the machine is capable of hitting speeds up to 3,050 RPM on the high end.
If you’re working with metal or acrylic, you’ll be thrilled to know you can drop it down to 250 RPMs. It is simple to operate, and we like the depth on this one at 3.25-inches which is strong for a bench model.
Table and Construction
You’ll get a sturdy tilting table on the Shop Fox W1668. It can tilt to the left or right 90-degrees which allows you to find the perfect angle.
The size is nice as well even if the shape may be a little awkward for some. It measures 12 3/8” round and is slotted. It swings 360-degrees and also has a large hole in the front that serves a special purpose when it’s time to sand.
This is not the most durable machine on the market, but it’s far from chintzy or cheap by a stretch. It’s well-built and is certainly solid at 180 pounds, so there’s no need to fret over the build quality. There we do feel like a few areas could have used some improvement, but it’s nothing too major aside from the paint.
Sanding Operation
Perhaps the biggest perk of this machine would be the oscillating spindle. That’s where the action is at if you want to sand, and you can swing that table out when you’re ready to roll. It’s not a press with sanding attachments; the Shop Fox W1668 is actually built for it.
On that note, the machine comes with a mandrel and three sanding drums. The drums measure 1-inch, 1 1/2-inches, and 2-inches. You’ll get 80 grit sanding paper to boot, but we suggest you pick up some of your own. You can never have enough sandpaper.
Any Downsides?
While minor, the Shop Fox W1668 does not have a work light. It’s a common feature on other presses and one found on many other tools as well.
That’s not a deal-breaker, but we hope you don’t mind scuffed paint. The build quality is solid, but someone at the company felt it was a good idea to use paint on the support column. When you move the table, it will scuff.
You won’t need a degree to assemble this particular model. You may need a bit of help however if you are not handy with wrenches – it’s not what we would consider easy to put together.
Conclusion
Even though it’s a smaller benchtop model, we feel the press is good for shop use as long as you don’t go too heavy. That said, it is perfect for DIY enthusiasts, crafters, and general home use. That’s because of its size, overall capabilities, and the sweet price point.
The sanding feature makes it an option for people on the fence about a press, as you are getting two tools for the price of one with the Shop Fox W1668.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.