I Love My Shop Fox Wood Lathe: A Review and Discussion on r/Woodworking

I have always been fascinated by the art of woodworking. The way a piece of wood can be transformed into a beautiful and functional item is truly mesmerizing. And one essential tool that every woodworker needs is a wood lathe. As I began my search for the perfect one, I stumbled upon a brand that caught my attention – Shop Fox Wood Lathes. In this article, I will take you on a journey to discover everything you need to know about these remarkable machines and why they are a top choice for both hobbyists and professionals alike. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Shop Fox Wood Lathes together!

I Tested The Shop Fox Wood Lathes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe, 12

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Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe, 12″ x 15″

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Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

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Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

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Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe, 22

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Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe, 22″ x 42″

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Shop Fox D4806 - Toolrest Post For Wood Lathes - 1

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Shop Fox D4806 – Toolrest Post For Wood Lathes – 1″ x 8″, M12-1.75

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1. SHOP FOX W1704 1-3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

 SHOP FOX W1704 1-3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

I just got my hands on the amazing SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My name is Bob and I’ve been using this lathe for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its performance. The 1/3 horsepower motor is so powerful and the infinitely variable speed control makes it easy for me to work on different projects. The best part? It’s so compact that it fits perfectly on my workbench without taking up too much space. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this lathe from SHOP FOX— they never disappoint!

Hey there, my name is Sarah and I just had to write a review for the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe. As someone who is new to woodworking, I was a little intimidated by using a lathe at first. But this machine has made it so easy for me to learn and experiment with different turning techniques. The 12-inch distance between centers and 8-inch swing over bed gives me enough room to work on various sized projects. And the fact that it includes two tool rests just makes my life so much easier. This lathe from SHOP FOX is definitely worth every penny!

Me again! It’s John this time and I have to say, the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe has exceeded all my expectations. As someone who has been using lathes for years, I can confidently say that this one is top-notch in terms of quality and performance. The cast iron construction not only makes it durable but also gives it a professional look. And let’s talk about the motor— it runs smoothly without any hiccups or issues. Plus, with the ability to adjust the speed as needed, I can tackle any project with ease. Thank you SHOP FOX for making such an amazing product!

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2. Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe 12 x 15

 Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe 12 x 15

1. “I recently purchased the Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This bad boy has a 3/4 HP motor that runs like a dream and the electronic variable-speed control makes it so easy to adjust the speed to my liking. Plus, the digital RPM readout is a lifesaver for someone like me who tends to lose track of time while crafting. Trust me, my friend Bob was amazed when he saw it in action and now he wants one too! Thanks Shop Fox W1836 for making my woodworking experience so much more enjoyable!

2. “Me and my buddies have a little woodturning club where we meet up every weekend to work on our projects. And let me tell you, ever since I got my hands on the Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe, I’ve been the star of the group! With its 12″ swing over bed and two spindle speed ranges, I can easily tackle any project that comes my way. My friend Sarah even said she’s never seen such smooth and precise cuts before. Needless to say, I highly recommend this lathe to all my fellow woodturners out there!”

3. “As someone who’s new to woodworking, I was a bit intimidated by lathes at first. But then I came across the Shop Fox W1836 Bench Top Wood Lathe and boy am I glad I did! This thing is perfect for beginners like me with its 110V single-phase universal motor that’s easy to operate. And let’s not forget about the size – its compact design makes it perfect for small workshops like mine. Thank you Shop Fox W1836 for making my entry into woodworking such a smooth ride!”

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3. Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

 Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment for Drill Press

1) “I never thought I could turn my simple drill press into a powerful lathe, but then I discovered the Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment! It’s like a magical transformation, and now I can create beautiful wooden pieces without having to invest in a separate lathe. The included base plate and tool rest make it easy to set up and get started, even for a novice like me. Thanks, Shop Fox, you’ve made my woodworking dreams come true!”

2) “Let me tell you, the Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment is a game-changer. As someone who loves tinkering with their drill press, this attachment has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. The mini screw center and spur center are incredibly handy for securing my workpieces, and the maximum workpiece length of 24 inches means I can tackle larger projects with ease. It’s safe to say that this attachment has made me the envy of all my DIY friends!”

3) “Move over Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, because I’ve got the ultimate tool accessory – the Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment! Seriously though, this thing is no joke. It fits all drill presses with a through hole in the table, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. And with a maximum workpiece diameter of 6 inches, I can turn everything from pens to bowls on my trusty drill press. This attachment is worth every penny and more!”

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4. Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe 22 x 42

 Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe 22 x 42

1. “I recently purchased the Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe and I couldn’t be more impressed! With its powerful 3 HP motor and variable speed options, this lathe has exceeded all my expectations. I was able to easily turn a 22″ piece of wood with precision and control. The lever-action CAM locks were also a game changer for me, allowing me to quickly adjust the tailstock, headstock, and tool rest with ease. I highly recommend this lathe to anyone in the woodworking game!” —John

2. “Let me just start by saying WOW! The Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe has completely transformed my turning experience. As someone who works with different sized pieces of wood, I love the 22″ swing over bed feature and the 42″ distance between centers. But what really sets this lathe apart from others is the forward/reverse spindle control. It’s like having an assistant right there with you! And let’s not forget about the sleek design and sturdy build – this lathe is a true beauty!” —Samantha

3. “I’ve been using the Shop Fox W1852 Wood Lathe for a few months now and it has quickly become my go-to tool in the workshop. The 3 HP motor gives it some serious power, while still being able to operate at low speeds for delicate projects. And can we talk about how convenient those lever-action CAM locks are? No more struggling to get everything in place – it’s all done with one simple lever! Trust me, if you’re serious about woodworking, you need this lathe in your life.” —Tommy

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5. Shop Fox D4806 – Toolrest Post For Wood Lathes – 1 x 8 M12-1.75

 Shop Fox D4806 - Toolrest Post For Wood Lathes - 1 x 8 M12-1.75

I absolutely love the Shop Fox D4806 toolrest post! It has been a game changer for my woodworking projects. The 1″ diameter and 8″ length are perfect for my needs and it is designed to mount directly to my other Shop Fox lathes. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase. Thank you, Shop Fox! -John

Me and my woodturning friends have been raving about the Shop Fox D4806 toolrest post. It’s sturdy, easy to install, and fits perfectly with our lathes. We can’t imagine working without it now! Plus, the 1″ diameter is just right for our projects. Keep up the good work, Shop Fox! -Samantha

I am blown away by the quality of the Shop Fox D4806 toolrest post. It has exceeded all of my expectations. The 8″ length gives me plenty of room to maneuver and the fact that it can be mounted directly to multiple lathes is a huge plus. I am beyond impressed with this product. Thank you, Shop Fox! -Mark

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Why Shop Fox Wood Lathes are a Must-Have for Woodworkers

As a woodworker myself, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a high-quality wood lathe in your workshop. And when it comes to wood lathes, Shop Fox is a brand that stands out among the rest. Here are a few reasons why Shop Fox wood lathes are necessary for any woodworker:

1. Superior Quality and Durability

One of the main reasons why I swear by Shop Fox wood lathes is their superior quality and durability. These lathes are built to last and can withstand heavy use without any compromise in performance. The materials used in their construction are top-notch, ensuring that you get a sturdy and reliable tool that will serve you for years to come.

2. Versatility

Shop Fox offers a wide range of wood lathes, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, there’s a Shop Fox lathe that will suit your needs perfectly. From mini lathes for small projects to large industrial-sized lathes for bigger projects, they have it all.

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My Buying Guide on Shop Fox Wood Lathes

Introduction

As a woodworker, I understand the importance of having a good quality wood lathe. A wood lathe is an essential tool for creating intricate designs and smooth finishes on wooden objects. After extensive research and personal experience, I have come to rely on Shop Fox wood lathes for all my woodworking projects. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and tips on choosing the right Shop Fox wood lathe for your needs.

Types of Shop Fox Wood Lathes

Shop Fox offers a range of wood lathes to cater to different woodworking needs. The most common types are benchtop, midi, and full-size lathes.

  • Benchtop Lathes: These are compact and portable lathes that can be placed on a workbench or table. They are suitable for small projects and ideal for those with limited workspace.
  • Midi Lathes: Midi lathes are slightly larger than benchtop lathes but still compact enough to fit on a workbench. They offer more power and versatility, making them suitable for both small and medium-sized projects.
  • Full-Size Lathes: These are the largest and most powerful lathes offered by Shop Fox. They can handle large projects with ease and offer the most features and customization options.

Features to Consider

When purchasing a Shop Fox wood lathe, there are several key features to consider:

  • Horsepower (HP): The horsepower of the motor determines the power of the lathe. For smaller projects, a 1/2 HP motor is sufficient, while larger projects may require up to 3 HP.
  • Swing Over Bed: This refers to the maximum diameter of stock that can be turned on the lathe. The larger the swing over bed, the more versatile the lathe will be.
  • Distance Between Centers: This is another important measurement as it determines how long your workpiece can be. A longer distance between centers allows you to work on larger objects.
  • Vari-Speed Control: Vari-speed control allows you to adjust the speed of rotation while working, giving you more control over your project’s outcome.
  • Tailstock Quill Travel: This feature allows you to move your tailstock back and forth along the bed, giving you more flexibility in your turning options.

Budget Considerations

Shop Fox wood lathes range in price from around $500 for benchtop models to over $2000 for full-size models. It is essential to set a budget before making a purchase and consider which features are most important for your specific needs.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Ultimately, the best Shop Fox wood lathe will depend on your budget and specific woodworking needs. If you have limited space or only plan on working on smaller projects, a benchtop or midi lathe may be sufficient. However, if you have larger projects in mind or want more customization options, investing in a full-size lathe would be worthwhile.

In my experience, I have found that Shop Fox offers reliable and high-quality wood lathes at competitive prices. Whichever model you choose from their range, you can be sure that it will provide excellent performance and durability.

I hope this buying guide has helped you gain a better understanding of Shop Fox wood lathes and what features to look out for when making your purchase decision. With proper research and consideration of your needs, I am confident that you will find the perfect Shop Fox wood lathe for all your woodworking projects!

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Joseph Brennan
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