Choosing a new bench grinder can be harder than you think. You want something powerful enough for the projects you have planned as well as comfortable and safe to use. Whether you are a professional or a DIYer, a bench grinder can be a great tool to have in your workshop. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best bench grinder for your needs.
Comparison Table – Bench Grinders
Top 10 Best Bench Grinder Reviews
ÂWEN 4276 Bench Grinder – Best Overall Bench Grinder
Featuring a flexible work light, the WEN 4276 Bench Grinder is a great addition to any workshop. Equipped with a 2.1 Amp motor, this six-inch bench grinder allows you to resurrect dull screwdrivers, scissors, and blades. This reliable machine easily handles tough tasks with quick start-ups, steady speeds, and smooth performance.
Consistent Speeds
The WEN 4276 Bench Grinder comes with two 6-inch wheels, a coarse 36-grit wheel, and a 60-grit wheel that works well at removing material. This quiet bench grinder gives you a consistent speed of 3,450 RPMs, which is great for rust removal and deburring edges. It also has an easy wheel change design featuring a simple to remove wheel guard.
Lightweight and Accurate
This lightweight bench grinder only weighs 16 pounds, and it also includes eye guards that you can adjust to stop them from interfering with your work. The work light is also flexible enough to illuminate every corner of your project increasing your precision and accuracy.
- This bench grinder is a great value for the price
- It’s nice and quiet, and replacement wheels are affordable
- This grinder also comes with a built-in light for extra safety
- The wheel shields are hard to adjust
- It’s hard to use on larger and longer pieces
DEWALT DW758 Bench Grinder – Most Precise Bench Grinder
This eight-inch bench grinder features overload protection and tool-free guard adjustments. The Dewalt DW758 Bench Grinder is durable and offers fast guard adjustments and installation. This is a heavy-duty product that is great for cleaning objects, shaping parts, removing rust, deburring, and sharpening tools.
Easy to Use
Reliable and easy to use, the Dewalt DW758 Bench Grinder is equipped with a 3/4 horsepower induction motor, which will run at speeds up to 3,600 RPMs. Featuring a cast iron base and industrial motor housing, this bench grinder offers longer life and increased durability. It also comes with exhaust ports in the wheel guards that offer smooth operation.
Accuracy and Precision
Measuring 16-inches long, this product weighs 39 ½ pounds and includes an aluminum tool rest that lets you more accurately position work. The Dewalt DW758 Bench Grinder also includes 12 ½-inches between the wheels allowing you to work on longer and larger projects.
- The durable bench grinder will last you years
- You can use it on large pieces
- It’s easy to use and make adjustments on
- It doesn’t come with a light
- The design is annoying when you need to remove a wheel
SKIL 3380-01 Bench Grinder – Most Stable Bench Grinder
Equipped with handy light, the Skil 3380-01 Bench Grinder is a great choice for your garage or home workshop. Versatile and powerful this bench grinder allows you to smooth the edges of chisels, knives, and drill bits. Easily grind down rivets, welded joints, or polished surfaces.
Stable and Easy to Mount
Featuring a 2.1 Amp motor, this bench grinder includes both coarse and medium wheels as well as a handy LED work light that keeps your work area illuminated. The SKIL 3380-01 Bench Grinder comes with medium and coarse wheels as well as a tool rest for each of the wheels for increased grinding accuracy. Its several safety features include eye shields, a stable cast-iron base, and rubber feet that easily mount onto a benchtop.
- It’s easy to use and the work light allows you to easily see what you are working on
- It has great safety features and mounts easily onto a bench
- You can use it for lots of different projects
- It has a little wobble to it
- You can adjust the tool rests
Delta Power Tools 23-196 Bench Grinder – Best Variable Speed Bench Grinder
This six-inch bench grinder is equipped with variable speed and includes two grinding wheels. The Delta Power Tools 23-196 Bench Grinder comes with a 2.5 Amp motor and a ½-inch shaft diameter. Providing you with 3,400 RPMS, this corded bench grinder gives you powerful performance thanks to its induction-type motor.
- It’s quick and easy to assemble
- The grinder has a variable speed option
- It wobbles at slow speeds
- The tool rests feel light and cheap
Rikon Bench Grinder – Most Comfortable to Use Bench Grinder
Adjustable and powerful, the Rikon Bench Grinder is ideal for sharpening tools in your workshop. Featuring anti-vibration rubber feet, this eight-inch bench grinder is equipped with a strong 1/2 hp motor that will give you 1,750 RPMs. The design of this grinder reduces heat build-up and the sturdy cast iron base stays increases the product’s stability.
Comfort and Speed
The Rikon Bench Grinder includes a 60 and 120 grit oxide wheel as well as spark resistors and safety eye shields that you can adjust for your comfort. Ideal for carpenters, carvers, turners, and anyone that has a small workshop, this bench grinder works at slow speeds allowing you more control and versatility in the projects you work on. And it also includes a groove that is designed for sharpening drill bits.
- Both wheels run pretty true right to start
- The grinder works well with great control and good speeds
- It’s a good tool for the price
- The tool rest has a bad design
- It’s not as great on a wood project as it is on metal
JET JBG-8B Grinder – Best Heavy-Duty Bench Grinder
Ideal for removing burrs, removing rust, buffing, sharpening, and cleaning, the JET JBG-8B Grinder includes both industrial grade 36 and 60-grit eight-inch wheels to give you the most versatility. Equipped with a 115-volt, 1-horsepower motor, this bench grinder provides 3,450 RPMs as well as delivers tons of power for heavy-duty grinding. The included rubber foot stops the machine from moving, and it can also be bolted down to give you increased stability.
Adjustable and Safe to Use
Equipped with a heavy-duty toggle switch, the Jet JBG-8B Grinder includes completely enclosed ball bearings that are pre-lubricated, dust vents, and wheel guards made out of cast iron. You can easily adjust the spark guards as well as the large eye shield for improved safety.
- This is a stable and easy to use grinder
- You can easily adjust it for improved safety
- It includes two wheels and a toggle switch
- It needs a template for drilling holes in the bench for mounting
- Removing the screws from the spark guards is a real ordeal
Genesis GBG800L Bench Grinder – Most Accurate Bench Grinder
Equipped with an eye shield and two flexible work lights, the Genesis GBG800L Bench Grinder is powerful, affordable, and reliable. The included 1/2 HP induction motor offers high performance and quiet operation. You also get a cast iron base that is heavy-duty and predrilled to easily secure it to your workbench.
Better Accuracy
This eight-inch bench grinder comes with light bulbs and two grit wheels. The gooseneck lights allow you to easily see what you are working on for better accuracy. The Genesis GB800L Bench Grinder is perfect for sharpening chisels and blades and other sharpening and grinding applications.
- It includes grit wheels and light bulbs
- The lights are very helpful and prevent accidents
- It’s quieter than a lot of other grinders on the market
- It doesn’t have enough power
- It takes a while to get up to speed
BUCKTOOL Bench Grinder – Best Dual Speed Bench Grinder
Perfect for carvers, turners, carpenters, and small workshops, the Bucktool Bench Grinder offers dual speeds and a quiet 3.1 Amp motor. This is a great tool for sharpening screwdrivers, scissors, and dull blades and gives you the reliability you need when completing tough tasks. This eight-inch bench grinder offers smooth start-ups and a smooth performance along with powerful torque when used at a low speed.
Powerful and Effective
Providing up to 3,450 RPMs, the BUCKTOOL Bench Grinder can easily change speed with its simple to use dial. The faster speed is effective for rust removal and deburring while the lower speeds lets you precisely sharpen tools and knives. You also get a stable cast iron base that includes anti-vibration rubber feet.
Multipurpose
Offering multipurpose polishing, the Bucktool Bench Grinder includes a high-precision flange that improves the grinding wheel’s balance while the magnifier eye shield provides three-time magnification for more precise grinding.
Great Features
The Bucktool Bench Grinder features two tool rests made out of cast aluminum that can be adjustable independently to help compensate for wheel wear as well as to attain different angles. You also get an 80 and 120-grit aluminum oxide wheel that helps to reduce heat build-up.
- It’s well-made and sturdy
- There isn’t any wobble to it
- It’s very solid and quiet
- It doesn’t produce enough power at the low-speed setting
- The tool rests are poorly designed
Performance Tool W50003 Bench Grinder – Best Mini Bench Grinder
This three-inch mini bench grinder includes a flexible shaft and lots of accessories. The Performance Tool W50003 Bench Grinder is an innovative grinder that provides up to 10,000 RPMs. The 120-watt motor is durable and functions well with real-world projects and working conditions.
- It’s more powerful than users were expected
- This is a durable bench grinder that can handle tough jobs
- It’s versatile and powerful
- It doesn’t have enough pressure
- It moves around little once it is mounted
Sunex Tools Bench Grinder – Most Efficient Bench Grinder
Efficient and innovative, the Sunex Tools Bench Grinder comes with a work light and two wheels, spark guards, and eye shields. The strong and durable base is made out of rugged, heavy cast iron and keeps your project stable while also reducing vibrations. Rubber feet and mounting holes provide extra stability so you can use this bench grinder as a free-standing unit or mounted onto a benchtop.
Versatile and Safe
This six-inch bench grinder includes both right and left eye shields as well as a handy tool rest to keep your tool stable as you grind. The included flexible light is equipped with a 40-watt work light allows you always to have a light on your project for better accuracy and safety. The Sunex Tools Bench Grinder also comes with a medium 60-grit wheel and a coarse 36-grit wheel for added versatility.
- This is a well-built and long-lasting grinder
- The work light is handy and useful
- It includes two wheels and has protective guards
- It tends to wobble
- The mounting design to the base needs work
Considerations When Choosing the Best Bench Grinder – Buyer’s Guide
Benefits of Using a Bench Grinder
Versatile
If you have a good bench grinder, you can use it for a variety of different projects. Most models will come with at least three tools that you can use to polish, hone, remove rust, and grind as well as many other tasks.
Control
When you have a project that needs accuracy, a bench grinder will deliver better control than other types of grinders.
Easy to use
There are tools that are very complicated to use, but a bench grinder isn’t one of them. Fairly easy to use, a bench grinder doesn’t require a lot of maintenance either.
Affordable
A bench grinder is less expensive than the industrial-grade options and can be a great addition to your workshop or home garage. Plus, you won’t have to spend a lot on the outset.
Types of Bench Grinders
Woodworking Grinder
Largely created to smooth out a dull edge, the woodworking bench grinder can also be used to grind wood. Ideal when working on a particular project that requires precision, this grinder uses a lower speed making it a great option when you need more accuracy as you are grinding.
Automotive Bench Grinder
Not intended to be used for automotive purposes, the automotive bench grinder is used to cut tools and shape other types of metal equipment. Thanks to its stability, this is a very popular tool.
Standard Variable Speed Grinder
One of the best all-around bench grinders, the standard variable speed grinder can be used on pretty much any type of project. Capable of accommodating several types of grinding wheels allowing you to use this bench grinder on pretty much anything. You can not only adjust the speed, but also the precision making this a very versatile bench grinder.
Wheel Size
As you shop for a bench grinder, you will need to decide if you need a 6 or 8-inch wheel. DIYers typically choose a 6-inch wheel since they are not as powerful, but the 8-inch grinder will have a little bit larger wheel making it a great choice for sharpening tools.
Wheel Type
A grinder wheel will have different levels of grit for sharpening and grinding, plus they are designed to be used at a specific rotation speed. For example, a straight wheel can be used on almost any surface type as well as sharpening tools like chisels. A tapered wheel is better suited for a delicate project while a saucer wheel is good when you need to sharpen a saw blade while a diamond wheel is perfect when you need a lot of grinding power.
Adjustable Speed Knob
Most bench grinders will not have a feature allowing you to change the speed of the machine. However, some do have a speed knob that can be adjusted to slow down or speed up the wheel as needed. This isn’t that important if you have a project that only needs a consistent speed, but if you are working on a project that requires speed adjustments, this can be important.
Other Considerations
Wheel Dresser
A bench grinder typically won’t come with a wheel dresser, however, it’s a good option to have on hand. When you do find a grinder that has a wheel dress, you will be able to reshape and clean the wheel as it operates providing better control and accuracy to make the project smoother.
Cooling Tray
Since a bench grinder can produce a lot of heat, a cooling tray will help make operation a little more comfortable, especially when you use it for a long period of time. The quench or cooling tray will sit at the bottom of the tool and is handy if you use the grinder a lot or you are worried about the machine overheating.
Wheel Guards
A wheel guard will keep the wheel in place as the machine is operating and keeps the wheel from splintering or cracking. It’s important to find a wheel grinder that has a wheel guard that is also easy to remove, mount, and rotate.
Grinding Wheel
Straight Wheel
The most common wheel type, the straight wheel is ideal for applications like tool sharpening. These wheels are available in different sizes and are ideal for grinding surfaces.
Cylinder Wheel
A cylinder wheel is a hollow style that has limitations where it can only be used with horizontal or vertical bench grinders. Usually, these wheels are a lot larger in size and are perfect when you need to create a flat surface.
Tapered Wheel
This type of wheel will taper off towards the edge making it more useful when you need to work on a delicate project.
FAQs – Bench Grinder
Does a bench grinder require maintenance?
Typically, a bench grinder will need the same maintenance any power tool will need. But keep in mind that it will need one special maintenance requirement, wheel dressing. This is an important part of maintenance that reduces wobble and exposes fresh grit that allows you to get the best results from your bench grinder. It is always a good idea to check a bench grinder routinely to make sure that it’s stored safely and allows you to remove debris and dust every time you use the machine.
How often should you replace the wheels?
Regular replacement of your wheels will be determined by how often the bench grinder is used as well as what types of materials are used most commonly when grinding. Any tool that has moving parts will need routine maintenance, and wheels typically need to be replaced when they are starting to wear out. It’s important to take a visible check of your wheel’s current state to determine if it’s time to change it.
What are some safety issues that you might experience using a bench grinder?
The primary safety issue is to be aware of flying debris and sparks. That’s why many of these models come with protective spark guards and safety shields for your eyes.
Summary/Conclusion
A bench grinder is a great too to own whether you are a professional or DIYer. When you are ready to find a new bench grinder, remember to keep the types of project you typically do in mind. It’s important to choose a new bench grinder that will be comfortable to use as well as have the power and safety you want in a power tool.
John Billiou
LOCATION: Visalia, California
OCCUPATION: President
John Billiou assumed operations of the family business in 1989 with a “big appetite” for success.
Based in Central California, Billiou's Has been serving the Parts Needs of Lawn & Garden Dealers Across the Western United States for 70 Years.
Today, the company distributes new equipment and parts in 13 Western states and John said their No. 1 customers are cities and counties.
Billiou’s provides field support through their call center, field sales force, and an extensive website.
Billiou’s team strives to longstanding value to the customer and readers by making reliable and solid buying recommendations.
