Looking at the Shop Fox equivalent to the G0766 and G0800 lathes, it appears the difference that accounts for the higher price of the Shop Fox lathes is the longer warranty, which is two years, not one. Excepting the color of black and white, vs. green/white or just black the specs seem to be the same. The SF W1866 appears not to have the swing away tailstock either. Otherwise the machinery appears identical to the Grizzly offerings. I post this in answer to some comments about the differences over the last few months.
Grizzly sells direct to the consumer and Shop Fox sells through retailers. I'm guessing this accounts for the increase in price. I don't think the extra year warranty is worth $500. Most warranty issues are going to be discovered in the first 90 days. If it lasts 90 days, it will probably be good for quite a few years. I suppose there is some value in actually laying your hands on the machine in a retail store before paying big bucks for it.
What you say is true Robert. Grizzly also sells their Shop Fox machines on their website, right alongside their Grizzly line up. Just different paint schemes. Maybe the two year warranty is a selling point for their dealers. We have a local hardware/machinery dealer who carries some Shop Fox machines as well as Jet, Powermatic, General, etc.
