Everybodies opinion about ShopFox Tools

[Woodman2k]

I am curious for several reasons but to start this off,I want to know from as many guys as possible---What do you think about ShopFox tools? I'm talking the entire lineup.Negative or positive what would or has caught your interest and if negative ,why or what don't you like.

My daughter is in Marketing in college and she is doing a little research on a subject we both could get into.Kinda group project:eu sa_thin

[McRabbet]

I happen to be a big fan of Grizzly Tools and Grizzly owns and sells the Shop Fox line of tools as their dealer distribution line. There are some differences, I suspect, but in general, each ShopFox tool is a cream-colored version of a Grizzly model. In general, I think their stationary are the best price/performance power tools on the market. I own 5 Grizzly Power tools and they have all given me very good service.

[Travis Porter]

I have the 20" Shop Fox drill press. It is ok, nothing great. The price was good, but the quality is fair. It doesn't have adjustments to get it "fine tuned" so you have to come up with your own modifications.

[junquecol]

If you like it in Grizzly Green, then you can go pick it up in Shop Fox White. Shop Fox is Grizzly's retail line of tools. Only Grizzly I own is a couple of 6" jointers, with which I'm very well pleased.

[DaveO]

Originally Posted by McRabbet

I happen to be a big fan of Grizzly Tools and Grizzly owns and sells the Shop Fox line of tools as their dealer distribution line. There are some differences, I suspect, but in general, each ShopFox tool is a cream-colored version of a Grizzly model. In general, I think their stationary are the best price/performance power tools on the market. I own 5 Grizzly Power tools and they have all given me very good service.

Originally Posted by junquecol

If you like it in Grizzly Green, then you can go pick it up in Shop Fox White. Shop Fox is Grizzly's retail line of tools. Only Grizzly I own is a couple of 6" jointers, with which I'm very well pleased.

Yep, Grizzly with a different paint job. I am happy with all my Griz machinery and highly recommend them for excellent value priced tooling.
The main reason I don't own any ShopFox machines is that they don't offer the on-line information that Grizzly does. If you try to research SF you can't get any pricing unless you go to a dealer. With Griz, I know what the machine is going to cost me, shipping included.
The only advantage I could see over SF vs. Griz is the local pick-up of the machinery and being able to lay you hands on it before purchasing.



Dave

[WoodWrangler]

Personally, I don't own a ShopFox brand, but I have owned Grizzly brand tools. It looks like my opinion may not be as "wow" as the others. IMHO the Grizzly tools are good for the price, but usually lacking in noticeable ways with construction shortcuts (like features they copy that appear to be the same as the competition, but in reality are a cheap copy, or flimsy metal (or worse plastic) pieces).

However, with that said -- I would buy another Grizzly tool (and thus Shop Fox) ... just set your expectations right before you go down that road. It won't be a Powermatic quality tool (or at least I'd be willing to bet)

[rsitzejr]

I have a Grizzly horizontal band saw for metal that's held up over 4 years of use. It's been a good machine. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another grizzly too, except shipping is a PITA. For the cost of shipping, and the time I had to take off of work to be home for it, I would probably buy something local now.

[DaveO]

I think the key to Griz shipping is picking up the machinery at the local freight terminal. I did that for almost all of my purchases. Picking it up yourself allows you to be there when you can and not have to wait for a 8-1:00 delivery window. Plus most of the shipping problems occur on the local leg of the journey. Picking up at the freight terminal, they can load it straight into your truck or trailer. If there is any damage you don't have to deal with getting it back to them, just reject it on the spot.
Of course with ShopFox you have to pick it up at the local retail establishment.

Dave

[woodworker2000]

Shop Fox Machines come with a 2-year warranty. I believe the comprable Grizzly tool only comes with a one-year warranty.

For more info on Shop Fox tools, see their website: http://www.shopfox.biz/

[mshel]

I along with a few others bought a SF 8" jointer and for the money, I would find it hard to beat. Comparing features, it has all the bells and whistles that a Delta has and was much cheaper. I try to buy the best I can afford and couldn't justify paying the extra money for name recognition ie; Delta or Powermatic.

Most all shop equipment these days is made off shore so when you buy one, likely you will get the same quality in another brand. The only case where this might not be true is a tool made in Taiwan vs China. I think the Tai's have a better handle on quality, at least for the present time.

I also have Delta, Powermatic, Mini Max, Sears, Woodtek, Yorkcraft equipment and all have held up well.

Mike

[cpowell]

I have the same drillpress as Travis Porter, bought on a group buy. It would be easy for me to rant on this subject.

The machining is crude, the fit is haphazard...runout is poor. I phoned Shopfox CS to see if they had any recommendations to improve the excessive runout and was told it met their tolerances. I would add about 2 dollars of value for the 2 year warranty.

I have compared the operation of this drillpress with a Delta and am disappointed in myself for opting into the group buy on this machine. You get what you pay for.

I don't believe the drillpress quality is typical of their line. I have friends that bought other SF machines and they have been pleased with both performance and reliability.


Chuck

[Tarhead]

I was part of the 8" Shop Fox jointer group buy a few years ago along w/Mike Shelly and have been pleased. The only hiccup was the motor died shortly after a year and they replaced it without any problem. Tech support was excellent and talked me through checking it out with a multimeter instead of paying to ship it in. Otherwise the wood comes out straight and square and we got a good jointer for the money. I've heard Shopfox is being sued by WMH (Jet) over the color paint they use. Pretty silly.

[sapwood]

I have the Shop Fox benchtop 6" jointer and I'm pleased with it. It is much more robust than the Delta and similar models and the price was great. The SF fence is cast iron, whereas most others are aluminum.

Roger

[LeftyTom]

Which finer retailers carry the Shop Fox line?

[Tarhead]

Originally Posted by LeftyTom

Which finer retailers carry the Shop Fox line?

We got ours at Klingspor.