5 Bench Grinders Made in USA (With Chisel Sharpening Guide). Small bench grinder

Bench Grinders Made in USA (With Chisel Sharpening Guide)

Bench grinders are the most versatile power tools in your workshop.

Everything you need to know about grinding woodworking tools on a bench grinder

And they are ideal for precision sharpening, shaping, and cleaning all kinds of small objects.

But trying to find out where they are manufactured can take some time.

(Below) after doing some research, I’ve put together a helpful list with pictures of five bench grinders made in the USA and conveniently available online.

In addition, I also provide some valuable tips and techniques for better results when sharpening a chisel with a bench grinder.

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Understanding Wheel Grit for Bench Grinders (In a Nutshell)

Bench grinders come in various sizes with different configurations in motor and wheel sizes, with the most popular wheel size being 6″.

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The grinding wheels on a bench grinder usually have different grades.

For example, most grinders have 36 and 60 grit wheels that are considered medium grade.

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A 36 grit wheel is ideal for sharpening garden tools such as shovels or axes or sharpening and removing metal quickly and sharply.

The 60 grit wheel is suitable for more delicate grinding applications, such as chisels or drill bits.

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And for even finer or precision grinding, there are many different grades of grinding wheels available.

Despite the name of the bench grinder, this machine is not limited to sharpening.

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For example, a convenient addition is to replace one of the grinding wheels with a brass or steel wire wheel.

You can quickly clean rusted parts, remove paint, and clean welds without damaging the part you are trying to clean.

Bench grinders are also used in polishing applications.

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Polishing kits are available with spindles and polishing cloths that fit your bench grinder and screw directly into your grinder.

And, in combination with the suitable polishing compound, it’s easy to get a shine on just about anything.

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A bench grinder runs at high speed, and some standard models can run at about 3000 RPMs.

Although bench grinders are equipped with clear guards and shields, proper guarding must be worn to protect against wheel debris.

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Much more than just a grinder, a good bench grinder can be the most helpful thing you screw on your workbench.

Bench Grinder Fundamentals for Sharpening a Chisel

If you already know how to use a bench grinder properly, it can be the fastest way to shore up your chisels and your plane irons for honing.

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You can also use it to restore a severely damaged edge on a tool you may have picked up at a flea market and prepare it for honing.

Alternatively, you can completely reshape the edges into brand new tools.

Many people give up on the bench grinder because they get uneven results and burn the tip repeatedly, turning the steel blue and removing its hardness.

But there’s no need to strain yourself; I will show you an excellent old-school tip for sharpening more accurately and quickly.

Before we get into the technique, we need to cover a few things on setting up a bench grinder the right way for you to be successful.

How to Adjust the Bench Grinder for Sharpening a Chisel

Make sure your grinder has one of the new wheel styles.

For example, look for the word friable on a wheel, which is what you want.

And that means that the particles as the wheel wears begin to break up, exposing new fresh edges, and at the same time, the grinder wheel runs cooler, which is very important.

Install a Better Bench Grinder Rest

Suppose you notice that the grinder holder is not suitable. In that case, you can buy a better bench grinder holder with more adjustment directions.

Slightly Round the Bench Grinder Wheel

Here is the trick that will make all the rest of your grinding technique possible.

It’s all about how you dress the wheel. I used to think that the grinder wheel should be flat on the front.

To my surprise is that it works much better if it is slightly rounded with a high point in the middle.

For example, get a flat diamond grinding wheel and then taper the edges of the wheel a bit to end up with a nice smooth curve on the front side.

Now the grinder is ready to go, and this is the most common way you will use it.

Start Sharpening the Chisel with a Bench Grinder

Now is the point where you’ve done a lot of honing and resharpening on the chisel’s cutting edge.

And those polished areas are now too large to touch up on your fine stones efficiently, and now it’s time to resharpen the entire cutting edge.

But first, readjust the angle of the grinder holder to your liking.

And if you are already happy with the angle at which your chisel is sharpened, then with the grinder turned off, you can even it out by placing the chisel on the holder.

Then adjust it slightly and go down and have a look.

You want the wheel to hit the bevel halfway along its length.

Next, slide the chisel up on the wheel and rub it from side to side.

Next, flip it over and watch the scratch pattern on the chisel to detect the high spot on the bevel that needs more sharpening.

Next, turn on your bench grinder, and here’s how easy it is.

Place the chisel in the holder and slide it into the wheel.

When it starts to grind, use your backhand as a depth stop against the back of the holder.

And start moving the chisel from side to side, letting the high point of the wheel go gently over the edge for consistent results.

Flip the chisel over to take a look to make sure the wheel is hitting the bevel somewhere near the center.

Then turn it from time to time to check your progress.

It is easy to sharpen a little more in some areas to even out the bevel.

But sharpening lightly is one of the big keys because the very fine point of the chisel is vulnerable to overheating.

So when the chisel starts to get close to that point of overheating, you should begin to dip the chisel in water from time to time.

Then you’ll know you’re done when the freshly sharpened area covers the entire bevel and small burr forms along the back of the tip that looks and feels perfect.

Sharpening a Bad Chisel with a Bench Grinder

Now let’s talk about a chisel that you have somehow inherited or picked up at a flea market, and it is really in bad shape.

If the chisel has a rounded tip, you want to start from scratch.

You want the tip to be 90 degrees straight, use a square and a fine point marker to make a reference line on the chisel’s edge.

Then the first thing you need to do is set the tool to rest at about 90 degrees to the wheel.

Now start blunting the tip until you reach the reference line.

Again, all that is needed is a very light touch.

Since you’re sharpening the tip almost instantly and blunting, heat shouldn’t be a problem if you use a light touch.

Next, go back to the tool rest and set it up as you would if you were using it for a good chisel to get the bevel angle you want.

If not, there are a couple of good ways to set the tool rest from scratch.

You can buy an angle gauge or make one yourself out of cardboard.

Since the chisel sits firmly against the tool rest when sharpening, put the bottom of your angle gauge against the wheel.

And because the tip is blunt and you’re reshaping the entire edge of the bevel, this sharpening process will take a while.

So continue to sharpen and shape and check that bevel constantly.

After removing a lot of metal, use a light tap and start dipping the chisel in water to cool it as the edge begins to become thin and sharp, and the blunt edge starts to disappear.

Once the grinder marks get to the tip, you will see the blunt edge disappear.

And the good thing is that you can use that blunt tip to track your progress and make sure you’re sharpening evenly.

You’ll know you’re done when the blunt tip disappears, feels sharp, and feels that slight burr along the back of the edge.

And there you go, now you know how to sharpen perfect bevels quickly and accurately every time.

About: Hi, I’m Julio. Tools regularly have been part of my life. I started working in the apartment industry years ago as a service technician, then I was promoted to the service manager position and realized my passion for tools. Tools Everyday is a place for me to share my different findings and experiences about tools and home improvement.

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Bench grinders

This carbide and steel saw grinder has a diameter capacity from 7″ to 30″. It allows you to face, top and side grind saw blades. The AV-40 is one of the fastest grinders to set up and easy to use. When.

electric bench grinder DS 150

Power: 200 W. 350 WRotational speed: 2,980 rpm

Small and space-saving workshop machine Low-noise and low-vibration, maintenance-free induction motor Motor for single phase alternating current Protective cover bayonet lock for quick and simple wheel change Large spark.

industrial bench grinder DW756

Power: 0.6 chRotational speed: 3,450 rpm

motor housing provide durability and prolong lifeMotor runs at 3,450 rpm for high-speed material removal The DW756 6″ Bench Grinder has a powerful 5/8 HP 3,450 rpm induction motor for high-speed material.

electric bench grinder S-200T

Power: 750 WRotational speed: 2,800 rpm

NEBES has come up with an answer to customers request for a grinder completely “Made In Italy” that can offers maximum performance at the minimum price, while not cutting corners on the renowned NEBES precision and trustworthiness. All.

industrial bench grinder 242 series

Power: 750 WRotational speed: 2,800 rpm

Voltage : Single phase Weight (Kg) : 14 Grey grinding wheel (mm) : 200x25x20 These products are suitable for industrial purposes 5 years warranty Powerful, reliable and silent induction motors Integrated safety thermal.

electric bench grinder TC-WD 200/150

Power: 250 WRotational speed: 134 rpm. 2,980 rpm

sides for safe operation The Einhell TC-WD 200/150 wet-dry grinder is a practical combination which can be used for wet and dry grinding/sanding, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts. The grinder can.

electric bench grinder ECO series

Power: 0.5 kWRotational speed: 2,900 rpm

Like all REMA machines, the double grinders comply with the latest safety regulations and carry the CE test mark. Grinding machines of the ECO series offer high quality for a small budget. The double bench.

industrial bench grinder IBG-8

Power: 1 chRotational speed: 3,450 rpm

Heavy duty capacitor motor Sealed bearings for maintenance free grinding CSA/CUS Certified Heavy duty construction for demanding environments Toggle switch with safety key OSHA Compliant Pre-drilled bases for mounting.

industrial bench grinder ART.134

Power: 1,100 WRotational speed: 2,800 rpm

, deburring and sharpening. The grinder are versatile because they allow to work elements of various shapes and sizes with different types of surface finish determined by the grain size of the abrasive wheels. Bench.

electric bench grinder S383

Power: 0.4 kWRotational speed: 2,950 rpm

BENCH GRINDER WITH BELT Art. S383 €160,00 VAT EXCLUDED STRONG AND RELIABLE

electric bench grinder DSB 250 D

Power: 0.9 kWRotational speed: 0 rpm. 2,950 rpm

Sanding, grinding, and deburring of metal parts and tools. This series provides 3 common sizes up to a grinding wheel diameter of 300 mm, and features a powerful drive. Built for industrial use Standard delivered with the base

electric bench grinder EG 0225

Power: 900 WRotational speed: 2,950 rpm

Specifications:. adjustable protective screen with magnifying lens. dual extractor vent Fixing:. 250mm wide centre distance. 155mm deep centre distance Supplied with:. brush Ø200mm. grinding wheel grit 60 Warranty.

electric bench grinder 150 E

Power: 250 W

Wheel 150 x 20 x 12,7 Power 250 W. / 230 V. Weight 8 kg.

electric bench grinder DSA 150

Power: 0.4, 0.5 kWRotational speed: 2,850 rpm

The highly versatile bench grinding machine DSA 150 is ideal for amateurs and for the professional craftsmen. This model feature a low-noise, maintenance-free induction motor as well as high-quality grinding wheels to.

electric bench grinder DSM200DS

Power: 900, 1,260 W

industrial grade suitable for various grinding work perfect for deburring and cleaning power switch with undervoltage release acrylic glass cover with loupe high-quality and stable die-cast housing brush.

bench grinder DS

SPECIFICATIONS Operating voltage: 400 V, 50 Hz Power: 0,55 Kw Insulation class: B Protection class: IP 44 Type: Long, special Speed: 1/min 2700 Duty cycle ED: 60% IDEAL AREAS OF APPLICATION Ideal for workshop and repair.

industrial bench grinder LM-MG100

Rotational speed: 50 rpm. 130 rpm

The Mortar Grinder Model MG100 is used to reproducibly grind, homogenize and mix a wide range of solid materials in dry / wet or cryogenic condition. The material to be processed falls into the Pulverizing area between.

Easy way to Sharpen a knife within a minute, bench grinder hack required

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Mini Bench Grinder/polisher

Basically all I’ve done is mount and motorise a ‘toy’ grinder to make it a viable tool. Whilst not a particularly taxing project, I think the motor mounting and drive belt construction may be of interest to others, the initial idea was to make a bench mount for a dremel arbour. Then I remembered I had a miniature bench polisher/grinder in a box from when I was little. whilst it was meant to be powered by a static steam engine and as such wouldn’t normally be operated at speeds over a few 100 rpm there was no reason it shouldn’t be driven with an electric motor. There is the possibility that a brass shaft in solid zinc alloy isn’t going to be a good bearing combination for the much higher rpm the electric motor will deliver. The stands for the grinder and polish mops are identical it is just a case of swapping felt wheels for grinder wheels.

Step 1: Components

The basics are an old miniature bench grinder an old buggy motor (originally brought for an experiment in electric flight) a pulley, drive belt and a board to mount it all on. Whilst I happened to have all this and the other sundry items needed laying around doing nothing it doesn’t count as free as it all had to be brought at some point.

A quick check on eBay revealed that even though it was 30 years old in its original box and unused the mini grinder could still be brought for under £5 so I’m not about to ruin something valuable.

The Motor is a graupner speed 400, according to the spec sheet 22000rpm 1 to 7 amps in normal opperation 40Amps when stalled in this installation that should never happen as the belt will slip.

The drive belt is 2.5mm Diameter nitrile rubber.

Step 2: Mounting the Grinder

I used a pice of 4″×3/4″ wooden board some #6×1″ wood screws and screw cups. Mark the position of the holes you are going to use. Make pilot holes I used a gimmlet but a very small drill would do. screw the grinder down to the board.

Step 3: Mount the Motor

A pulley smaller than the motor body would have been better in several respects but I didn’t have one. I drilled the bore of the pulley out to suit the shaft adapter I had. then found a pice of strip wood that would give a clearance for the pulley over the mounting board. decided on a position for it and tacked it in position (in hind sight I should have established directions of rotation before I positioned the motor).I then drilled a hole on both sides to take a cable tie. I chain drilled a channel between the two holes and cleaned it out with a blade so the cable tie sat under the base of the board. next I wrapped the motor in clear plastic tape other plastic tape will do but it MUST be plastic as it stops the car body filler sticking to the motor and from entering the vents. secure the motor in position with the cable tie do not tighten it fully at this point. align the drive pullies using a straight edge. fully tighten the cable tie make sure the lug is on top of the motor this helps if you need to access it later to release it. To make the mount more robust I used 2 pack polyester car body filler, I find that credit card sized plastic loyalty/advertising cards make ideal spreader or moulding plates and I applied a heavy filet to each side of the motor. with a little care the cable tie can be released with a scribe point or a pin and because of the wrapping of plastic tape the motor can be cleanly removed if required.

Step 4: The Drive Belt

you may have noticed I haven’t made any allowance for size or adjustment of the drive belt. This is simply because I don’t need to as cyno acrylate glue (superglue) works brilliantly on rubber in tension. It started out as a much larger 2.5mm diameter nitrile rubber drive belt (I think it came from technobots.com) cut squarely with a razor blade using a small engineering square as a guide (you could just as easily use a lego brick as a guide as they have wonderfully accurate square edges) this length of drive belt was then looped around the pullies to establish the required length then cut slightly short (about 15mm)and square if it’s too lose you can always cut a bit more out. (you could glue another section in if its too short but I wouldn’t recommend it the fewer joints the better) put the belt around the pulley on the grinder apply a drop of superglue to one of the ends and hold the ends together until cured, the drive belt can now be streatched over the pulley on the motor. As a demonstration I made a second belt up with the left overs and put it over a small clamp and streatched it out as you can see from the photos it streatched a good 9cm without distressing the joint. You are using superglue you might want to use tweezers. I find if I do get any on my skin the easiest way to deal with it is absorb it with a tissue whilst this can leave you with a bit of tissue paper stuck on you it will rub off in under a day and it’s better than being stuck to yourself or something else.

Step 5: Apply Power and Test.

The wheels need to turn downwards on the side you are using.I should have established the prefered direction of rotation for the motor and which way the wheels needed to rotate first, but I didn’t fortunaly small DC motors seem quite happy to run in either direction, so I applied power temporarily from a battery pack to esablish the positive and negative needed to be. For a quick test I used the same battery pack as I did to check the direction of rotation, but at a 6Amp load a 1200mAh pack is going to last 12 minutes or less, so a proper power supply will be required. To test polishing I applied a little polishing compound to one of the felt wheels then applied power and tried to buff a flattened out pice of copper pipe after just a few seconds I had a nice bright patch.

Small bench grinder suggestions

I’m looking to buy a small bench grinder. small in my case means 3″-ish ??

I live in an apartment, so something small is essential due to lack of space. The standard 6″ grinder is wayyyyyyy over kill for my use. My mill/lathe are Sherline and I’m building small steam engines (the plan anyway ). Probably will be used mostly for grinding lathe bits and misc deburring.

Here’s MicroMark’s 3″ grinder :

I have a Dremel and a whole slew of bits and goodies for that. Would that make sense to use for a simple small grinder ? Do up a horizontal mounting fixture for it ?

Any ideas/suggestions appreciated.

jack404

Well-Known Member

i’m doing some business with the Milwaukee company at the moment so a heads up for you

similar item rec retail for the USA will be 99 as you see it pictured

and a small box of bits for the dremel/die grinder type attachment will be released there in a few weeks

kvom

Well-Known Member

Tin Falcon

Well-Known Member

I have a 6″ jet guess I have had it for something like ten years now. The price of grinders has gone up a bit since then. If I were to have to replace it I would seriously look at one of these. 99 at Sears

I know you have a small shop but I think I would find a 3″ grinder too small. IMHO this is a lot more bang for the buck. Some times there is a fine line between a tool and a toy. Ya pays your money and takes your chances personally I would not pay mare than 30 for the one you show and then would think real hard an do my homework. It is you shop your money your decision. Questions to ask yourself are wheels readily available ? How are you going to keep this tiny thing from falling off the bench how will the 2x heat buildup effect tool grinding? is the thin sheet metal tool rest going to meet your needs? How long will a plastic wheel guard last. Hmm

ChooChooMike

Well-Known Member

Hmmmm, I’m seeing some used grinders on Craigslist here in LA pretty cheap. actually there’s a 6″ never opened one for 35, can’t tell what brand from the pic though :

Mcgyver

Well-Known Member

if 6″ is overkill, you won’t want to hear my view. in general one is far better off getting an 8″ grinder than 6″. The cost differential isn’t that great. the reason for going with the 8″ is wheels. Generally you want to replace the wheels that come with them with something a litte nicer (friable, fast cutting) and the selection of 8″ wheels is almost endless where as 6″ are limited.

6 or 8, this is going to make a heck of mess in an apartment. I wonder whether one of wet grinders or the slow turning water diamond grinders might be better (if you use a diamond wheel on steel it has to be slow) ?

gmac

Well-Known Member

1 on Mcgyver’s Комментарии и мнения владельцев. I just bought a 6″ grinder, like you concerned about where I could use it. Started out on the porch and what a mess. on me and the surroundings. luckily I didn’t start out inside! Also found the supply and selection of 6″ wheels limited. Garry

ChooChooMike

Well-Known Member

Yeah, forgot about the grinder spewing crap/dust all over. may have a solution to keep the swarf somewhat contained. I’m kinda using my 2nd bathroom as my little shop. If I put the grinder in the shower stall, that’ll keep all the mess contained Of course the grinder would make one helluvalotta noise in those confines. Or maybe the trick is to bring it outside when I use it ? I don’t imagine I’d be using the grinder all that much except for lathe bits and misc deburring, and

Tin Falcon

Well-Known Member

Ya Know mike if you really want one of those little buggers go for one of these I know HF does not have the best rep but the price is much more in line for how it is made. 35. 99 with rotary shaft tool Micro mark is crazy with prices.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43533 Other than color it does not look a whole lot different than the other two. Tin

jack404

Well-Known Member

Tin i doubt there’d be any difference other than the source of the wheels and the bits that come with them

I’m learning a whole lot about tools ATM thanks to the deal i’m looking at

its all just what options folks want from bearings to accessories but the units themselves basically are mostly the same

HF have plasic guards instead of cast alu so thats cheaper bearings i dunno but i suggest the motors and base units will be very similar ( i just ordered 2 variants to check out for here and 3 varients of the hand held Band saw) better grab em fast as china made are about to go way up

greenie

Jack, there is a major difference between those two items, the bloody rip-of price that MicroMark is asking.

If you pulled them both apart, you would find the same innards, made by the same mob.

Difference is really the colour of the paint and the name stickers on them.

jack404

Well-Known Member

Actually you may be surprised

i going through the lopp jumps now to be a impoorted distributor ( if. maybe etc)

i’m chatting with the factory as i’m typeing this and options include

type of bearings (3 options from.1.76 from standard, standard, or NGK 3.10 fro standard)

accessorie sets 4 options from 6.25 to 22.80

grinding wheels 15 options including a small rag wheel

guards 3 options plastic cast alu and cast steel

2 options for protective screens ( plastic and lexan )

its a eye opener to me and everyone i have shown this stuff too

and for a fee you can have any name on them you want

give em a sample and they’ll copy it in 3 weeks

the Milwaukee folks have set the options already for there stuff coming from the factory

but with some “special lines” i am looking at just for Oz theres so many options to play with

basically you can get these in numerous configurations from the same factory

from 22 through to 76 depending on what options and accessories and packageing you desire

but the HF one for that price would be hard to go past and even i have some HF stuff i’ve bought from the US when i have been there

Any of these top-notch bench grinders can help DIYers sharpen blades and hone knives, axe heads, and chisels quickly and easily.

By Glenda Taylor | Updated Feb 16, 2023 1:28 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Many household and DIY projects require bladed tools or machines, whether it’s mowing the lawn or chiseling some wood. At some point, DIYers need to sharpen those blades or remove rust and corrosion from a steel tool. That’s where a bench grinder shines.

Unlike a stand-alone pedestal grinder, a bench grinder is typically mounted on a sturdy workbench and can tackle these tasks quicker and easier than an old-fashioned whetstone and lots of manual labor. Heavy-duty bench or table grinders typically feature two grinding wheels, often with different grits, to sharpen blades quickly and remove rust. On many grinders, the wheels can be swapped out for either metal brush wheels (a boon when cleaning metal connectors and spark plugs) or for buffing wheels, which are designed for putting a fine shine on metal or plastic surfaces.

Bench grinders are straightforward power tools, and all operate much the same way. The best bench grinders are high quality, easy to use, and protect eyes from sparks and fine metal shards while working (users should always still wear eye protection, though). The following bench grinders would be a good addition to any workshop.

• BEST OVERALL:DeWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Wen BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder
• UPGRADE PICK:Jet IBG-8 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder
• BEST FOR BEGINNERS:DeWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder
• BEST FOR DIYERS:Wen BG625V 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
• BEST FOR MECHANICS:Jet JBG-8B 8-Inch Shop Bench Grinder
• BEST FOR LANDSCAPERS:Sunex Tools 5002A 8-Inch Bench Grinder With Light
• BEST VARIABLE-SPEED:Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
• BEST FOR SHARPENING:Rikon 80-805 8-Inch Low-Speed Bench Grinder
• BEST WITH WIRE WHEEL:Jet JBG-6W 6-Inch Shop Grinder With Wire Wheel
• ALSO CONSIDER:Wen BG4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder

How We Chose the Best Bench Grinders

A solid bench grinder can be the cornerstone (pun not intended) of a workshop. When we set out to curate a list of the top models, we wanted to ensure that the bench grinders we suggested were up to the job. We had to call upon all of our experience as DIYers and professionals to come up with the most important factors to consider when choosing a bench grinder.

Once we knew what to look for when shopping for one of these grinders, we performed extensive research to round up models that might meet our criteria. Then, we compared each model’s size, ability, materials, and value to ensure that they were worthy. Some products didn’t make the cut, but those that did were given awards based on their strengths.

Our Top Picks

The best bench grinder runs smoothly, has adjustable tool rests to get just the right angle, and is safe to operate. The following options are great for DIYers and pros alike, and all include adjustable eye guards, tool rests, and spark arrestors.

DeWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder

This durable DeWALT bench grinder comes with 8-inch diameter grinding wheels so users can sharpen a lot of blades before needing to replace a wheel. The DeWALT DW758 comes with standard items like clear eye shields over both wheels to protect users’ eyes without obstructing their view.

The DW758 features adjustable, heavy-duty aluminum tool rests to allow users to position the item they’re sharpening at an optimal angle. The base, however, is cast iron, providing durability and stability while working with this model. The grinder wheels rotate at 3,600 revolutions per minute (rpm) for quick shaping of metal blades. However, there aren’t any bells and whistles like work lights or variable speeds.

Product Specs

• Large 8–inch wheels provide heavy-duty sharpening for an extended period before replacement is necessary
• Durable cast-aluminum tool rests are stable, allowing for a consistent base and adjustability
• Cast-iron base is heavy and durable, providing long-lasting stability while grinding

Get the DeWALT DW758 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Wen BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder

The Wen BG4260 6-inch bench grinder’s affordable price point means users can sharpen a lot of blades without spending a lot of money. Shoppers can save money on the grinder as well as when sharpening blades instead of replacing them.

The Wen grinder comes with both 36-grit and 60-grit grinding wheels that spin at 3,450 rpm. The 36-grit wheel is best for reshaping edges, while the 60-grit wheel hones them. It features see-through eye shields to protect the user’s eyes while grinding, and they easily adjust for grinding larger items. Also, each wheel comes with adjustable tool rests to help steady the tool the user is grinding or sharpening—key to consistent results. Unfortunately, there isn’t any information about the motor’s horsepower rating available, and this basic model doesn’t have any bells and whistles to brag about.

Product Specs

• Affordable price point; allows users to save money on both the grinder and on sharpening blades
• Low price compared to other models; includes eye protection shields and adjustable tool rests
• Includes 2 grinding wheel grits: The 35 grit reshapes blades and the 60 grit hones edges

Get the Wen BG4260 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Wen.

Jet IBG-8 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder

Folks who might have a bit more money to spend and prefer a top-tier product will want to check out the Jet IBG-8 industrial bench grinder. This model features a heavy-duty 1-horsepower motor that allows users to grind tough materials like stainless steel continuously and repetitively. The motor produces 3,600 rpm, providing a general-use speed from a single-speed tool.

This model features all cast-iron construction, allowing it to be durable and long lasting as well as stable during grinding. There is a rear-mounted dust port that users can connect to a dust-collection system or shop vac to reduce messes. It also has the basics, including adjustable tool rests, adjustable eye protection shields, a 36-grit wheel, and a 60-grit wheel. The only real complaint worth registering is that this model does not include variable speeds, as 3,600 rpm may be a little too fast for delicate sharpening.

Product Specs

• The 8-inch wheels and 1-horsepower motor allow users to grind through tough material continuously
• Cast-iron construction makes it durable and stable during grinding
• Rear-mounted dust ports can connect grinder to a dust-collection system, minimizing messes
• Unlike other bench grinders, this model doesn’t offer any variable speeds
• 3,600 rpm is too much for some uses, like sharpening knives, chisels, and planes

Get the Jet IBG-8 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ace Tool.

DeWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder

The DeWALT DW756 might be the top option for those new to the grinding or DIY world. Not only is this bench grinder affordable, but it also has almost everything a new craftsperson would need, including cast-iron construction for long-term durability and two stone grits: 36 and 60.

This model features a ⅝-horsepower motor that spins its 6-inch wheels at 3,450 rpm. Because the tool has a single speed, new users can FOCUS on what they’re doing and not the grinder’s setting. The tool rests are precision machined from aluminum so they’ll stay flat and stable over time, but users can adjust angles whenever needed. The flip-down eye shield is also a benefit to new users, as they can get used to working on their grinder knowing they have an additional barrier between the workpiece and their safety glasses. However, without a built-in work light, users may opt to purchase an additional shop light for their grinders.

Product Specs

• Durable, long-lasting cast-iron construction; the only grinder a beginner will need for a while
• Single-speed design allows users to FOCUS on their work and not the grinder’s settings
• Flip-down eye shield is an extra protective barrier between the workpiece and user’s safety glasses

Get the DeWALT DW756 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.

Wen BG625V 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

DIYers have needs. They like features but bemoan over-the-top prices, and Wen’s BG625V bench grinder will please them on both fronts. It offers features like adjustable speeds and tool position as well as onboard illumination for a quality finished result.

This model’s motor spins at speeds between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm, allowing DIYers to adjust it according to the range of projects they might tackle. It also has the basics, like flip-down eye protection and adjustable tool rests, but the tool rests also feature grooved tool holders for high-quality results (helped along by the onboard lighting). The two wheels that come with this model are 36 grit and 80 grit, the latter of which is finer than most grinders come with, making it more suitable for very sharp tools. The one area where it falls short is that there isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower, so its 2.5-amp variable motor may not be suitable for heavy-duty work.

Product Specs

• Adjustable speeds allow DIYers to tweak the speed base by project
• Tool rest features a grooved design that holds workpiece securely for repeatable results
• 80-grit wheel is finer than that of most other bench grinders; more suitable for very sharp tools

Get the Wen BG625V bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wen.

Jet JBG-8B 8-Inch Shop Bench Grinder

Whether it’s for cleaning up a fitting before welding or carefully reducing the length of a bolt, Jet’s JBG-8B bench grinder will be at home in a mechanic’s shop. This model features a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm. It can grind heavy-duty metal brackets or tabs but also clean up the end of an exhaust pipe, if necessary.

This model comes with two grinding wheels, including a 36-grit wheel for heavy grinding and a 60-grit wheel for fine-tuning. It also features heavy-duty cast-iron construction, allowing it to withstand the rigors of a mechanic’s shop. And, while it can be bolted down if necessary, it also features rubber mounts underneath that keep it from slipping if the user prefers to take it on and off the bench. If we could change one thing, we would have preferred that it come with a wire wheel for cleaning up threads on hard-to-replace hardware, but the user can purchase one on their own.

Product Specs

• ½-horsepower motor can tackle both heavy- and light-duty projects
• Heavy-duty cast-iron construction can withstand the rigors of a mechanic’s shop
• Rubber feet feature means users don’t have to bolt it to their work table

Get the Jet JBG-8B bench grinder at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Sunex Tools 5002A 8-Inch Bench Grinder With Light

For sharpening a garden shed full of those tools that keep a landscape looking its best, including snippers, clippers, saws, and axes of all sizes, check out the 5002A 8-inch bench grinder from Sunex Tools. This bench grinder has a ¾-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm, giving it a solid all-purpose grinding speed (ideal for a variety of landscaping blades). The simple design and 8-inch wheels make bringing shovels, lawn mower blades, and axes back to tip-top shape a breeze.

This grinder comes with two eye shields and adjustable tool rests to achieve the proper angle on metal tools and blades. It comes with two sanding wheels: 36 grit and 60 grit. The 36-grit wheel is best for reshaping blades that have taken a beating, while the 60-grit wheel is best for bringing back that sharp edge. The biggest downside is that the tool rests are stamped and not forged, cast, or laser cut like many others at this price point.

Product Specs

• 8-inch wheels and simple design make sharpening large lawn and garden tools straightforward
• The tool rests are adjustable and feature grooves to hold tools in place accurately
• ¾-horsepower motor can handle heavy-duty grinding; all-purpose speed works for most garden tools

Get the Sunex Tools bench grinder at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Different metals require adjustable speeds for the best grinding results, and Delta’s 6-inch variable-speed bench grinder might be the tool for the job. It has a dial on the front that allows users to adjust the motor’s speed between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm, allowing them to dial in the correct speed for the project.

This Delta bench grinder comes with two 6-inch grinding wheels, with both a 36-grit and a 60-grit wheel included. It includes eye shields for safety and adjustable tool rests for support. The tool rests feature grooves as well, allowing users to get the exact angle on their blades, chisels, or other tools while protecting their eyesight. It even features a coolant tray that users can drop hot fasteners in for quick cooling. There isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower, however.

Product Specs

• Size: 6 inches
• Speed: Variable, between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm
• Horsepower: Unspecified
• Lets user dial in the correct speed for their project
• Grooved tool rests let user hold tool in the same position for consistent sharpening
• Built-in cooling tray allows users to drop small blades, fasteners, or other items quickly

Get the Delta bench grinder at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Rikon 80-805 8-Inch Low-Speed Bench Grinder

Folks looking for a bench grinder built specifically for sharpening will want to consider the 80-805 model from Rikon. This low or slow-speed bench grinder features a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 1,750 rpm, helping avoid overheating blades like knives and chisels during sharpening.

The 8-inch wheel grinder comes with two wheels with higher-than-typical grits: 60 and 120, both of which are made from white aluminum oxide. This combination allows for a finer approach to sharpening, with the 60 grit reshaping the blade and the 120 grit wheel honing a sharp edge. This model features a heavy-duty cast-iron base as well as rubber nonslip feet. The result is reduced vibration for safer, more controlled sharpening. Just keep in mind that this grinder is designed for sharpening knives, chisels, and similar tools, not necessarily heavy-duty work like lawn-mower blades and badly damaged axes.

Product Specs

• Runs at lower speeds to prevent overheating knives, chisels, and other similar tools
• Aluminum-oxide wheels sharpen in 60 and 120 grits; rougher grits usually leave duller edges
• Sturdy base and rubber feet reduce vibration and movement, making sharpening safer and more accurate
• Designed to sharpen knives and chisels; not meant for heavy-duty sharpening such as for lawn-mower blades

Get the Rikon bench grinder at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Rockler.

Jet JBG-6W 6-Inch Shop Grinder With Wire Wheel

One of the best uses for a bench grinder is using it with a wire wheel. This combo makes cleaning up dirt, corrosion, and other undesirable substances from hardware and parts a breeze, and that’s what the Jet JBG-6W shop grinder offers. This bench grinder uses 6-inch wheels and comes with a 36-grit grinding wheel on one side and a wire wheel on the other, allowing users to take advantage of the quick scouring that this tool is capable of.

This model has a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm. It features cast-iron construction and a predrilled base for stability and permanently mounting it to the shop bench. If the shop has a dust-collection system, each wheel’s cast-iron guard has a dust port in the back to keep messes to a minimum. It’s important to note, however, that for really effective sharpening, users will want to purchase a 60-grit wheel to swap with the wire brush as this model does not come with one.

Product Specs

• Wire brush lets users clean dirty, corroded parts and hardware; much easier than manual cleaning
• Comes with a 36-grit wheel that can reshape blades, removing gouges and chips from edges
• Cast-iron construction, including the wheel guards, which also have built-in dust collection ports

Get the Jet JBG-6W bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool Equipment.

Wen BG4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder

Folks who like built-in features might want to consider Wen’s BG4282 bench grinder. This 8-inch grinder features a motor that produces 3,450 rpm of grinding speed and includes a 36-grit wheel and a 60-grit wheel for sharpening and honing a sharp edge. Also, it’s relatively affordable, allowing users to get a large, capable 8-inch grinder without breaking the bank.

The Wen BG4282 bench grinder has some tricks up its sleeve, too. There are two LED work lights built in, each hiding under the flip-down eye guards, providing plenty of light on either side of the unit without repositioning a standard work light. It also has a cooling tray built-in below the power button for cooling freshly ground items off as they come from the grinder. As with all Wen bench grinders, however, there isn’t any information about how powerful the motor is.

Product Specs

• Affordable price point for an 8-inch bench grinder with Smart features
• Eye guards have built-in LED work lights that let users illuminate their workpiece
• Built-in cooling tray prevents overheating or warping of items after grinding

Get the Wen BG4282 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Wen.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bench Grinder

Shoppers won’t find a lot of bells and whistles on the average bench grinder—just two wheels that spin at Rapid speeds. While it’s possible to change a wheel on a bench grinder, it’s not always the most successful task because it can be difficult to get the new wheel balanced, which is a necessity to prevent wobbling. For the best results, it’s usually better to purchase a bench grinder with the desired type of wheels already installed on the tool. The two wheels on a bench grinder usually differ: One may be a coarse grit, while the other might be a fine grit, wire brush, or even a buffing wheel. The best bench grinder will depend on the type of grinding, cleaning, or polishing the user intends to do.

Popular Types of Bench Grinders

Though bench grinders can be beneficial for anyone who wants to sharpen a blade or grind rust away from a steel item, they’re found most often in the workshops of auto mechanics, DIYers, and classical woodworking artisans who use a lot of hand tools.

Automotive

Automotive workers, including both auto-body workers and mechanics, use bench grinders regularly to remove rust from nuts and bolts as well as to polish steel and chrome engine and body parts to a high sheen. A bench grinder designed for the automotive industry typically features the fastest spinning speeds—up to 3,450 rpm. Being able to clean and polish auto parts on a bench grinder saves an immeasurable amount of time over cleaning and polishing by hand.

Woodworking

Woodworkers and craftspeople depend on sharp hand tools, such as planes and chisels, for creating well-fitting dovetail joints and smoothing out rough wood, but sharpening these metal tools by hand is time-consuming. A bench grinder makes quick work of keeping hand tools sharp, but grinders designed for woodworkers feature slower spin speeds than the ones marketed to automotive workers. The tempered steel in hand tools can be damaged by the high heat that results from fast-spinning grinding wheels, so for anyone looking to sharpen tempered tools, look for a grinder with a slower (1,725 rpm) wheel.

Variable-Speed

DIYers who dabble in both woodworking and car or auto-body repair typically rely on variable-speed bench grinders. These grinders let them operate the tool at its highest speed when they need to clean car bolts and reduce it when sharpening chisels and other woodworking hand tools. Variable speed grinders typically run 65 to 125 more than their same-brand counterparts that feature single speeds, but choosing a variable-speed grinder is less expensive than purchasing two separate bench grinders to get both high and low speeds.

Portable

Standard bench grinders are heavy, weighing up to 50 pounds, and in general, they perform their best when mounted to a workbench to keep them from moving. Those who need to take a grinder with them to different work sites will want to invest in a smaller, lighter-weight model (around 10 pounds) that features rubber feet to keep it from sliding when positioned on a table.

Wheel Material

The type of material from which the wheels are made will determine the tool’s best use. Most grinder wheels, except wire and buffer wheels, come in one of two grits: 36 grit for aggressive grinding and 60 grit for finer grinding. In addition, they’re made from the following materials:

• Silicon carbide: This is one of the most common grinding wheels found on bench grinders and is suitable for a range of grinding tasks, including sharpening cast iron and lawn-mower blades. However, consider that this type of grinding wheel tends to heat up very quickly, which can ruin the temper of high-quality woodworking tools such as chisels or hand planes.
• Aluminum oxide: These commonly found wheels do not heat up as quickly as silicon carbide wheels and are designed for grinding hard metals such as carbon steel and alloy steel that are found in hand tools.
• Wire wheels: Made from both steel and brass bristles, wire wheels are designed to clean away grease and gunk quickly from auto valves and fittings. A grinder in a mechanic’s shop will likely have at least one wire wheel.
• Ceramic aluminum oxide: This abrasive wheel is used mainly for grinding away material from hard alloys and steel. If someone wanted to grind off half of an axe head (for some reason), this is the wheel they’d want.
• Buffing wheels: Made from a variety of thick, brushed fabrics, buffing wheels are designed to polish steel and metal items to a high shine. They’re often used by auto-body workers when restoring a car to achieve high sheens on hubcaps and other chrome automobile features.

Wheel Type and Size

Bench grinders are labeled by the size of their wheels, which are commonly either 6 inches or 8 inches in diameter. Both types of grinders perform similarly, with a couple of considerations.

• 6-inch grinder: These smaller bench grinders are often slightly less expensive, ranging from around 65 to 175, depending on the brand and any optional accessories they may feature. They come with a choice of low or high speeds, and they’re suitable for a variety of grinding purposes, such as sharpening knives, blades, and tools. They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds or more and can be bolted to a workbench or used as a portable tool.
• 8-inch grinder: Designed with the professional mechanic or woodworker in mind, these larger 8-inch bench grinders often feature more powerful motors, but they usually don’t spin quite as quickly as the smaller 6-inch models. They’re made to stand up to frequent use in a professional workshop and range from around 100 to 500 or more, depending on brand and quality. They range in weight, typically between 20 to 50 pounds, and are usually bolted to a workbench to keep them from moving.

Safety Features

All power tools present a measure of risk—bench grinders included. Grinding iron creates sparks and sends shards of metal flying, so it’s imperative to wear safety glasses when operating a bench grinder. Fortunately, grinders usually include some safety features to help reduce risk—although they don’t eliminate risk completely.

• Eye guards: These are standard on most bench grinders in the form of clear, acrylic shields that extend directly over the grinding wheel as the user works, keeping metal and steel shards from making contact with eyes. Over time, these guards can become dirty or scratched, but when that happens, they can be replaced.
• Spark arrestors: These small steel plates, located between the wheels and the eye guards, are intended to keep sparks from flying all over the workshop. However, there will still be sparks, so it’s not a bad idea to keep flammables a few feet away from a bench grinder while it is in use. But, in general, the spark arrestors will keep the sparks from traveling very far.

Accessories

Common bench grinder accessories are designed to make it easier to use the tool and include:

• Tool rests on which the user can brace a knife or blade to hold it steady while grinding. This accessory comes standard on almost all bench grinders.
• LED lights that illuminate the work area to better see the task at hand.
• Rubber feet (on portable models) to keep them from sliding across a workbench during operation.
• A water tray near the bottom of the grinder for dipping a chisel, or other metal items, to cool off.

Tips on How to Mount a Bench Grinder

If a DIYer has space on their workbench, they’ll most likely want to mount a new bench grinder to keep it stable while sharpening or smoothing tools and parts. Bench grinders are pretty heavy on their own, but bolting them to a workbench, using the provided holes in their base, is optimal.

• Position the grinder where it will go on the workbench, and then use a pencil to make marks on the workbench in all four base holes.
• Use a drill to drill through the pencil marks.
• Attach the grinder by inserting bolts through its base holes and the holes drilled in the workbench, and then use nuts to secure the bolts firmly in place.

FAQs

Your grinding needs are not identical to anyone else’s, so the grinder you choose should reflect the type of materials and items you’ll be grinding. Below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about bench grinders.

Q. What is a good speed for a bench grinder?

A good do-all speed for a bench grinder is between 3,000 and 3,600 rpm. Most models without variable speeds run at around 3,450 rpm for flexibility and general usefulness.

Q. What is the best size bench grinder?

Most pros would agree that the best size for a bench grinder is 8 inches. These models are small enough to move around, the wheels stay relatively cool during use, and the motors are built to withstand a lot of work. However, for a DIYers or part-time user, a 6-inch model will likely be more affordable and just as capable of getting the job done.

Q. Should I get a 6-inch or 8-inch bench grinder?

If you’re a DIYer and a newbie to bench grinders, consider a 6-inch model, which should provide you with ample power to grind, sharpen, and clean a wide array of blades and tools. The larger 8-inch grinders are designed for use by pros.

Q. Do I need a variable-speed bench grinder?

If you need to sharpen woodworking tools, but you also work on cars, a variable-speed grinder will allow you to use the lower speed for sharpening woodworking tools and the higher speed for grinding down bolt ends or cleaning away rust from auto parts.

Q. What is the best grit for sharpening knives on a bench grinder?

A 4,000 to 6,000-grit wheel is best for sharpening knives to a razor-sharp edge.

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