The Shop Fox W1667 1/2 HP 8-Inch 5 Speed Oscillating Drill Press is a compact bench drill press built for small shops, garages, and serious hobby work where space matters but accuracy still counts. This is a drill press designed for precise drilling and contour sanding in wood, plastic, and light metal applications. Model number W1667. If you want one benchtop machine that can drill clean, repeatable holes and also handle spindle sanding duties, this setup makes a lot of sense.

On the drilling side, the W1667 gives you a 1/2 HP motor, a keyed JT33 chuck, and five speed settings covering 620 to 3100 RPM. That range matters because drilling is never one-speed work. Lower speeds help when you're working with tougher materials or larger bits, while higher speeds are better for smaller bits and cleaner cuts in wood and plastic. The chuck capacity runs from 1/64 inch to 1/2 inch, so it covers the bit sizes most users actually reach for in a home shop or light fabrication setup.

What separates this machine from a basic benchtop drill press is the oscillating sanding function. Instead of dedicating space and money to a separate spindle sander, the W1667 adds 1/2 inch oscillating spindle action so you can smooth curves, clean up inside edges, and improve finish quality on shaped workpieces. That up-and-down sanding motion also helps spread wear across the abrasive, which can extend sleeve life and reduce heat buildup compared to sanding in one fixed spot.

From a layout standpoint, this is built like a practical small-shop machine. The 8-1/2 inch swing and 2 inch spindle travel give you enough capacity for common drilling tasks without taking over the bench. The 7 inch x 7 inch cast iron table provides a solid support surface, and the tilt range of 90 degrees left to right adds flexibility for angled drilling and sanding setups. Cast iron is worth calling out here because it gives the table better stability and wear resistance than lighter stamped parts.

The W1667 is also set up with real-world dust handling in mind. It includes a 2 inch dust port at the table, which is especially useful when you're running it in sanding mode. That keeps more abrasive dust moving away from the work area and helps make this machine more practical in a shared workshop, basement shop, or garage where cleanup matters. There is no built-in light and no laser guide, but on a machine like this those are secondary to spindle accuracy, speed range, and table control.

In terms of size and portability, this is a true bench model with an overall height of about 23 inches and a listed weight in the low-50-pound range. That puts it in a sweet spot for a benchtop tool: heavy enough to feel planted, but still manageable for a single user to place on a stand or workbench. The keyed chuck design is a good fit for this kind of machine because it gives a firm hold on the bit during drilling and sanding operations.

Who should buy it? This drill press is a strong fit for woodworkers, model makers, cabinet and trim hobbyists, guitar and instrument builders, and DIY users who want more precision than a hand drill can deliver. It is also a smart choice for anyone outfitting a smaller shop and trying to combine drilling and oscillating spindle sanding in one footprint. If you mainly need heavy production drilling in thicker steel or large workpieces, you'd want a larger floor model. But if your priority is versatility, space savings, and cleaner control on small to medium work, the W1667 is the kind of machine that earns its spot on the bench.

Shop Fox W1667 1/2 HP 8-Inch 5 Speed Oscillating Drill Press for the small shop that needs more than one trick

This is the kind of bench machine that makes sense when you want accuracy, flexibility, and better use of limited shop space.

• Who it's for: Woodworkers, hobby builders, and garage-shop users who need a real bench drill press and also want spindle sanding capability without buying a second machine.
• Why it stands out: The oscillating sanding function is the big deal here, backed up by a solid cast iron table, usable 620 to 3100 RPM speed range, and a compact benchtop footprint.
• Worth knowing: This is not a heavy industrial press, and it does not include extras like a built-in light or laser. What it does give you is smart versatility in a small package, which is usually the better tradeoff for home and hobby shops.

• Is this a floor model or a bench model? It is a bench drill press designed to sit on a workbench or stand.
• What is the speed range on this drill press? The Shop Fox W1667 runs at five speeds from 620 RPM up to 3100 RPM.
• Can it be used for sanding as well as drilling? Yes. This model converts to an oscillating spindle sander with a 1/2 inch oscillating stroke.
• What size bits will the chuck hold? The keyed chuck handles bits from 1/64 inch to 1/2 inch.
• Does the table tilt? Yes. The cast iron table tilts 90 degrees left to right for angled drilling or sanding setups.