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SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

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SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

  • 8-inch swing
  • 13-inch between centers
  • 5-speed pulley
  • Compact design
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Is the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe ranks #8 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list (best pen). Its biggest strength: small footprint fits on a workbench corner -- no dedicated lathe stand required. The main caveat: 1/3 HP motor is the weakest in the category -- bogs in dense hardwood.

Specs that matter

Key features

  • 8-inch swing
  • 13-inch between centers
  • 5-speed pulley
  • Compact design
The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Small footprint fits on a workbench corner -- no dedicated lathe stand required
  • 13-inch between centers handles pens, bottle stoppers, and small spindles
  • 5-speed covers the range needed for pen turning and small spindle work
  • Affordable entry point for pen turners specifically

Cons

  • 1/3 HP motor is the weakest in the category -- bogs in dense hardwood
  • 5-speed pulley system requires stopping to change speed
Fit check

Should you buy the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe?

Think twice if this matters to you

  • 1/3 HP motor is the weakest in the category -- bogs in dense hardwood
  • 5-speed pulley system requires stopping to change speed
Where it ranks

Featured in 1 best-of list

ListRank
Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026· Best Pen#8 / 8
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: woodworking

  1. Clamps, a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
  2. You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
  3. Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
  4. Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
  5. Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.

Read the full guides

Answers

SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe: common questions

Is the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe ranks #8 in our Best Beginner Wood Lathe 2026 list (best pen). Its biggest strength: small footprint fits on a workbench corner -- no dedicated lathe stand required. The main caveat: 1/3 HP motor is the weakest in the category -- bogs in dense hardwood.

What are the downsides of the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: 1/3 HP motor is the weakest in the category -- bogs in dense hardwood; 5-speed pulley system requires stopping to change speed.

What are the key features of the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe?

8-inch swing, 13-inch between centers, 5-speed pulley and Compact design.

What are the best alternatives to the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe?

Worth comparing: RIKON 70-100 12-by-16-Inch Mini Lathe, Delta Industrial 46-460 12-1/2-Inch Variable-Speed MIDI Lathe and Grizzly Industrial T25920 12-Inch x 18-Inch Variable-Speed Benchtop Wood Lathe. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

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