Description
Positive Features of the Shop Fox W1668 Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander
On paper the Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander Benchtop offers some solid advantages for woodworking enthusiasts and hobbyists. The motor delivers 3/4 horsepower, enough power on the spec sheet to handle a variety of drilling and sanding tasks without bogging down. The 12 variable speeds ranging from 250 to 3,050 RPM allow for precise adjustments depending on the material, which is crucial when switching between delicate wood projects and tougher materials.
The spindle travel of 3-1/4 inches gives a respectable drilling depth, and the 5/8-inch drill chuck is a versatile size that fits most bits commonly used in home workshops. The round table, measuring 12-3/8 inches in diameter, stands out on the spec list, as it swivels 360 degrees and tilts 45 degrees in either direction, which is what makes angled drilling straightforward. Another feature worth highlighting is the inclusion of a 3-piece spindle sander drum kit with 80 grit sanding paper that fits 1-inch, 1-1/2 inch, and 2-inch drums, a nice touch for finishing edges and contours.
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor for consistent performance
- Wide speed range (250 to 3,050 RPM) for versatility
- Adjustable round table with 360-degree rotation and 45-degree tilt
- Included spindle sander kit with multiple drum sizes
Areas for Improvement
The Shop Fox bench-top drill press is certainly a robust machine, but the specification sheet points to some limitations. At 63 pounds, it is quite heavy for a benchtop tool, which might be a challenge if you plan to move it frequently. While the power is good, the 17-amp motor draws more current than many shop owners expect, requiring a dedicated circuit in some workshop setups.
Another drawback is the dust collection port, sized at 2-1/4 inches, which is modest for a machine that doubles as a spindle sander. Sanding dust is the harder of the two jobs to capture, so an external dust collection system is worth budgeting for. The 12-speed settings, while generous, require manual belt adjustments, which can be a hassle compared to electronic speed controls on some competitors. The table’s tilt lock is a single-lever design rather than the twin-lock arrangement found on heavier machines, so it needs a firm hand to secure without wobble.
- Heavy weight reduces portability
- Manual belt adjustments for speed changes
- Dust port modest for a sander/press combo
- Single-lever tilt lock on the table
Design and Build Quality
The overall metal construction provides a durable, stable base for the drill press and sander, and mass is what damps vibration when drilling or sanding. The 23″ length, 14″ width, and 38″ height strike a good balance between footprint and workspace usability. The round table design allows for more flexible positioning of workpieces than a fixed rectangular table, and the sturdy build is the sort that suits longer projects. Buyers cross-shopping the lighter machines in our benchtop drill press coverage will notice the Shop Fox sits at the heavy end of the class.
Owner reports repeatedly mention that the paint finish on some components shows minor wear quickly, especially around the adjustment knobs and levers, which suggests heavy use could lead to cosmetic issues over time. The package includes wrenches and hex keys for assembly and maintenance, although the documentation is frequently described as thin for beginners.
Versatility and Two-in-One Function
The 12-speed options combined with spindle travel and table adjustments provide a lot of versatility for drilling holes of varying depths and sanding curved edges or small details. That dual role is the whole argument for this machine, and it is the feature single-purpose presses cannot answer.
Swapping between the drill press and the spindle sander functions is straightforward, making this tool a two-in-one solution that saves space. One caution on the listing data: the chuck is given as 5/8-inch in the main specifications but also appears as a maximum chuck size of 6.35 mm (about 1/4 inch) further down the same listing. Those two figures cannot both be right, so confirm the chuck capacity with the seller before ordering bits. Noise is moderate but typical for a benchtop drill press, and hearing protection is sensible during extended use.
Competitive Options
Compared to other benchtop drill presses like the WEN 4208 or Delta 18-900L, this model stands out with its integrated spindle sanding feature, which those competitors lack. The Shop Fox’s 12-speed range surpasses the WEN’s 5 speeds, offering more precision for different tasks. However, the WEN 4208T is lighter and has a smaller footprint, making it better suited for tight workshop spaces, and the variable-speed WEN 4212T answers the belt-changing complaint with a speed dial.
Delta’s offering boasts a more robust table locking mechanism and smoother speed adjustments, thanks to its belt cover design, whereas the Shop Fox requires manual belt changes that can slow down workflow. In terms of power, the Shop Fox’s 3/4 HP motor is stronger than many similar benchtop drills, giving it an edge for tougher materials. Shoppers who want a larger table and more quill travel again should compare it with the larger 12-inch WEN 4214T. Dust collection is an area where competitors sometimes have better systems, so keep that in mind if cleanliness is a priority.
Price Performance
Evaluating the value proposition of this drill press/sander combo, the price reflects the combination of features and power you get. For someone needing both drilling and sanding capabilities in a single benchtop tool, this unit offers good bang for the buck. The metal construction and motor power justify the investment, especially if you don’t want to buy separate machines.
That said, if your needs are more focused, say just drilling or just sanding, you might find better deals with specialized tools. Anyone whose work has outgrown a benchtop footprint should price a floor-standing machine such as the Jet JDP-17MF before settling. The manual speed adjustment and heavier weight may also influence your decision if you want something more portable.
Performance and Power
The 3/4 HP motor running at 110 volts is rated for consistent torque and holds speed under load. The maximum rotational speed of 3,050 RPM suits drilling softwoods, hardwoods, and even some metals. The spindle travel distance of 3-1/4 inches allows for deep drilling without compromising stability.
The speed range spans the values normally recommended for both bits and sanding drums, so neither job is running outside its band. The table’s 360-degree swivel and 45-degree tilt are what make angled drilling and sanding repeatable, though locking the table securely takes a deliberate pull. The included 80 grit sanding paper is a coarse starting grit aimed at smoothing rough edges, and swapping sandpaper on the drums is a fiddly job on any machine of this type.
Summary of Winning Points:
- Strong 3/4 HP motor with consistent power
- Wide speed range for drilling and sanding versatility
- Multi-functional design combining drill press and spindle sander
- Adjustable, round table with 360° swivel and tilt capability
Summary of Areas for Improvement:
- Heavy and less portable for some users
- Manual belt speed adjustments can interrupt workflow
- Dust collection port modest for the sanding role
- Conflicting chuck capacity in the listing data
This drill press and spindle sander combo brings solid power and versatility to the benchtop category, but it’s worth considering your specific workshop needs before committing.
