Bench grinders are one of the most popular power tools in a modern-day workshop. Featuring two interchangeable wheels, bench grinders are primarily used for grinding and sharpening other tools in your toolbox. It can also be used to shape, buff, or polish metal as well as in woodworking to level and smoothen out rough edges. Ultimately, the best bench grinder will elevate your toolset, provide sharp blades and edges as well as cut and smoothen out the edges of any material you are working on.
The best part of a bench grinder is the ability to change different types of wheels which translates to increased productivity and efficiency. Also, the machine is lightweight, often hand-held, and it can even be mounted on a bench or table if needed. Besides, it is an efficient tool for both commercial and home use.
Comparison table for The Best Bench Grinder 2021
Bench Grinder | Size of the Wheel | Speed | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8-inch | 3600 RPM | 4.8 | ||
8-inch | 3450 RPM | 4.6 | ||
6-inch | 3450 RPM | 4.7 | ||
6-inch | 3450 RPM | 4.3 | ||
8-inch | 1725 RPM | 4.5 | ||
3-inch | 0 to 10,000 RPM | 4.2 | ||
8-inch | 1750 RPM | 4.1 |
Though it is not the most expensive nor most sophisticated tool in a household workshop, a bench grinder is a must-have tool for any serious DIYer who want to keep the lawnmower blades in good condition. They are versatile tools, and they have a solid and reliable body that won't break down with continual use and the good thing they can be used as the bench-top type or the freestanding ones. You will need to keep all these in mind in your search for a bench grinder.
1. DEWALT DW758
The heavy-duty DEWALT DW758 is powered by a 3/4 HP induction motor which provides plenty of power your grinding applications including removing rust, sharpening tools, shaping, and deburring. The powerful motor runs at 3600 RPM to allow for reliable and quick material removal. Also, the grinding wheels are positioned 12 ½ inches from each other, which enable the grinder to accommodate both small and large grinding applications.
Features and Benefits of DEWALT DW758
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The Dewalt combine great features such as rugged cast iron base and quality construction to give you very durable bench grinder for all grinding applications. It is strong enough for professional use but also quite affordable that it is also an excellent choice for hobbyists as well.
2. JET 577102
The JET 577102 is built to withstand high demand grinding applications making it suitable for industrial projects. This high-quality machine grinds and sharpens with utmost precision, and it offers very smooth operation with little vibrations. With its impressive motor and 8-inch wheels, this machine will meet all your needs, and it is capable of handling tough material that other grinders may not be able to.
Features and Benefits of JET 577102
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
Though a lightweight bench grinder, the JET 577102 is capable of handling heavy-duty grinding applications effectively. The unit is designed with user safety in mind while also offering much control to ensure consistency.
3. SKIL 3380-01
SKIL 3380-01 is a fantastic entry bench grinder that is going to do it all from polishing metal surfaces or sharpening drill bits to grinding welds. It is equipped with rubber feet which enables it to mount easily to a benchtop. Also, it includes coarse and medium wheels making this 6-inch bench grinder the best bench grinder for the money.
Features and Benefits of SKIL 3380-01
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The SKIL 3380-01 applies decent amount power and protection to do light grinding, including sharpening knives or mower blades. It is very convenient, works decently, and it is a great tool to have around the house or for hobby use.
4. WEN 4276
If you are looking for a speedy grinder but on a tight budget, then you should try the WEN 4276 6-inch bench grinder. This machine comes with a coarse 36-grit wheel ideal for faster material removal and a 60-grit wheel for general grinding making it the perfect companion for any workshop. Also, the wen grinder bench stand, sold individually, helps with the heavy vibrations by providing an independent surface to hold the grinder.
Features and Benefits of WEN 4276
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
Compact yet powerful, the WEN 4276 2.1 amp bench grinder with flexible work light allows for quick honing of scissors and dull blades. Also, this grinder does an excellent job of polishing and buffing pieces of metal, even in the face of the most challenging tasks.
5. POWERTEC BGSS801
The POWERTEC BGSS801 is a slow speed grinder designed to accommodate small home projects including sharpening knives, blades, and chisels. The unit runs at 1725 RPM which provides a cool operation to ensure more extended use. Besides, the wheels are made of white aluminum oxide, which produces less heat than other dressing materials.
Features and Benefits of POWERTEC BGSS801
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
POWERTEC BGSS801 is for you if you are looking for a grinder with a steady RPM speed rating. This slow running grinder is designed to produce less heat, and it is a convenient option for jobs that require more precision.
6. TruePower 199
The TruePower 199 mini bench grinder gives you a variety of speed options ranging from 0 to 10,000 RPM. The variable speed options enable the wheel to handle various materials efficiently and quickly. Additionally, the flexible shaft makes it easy for you to use this grinder on hard to reach places. It is also compact and extra portable meaning you can take it with you to different job sites.
Features and Benefits of TruePower 199
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The TruePower 199 is a small hobby bench grinder that gets your work done within no time. It is a great deal, and as the name suggests, it will gives lots of power to sharpen, buff, clean or shape just anything.
7. Rikon Professional Power Tools, 80-805
Rikon 80 805 features a ½ HP motor to ensure a smooth start-up and to give you the versatility of tackling tough grinding jobs. Its design offers a critical focus on safety which means fewer injuries and accidents. Rikon 80 805 performs great when it comes buffing wood pieces making it one of the best bench grinder for woodworking. It is also used to put a sharp edge on chisels, knives and other hand-held tools.
Features and Benefits of Rikon Professional Power Tools, 80-805
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
This grinder represents a very economic grinding system that will keep your tools up and running within a very short time. It is designed to keep the heat build-up down while meeting the needs carpenters, carvers and other craftspeople.
Choosing the right bench grinder
If you are going to buy a bench grinder, you’ll need to ensure that it has all the features you need to accomplish any task thrown at it. You don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that you are not going to use or one that overpowers your needs. Here are a few things you’ll need to have a look at before you pick a bench grinder for your workshop.
i. Types of wheels
There different types of wheels for different jobs and materials and choosing the right one for your grinder will make your work easier. You'll need to consider the kinds of projects you want to perform and if the model you choose is compatible with the wheels required for the project. The best bench grinder should offer you multiple wheel options even if it doesn't come with all of them.
You'll also want to know the type of material and grit that the wheels are made of. For example, an aluminum oxide wheel is mainly used for grinding steel while silicon carbide is used for hard metals such as cast iron. Most bench grinders come with a coarse and fine grit, which tends to cover the needs of most projects. As such, make sure you know what you are getting so that you can get after-market add-ons that are going to fit.
ii. Speed
One thing you should never forget is the motor speed and the revolutions per minute it can produce. You'll need something that can deliver enough speed to get the job done. The higher the speed, the faster the grinder is going to spin. High-speed grinders produce sufficient amounts of power required for faster material removal and a majority home improvement and repairs projects. Slow speed grinders, on the other hand, are used for more extensive tasks that require high precision and accuracy, such as in sharpening metal objects.
A bench grinder can either have a fixed speed or variable speed options depending on your grinding needs. For domestic grinding needs, a constant-speed grinder is the most suitable since it is straightforward to use. For commercial and professional workshops, it is recommended to choose one with adjustable speed settings because you may require grinder for different tasks.
iii. Work light
The work light is one of the most important things you may want to consider, even if the workspace is well lit. Work light helps to illuminate the work piece you are working on, making you more productive and accurate. You'll also want to consider the type of work light that is most convenient for you. For example, some grinders come with an inbuilt LED light while others will have the light directly attached over the center of the unit or the wheels. Some units may have more than one light to make it easy for you to work from different angles.
iv. Size; 6-inch or 8-inch bench grinder?
Bench grinders come in a range of diameter sizes. The standard sizes are 6-inch and 8-inch, but they are also small ones that are only 3 inches. 6-inch wheel grinders have a regular speed of around 3400-3600 RPM, and often they are ideal for home use. The 8-inch wheel, on the other hand, tends to have low-speed ratings and is best suited for industrial applications.
The larger the diameter, the larger the physical dimensions and this is going to be an essential consideration in space-restricted areas. Also, the 8-inch wheel grinders tend to have fewer wheel changes than the 6-inch ones, which mean less maintenance.
v. Safety Features
Grinding involves a lot of moving parts which can lead to dangerous situations. As such, safety should be an essential consideration for anyone looking to use these machines. Most grinders will have adjustable spark deflectors and eye shields to protect you from bodily harm while grinding. Other essential features include the dust vents which help channel dust and debris away from you and the locking power switch to prevent any accidental start-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Question 1: Can I use a bench grinder for wood?
Answer: Yes. You can use a bench grinder to cut, clean, reshape or polish any wood project. But this will require changing the right wheel for your job. For example, you can use a buffing wheel to buff up waxed wooden work pieces. However, when working with wood don't hold the piece against the grinder for too long as it can catch fire easily.
Question 2: Why should I dress the wheels?
Answer: Over time, the surface of the grinding wheel may flake off or become rugged. Instead of grinding properly, the rough surface makes your work pieces rugged as well. As such, you'll need to smoothen it out using various dressing materials to give the wheel a fresh edge. You can use different types of abrasives, such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide for dressing.
Question 3: Can you grind glass with a bench grinder?
Answer: No. you'll need a glass grinder to grind your glass pieces into the desired shapes and patterns. However, you can use a bench grinder to get rid of the unsightly edges on your freshly cut glass pieces. You can do this by running the area of the glass that requires smoothing against the surface of the wheel to clean the edges.
Question 4: Bench grinder vs. Belt sander; which one is better for DIY tasks?
Answer: Most DIYers there are more into the belt sander because it is more versatile when compared to a bench grinder. A belt sander is not only used on metal pieces but also on some soft materials such as plastic. However, if you want a bigger selection of wheels from a diamond abrasive kind to the buffing wheel, it is better to go with a bench grinder.
Question 5: How do you remove a wheel from a bench grinder?
Answer: If you need to change or remove the wheel from a bench grinder, you'll be required to unscrew the center arbor nut using a wrench while holding the wheel in one hand so that it doesn't rotate. Typically, the right side wheel rotates towards you; thus, the nut should be unscrewed by turning it toward the front of the grinder. The left side wheel, on the other hand, rotates in the opposite direction and as such, you should unscrew it by turning it towards the back of the grinder. Once unscrewed remove the nuts followed by the wheels.
Conclusion
A bench grinder is an essential tool for any workshop. For anyone looking for the best option when it comes to bench grinders, you may want to take a look at all the available options, but you will definitely want to try the DEWALT DW758. This unit is affordable yet durable, and it offers ample power and speed to enable you to accomplish a range of both minor and intense projects.
No matter what your budget is or your needs are, there is a bench grinder for you. The best bench grinder should be made of superior quality materials, and it should have the specifications you need to get the job done. Also, it should have a strong base for extra support and balance during usage. However, the most important thing is to determine what you will use it for before choosing one for your needs. Well, we also have separate review article of the best die grinders or angle grinders if you need to know about them. Happy shopping.