Best Bench Grinder

The WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder is our best bench grinder in which the arbor size is 1/2 inch. The overall visibility and precision are at maximum due to its included work light and the motor is at 2.1 amps. It has a no-load speed of 3,450 RPM and the wheels measure 6 inches in diameter with a thickness of 3/4 inches. The bench grinder is very lightweight at only 16 lbs.

Top Pick: WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder

Our step-up pick is the DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder and the speed of the motor is 3,600 RPM to give you a very high speed removal of material. Also, the distance between the wheels is 12 1/2 inches so you can use it for longer grinding operations and larger projects. Being a bench grinder that will surely benefit bigger operations for its price, it stands on a heavy duty constructed cast iron base. Also, the motor runs at 3/4 horsepower for superior power and meets the demands of any industrial work and the longevity and durability is not compromised due to the rugged motor housing backed by the cast iron base.

The budget pick is the Silverline Bench Grinder 150W 150mm and the bench grinder runs at 150 watts with a measurement of 150 mm. It has a dust-protected switch for safety and it comes with rubber mounting feet for stability. It weighs 11 lbs and this is a bare tool bench grinder in which the voltage of this bench grinder is 230 volts. It is currently backed by a 12 month (1 year) warranty.

A Little Background

Bench grinders are heaven sent innovations that help us sharpen tools easier than during the old ages. Back then, we had to manually sharpen tools using rods and such and this can lead to injuries when not done properly. Today, our lives are ruled mostly by machines to speed up work and enhance safety – bench grinders do just that.

Because bench grinders work at exceedingly fast speeds, one must learn how to use it properly. The improper use of a bench grinder can still pose a threat to your safety and can lead to injury to either the tool or to yourself. Bench grinders can speed up jobs, no doubt about it. But you also have to learn a little bit on how the machine works before you put your knives and cutters in.

The wrong usage of a bench grinder can lead to imperfectly sharpened tools and overheating. This is because if you don’t move the metal tool quickly, the grinding wheel can cause it to overheat and it can be bad for your cutting tool or sharp tool in general. Sharpening tools take skill and patience so you have to know the basics first before using a bench grinder.

Do know that bench grinders can have different wheels which work for different kinds of metals and tools in general. These wheels have different grits which can be for coarse or medium fine or even the finest sharpening power. From garden tools to kitchen knives, you can conveniently choose your grinding wheel as to the kind of tool you want to sharpen.

Of course, you cannot use a bench grinder without proper safety gear over your eyes, hands and face. Much like welding and using other heavy duty power tools, bench grinders require you to have safety gear even if the bench grinder itself has protective shields.

How We Picked

In picking the best bench grinder, you should consider the speed of the wheels. In fact, a bench grinder with a variable speed is a big plus point. But be careful – faster speeds mean you get a closer feel for overheating, whereas slower speed bench grinders work slowly but finely and quietly if you are not really chasing time, and are ideal for home use.

Know if the bench grinder has safety features such as shields. Of course, aside from covering your eyes with goggles and your hands with gloves, you should have a bench grinder with protective shields such as a spark shield to keep the sharpening at bay.

Is the bench grinder relatively lightweight but pose heavy duty sharpening or buffing power? If you look forward to taking the bench grinder from place to place then it should be easy to carry but not too flimsy that it might break apart. Rubber feet to keep it from slipping are also a plus point.

You should know as to what kinds of tools can be sharpened by the bench grinder. For instance, some bench grinders are only applicable for smaller tools due to their size and some are bigger and can accommodate a variety of tools – from gardening to kitchen tools.
The size of the wheel and its grit are decisive factors in choosing the best bench grinder. Some wheels come in 6 inches and some come in 8 inches – it roughly depends on your budget and your sharpening needs, as not all tools are the same in size, usage and quality.

Our Pick

Top Pick: WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder
The WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder is our best bench grinder in which the wheels measure 6 inches in diameter with a thickness of 3/4 inches. Its arbor size is 1/2 inch and the motor is at 2.1 amps. The overall visibility and precision are at maximum due to its included work light as this bench grinder is very lightweight at only 16 lbs.

Moreover, the bench grinder has a no-load speed of 3,450 RPM. The wheel is a 60-grit wheel for removing material and general grinding. The WEN 4276 Grinder looks great for use on any workshop and it resuscitates scissors, screwdrivers, dull blades and similar tools.

The WEN grinder also includes a 36-grit wheel for faster removal of material. Its fast speed helps you to work on unwanted edges and deburring rust in any material. The grinder uses an AC power source and it also comes with convenient eye guards for protection and safety.

What’s more, the motor will give you hassle-free and quiet startups. True enough, this bench grinder may be small but very powerful in its design. You can easily change the wheel due to its wheel guard removal system as the base is made from solid cast iron for better and more stable mounting. In addition, you can also use it for grinding wood, sharpening an axe or sharpening a knife and it can also be used as a buffing wheel. The WEN Bench Grinder is currently backed by a warranty of 2 years.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

The only concern about the WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder is that the spark shield sometimes runs out of place during an operation so you have to tighten it properly.

Step-up Pick

DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder
The DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder is our step-up pick in which longevity and durability is not compromised due to the rugged motor housing backed by the cast iron base. Being a bench grinder that will surely benefit bigger operations for its price, t=the speed of the motor is 3,600 RPM to give you a very high speed removal of material.
Also, the motor runs at 3/4 horsepower for superior power and meets the demands of any industrial work as it stands on a heavy duty constructed cast iron base. Moreover, the distance between the wheels is 12 1/2 inches so you can use it for longer grinding operations and larger projects.
The aluminum tool rest is precision-machined and allows the user to position the work more accurately. The wheel guards come with rear exhaust ports so your operation will run smoothly and it also includes two wheels – a 36-grit wheel and a 60-grit wheel, for various applications.
True enough, this bench grinder can remove rust, polish material, perform grading, shape any material and various other tasks and it also comes with tool rests, spark deflectors, eye shields and an adjusting wrench. It is highly applicable for use on sharpening chisels, knives, blades and other cutting tools and sharp objects. As for the measurements, the grinder’s length is 16 inches.
In terms of operation, generally the DEWALT DW758 runs quiet compared to other electric powered bench grinders. Also worth noting – the good thing about this bench grinder is that the tool rest is highly adjustable to any angle for flexibility. In fact, some people can even use it as a buffer.
Overall, this is a very heavy duty grinder as the bench grinder has a weight of 39.5 lbs and includes operating instructions when you order. The DEWALT Bench Grinder is currently backed by 3 years of limited warranty and 1 year free service.

Budget Pick

Silverline Bench Grinder 150W 150mm
Our budget pick is the Silverline 150W 150mm Bench Grinder in which the voltage of this bench grinder is 230 volts. Also, the belch grinder runs at 150 watts with a measurement of 150 mm as it comes with rubber mounting feet for stability. It also has a dust-protected switch for safety and weighs 11 lbs.
This is a bare tool bench grinder which comes with grinding wheels that are medium and fine grade. In addition, for your safety and comfort, it includes extra large eye shields as well as wheel guards. The tool rests are all-steel in its material. The Silverline Bench Grinder is currently backed by a 12 month (1 year) warranty.

Best Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Porter-Cable PCB525BG Variable Speed Bench Grinder
If you are a meticulous person who want to have a variable speed bench grinder for a variety of tasks, you can go for the Porter-Cable PCB525BG Variable Speed Bench Grinder which is a bench grinder that will surely help you sharpen things. It comes with a coarse wheel at 36-grit and 3/4 inches in width and it also includes a medium 60-grit wheel at 3/4 inches as well.
Moreover, it comes with an on and off switch that is easy to operate. To help you in the dark, the lamp included for your work light is at 40 watts and illuminates your working area better (but you have to supply the bulb yourself). In fact, the gooseneck lamp is also highly adjustable.
The good thing about this bench grinder is that it has a variable speed with a range of 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM which is ideal for those who want more specific operations and various speeds. Also, the tool rests are made from die cast aluminum and are highly adjustable and the motor is a ball bearing induction type which runs at 2.5 amps. In addition, the arbor shaft is at 1/2 inch.
In general, drill bit sharpening is a breeze due to the groove included in the tool rests as the grinder also comes with a wheel dresser so you can clean up the wheel and reshapes it with ease when not in use. Also, the wheel size is 6 inches in diameter with a 1/2 inch hole and a 3/4 inch face.
A good point for the Porter-Cable Bench Grinder is that it already includes a quench cooling tray that is removable. In fact, the placement of the shield is very good. The bench grinder also includes spark guards, eye shields and an instructional manual. It has a very sturdy cast iron base that greatly supports the whole system.
This is an electric bench grinder that is a bare tool only but it is quite lightweight and easy to carry at only 25 lbs. In addition, the light also helps to reduce stress and eye fatigue and most of the reviews state that it is not just easy to assemble but also runs smoothly and quietly. Also, you will have almost no wobbling experience even after long hours of grinding because wheels bear the same quality as expensive grinding wheels.
Likewise, the coolant tray is a big help for any operation and the grinder also has grooves for sharpening. In fact, with this bench grinder, you only make little carbon footprint. All in all, the Porter-Cable Variable Speed Grinder is truly ideal for sharpening just about anything including garden tools, knives, drill bits, lawn mower blades, etc. It is currently backed by a 3 year limited warranty and a 1 year service warranty.

Quiet Operation Bench Grinder

POWERTEC BGSS801 Slow Speed Bench Grinder
With the POWERTEC BGSS801 Slow Speed Bench Grinder, you can save tools from the instance of overheating due to its cool running speed of 1,725 RPM, which most high speed bench grinders cannot offer you. It is recommended for people who want a smoother and quieter operation and not too hasty that will ruin your tool.
The motor runs quiet and at only 1/2 HP to give you the smoothest performance possible and can run for years of use. In fact, grinding is a breeze due to its 1-inch wheels. A bench grinder for sharpening tools, the overall vibration is reduced by its heavy gauge steel base which also gives you a more stable operation.
In fact, you will produce less heat due to its white aluminum oxide wheels. Also, the wheels measure 1 by 8 inches and come in 60-grit and 120-grit and the weight is just right at only 36 lbs. The arbor size is 5/8 inch and it is ideal for sharpening wood lathe tools. As a whole, it is a great economy bench grinder for the low budget consumers who like to take it easy.

Bench Grinder with 1/2 Inch Arbor

Grizzly G9717 Bench Grinder 1/2-Inch Arbor
With the Grizzly G9717 Bench Grinder 1/2-Inch Arbor, the speed is at 3,450 RPM and its voltage is 110 volts. It has a 1/2 inch arbor and it safely runs at 1/3 horsepower. A bench grinder that runs safely and smoothly, it gives you a fast start up and it runs cool throughout the whole operation.
Any tool sharpening will be hassle-free due to its eye shields and easily adjustable tool rests and it is made with industry strength materials. True enough, this is a bench grinder with a single phase motor and despite its size, it runs quietly. The grinding wheels measure 6 inches with a width of 1/3 to 3/4 inch and the bench grinder is a bare tool and is very light at only 19 lbs. Also, the wheels also come with 1/2 inch bores. All in all, the Grizzly G9717 bench grinder is ideal for home use only.

Bench Grinder with Work Light

Sunex 5002A Bench Grinder with Light
The Sunex 5002A Bench Grinder with Light conveniently comes with a truly flexible work light to reduce eye strain and shines very bright. Also, the bench grinder comes with two standard grinding wheels at 36-grit for the coarse one and 60-grit for the medium one. It is a bench grinder that will surely help you in any project and comes with mounting holes for your convenience. Also, the grinder stays in its place due to its nonskid rubber feed.
The eye shield is also highly adjustable to make operations easier. Adding to that, a protective spark guard protects each of the wheels. On the measurements, the wheels measure 8 inches and the bench grinder’s overall weight of 36 lbs. It is also backed by a sturdy cast iron base to make it stand for years and the arbor size is 5/8 inches.
For power, the Sunex 5002A runs on a 5 amp motor at 115 volts / 60 Hz and the no-load speed of this bench grinder is 3,450 RPM, much like a lot of bench grinders out there. You can easily mount your bench grinder on any work table, work bench or grinder stand as the on and off switch has been conveniently and strategically placed.
Also worth noting is the fact that the grinder is built with a ball bearing construction to ensure you only get the smoothest operations possible. In fact, this electric powered bench grinder runs quietly while the lamp runs at 40 watts and is highly flexible with its goose neck design. You can also use a 1-inch grinding wheel for this bench grinder. It is a great bench grinder for those who want to save budget and want a smooth operation .

Best Toolless Wheel Changing Bench Grinder

Delta 23-198 6-Inch Variable Speed Grinder
The Delta 23-198 6-Inch Variable Speed Grinder has a quick change system for the wheels that does not require tools and it has a variable speed of 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM for specific shaping of different kinds of materials. Moreover, its rubber feet help the bench grinder to stick to the ground for less vibration and wobbling while the tool rests are also very adjustable.
Conveniently, the Delta Variable Speed Grinder comes with a handy work light that is flexible and goose neck style for easy operations (requires a bulb at 40 watts). Being a bench grinder with great features, it also comes with a 60-grit friable wheel and a coarse 36-grit wheel. Its vibration is also significantly reduced due to its cast iron construction that is of heavy duty quality as it comes with two safety shields to prevent things getting into your face.
Moreover, this bench grinder also includes a diamond wheel dresser for easy cleaning as the diameter of the shaft is 1/2 inch. The length of the cord is 6 feet and it is ideal for sharpening chisels, knives and all other sharp tools. On the motor, the horsepower is 1/3 HP and the motor is a 1-phase type which runs at 120 volts and 2 1/2 amps. Overall, this electric powered bench grinder is a bare tool which stands at a height of 11 inches (excluding the light) that is backed by a 5 year limited warranty.

Best Stone Wheel Bench Grinder

Tormek Water Cooled Tool Sharpening System
A bench grinder that uses a traditional but high quality stone wheel is the Tormek Water Cooled Tool Sharpening System in which the stone wheel measures 8 inches and is a dual-grit with a width of 1 5/8 inches.
Adding to that, the blade and tool overheating is avoided due to its slow speed of only 120 RPM. On material build, the ABS plastic is impact resistant. It is also applicable for a variety of tools such as axes, knives, turning tools, carving tools, plane irons, wood chisels, spoke shaves and others.
What’s more, motor is made with industrial quality and the hardware is clad with stainless steel material to keep it sturdy for years. The top is made from die cast zinc and there are jigs to be attached and help you achieve better sharpening results compared to the regular blade edge. Being made in Sweden, the Tormek Sharpening System uses a water cooling system to keep your delicate tools safe from overheating and it includes a user-friendly instructional manual to give you more tips on tool sharpening.
Moreover, there is also a leather stropping wheel for edge polishing and honing as the bench grinder includes a honing compound and an angle master as well as a stone grader to change the stone grit from 220-grit to 1,000-grit. In addition, the included universal support comes with a micro adjust scale. Also, the T-4 machine runs at 110 volts.
With this bench grinder, you get only the most precise and wobble-free bench grinding experience as it is very easy to set up using the finger-turned screw. In addition, the universal support can be connected horizontally or vertically. In fact, the most ideal solution to expensive kitchen knife sharpening. The bench grinder by Tormek is backed by 7 years of warranty.

Bench Grinder that is Also a Polisher

TruePower 199 Mini Multi-Purpose Bench Grinder
If you want an all-around bench grinder at a small price then you can go for the TruePower 199 Mini Multi-Purpose Bench Grinder which comes with a flexible shaft. The motor is rated for 110 volts and 60 Hz which runs at 150 watts and it is a bench grinder that is of multi-purpose.
With this bench grinder you can adjust its variable speed from 0 – 1,000 RPM for flexibility as it also comes with a convenient tool rest and a safety guard. It also includes a 1/8 inch stone bit and conveniently comes with two wrenches – a collet wrench and a hex wrench. In addition, the flex shaft attachment measures 31 inches. The bench grinder also includes a user’s manual for its usage.
The fiber polishing wheel measures 3 inches and the grinding wheel also measures 3 inches. Overall, the TruePower Bench Grinder is truly ideal for deburring, polishing and grinding smaller tools, hence the low price and you can easily carry it to any work bench or table top.
Being the most convenient solution for precision sharpening, this electric powered bench grinder is super lightweight at only 7 lbs, it is perfect for those who would like to do small grinding applications and is strongly applicable for home and casual use.

The Competition

The bench grinders that did not make it to our list lacked enough information such as speeds and material quality as well as wheel specifications. Some of them also lacked shields to protect the user from the spark and debris of the metal.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a bench grinder and what is it primarily used for?
A: According to the information laid down by Wikipedia , a bench grinder uses abrasive wheels to do grinding, sharpening and polishing jobs. It is mainly a tool for shaping and sharpening lathe tools, drill bits, knives and the like. Today, bench grinders are usually mounted on a work bench or a special bench grinder stand and the wheels of a bench grinder are designed only for steel. This is because aluminum and similar softer metals can get into the pores of the wheel and dislodge or compromise the sharpening quality of the grinding wheel.

Q: Can you give us some tips on using a bench grinder?
A: According to the guide by Popular Mechanics , you must know all the parts of the bench grinder and how each part works and different wheels can pose different grinding purposes.

Some wheels are meant for buffing while some are meant for sharpening. Also, other wheels are meant for polishing or fine cleaning your metal object. Usually, bench grinders have two wheels – a 36-grit coarse wheel and a 60-grit wheel. The coarse wheel is ideal for gardening tools and lower sharp tools while the 60-grit wheel is usually for chisels, knives, plane irons and others. The wheels with above 100-grit are applicable for fine sharpening such as kitchen knives, metalwork and others.

In general, you have to keep the metal object moving as you sharpen it to prevent the metal from overheating. As much as possible, you shouldn’t apply too much speed on delicate and small metal tools since they can overheat faster. You should get a bench grinder that has a cooling bench or if not, just splash it with cooling water afterwards.

Wrapping It Up

In the long run, the WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder is our best bench grinder that you can use for sharpening just about any cutting tool or sharp metal tool that you might need conveniently.