Shop Fox W1706 -1 HP 14″ Bandsaw Review [UPDATED]

Last updated on July 18th, 2022 at 09:02 pm

Are you looking for the best bandsaw on the market? The Shop Fox W1706 might be the one. But you also want to make sure that it fits your space? Most bandsaws on the market today are pretty bulky and may not fit in your space. The great thing about the W1706 is that it incorporates some of the best features from the other bandsaws offered by the manufacturer. 

Its size is one of the most requested bandsaw sizes. It also has several add-on features that make it very functional. These features on the W1706 are what you would find on bigger bandsaws. You could say that this saw is an amalgamation of the best of both worlds. 

This bandsaw has an extruded aluminum fence and rail. It also has a quick-release blade tension, a miter gauge, and upper and lower ball-bearing blade guides. These features are safely enclosed in a cabinet stand with hinged wheel covers and a 4-inch dust port. 

The saw has a 13-1/2″ cutting capacity, with a 6inch maximum cutting height. It has a one-horsepower motor, prewired for 110 volts, and can go up to 220 volts, single-phase, TEFC, 1725 RPM, 11A/5.5A. It also has a precision ground cast iron frame and table, which 14inches by  14inches by 1-1/2inches. 

This limits the size of wood that you can cut. If you want o increase this height, you can buy a razor block kit. While it offers the best of most saws and is portable, this also works against the saw if you want to work on more significant projects.

When looking for a bandsaw, you must look for capability, functionality, and whether it will work. What’s great for our neighbor may not be so great for you. Let’s look at what else this saw can do for you. 

Aesthetics

The blade guide is a tri-bearing setup, and these are visible. It has a clean-looking aluminum fence and a cast iron table. The cabinet that houses the cast iron wheels also has the Shopfox logo and warning stickers that remind you of the precautions you need to take when using the saw. 

Two bearings are on either side of the blade, and the third is behind the blade. The entire mechanism is neatly put together and looks good. The cast iron wheels are neatly closed away in the off-white cabinet is also a plus. 

The dust port is on the back of the saw, which collects the dust as you work. It is not immediately insight, which helps the overall look. The entire unit is mounted on an enclosed solid metal cabinet, with the model number on the side. Another great thing about how this bandsaw looks is that the on and off buttons are easily accessible and visible. 

Performance Review

This is a 2speed saw. You can switch from an 1800 FPM blade speed to a 3100 FPM blade speed. Wood generally takes a higher cut speed than metal. It has cast iron wheels and uses a  93 1/2 inch long blade. The blade guides on this saw help it run very smoothly. You should have no problems at all making smooth cuts. 

It is made of cast iron, cumbersome, and very stable. This helps you work with precision and accuracy. You will not need to readjust the blade guides constantly. Once they are in place, you are home and dry. 

Safety

When it comes to safety and using bandsaws, it is essential always to make sure that you read the manual and take all the necessary precautions. One of these is to make sure that the saw is off at the power source before making any adjustments. Unplug it instead of simply flipping the switch on the saw itself. It is also important to make sure that you have it in a room with ample space to let you work. 

Always make sure that you are protecting yourself as you work. You can do this by wearing an approved dust mask and gloves to protect your hands. Eyewear protection (your everyday sunglasses won’t cut it, you need to get approved glasses that also cover the sides of your eyes). You may also want to protect your ears from the noise you will generate as you work. 

Ensure that your fingers are protected when handling the blade, such as when you are changing it. While you may think that you can use any parts or accessories, it is always safer to use the accessories recommended by Shop Fox. 

Also, you can cut materials other than wood with this saw, but it is not safe, and your blade will not last very long. Always make use of the guides and covers. They will keep your hands out of harm’s way.

Who is this product ideal for?

This bandsaw is ideal for trained workers. You will need to know how to operate it properly and safely to avoid mishaps. This is not a tool for beginners. Make sure that you understand what you are doing. For more context, you can also read our Shop Fox w1706 vs Grizzly g0555.

Pros

• It is portable
• It is versatile
• It has added features usually only found on the more expensive models.
• It has cast iron wheels which are more durable.
• It is stable 

Cons

• The W1706 is only for woodworking. You can not use it on metal like with other bandsaws
• It is not easy to change the speeds. 

Our Verdict

The Shopfox W1706 1 horsepower 14 inches saw is an excellent bandsaw with the best of most saws pulled into one, and it is also very affordable. Ultimately what will determine the bandsaw you need is the type of work you will be doing. This saw is perfect for small to medium projects. We recommend this bandsaw. Happy shopping! See Our Picks for the Best Bandsaw for resawing.