Metals are strong, durable materials. That’s why only a special tool, such as a bench grinder, can sharpen them or grind their rough edges. Plus, bench grinders have other benefits as well, like renewing dull metals and removing rust. However, not all bench grinders can provide optimum performance. So, what features should you look for in a bench grinder?
Among the most important features you need to consider when buying a bench grinder is the speed and power. The speed you’ll choose will depend on the type of projects you’re planning to do. Typically, you’ll need a speed of around 1,700 revolutions per minute (RPM) for sharpening tools. For buffing and grinding projects, you’ll need a higher speed of around 3,500 RPM. The good news is that some of the best grinders on this list can provide variable speed settings, so you can use your grinder for sharpening, grinding, and other kinds of projects.
In addition to power and speed, you also need to look for products that have minimal vibration. Most bench grinders have features like a cast iron base or rubberized feet that can help reduce vibrations. Aside from that, picking a grinder with spark or eye guards is also a must. These parts will protect your eyes from flying debris or sparks. Added features, such as adjustable tool rests and work lights are also a plus. Of course, the product’s durability is also important. In this case, it is best to choose a product made of stainless steel or cast iron.
With all these factors in mind, here are the best bench grinders you can purchase.
Metabo DS 200
The Metabo DS 200 is one of the best 8-inch bench grinders available on the market. One reason is that this machine produces low vibration due to its heavyweight (35.9 pounds) and aluminum protective covers. This bench grinder also has a powerful motor that runs smoothly. The best part is that the noise produced by this machine is low for its power output.
Aside from power, the Metabo DS 200 runs at a speed of 3,570 RPM. As such, you may notice that the wheels may take more than a minute to stop when you switch it off because of its high speed. Another notable feature of this bench grinder is its dual-push on and off buttons. These buttons are also colored green and red, which makes it easier to distinguish the two.
Overall, the Metabo DS 200 can sharpen your tools in no time. Setting up this machine is also quick and simple. However, this machine is a bit expensive at more than $250. Nonetheless, you’ll definitely get all your money’s worth considering that this bench grinder is an efficient, durable, and high-quality product with several noteworthy features.
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DEWALT DW756
If you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable bench grinder, the DEWALT DW756 is an excellent choice. This machine has a 5/8 horsepower motor for heavy-duty grinding. Even though the wheels run at 3,450 RPM, you’ll only feel minimal vibrations when operating this grinder.
Aside from those features, another great characteristic of this machine is the space between the two wheels, which is 12.5 inches. This feature enables you to use this bench grinder with ease even if you’re doing larger and longer projects. In addition, you’ll also find exhaust ports that will help prevent overheating in the wheel guards.
This machine is also built with premium materials. To be specific, it has a solid iron cast base and housing, while the rest of its parts are made of aluminum. The best part is that you can purchase this high-quality and high-performance product for less than $150.
The DEWALT DW756 may not offer a lot of great features, but it’s designed to be used with ease. You can also buy additional accessories to expand your use of this tool. Another drawback for this machine is that it lacks instructions, so setting up and using this product can be a bit trickier if you’re not familiar with bench grinders.
POWERTEC BGSS801
With a speed of 1,725 RPM, the POWERTEC BGSS801 is a unique, slow-speed bench grinder. But, this doesn’t mean that this machine is less efficient. In fact, its low RMP is designed to prevent overheating – a feature that lacks in a lot of bench grinders. In addition, this machine has a 1/2 horsepower motor that offers quiet and smooth operation. This feature also enables the machine to last longer, even if you use it regularly.
The wheels of POWERTEC BGSS801 are made with white aluminum oxide, which produces less heat. Aside from that, its wheels are 1 inch wide, which makes grinding easier. Moreover, this machine has a heavy-gauge steel base that not only improves its stability but reduces its vibration as well. Other notable features are large eye shields, a safety toggle switch, and wheel guards.
Overall, this bench grinder is a high-quality product, but it lacks the necessary power for heavy-duty grinding. So, the POWERTEC BGSS801 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet machine that you can efficiently use for light projects.
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WEN 4276
Simple and affordable, this product from WEN is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a small and lightweight bench grinder. This machine has a 2.1-amp motor, and its 6-inch wheels have a fixed speed of 3,450 RPM. This speed may limit the versatility of this product for sharpening. Nonetheless, it makes the machine useful for removing rust and cutting metal.
This machine also has a work light, which helps you see what you’re doing. Moreover, it has oversized eye guards that provide protection from sparks and debris. Plus, this bench grinder comes with a coarse 36-grit wheel for material removal and a 60-grit wheel for general purpose grinding. Lastly, this machine’s tool rest is also adjustable.
With all these great features, this bench grinder is truly an amazing product. However, it has a few drawbacks. One, in particular, is its lightweight design, which makes the machine prone to vibration. Still, it’s a noteworthy product, considering its features and affordable price (less than $100).
BALDOR Electronic 612
Built almost entirely of blue steel, the BALDOR 612 is a compact bench grinder that provides industrial-quality performance. This machine has a maximum speed of 3,600 RPM and a 1/3 horsepower motor. That’s enough power and speed for polishing, sharpening, and grinding jobs. The best part is that this machine operates quietly and with minimal vibration even though it has a high-speed and power.
Aside from those features, the BALDOR 612 uses standard 6-inch by 3/4-inch wheels. Moreover, this bench grinder also comes with 36- and 60-grit wheels. Plus, it has a dual-wheel design that allows you to use two different grits at the same time. For safety purposes, this machine has aluminum wheel guards with eye shields that prevent sparks and debris from flying. Lastly, this bench grinder also has a base-mounted power switch.
The BALDOR 612 is definitely a great bench grinder. However, this product is a bit expensive with a price of more than $400.
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JET 577102 JBG-8A
The JET 577102 JBG-8A has several features that will allow you to complete all your projects with ease. It has a 1 horsepower motor and its wheels have a speed of 3,450 RPM, which is a lot of power and speed for heavy-duty grinding. Despite having high power, this machine runs quietly, smoothly, and produces very little vibration, allowing you to work faster and easier. Moreover, this machine can be bolted down easily, thanks to its rubber feet. Doing so will help minimize movement.
In addition to those features, this bench grinder also has cast dust vents and iron wheel guards that prevent sparks and debris from flying. It also has pre-lubricated and enclosed ball bearings that guarantee the longevity of this machine.
With all these great features, this bench grinder is definitely an excellent option. However, this product does have a few drawbacks. First, its wheels may sometimes wobble and will require a few adjustments. Aside from that, this product also has a high price – more than $400. Nonetheless, you’ll definitely get all your money’s worth, considering that this machine provides industrial-quality performance.
DEWALT DW758
This bench grinder from DEWALT is the perfect bench grinder if you’re new to grinding. The main reason is that this machine offers a variety of user-friendly features. But, that’s not all. This product can also work efficiently due to its 3/4 horsepower motor. Plus, its 8-inch wheels run at a steady speed of 3,600 RPM instead of variable speeds. Keep in mind that having a fixed speed may limit your options when grinding, but it makes this machine simpler to operate.
Aside from those features, the DEWALT DW758 also has overload protection that prevents overheating and helps prolong the machine’s life. It also has a cast iron housing that helps reduce the amount of vibration and noise. Lastly, this machine has spray guards that are wide and oversized to help keep you safe while you’re grinding.
Overall, the DEWALT DW758 has a lot of great features to offer. But, this product is not perfect. Some users have noticed that the 36-grit wheel causes vibration. Furthermore, you won’t be able to adjust the tool rests.
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WEN 4280
The WEN 4280 is the perfect bench grinder for advanced hobbyists looking for a product with tons of features. First, this machine uses dual 8-inch wheels; one is a 36-grit, and the other is 80-grit. These wheels are trued, so you can don’t have to dress them. In terms of speed, the wheels run at a variable speed of 2,000 to 3,400 RPM.
Despite its speed and power, the cast iron base of this machine helps reduce noise and vibration. The base also includes holes, so you can easily mount the machine on your workbench. Moreover, this bench grinder also comes with oversized spark guards that can protect your eyes from flying debris or sparks. Finally, this machine has a flexible LED light that helps you see the project you’re working on.
A couple of downsides of this product are that the 5-amp motor is not enough for a lot of sharpening jobs and the wheels might slow down when you apply pressure to the grinder.
RIKON Power Tools 80-808
Another bench grinder on this list that has a low speed is the RIKON Power Tools 80-808. Keep in mind that even though the wheels of this machine only run at a fixed speed of 1,725 RPM, it delivers precise work. With its speed and 1 horsepower motor, you are guaranteed that this bench grinder will only provide industrial-quality performance.
One notable feature of this bench grinder is its spray guards; one of the two spray guards is a magnifying glass that helps you zoom in or focus on what you’re working on. Aside from that, the tool rests of this machine are adjustable, which allow you to position your tool to get the right sharpening angle. Lastly, this machine also has a cast metal base with rubberized feet that helps reduce vibration and noise.
Like other products on this list, this machine does have some flaws. One, in particular, is that its LED light is a bit dim and hard to adjust. In addition, the grinding wheels are also a bit wobbly.
JET IBG-8VS
The JET IBG-8VS is an industrial-sized grinder made with premium quality materials. It comes with 8-inch wheels at 36- and 60-grit. Plus, its variable speed allows you to choose your wheel’s speed, which can reach up to 3,600 RPM. Thus, this machine is perfect for any kind of projects, whether it’s sharpening, polishing, or cutting.
In addition, the tool rests of this bench grinder are adjustable. This machine also comes with oversized eye safety shields that can help protect your eyes from grit and sparks. Other notable features of this product include a rapid wheel stoppage and 2.5-inch dust posts, which add to the safety of this machine. The best part is that this product is CSA certified; so, you’re guaranteed that you’re buying a safe and high-quality product.
One drawback for this product is its high price (more than $450). Aside from that, this machine may also be a bit large for some hobbyists.
POWERTEC BG600
The POWERTEC BG600 offers some cool and cooling features that are not included in most bench grinders. For example, you’ll find a coolant tray at the base of this grinder, which you can use to cool whatever project you’re working on. Aside from that, the eye shields of this bench grinder can also be used as a magnifying glass so that you can zoom in on the project you’re working on. Plus, this machine also has integrated lights that allow you to see what you’re doing even in low light conditions.
For its base features, this bench grinder has a 1/3 horsepower motor and 6-inch wheels that run at a speed of 3,600 RPM. The base of this grinder is also made with heavy-gauge steel that improves stability and helps reduce vibration while you’re operating it. The best part is that you can get all these features for a very affordable price of less than $100.
Shop Fox W1840
Another large yet budget-friendly bench grinder on this list is the Shop Fox W1840. This machine has a 3/4 horsepower motor and 8-inch aluminum-oxide wheels that run at a variable speed of 2,000 to 3,400 RPM. So, you can use this machine for different kinds of projects.
This bench grinder also has oversized spray guards that will help protect your eyes from flying debris and sparks. This machine also has two aluminum tool rests, which are adjustable and wide enough for most tools. Also included in the machine is an LED light that allows you to see what you’re working on.
Clearly, the Shop Fox W1840 is an excellent product, especially considering its price (less than $200). However, some users have mentioned that the wheels are not trued and so need some dressing to minimize vibrations. After dressing, the machine will run gently and with minimal vibrations.
SKIL 3380-01
If you’re looking for power and quality, this bench grinder from SKIL should be one of your top choices. This bench grinder has a 2.1-amp motor. It also has two 6-inch wheels (medium and coarse) that run at a speed of 3,450 RPM.
Aside from those features, the base of this bench grinder is made with solid cast iron, which not only improves stability but reduces vibration as well. Moreover, this machine has eye shields that can protect your eyes from debris and sparks. Lastly, this product includes LED lights above the wheels to help you get the job the done even in environments with low light conditions. The best part is that you can purchase this product for less than $100. However, one downside for this product is that it’s not ideal for heavy tasks.
JET 578008 Bench Grinder
The JET 578008 is a 44-pound bench grinder that has a 1 horsepower motor. Thus, this machine is powerful and durable enough for professional jobs or projects. For its wheels, this grinder has 8-inch fine and coarse wheels that run at a speed of 3,600 RPM.
This bench grinder also has adjustable safety shields, adjustable tool rests, a toggle switch with a safety key, and sealed bearings for maintenance-free grinding. The best part is that this machine is CSA/CUS certified, so you’re guaranteed that this machine is an efficient and high-quality product. However, this bench grinder is rather expensive with a price of more than $500.