Shop Fox W1668
Score: 78/100
Bucktool 12-Inch Bench Drill Press
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Bucktool DP12VL is a powerful 12-inch benchtop drill press featuring a high-torque 6-pole motor ideal for precision metalworking and woodworking. Its main trade-off is the manual belt-based speed adjustment and limited effective spindle travel. It is best suited for hobbyists and professionals needing low-speed, high-torque drilling capabilities.
The Shop Fox W1668 is a versatile 3/4 HP benchtop drill press that doubles as an oscillating spindle sander, designed for hobbyist woodworkers. It features a 13-1/4 inch swing, 12 variable speeds, and a tilting table with a built-in dust collection port. While it offers precision drilling and effective contour sanding, the lack of a work light and manual speed changes are notable trade-offs.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
0.75 HPbest | 0.75 HPbest | |
3,050 RPMbest | 2,000 RPM | |
13.25 inbest | 12 in | |
12best | — | |
0.625 inbest | 0.625 inbest | |
120 Vbest | 120 Vbest | |
3.25 inbest | 3.125 in | |
0.625 in | 12 inbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity & Dimensions(3) | ||
Swing (in) | 13.25 in | 12 in |
Spindle Travel (in) | 3.25 in | 3.125 in |
Drilling Capacity (in) | 0.625 in | 12 in |
Power & Performance(2) | ||
Maximum Speed (RPM) | 3050 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Speed Settings | 12 | Variable |
Table & Adjustability(2) | ||
Table Size (in) | 12.375 in | 12 in |
Table Tilt Range (degrees) | 360 degrees | 45 degrees |
Build & Stability(1) | ||
Net Weight (lbs) | 63 lbs | 86.3 lbs |
Features(1) | ||
Depth Stop | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Shop Fox W1668 for its robust drill press function and surprisingly effective oscillating spindle sander, which handles tricky curves well. Experts highlight the 3/4 HP motor, 13-inch swing, adjustable depth stop, and tilting table as key strengths for hobbyists. While the tool is recognized for its versatility and value, reviewers consistently note the lack of a light, laser, or auto speed change as notable omissions for a tool in this category.
Everyday consumers generally praise the Shop Fox W1668 for its ease of assembly, quiet operation, and effectiveness in contour sanding and precise drilling. Users appreciate the built-in dust collection for maintaining a cleaner workspace. However, recurring complaints focus on the lack of a work light or laser guide, the inconvenience of manual speed changes, and the small table size.
“Arrived in good condition and was easy to put together”
“Surprisingly effective spindle sander for smoothing tricky curves”
“your friend if you want power”
Professional reviewers highlight the Bucktool DP12VL's powerful 6.2A motor as a standout feature, noting it significantly outperforms typical 12-inch drill presses in torque, particularly for metalworking.
Everyday users commonly praise the drill press for its low-speed torque, which allows for clean holes in stainless steel and hardwoods without bit damage. Recurring complaints include the limited effective spindle travel.
