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Best Bench Grinder Guide

Regardless of your craft, a bench grinder is one of those essential tools to have in your workshop. Its main function is to keep all your other cutting tools in perfect conditions. Whether it’s other blades, drill bits, or other cutting tools, your bench grinder is designed to sharpen them.

 But its function goes well beyond mere sharpening. Many crafters have found good use in cutting with a bench grinder too.

Here's a list of Best Bench Grinder Guide

Although not designed for the purpose, the bench grinder can replace the angle grinder for cutting through masonry materials like tiles, or even through wood and metals when used with the right wheels.

Since the function of a bench grinder is simple yet so complex, we decided to put together this best bench grinder guide. We’ll show you what to consider before choosing one and also which are our preferred models. Check it out below.

Types of Bench Grinders

When choosing the best bench grinder, it all starts with deciding which model is right for you. The most common types of bench grinders include:

  • Automotive bench grinders: Are heavy-duty machines mainly used in the automotive industry. They come with strong wheels engineered to grind through hard metals and other hard materials, and they often attach to the workbench with bolts for added stability.
  • Woodworking bench grinders: Are not designed to cut wood but to keep woodworking tools in their best condition. They work at slower speeds than automotive ones and are mainly used to sharpen blades and other cutting tools, including knives.
  • Portable bench grinders: Are also used majorly for sharpening tools but are more compact and lightweight than the units above. Their main purpose is to be transported from one place to another and are perfect for contractors.

How to Choose a Bench Grinder

1. Size

Bench grinders come in two sizes, with 6-inch and 8-inch wheels. The smaller ones operate at higher speeds, usually up to 3,600 revolutions per minute, delivering sufficient power for most operations. They are ideal for sharpening and often employed by amateurs.

The latter are typically built for professional use and come with removable wheels that can be replaced by blades, brushes, or other attachments.

These machines are suitable for a wide range of grinding, sharpening, or cutting applications but move at slower speeds than their 6-inch counterparts.

2. Controls

Regardless of the model you want, check the control panel of the tool. Make sure it’s easily accessible and easy to operate. All controls must be located within easy reach. It is especially important to invest in a tool that is easy to start and stop, to prevent injuries.

3. Accessories

The best bench grinder must also come with a series of accessories designed to enhance your safety, improve user experience, and prolong the unit’s lifespan. Among the many possible accessories, this is the minimum you’d want:

  • Adjustable speeds
  • Spark deflector
  • Eyeshield
  • Overload shutoff
  • Water tray
  • Rubber feet
  • Anti-vibration features

With this in mind, let’s now have a look at the best bench grinders featured in this guide, so you can choose the right one for you.

Top 5 Best Bench Grinders


1. JET 577102

JET 577102

Highlights

  • Industrial-grade use
  • Spark guards
  • Pre-lubricated ball bearings
  • 5/8-inch spindle
  • Cast iron wheel guards

Performance

Designed for high-volume professional workshop applications, this bench grinder is perfect for sharpening, shaping, and removing of material. It comes with a robust, one horsepower single phase engine that turns the wheels at 3,450 revolutions per minute. Easily adjustable to your needs, it brings all you could wish from a best-in-class pick.

Adjustability

Perfect for a wide range of applications, this bench grinder comes with two vitrified grinding wheels for coarse and fine removal of material. Moreover, the easy-adjusting spark guards and eye shields bring further value for money.

Overall Assessment

This bench grinder is undoubtedly one of the best on the market; it has two long-lasting wheels designed for coarse or fine removal of material, while the powerful motor delivers sufficient energy to turn them at 3,450 revolutions per minute. Built for industrial use, the machine is constructed in die-cast iron and promises to last for a long time.

JET 577102 Video Review


2. WEN 4276

WEN 4276

Highlights

  • High speed
  • Work light
  • Lightweight design
  • ½-inch arbor
  • Two purchase options

Design

A tool that brings great value for money, the WEN 4276 is a reliable bench grinder designed to spin at 3,450 revolutions per minute. Incorporated in the robust design are a convenient work light and spark guards. Stable on the bench, this grinder is ideal for amateur workshops, although it withstands commercial-volume demands too.

Purchase Options

Depending on your needs, you can choose the grinder with 6-inch or 8-inch wheels. If you already own the wheels, it is also possible to buy the bare tool. Otherwise, the option with two wheels, a coarse and a fine one, could be more suitable for your needs.

Overall Assessment

Equipped with a 2.1-amp motor and boasting a truly lightweight design, this bench grinder promises long-lasting reliability. The operation is enhanced by the numerous add-ons that appeal to professionals but above all to amateurs and beginners. Furthermore, two purchase options give you the possibility to pick the tool most suitable for you.

WEN 4276 Video Review


3. DEWALT DW758

DEWALT DW758

Highlights

  • Industrial power
  • Rugged cast iron base
  • 3,600 RPM speed
  • Precision-machined tool rests
  • Overload protection

Power

Another machine engineered for professional use, the DEWALT DW758 comes equipped with a ¾ horsepower induction motor which delivers superior power and spins the wheels at 3,600 revolutions per minute. Just what it takes for fast and precise coarse or fine material removal.

Construction

Designed to last for the years to come, this tool boasts a rugged cast iron construction designed to provide durability. The motor housing keeps the motor away from grinding dust and debris, while a precision-machined aluminum tool rest allows for comfortable positioning of the work. Comfortable and durable, it brings true value for money.

Overall Assessment

Designed for performance, this machine comes at a price that won’t break the bank, is ergonomic, stable, and easy to use. A large on/off switch and overload protection enhance this unit’s value. As for the grinding options, the unit comes with both a fine and a coarse grinding wheel, for enhanced versatility.

DeWalt DW758 Video Review


4. RIKON Power Tools 80-805

RIKON Power Tools 80-805

Highlights

  • 60 and 120 grit aluminum oxide wheels
  • Cast iron housing
  • Low heat build-up
  • ½-horsepower motor
  • 1,750 max speed

Power

Designed for quick grinding into a variety of materials, this bench grinder comes with a powerful ½-horsepower motor capable of spinning the wheels at a speed of 1,750 revolutions per minute. combined with the robust 60 grit and 120 grit aluminum oxide wheels, this bench grinder can withstand whatever you’re throwing at it.

Performance

Perfect for high-volume and heavy-duty operations, this bench grinder is ideal for sharpening objects and comes with a feature designed to reduce heat build-up. This also lowers wear out and keeps your grinding wheels as new for longer.

Overall Assessment

Powerful enough for quick grinding of most materials, this bench grinder is perfect for sharpening objects or rough cutting of hardwood, engineered wood, tiles, masonry, and metals. Spinning at 1,750 revolutions per minute and coming with two convenient grinding wheels, this is undoubtedly a machine to buy if you’re shopping on a budget.

RIKON Power Tools 80-805 Video Review


5. Delta Power Tools 23-197

Delta Power Tools 23-197

Highlights

  • Variable speeds
  • Coarse and fine grinding wheels
  • Induction-type motor
  • Drill bit rest
  • Water tray

Variable Speed

The Delta Power Tools 23-197 is designed for the fast grinding of the most various materials, and to do this, it comes with convenient variable speed controls. An upfront dial is easily accessible and allows you to set the desired speed at any interval from 2,000 to 3,400 revolutions per minute.

Accessories

Coming with essential add-ons, this tool brings all you need from a best-in-class machine. The only lower quality components are the wheels, but they are easy to change with the ones you need. coming with the machine are two wheels for sharpening and grinding, one of 36 grit and the other of 60 grit. Furthermore, the unit incorporates a water tray, and two tool rests which are independently adjustable.

Overall Assessment

Built for performance, this tool comes with a bunch of accessories and a reliable motor that delivers a speed up to 3,400 revolutions per minute. Perfect for wood and metal working, this tool is also suitable for grinding masonry and other engineered materials. Coming in two sizes, lightweight, and easy to control, this is another great bench grinder to consider.

Delta 23-197 Video Review


Conclusion

Bench grinders come in all styles and sizes, and although it’s not easy to choose the best one, you now know which are some of your best options. You also know what to look for before buying, thanks to our comprehensive guide. So, what are you looking for? All you now have to do is select and buy the tool that best suits your needs.


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