Shop Fox W1668
Score: 78/100
Proxxon TBM 115 Bench Drill Press
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Proxxon TBM 115 is a compact, precision bench drill press designed for micro-hole drilling down to 0.5 mm, featuring a three-speed belt drive for high torque at low speeds. It is ideal for hobbyists and model makers requiring exceptional spindle accuracy and repeatable depth control for small-scale tasks. While it excels in precision, it lacks the power and capacity for heavy-duty applications.
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 | 0.115 HP | |
3,050 RPM | 8,500 RPMbest | |
13.25 inbest | 5.51 in | |
12best | 3 | |
0.625 inbest | 0.126 in | |
120 Vbest | 120 Vbest | |
3.25 inbest | 1.18 in | |
0.625 inbest | 0.39 in |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Capacity & Dimensions(4) | ||
Swing (in) | 13.25 in | 5.51 in |
Spindle Travel (in) | 3.25 in | 1.18 in |
Chuck Capacity (in) | 0.625 in | 0.126 in |
Drilling Capacity (in) | 0.625 in | 0.39 in |
Power & Performance(3) | ||
Motor Power (HP) | 0.75 HP | 0.115 HP |
Maximum Speed (RPM) | 3050 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Speed Settings | 12 | 3 |
Table & Adjustability(2) | ||
Table Size (in) | 12.375 in | 8.66 x 4.72 in |
Table Tilt Range (degrees) | 360 degrees | 0 degrees |
Build & Stability(1) | ||
Net Weight (lbs) | 63 lbs | 8.05 lbs |
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”
“great for tiny jobs”
Professional reviewers praise the Proxxon TBM 115 for its incredible precision, comparing it to a tiny, focused sculptor with zero spindle play.
Users commonly praise the machine for its ease of operation, stability for small precise tasks, and micro hole accuracy.
