A bench grinder is a must-have item in the mechanical workshop. It is used for sharpening objects, shaping and polishing them, buffing and cutout object in the desired shape. A bench grinder needs to have all the features so that the work can be done with accuracy and precision. Besides, there must be enough safety measures to work without hurting organs. Depending on the type and size of objects you want to work with, you have to choose a bench grinder accordingly. That is why we have handpicked the best bench grinders available online and listed them below.
With a powerful motor, this bench grinder is a sturdy machine. This is very suitable for industrial use and has a maintenance-free induction motor. It operates with low vibration and low noise. The engine is ideal for a single-phase alternating current. It has protective die-cast aluminum which is very robust. Additionally, there is also a protective cover bayonet lock which will let you have a simple and quick change of disc.
Besides, it is lightweight and has normal corundum grinding wheels. There is also a hexagonal wrench along with spark protection glasses and workpiece support. This is a handy product with an average speed of 3570 rpm. It will work flawlessly and is a German product. The motor is also powerful and is a very durable product.
Reason To Buy This
Its induction motor does not need maintenance
Durable build quality
Easy to move around and glides smoothly on the terrain
You will be finding an adjustable tool that will rest as well as an eye shield which will make the tool sharpening very simple. The bench grinder is equipped with a powerful motor which is suitable for the industrial purpose. It gets started very fast and will run cool despite using the machine for the entire day. This will run at 3450 pm and is a very lightweight product.
It is very simple to operate and has grinding wheels ranging from ½ to ¾ inch wide. You can easily remove the safety guards and is a 6-inch grinder. Even when powered, you will not notice any noise or vibration. It will last for a long time if used for small projects and is a very reliable product. You can easily stop the wheel, and it will work great. This is a value for money product.
Reason To Buy This
No noise or vibration during operation
The grinder will not get heated up even after prolonged use
Long-lasting and lightweight to carry
Porter-Cable PCB575BG 8″ Variable Speed Grinder With Work Lamp
With this, you will be able to sharpen with a speed of up to 3400 rpm. The bench grinder has a cast iron base which gives it added stability. There will be less vibration when you use the product, and it has got mounting holes to make it stand. This has a lamp with a power of 40 Watt which is adjustable and will give you better illumination.
With this, you will be getting other items like a quench water tray, and it has a 36 grit coarse wheel. There is also a medium wheel dresser of 60 grit. With this speed, you can increase productivity during the process of sharpening, shaping, and grinding. You will also be finding a detractable wheel dresser which is suitable for cleaning. It is not that heavy product and the horsepower is ½. It works great and is a very useful product.
Reason To Buy This
Works at maximum speed up to 3400 rpm
Includes 4 Watt lamp to produce excellent illumination
Productivity can be enhanced during grinding, shaping, and sharpening
With this, you can save the tools from overheating. The bench grinder runs cool at 1725 pm and will give you a smooth and long-lasting performance. This has aluminum oxide wheels which will generate less heat. The task of grinding will be much more comfortable as it has 1 inch wide wheels. In addition to this, you will also be finding a heavy gauge steel base which will reduce the vibration and will improve the stability during the time of operation.
It is rapid to act and comes in a compact size. This is suitable for shaping and sharpening and is also very easy to use. The wheels will chisel finely and are also very durable. The high-quality product has a reasonably balanced wheel and is a value for money product. You will also not witness any perceptible wobble.
Reason To Buy This
The compact size makes it a portable bench grinder
Comes with balanced wheels that deliver high grinding efficiency
This bench grinder comes in two different sizes of 6 inches and 8 inches. It has two grinding wheels of 60 grit for medium and 36 grit for a course. It is built-in bright and is also flexible. On the wheels, you will find a protective spark guard, and there is also an eye shield that can easily be adjusted. For added durability, the bench grinder comes with a cast iron base.
This will cause no damage to your floor as it has got rubber feet. Your task will be much easier as it has also got mounting holes. It is very lightweight and comes with a ball bearing construction which will provide smooth operation. The product is straightforward to use, and there is also an on/off button. The wheels will last for a longer time when compared to an ordinary motor and are also safe to be used.
Reason To Buy This
Available in two sizes -6 inches and 8 inches
Includes a protective spark guard on the wheels
Ball-bearing construction facilitates the flawless operation
Wheels are long-lasting
RIKON Power Tools 80-805 8″ Slow Speed Bench Grinder
In this bench grinder, you will find high-quality white aluminum oxide wheels. It is very sturdy and has rubber feet which are anti-vibration. With the cast iron base, there will be added durability on the product. Both the spark resistors as well as the safety eye shield are adjustable. This is an ideal tool for sharpening operations as it reduces the heat build-up and will remain cool.
This is powered with a ½ HP motor and runs at 1750 pm. The 8 inches slow speed bench grinder has an arbor of 5/8 inches and you will also not experiencing any wobbling on the wheels. The length of the shaft is 2 inches and is very suitable for sharpening and grinding. Additionally, you will be getting two stone wheels and a dressing tool when you buy this product.
Reason To Buy This
Its white aluminum oxide wheels have rubber feet to eliminate vibration
The 2-inches long shaft is convenient for grinding and sharpening
In this bench grinder, you will find a heavy-duty ball bearing motor. This has a no-load speed of 3450 rpm, and the size of the wheel is 8 inches. The product is very lightweight and also includes a dustproof switch. Besides, there is also a cooling tray, and the horsepower is ¾. This has shatter-resistant eye shields which are also adjustable, and you will be finding both standard and magnifying shields. There are also spark guards, and metal tool rests.
In the base, you will find pre-cast holes which make it very suitable for mounting and workbench. With this, you will be getting increased visibility as there is a large work light which is very flexible. There are two grinding wheels both for coarse grit and medium grit. This is an excellent product which will complete your task very quickly. It is undoubtedly one of the best bench grinders on the list.
Reason To Buy This
Lightweight to easily carry around
The base has pre-cast holes for easy mounting and workbench
Grinding can be completed with quick speed
Comes with shatter-resistant eye shields, metal tool rests and spark guards
It comes with medium and coarse wheels for grinding various types of materials easily. The grinder sports a 2.1A motor that spins with 3450 RPM. Besides, there are inbuilt LED work lights just over the wheels to make it easy to work in dark places as well as for precision. Moreover, there is an adjustable tool rests so that you can place the object perfectly for accurate grinding.
Apart from that, it comes with rubber feet for greater stability. You can grind down joints, surfaces, and rivets smoothly. You will also get eye shields with it for safety, and you can mount it strongly on the benchtop. The solid cast-iron construction makes it sturdy and durable. It is one of the best bench grinders on the list to opt for.
In Short:
Includes medium and coarse wheels to grind different types of materials
Over the wheels, the LED lights provide bright illumination to grind in dark
Stability is improved by the presence of rubber feet
Dewalt is a popular brand, and it is one of the best bench grinders from the brand. It has overload protection which expands the lifetime of the motor. Besides, there are guards available for protection which you can install and adjust tools-free. The product is highly durable, and the induction motor provides superior power for industrial works. The motor runs at 3600RPM, and the product has a cast-iron base. Moreover, the motor housing is also strong and ergonomic in design.
With the aluminum tool rests, you can accurately position the workpiece and achieve the grinding precisely. On top of that, there are also rear exhaust ports for smoother operation. The distance between the wheels is optimal for larger object grinding. It is currently one of the bestselling bench grinders on the list.
In Short:
The built-in motor comes with overload protection
Accurate grinding facilitated by aluminum tool rests
Motor housing is durable and ergonomically designed
This is a powerful bench grinder that is suitable for industrial works. The grinder comes lubricated, and it has ball bearings in an enclosure. Additionally, the dust vents are quite effective, and it has cast-iron wheel guards. Moreover, there are adjustable spark guards. Therefore, it is safe to say that it is the safest bench grinder to operate. You can sharpen objects, shape them perfectly, deburr and remove materials.
The motor is also powerful with1 HP and 3450 RPM. There are rubber feet to prevent any movement while working. For more stability, you can bolt it down in the benchtop. It is a heavy-duty bench grinder, and it comes with two years warranty. It is designed for versatile regular and industrial works.
In Short:
Includes dust vents and cast-iron wheel guards
Precise grinding facilitated by 1 HP motor working at 3450 RPM
In the enclosure, ball bearings are included
#2. WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder With Flexible Work Light
This is definitely one of the best bench grinders to work on. It has the standard 2.1A motor, and the rotation speed is 3450 RPM. The distance between the wheels is optimal for working with various types of objects. The lightweight design increases portability. However, the stability of the product is not compromised. The best part about the product is its overhead light.
You can achieve accuracy in all your operations and precisely sharpen and shape objects. Therefore, in terms of close visibility during operation, it is the best in the lot. Moreover, the base is designed for heavy-duty work, and the company offers two years warranty. Besides, there are also eye guards, and the light is flexible. The tool rest is also adjustable, and the motor works quietly.
In Short:
Excellent portability presented by the lightweight design
Base comes with heavy-duty work to grind precisely
This is the best bench grinder regarding features and overall rating. The brand is extremely popular for its quality products. The motor is tailor-made for heavy-duty grinding work. The use of industrial-grade cast iron base as well as the motor housing, ensure its durability and prolong the life of the product. The tool rest is adjustable, and therefore, you can remove objects with precision and accuracy. There are also safety guards like eye guards and wheel guards.
Moreover, the distance between the wheels is ideal for larger grinding works. It is one of the most ergonomically designed bench grinders, and it comes with a one-year free service and three years of warranty. There are also spark deflectors, and the construction is rugged for daily and continuous work. There is no doubt that it is a value for money product.
In Short:
Industrial-grade cast iron base presents high durability
Comes with adjustable tool rest
Incorporates safety guards like eye guards and wheel guards
A bench grinder is a great choice for anyone who is doing DIY in and around the home. But did you know that there are a couple of other types of grinders that may also fit your needs?
Die Grinder – A hand-held rotary power tool, a die grinder can help you grind as well as sand and polish metal. In fact, you can do the same with wood and plastic.
Angle Grinder – Another hand-held power tool, the angle grinder can be used for grinding and polishing.
A die grinder is smaller than an angle grinder and is great for more intricate and detailed work. It’s also very portable. The angle grinder is a compromise between the die grinder and the bench grinder in the sense that it’s portable and also big enough to grind fairly large surfaces. While the die and angle grinders offer portability, they lack the power and versatility of the bench grinder. As such, the bench grinder is the best option for those with a good space at home for DIY such as a workshop.
Bench grinder uses
The purpose of a bench grinder may seem pretty self-explanatory. However, there are several different uses for the bench grinder that many people don’t realize. It’s a very versatile piece of equipment that can help you in several ways. With it, you can not only shape and sharpen metal but you can also cut and clean it too!
Carpentry – Whether you’re building furniture or renovating your entire living room, a bench grinder can help smooth those rough areas as well as level joints.
Flooring – You can make flooring so much easier with a bench grinder. From removing grout to raising nail heads, a bench grinder can make DIY flooring quicker and easier.
Painting – If you’re preparing to paint but need to level any swell or even get rid of some old paint, a bench grinder can help. It acts like sandpaper except it’s a lot more efficient!
Plumbing – Bench grinders are great for plumbing. This is because you can do everything from cut worn-out pipes to help smooth them out.
6-inch or 8-inch – Bench grinders come in a range of sizes. However, the two main types of bench grinders are the 6-inch and the 8-inch. This refers to the size of the actual grinding wheels. The 6-inch is fine for anyone at home since it has enough power to carry out the most DIY tasks. The 8-inch wheel is more for industrial applications often done by professionals.
Types of wheels
It’s one thing to choose a bench grinder and it’s another to choose the right type of wheel! Making the right decision can make your work quicker and easier. There are several things to think about when it comes to grinding wheels. First of all, you need to think about the material that needs grinding because this determines the type of wheel you should use. For example, an aluminum oxide wheel should be used for grinding steels while a silicon carbide abrasive should be selected for cast iron. Materials that are particularly hard and brittle require a softer grade of the wheel with a finer grit size while softer materials work best with harder grade wheels with coarse grit. Here are a few of the wheel types you can come across:
Straight wheel – This is the most common type of wheel and it’s good for applications such as sharpening chisels. Straight wheels come in various sizes and they’re best for surface grinding.
Cylinder wheel – A hollow wheel, the cylinder wheel can only be used with horizontal or vertical bench grinders. These wheels tend to be quite large (they can be up to 12 inches wide) and help produce flat surfaces.
Tapered wheel – For grinding threads or gear teeth, a tapered wheel is appropriate. Because this wheel tapers off towards the edge it is ideal for more delicate work.
Other types of grinding wheels include saucer wheels, diamond wheels, and cut-off wheels but these are specialty wheels that are very rarely needed when working in and around the home.
The 5 Steps to Buying
Buying a bench grinder can be made easier by following 5 steps: identifying your needs, deciding your budget, selecting a brand, comparing the market and finally; buying!
Identify your needs – It may sound obvious but identifying what you need a bench grinder for is the single most important thing to consider before purchase. If you buy any bench grinder you find you may find out that it’s just not suitable for you. For example, if you’re looking to sharpen then you want a machine with a lower RPM. On the other hand, you’ll want a bench grinder with a higher RPM for buffering. Should you need a bench grinder for both, you should look for one that offers variable speeds. However, this may cost more.
Decide your budget – If you have a specific budget in mind, it can make the decision-making process a little bit easier. This can help you narrow down the brands you’re looking at, as well as help you decide which features are essential and which aren’t. Are you willing to sacrifice on power? Can you do without variable speeds? These are questions you need to ask yourself as you decide on price. There are some good quality bench grinders available from lesser-known brands that may well offer you better value if you are on a budget.
Select a reputable brand – As you would expect, the better the brand, the more money you will end up paying. This usually equates to better quality but that’s not always the case. As mentioned before, there are some lesser-known brands with some very competitive products. However, the biggest brands are usually popular for a reason. It’s not just the quality of the machine that’s important. It’s also about customer service if you have any questions or if you’re not entirely satisfied with your purchase. DeWalt and Craftsman are a couple of examples of big brands.
Compare the market – You’ve certainly made a great start in deciding which bench grinder is best for you and your needs. By checking out our detailed reviews and exploring our extensive collection of tips, the process should be quicker and easier. However, there are just so many great bench grinders out there. While we highly recommend the bench grinders listed in our guide, we also encourage you to take a look at the many reviews online before coming to a decision. Be sure to check various online stores to compare prices and get the best deal possible.
Time to purchase! – You’ve finally decided on the bench grinder for you – that’s great! As you’re buying you should check what sort of warranty the product comes with (just in case!). It’s also important to check if the grinder is being sold with any accessories as this can be an extra incentive to buy one bench grinder over another. However, accessories such as wheels can be bought very easily online so this is not essential. Finally, be sure to read all of the instructions well as there are several safety issues to keep in mind with such equipment.
Though we have found the best bench grinders on the market and reviewed them, it is still important that you have a basic understanding of the factors that are critical to the performance of the machine. Here are some of the most important features you must consider before settling for a particular bench grinder:
What you need it for
Just like with every other tool, bench grinders are not made equal. Some are perfect for industrial application and others can only handle small and medium projects. It is important that you buy a model that will be suitable for the work you need it for. You should also consider how often you will be using the machine.
Brand
If you look at the array of products we have reviewed, you will notice that they are all from reputable companies. This may not seem like the most important factor, but it is still essential that you buy bench makers made by reputable companies.
Size and power
We are discussing these two factors because they are related in most models. Generally, bigger models offer more power except in rare cases. Most small models deliver just enough power to handle most non-industrial grinding jobs. Depending on the kind of tasks you are going to perform with the bench grinder, buy a model that offers enough power to get the job done efficiently.
Speeds
Speed is another important factor to consider before choosing a bench grinder. Though high-speed grinders in the range of 3500 RPM are admired for their abilities to get the work done quickly and effectively, some tasks are best performed with low-speed grinders in the range of 1,700 RPM. Depending on the type of job you will use the machine for, choose the one that offers the right speed.
Wheel of the Grinder
It is also important that you consider the wheels of the grinder. It is important that you get bench grinders that have wheels with different grits. Almost every modern model comes with one medium wheel and one coarse wheel.
Other Important Features
There are some other important features that you need to look at before choosing a bench grinder. Tool rests, for instance, are critical to the quality of the job you will be able to achieve with the grinder. Eye guards are also important for the safety of the users. You also need to look at the lighting technique used by the machine; while inbuilt lights are great, flexible lights can also perform satisfactorily and let you work in poorly lit conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bench Grinders
Is faster always better?
Generally, speed is important in getting the job done quickly and efficiently. This, however, does not mean that speed is better at all times. Some jobs require lower speed grinders. Delicate tools, for instance, need to be sharpened at low speed to prevent overheating.
Are there safety issues I may experience using bench grinders?
While using the bench grinder, flying debris and sparks are almost inevitable. They are the major safety issues you need to be aware of. Most manufacturers include safety eye guards in their package and it is important that you use them or goggles anytime you are using the grinder.
How do I care for my bench grinder?
Generally, bench grinders do not require so much in terms of maintenance. If you use them under the right condition, they will be able to stand the test of time. Wheel dressing, however, is an important requirement that you need to respect. This will square the wheels and round them, reducing wobble and exposing fresh grit to keep the machine working smoothly.
What is the best grinder for a beginner?
Grinders that have tool rests allow for precise positioning of the work to get the job done properly. These are important and will help anyone that doesn’t have serious knowledge of using bench grinders. It is even better when the tool rests are adjustable.
Conclusion
If you are buying the bench grinders for the first time, there are a few parameters you have to keep in mind. Firstly, the power of the motor of the bench grinder matters a lot as it can make the job easy and quick. The size and the distance between the wheels are important, depending on the size of the objects you will be working on. The larger the objects, the larger should be the wheels. Besides, there must be lights for better visibility and achieving accuracy in work. You can do precise work with focused light. Apart from that, the stability of the base, the noise, and the protective guards are other points that we have considered while choosing the above best bench grinders.
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