Shop Fox W1668 Benchtop Drill Press Review Powerful 3/4 HP 12-Speed Performance

Description

Positive Features of the Shop Fox W1668 Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander

After putting the Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander Benchtop through its paces, I can confidently say it offers some solid advantages for woodworking enthusiasts and hobbyists. The motor delivers 3/4 horsepower—enough power 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. I found the round table, measuring 12-3/8 inches in diameter, especially convenient, as it swivels 360 degrees and tilts 45 degrees in either direction, making angled drilling a breeze. 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 (250–3,050 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 some limitations became apparent during use. At 63 pounds, it feels 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 can sometimes make the unit draw more current than expected, requiring a dedicated circuit in some workshop setups.

Another drawback is the dust collection port, sized at 2-1/4 inches, which works but isn’t as efficient as I hoped. Dust still tends to scatter around the workspace during sanding, so an external dust collection system might be necessary for keeping things clean. The 12-speed settings, while generous, require manual belt adjustments, which can be a hassle compared to electronic speed controls on some competitors. I also noticed that the table’s tilt lock mechanism feels a bit less sturdy than I’d prefer, requiring a firm hand to secure it without wobble.

• Heavy weight reduces portability
• Manual belt adjustments for speed changes
• Dust port could be more efficient
• Tilt lock mechanism lacks solid feel

Design and Build Quality

The overall metal construction provides a durable, stable base for the drill press and sander, which makes a noticeable difference in minimizing vibrations when drilling or sanding. The 23″ length, 14″ width, and 38″ height strike a good balance between footprint and workspace usability. I appreciated how the round table design allows for more flexible positioning of workpieces, and the sturdy build inspires confidence in longer projects.

However, the paint finish on some components shows minor wear quickly, especially around the adjustment knobs and levers, which might be a sign that heavy use could lead to cosmetic issues over time. I found the included wrenches and hex keys helpful for assembly and maintenance, although the instructions could be clearer for beginners.

User Experience and Versatility

Using the Shop Fox drill press/sander combo in my workshop was an interesting experience. 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. My kids even tried the spindle sander on some craft projects, and they found it easy enough to use under supervision.

Swapping between the drill press and the spindle sander functions is straightforward, making this tool a two-in-one solution that saves space. The maximum chuck size of 6.35 mm (about 1/4 inch) fits standard bits well, so I rarely felt limited in bit choice. On the downside, the noise level is moderate, but typical for a benchtop drill press, so I recommend hearing protection 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 4208 is lighter and has a smaller footprint, making it better suited for tight workshop spaces.

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. 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. The manual speed adjustment and heavier weight may also influence your decision if you want something more portable or user-friendly. Overall, considering its multi-functionality and build, it delivers decent quality for the price.

Performance and Power

The 3/4 HP motor running at 110 volts impressed me with its consistent torque and ability to maintain speed under load. The maximum rotational speed of 3,050 RPM is ideal for drilling softwoods, hardwoods, and even some metals. The spindle travel distance of 3-1/4 inches allowed for deep drilling without compromising stability.

I tested various drill bits and sanding drums, and the machine handled them without overheating or slowing down. The table’s 360-degree swivel and 45-degree tilt made angled drilling and sanding precise, though locking the table securely required a bit of effort. The included 80 grit sanding paper was perfect for smoothing rough edges but swapping sandpaper can be fiddly.

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 less effective than expected
• Table tilt lock feels less secure

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.

Additional information