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Product Ranking

The W1668 is 18th among 189 in the Drill Presses standings. It is ninth among 102 Bench-Top Drill Presses. The average price of is $1349.26 and the Shop Fox W1668 is 49th in price. It is 57th in Drill Presses at $1431.10. It is the 3rd ranked product among 111 in the Shop Fox brand.

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Find more information on Shop Fox products here. For parts, manuals or other information visit the brand's site, www.woodstockinternational.com.

grade C
WHAT'S THIS?

Not the Greatest Pick for Its Price (2010-04-17)

When Fine Woodworking tested 9 benchtop drill presses, this Shop Fox model ranked low on the list. Some of its downfalls included an inaccurate depth-setting system and difficulty when changing speeds and belts. This model does come with an oscillating quill for spindle sanding, working off an easily installed belt in the pulley housing that gives the sanding drum 3⁄4 in. of up-and-down movement for even wear.

grade B
WHAT'S THIS?

Impressive Both As a Drill Press and Sander
Wood Magazine, Volume 152, 2003-11

The reviewer discussed how this one tool functions both as a drill press and oscillating spindle sander. The transition from drilling mode to sanding mode is fairly quick: an extra belt is placed onto the drive pulleys to create the oscillations, the spindle and drum go into the chuck, and the table is adjusted to fit the drum. It is also desirable though not necessary to remove the quill-feed handles for this transition. The drill press has plenty of power, and can power a 2" Forstner bit into solid oak. The spindle sander is equally impressive, and will not slow regardless of how hard wood is forced into the drum. The tool has 12 speeds that apply to both the drill and sander. The total oscillation distance is only 3/4", however, and the column and small table limit the size of the workpiece. Shop Fox has another similar model, model W1667, with an 8 1/2" swing instead of a 13 1/4" swing, and a 1/2-hp motor, at $125 instead of $245.

grade B
WHAT'S THIS?

A Drill Press Doubling As an Oscillating Spindle Sander
Wood Magazine, Volume 180, 2007-11

The reviewer said the performance of this drill press is average, so the real value would be if the user also needs an oscillating spindle sander, as which this tool also functions. Three drums come with the drill-sander, where each drum measures 1-2 inches in diameter. The price is high, the speed range is good, and the depth stop is reliable. One low point is that the sanding relief hole and dust port make it difficult to clamp workpieces to the right side of the table. Another low point, although minor, is that the power switch on the side would have easier to reach if it had been positioned in front.

grade B
WHAT'S THIS?

Both a Drill Press and a Strong Sander
Wood Magazine, Volume 152, 2003-11

The drill press model W1668 is given strong sentiments as both a drill press for round tables and also as a modified spindle sander. With swing capabilities and a powerful drill, the press is definitely one of the better of its kind, though it does not easily clamp to jigs since it does not have a wide, flat rim. The tool, if modified into a sander, can be easily used to sand different types of wood with its 12 different adjustable speeds.