Shop Fox W1668: Unleash Precision and Versatility in Your Workshop

The Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander emerges as a compelling solution for woodworkers, hobbyists, and professionals alike. In any workshop environment, the pursuit of accuracy and efficiency is paramount. Traditional setups often necessitate separate, specialized tools for drilling and sanding, leading to workflow disruptions and spatial challenges. The Shop Fox W1668 ingeniously merges these two essential functions into a single, compact unit. This article delves into the mechanical intricacies of this versatile machine, explores the scientific principles underpinning drilling and oscillating sanding, and elucidates how the W1668 masterfully integrates these operations.

Overview

The Shop Fox W1668 transcends the conventional definition of a drill press. It represents a compact yet powerful workshop solution engineered for both precision and efficiency. By incorporating an oscillating spindle sander, Shop Fox delivers a tool that adeptly handles both drilling and intricate sanding tasks. Its robust 3/4 HP motor, coupled with 12-speed versatility spanning from 250 to 3050 RPM, renders it suitable for a diverse array of materials, ranging from softwoods to hardwoods and even light metals. The ample 13-1/4” swing and 3-1/4” spindle travel further enhance its adaptability, accommodating larger projects with ease. Whether engaged in crafting furniture, constructing models, or undertaking home improvement projects, the W1668 stands as a steadfast performer.

Design Philosophy - The Synergy of Integrated Functionality

The core design philosophy underpinning the Shop Fox W1668 centers on the principle of maximizing functionality within a compact footprint. Traditional workshop setups frequently necessitate separate machines for drilling and sanding, resulting in space constraints and workflow interruptions. Shop Fox astutely recognized this challenge and engineered the W1668 to seamlessly merge these two pivotal processes into one potent tool. This integration not only conserves valuable space but also streamlines projects, facilitating a smoother transition between drilling and sanding operations, thereby elevating overall efficiency and productivity. This marriage of functions is a testament to a user-centric design approach, aiming to enhance productivity and workflow in a compact form factor.

Dual Functionality: Mastering Both Holes and Contours - A Paradigm of Versatility

The Shop Fox W1668 excels in its dual role, providing both a powerful drill press and an effective oscillating spindle sander. This dual functionality is a cornerstone of its design, catering to the diverse needs of woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts.

As a Drill Press: At its heart lies a robust 3/4 HP motor that delivers consistent power, enabling drilling through various materials with precision. The 5/8” drill chuck securely accommodates a wide range of drill bit sizes, ensuring accurate hole creation. With a substantial 3-1/4” spindle travel, users can achieve considerable depth in a single pass, making it suitable for a wide array of projects, including furniture making and other tasks requiring deep holes.

As an Oscillating Spindle Sander: With a simple adjustment and the installation of one of the included sanding drums (1”, 1-1/2”, or 2”), the W1668 seamlessly transitions into an oscillating sander. This capability is invaluable for smoothing curved edges, intricate shapes, and internal cutouts—areas that pose challenges to conventional sanding methods. The 3/4” oscillating stroke ensures even sanding, preventing uneven wear on the abrasive and yielding a superior finish.

The Science of Oscillation: The oscillating motion is paramount to the sanding function’s effectiveness. As the drum rotates, it concurrently moves vertically. This dynamic prevents any single point on the sanding sleeve from continuously contacting the workpiece, mitigating heat buildup and clogging. Consequently, this results in a smoother finish devoid of burn marks or uneven sanding patterns while also prolonging the lifespan of the sanding drums. Additionally, the process aids in clearing sanding dust, fostering a cleaner working environment.

Powerful Motor and Variable Speeds: Precision Through Control - Mastering the RPM

The Shop Fox W1668 is equipped with a powerful 3/4 HP, 110V motor that operates at 1725 RPM. This robust motor provides the necessary torque for demanding tasks, but true mastery lies in control. This is where the 12-speed settings, ranging from 250 to 3050 RPM, become crucial. This variable speed functionality is another key feature.

Why Speed Matters: Different materials and bit sizes necessitate different operational speeds. Drilling too rapidly in hard materials can generate excessive heat, potentially damaging both the bit and the workpiece. Conversely, drilling too slowly can be inefficient and result in rough, imprecise holes. Similarly, sanding requires specific speeds for optimal results and to avoid damaging the workpiece or the sanding drum.

Understanding RPM: RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) signifies the number of rotations the spindle completes in a single minute. The W1668’s broad speed range empowers users to fine-tune the operation based on the material and task at hand. For instance, lower speeds (250-500 RPM) are ideal for larger drill bits and denser materials like metal, while higher speeds (1500-3050 RPM) are well-suited for smaller bits and softer materials like softwoods.

The Belt-Driven Advantage: The W1668 employs a reliable belt-driven system to achieve its 12 speeds. This system comprises a series of pulleys and V-belts. By adjusting the belt’s position on the pulleys, the gear ratio is altered, thereby modifying the output speed. This mechanical system is not only dependable but also enables precise speed adjustments. Furthermore, the belt system operates more quietly compared to gear-based alternatives, contributing to a more pleasant work environment.

Enhanced Capacity and Adjustability: Swing, Travel, and Table Tilt - Expanding the Boundaries

The W1668 is meticulously designed for both precision and versatility, offering features that empower users to tackle a broad spectrum of projects.

Generous Swing: The 13-1/4” swing is a critical specification. It denotes the distance from the spindle’s center to the nearest edge of the column, multiplied by two. This measurement dictates the maximum workpiece size that can be drilled at its center. The W1668’s ample swing enables users to work on larger pieces, rendering it suitable for a wider array of applications.

Substantial Spindle Travel: The 3-1/4” spindle travel determines the maximum depth achievable in a single drilling pass. This proves particularly crucial for projects demanding deep holes, such as furniture construction or specific construction tasks.

Versatile Tilting and Rotating Table: The table tilt feature introduces another layer of versatility. The table can be tilted up to 45 degrees to the left or right, facilitating angled drilling or sanding of beveled edges with precision. This proves particularly advantageous for creating joinery, such as angled tenons or dowel joints. The table’s 360-degree swing further augments flexibility, enabling users to position their work with exactitude. While some users have noted the table’s adjustment mechanism as somewhat cumbersome, it’s essential to remember that this is a heavy-duty tool designed for stability. The table’s robust design, coupled with its integrated inserts and dust collection port, is a well-conceived element contributing to the machine’s overall functionality.

Optimized Workflow: Dust Collection and Table Inserts - A Cleaner, More Efficient Process

Woodworking often generates considerable dust and debris. The Shop Fox W1668 effectively addresses this with its integrated dust collection system.

Prioritizing a Healthy Workspace: Inhaling wood dust can pose health risks. A reliable dust collection system is essential for maintaining a cleaner and healthier work environment.

Efficient Dust Port: The W1668 features a 2-1/4” dust port strategically positioned beneath the table. This port can be connected to a standard shop vacuum or dust collection system, efficiently capturing dust and chips generated during both drilling and sanding operations.

Precision-Enhancing Table Inserts: The drill press is supplied with four table inserts, each featuring a different sized opening (5/8”, 1”, 1-3/8”, 1-7/8”). These inserts provide crucial support close to the bit or sanding drum, minimizing tear-out and enhancing the quality of the finished piece. Selecting the appropriate insert for the specific task is vital for achieving optimal results.

Conclusion

The Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander stands as a robust and adaptable tool, offering exceptional value to woodworkers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who values precision and efficiency in their workshop. The seamless integration of a powerful drill press and an oscillating spindle sander streamlines workflow, conserves space, and unlocks a wider range of creative possibilities. Its well-conceived design, coupled with a potent motor, variable speeds, and user-friendly features, renders it an invaluable asset across a spectrum of projects. The overwhelmingly positive user feedback, despite minor areas for refinement, firmly positions the W1668 as a leading contender in the benchtop drill press market. For those seeking a tool that adeptly handles both precise drilling and intricate sanding, the Shop Fox W1668 is a compelling investment that will undoubtedly elevate their craft.