Top tools: Drill presses
Our pick for a benchtop drill press that doubles as a spindle sander
Safety first: read the safety notes before you use one.
Shop Fox 13-1/4 in. benchtop oscillating drill press
Model W1668
Why we picked it
- Our step-up pick: a 3/4 HP benchtop drill press with 12 speeds down to 250 RPM for big Forstner bits, and a spindle that moves up and down so it doubles as a drum sander.
- Wood Magazine gave it its Top Value award among eight benchtop drill presses, mainly because it switches to an oscillating spindle sander in a couple of minutes. Its depth stop was among the most reliable in that test.
- In Fine Woodworking's 2007 test it bored a 2 in. hole 3/4 in. deep in 15 seconds with 0.003 in. of runout, and Bob Vila's 2024 tester liked its wide speed range, its worktable and how easily the sanding drum went on.
Specs (from the maker)
- 13-1/4 in. swing; 3/4 HP, 110V motor (9 amps)
- 12 belt-changed speeds, 250 to 3,050 RPM; 3-1/8 in. spindle travel
- JT33 keyed chuck for shanks from 1/64 to 5/8 in.
- Round 12-3/8 in. cast-iron table that swivels 360° and tilts 90° left and right, with five T-slots
- Oscillating spindle with a 3/4 in. stroke, 1, 1-1/2 and 2 in. sanding drums, and a 2 in. dust port; 113 lb; 2-year warranty
Keep in mind
- Bob Vila's tester found the power switch on the left side of the head instead of the front and saw that as a possible safety issue; Shop Fox's manual also shows it on the left side.
Where to buy
Product images are from each maker’s product page or the product’s store listing, as listed under Photo credits on this page, and are shown only to identify the products. The makers and stores haven’t reviewed, sponsored or endorsed this page. If you own an image here and want it removed, email hello@sawdustsmart.com.
Photo credits
- Shop Fox 13-1/4 in. benchtop oscillating drill press: Image: Shop Fox product image, via the Grizzly listing
Before you use one
Read the manual first. Both makers’ manuals say to clamp the work to the table, or brace it against the column, so it can’t spin with the bit, and never to hold it by hand (Ryobi; Shop Fox). Tighten the table and head locks before you switch on (Ryobi; Shop Fox). Wear safety glasses and hearing protection; Shop Fox also calls for a face shield (Ryobi; Shop Fox). Skip gloves, loose sleeves and jewelry, and tie back long hair (Ryobi; Shop Fox). Take the chuck key out before you switch on, and unplug the drill press before changing bits, belts or speeds (Ryobi; Shop Fox). Use the speed the manual or the bit maker recommends for each bit; Shop Fox warns that the wrong speed can break a bit, and says not to clear chips by hand or with compressed air (Shop Fox). Our shop safety essentials cover the basics.
More on Shop Fox 13-1/4 in. benchtop oscillating drill press
Keep in mind
- Most of the hands-on testing is older (Fine Woodworking in 2007, Wood Magazine updated in 2022). Shop Fox's current manual covers machines made since June 2022.
- Speeds change by moving belts by hand. Fine Woodworking's 2007 tester rated speed changes poor and depth setting only fair.
- There's no work light and no place on the machine to keep the chuck key (Wood Magazine).
- Shop Fox says it isn't for mortising attachments or mortising bits.
What the sources found
- Wood Magazine: Benchtop drill presses (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Updated Sept 7, 2022; checked ): Gave the W1668 its Top Value award among eight tested benchtop drill presses because it converts to an oscillating spindle sander in a couple of minutes. Its depth stop was among the most reliable, its table among the more usable sizes, and its chuck takes 5/8 in. shanks, but it has no task light or chuck-key storage. We found no affiliate links in the article text (we read the Internet Archive's May 2025 copy because the live page blocks automated readers).
- Fine Woodworking: Shop Fox W1668 benchtop drill press (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Jul 1, 2007; checked ): From a 2007 test of nine benchtop drill presses: the W1668 measured 0.003 in. of runout and bored a 2 in. hole 3/4 in. deep in 15 seconds. The tester found its manual pulley speed changes a chore and depth setting difficult. The site says it earns commissions through Amazon Associates and other affiliate programs.
- Fine Woodworking: Tool test, benchtop drill presses (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, July/Aug 2007; checked ): The 2007 test the W1668 was part of: nine benchtop drill presses checked for table flatness and level, runout, power and ease of use. It found that all of them drilled accurate holes and that their small metalworking-style tables need an add-on table for woodworking. The site says it earns commissions through Amazon Associates and other affiliate programs.
- Bob Vila: The best benchtop drill presses, tested and reviewed (external site, opens in a new tab) (independent test, Updated Dec 20, 2024; checked ): One tester used seven models, including a mortiser and a rotary-tool stand. He named the Shop Fox 13-inch drill press/spindle sander (linked to the W1668) his best multiuse pick for its wide speed range, smooth worktable and easy sanding attachment, but flagged the left-side power switch as a possible safety issue. The page uses Home Depot (Impact), Amazon Associates and Acme Tools affiliate links, including a Home Depot link to this drill press.
- Shop Fox (Grizzly): W1668 benchtop oscillating drill press (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page; checked ): Lists a 3/4 HP, 110V, 9 amp motor, 13-1/4 in. swing, 12 speeds from 250 to 3,050 RPM, 3-1/8 in. spindle travel, a 1 to 16 mm JT33 keyed chuck, a 3/4 in. oscillating stroke, a 12-3/8 in. round table that tilts 90° both ways, three sanding drums, a 2 in. dust port and a two-year warranty, and says it's not for mortising.
- Shop Fox: W1668 owner's manual (machines made since June 2022) (external site, opens in a new tab) (maker spec page; checked ): Specs match the product page (113 lb, paddle switch with a removable key). Safety rules include clamping the work or bracing it against the column, never holding it by hand, tightening all table and headstock locks, wearing eye, face and hearing protection, removing the chuck key, using the right speed for each bit and unplugging before changing bits. Its speed chart lists 750 RPM for 1-1/8 to 1-7/8 in. Forstner bits in hardwood.
How we picked
We didn't hands-on test these. We picked them by reading independent tests and reviews (Wood Magazine, Fine Woodworking, Bob Vila, Concord Carpenter and Tools In Action), checking each maker's spec page and manual, and looking at review counts at Home Depot and Grizzly. We also read recent Home Depot customer reviews of the Ryobi, listed under its sources as store reviews; like maker pages, they don't count toward our source rule. Every pick has at least three independent sources from at least two different outlets, including at least one independent test or review. They're all linked with each pick, along with what each one found. Much of the hands-on testing is a few years old (Fine Woodworking's in 2007, Tools In Action's in 2016, Concord Carpenter's in 2020), so each summary gives its year. We looked at other benchtop drill presses too, including WEN's and Skil's, but the sources we found didn't name one exact model often enough to meet our bar, so we've left them out for now. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on ; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.
No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.
Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.