Is the Shop Fox W1872 good for beginners?

Yes, if you cut thin wood. The foot switch and variable speed make it forgiving, but the small motor punishes fast feeding in thick stock.

What is the maximum cutting thickness?

2-1/4 inches. That suits fretwork, toys and thin panels, not thick hardwood blanks.

It comes set up for 5-1/4-inch pin blades and includes a pinless blade adapter for plain-end blades.

It is the best new price found across 5 stores as of November 7, 2026, and sits at the low end of its recent range.

The saw, foot switch, LED work light, miter gauge and pinless blade adapter. Blades beyond the fitted one are usually bought separately.

Shop Fox rates it for wood. Thin plastic may work at low speed, but metal is outside its intended use.

At Home Depot, for $209.00, as of our latest check.

Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 33 ratings.

12 stores we checked sell it, including Lowe's, Home Depot, eBay, FactoryPure, Tractor Supply Company.

$209.00at Home DepotObserved at 9:33 AM

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.