In Brief: Shop Fox W1758 Lathe Review
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe will become a staple of any workshop. The 14-amp motor is capable of delivering serious lathe power with 10 speeds ranging from 600 RPM to 2400 RPM. The quick lock/release levels allow for faster transitions and a variety of different rotations to get the precise angle that you need.
Shop Fox is a line of lathes produced by Woodstock International Inc. Woodstock has been in business since 1989, producing woodworking and metalworking machinery, workshop tools, and machine accessories of all kinds.
They have been on the list of the fastest growing companies in America for two years running and offer over 3,000 different tools.
With centrally located warehouses, they specialize in delivering fast and efficient service to thousands of dealers across North America.
Key Specifications of the Shop Fox W1758
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe has quick lock and release levers for both the headstock and tailstock.
The headstock rotation comes in a variety of angles from 0 degree all the way up to 180-degree rotations for optimal angles.
Variable speeds allow for greater precision in woodworking and steelworking operations.
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe has 10 different adjustable speeds starting at 600 RPM and working all the way up to 2400 RPM.
Most importantly, the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe is constructed of precision ground, heavy-duty cast iron for both the legs and bed.
The cast-iron is meant to provide a greater level of stability and reduce vibrations that can result in inaccurate, ineffective lathe perations.
Read the long list of Shop Fox W1758 Lathe specs here :
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Model Number/ Name | W1758 |
| Ideal For | Wood, Metal |
| Volts | 110 |
| Current (amps) | 14 |
| Speed (rpm) | 600 to 2400 |
| Distance between centers (in) | 46 |
| Spindle thread (in) | 1”-8 |
| Overall dimensions | 64 x 18 x 16 |
| Weight (lbs) | 338 |
| Other Features | 16” swing over bed, cast-iron bed and legs |
Top Features to Look For
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe has a few features that are worth going into and help it to achieve precision woodworking and steel working operations.
Lever Speed Adjustment
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe offers 10 different speed levels for optimal speed and power control. Starting at 600 RPM, it can get all the way up to 2400 RPM in just a moment’s notice.
Being able to select your precise speed means being able to get a more precise turning experience.
Quick Lock and Release Levers
Some of the other lathes on the market can present difficulties when changing tooling or materials.
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe has a quick lock and release level for both the headstock and tailstock.
It also features five different angles for headstock rotation: 0-degree, 60-degree, 90-degree, 120-degree, and 180-degrees.
14-Amp Motor
The 14-amp motor delivers ample power to the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe, allowing it take on complex woodworking and metal working operations.
Anything you can imagine you can make with this lathe and the power that it delivers.
Power and Performance
The Shop Fox W1758 Lathe delivers ample power thanks to the 14-amp, 2-horsepower motor that brings 110 volts of power to the table.
That amount of power is capable of delivering precise steel working and woodworking applications.
More importantly, the adjustable speeds allow the user to get the precise level of speed that they need to get an efficient, effective lathe operation.
Ease of Use
Because of its size, the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe requires two people to effectively operate it.
The good thing is that craftsmen can get away with using their spouse or a teenaged child to help perform the turning operations.
Even the most inexperienced of help can allow the user to perform accurate lathe operations without complications or the need for further help.
Easy to create precise, accurate pieces than some of the larger lathes on the market.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs, and Warranty
Some of the components can be removed on the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe, making it easier to clean and maintain the unit.
Generally speaking, a good vacuuming should be enough to keep the lathe clean, but other parts require wiping.
It is a good idea to replace the cutting components every year or two to ensure that they don’t become too dull or break down.
Warranty
Woodstock International, the company that produces the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe, offers a 90-day warranty from the date of the original purchase.
There are other protection plan and warranty options available depending on where you purchase the lathe from.
The warranty is meant to protect against and replace any components damaged from materials and workmanship over the life of that warranty. For more answers, check out Woodstock’s warranty page.
Price of the Shop Fox W1758
At just under $1,000, the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe is a bit more costly than some of the other lathes on the market but that is in part due to its size and power.
There are more compact options on the market but few that can deliver the level of woodworking and steel working that this unit can.
Pros and cons of the Shop Fox W1758
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe :
Pros
- Variable Speed
- Lots of Power
- Perfect for wood and metal
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
Cons
- Requires two people to use
Who Should Buy the Shop Fox W1758 ?
Serious woodworkers/craftsmen need serious tools to do the job properly.
Those looking for a major addition to their workshop need look no further than the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe.
It delivers major power, is constructed of heavy-duty cast-iron, and can craft wood and metal materials with no issues.
Our Recommendation
It is hard to beat the power, variable speeds, heavy-duty cast-iron construction, quick lock and release mechanisms, and the litany of other features that come with the Shop Fox W1758 Lathe.
If you’re looking to make a serious addition to your workshop, look no further.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
