Best Bench Grinders Reviews & Buyers Guide


best bench grinder reviews

Bench top grinders are a stationed and benchtop type of grinder that can be used to sharpen and grind commonly used cutting tools with a more manual approach as seen with an angle grinder. Finding the perfect bench grinder for your sharpening and cutting needs can be tricky since there are many types and models to choose from.

The best type of bench grinder will offer as much customization as possible for a worktop grinder that is stationery. Bench grinders that offer larger cutting and sharpening lengths between six and eight inches are ideal, in addition to accessories that make the grinding process easier.

In this article, we will explore 10 of the very best bench grinders available for purchase. With product summaries and pros and cons, this guide will help to make your purchasing decision easier. Read on to find out which bench grinders make the top ten and to find answers to some frequently asked questions.

Bench Grinder Reviews

These bench grinders range in price as well as features. Always choose the best grinder for the work you have ahead of you. Our number one choice strives to find the perfect balance between all of these key points.

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WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder with Flexible Work Light: (Editor’s #1 Choice)

The WEN 6-inch Bench Grinder is the ideal companion for any workshop. This package includes two 6-inch by 3/4-inch wheels: a 60-grit wheel for general purpose grinding and a coarse 36-grit wheel for faster material removal, in addition to a quiet 2.1 amp motor, expect quick startups, smooth performance, and steady speeds of 3450 RPM.

wen 6 inch bench grinder review

What is so great about this model is the design, which makes wheel guard removal simple for easy wheel changes. We rate this as our top pick based on the perfect performance capabilities of the model and the fact that it is covered by a two-year warranty, which gives you two years of product security.

Pros:

  • Equipped with a 2.1-Amp motor
  • 3450 RPM at no load, which is an amazing speed at the start
  • 6 in. by 3/4 in. wheels, 1/2 in. arbor size
  • The lightweight design weighs in at 16 lb. Lamp:120V, 40W (Bulb not included)
  • Worklight for maximum precision and visibility
  • Two-year warranty

Cons:

  • Bogs down easily
  • Speed increase can be slower than usual
  • Larger than usual safety shield can get in the way of grinding

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DEWALT 8-Inch Bench Grinder (DW758):

Bench grinding is most effective when the motor of the bench grinder has enough power to remove even the most stubborn of materials. The DW758 8″ Bench Grinder has a powerful 3/4 HP 3,600 rpm induction motor for high-speed material removal.

Increased durability from the rugged cast iron base is more than enough to prolong the life of this model, which is also ideal for large grinding applications. The motor runs at 3,600 rpm to ensure high-speed material removal.

Additionally, the precision-machined aluminum oxide tool rests will allow you to accurately position your work. This bench grinder is sure to appeal to users who look for a strong iron base and prefer to work light instead of hard.

Pros:

  • 12-1/2-inch distance between wheels
  • Industrial cast iron base and motor housing
  • Three-year limited warranty; one-year free service

Cons:

  • Excessive vibration can occur with higher speeds
  • The grinding wheel can fall out of balance over time

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Work Sharp WSSAKO81112 Blade Grinder Attachment:

Bench grinders can do much more than simply grinding; sharpening is also possible if you find the right benchtop grinder with the appropriate attachment. This product is made from the highest quality materials, with a blade grinder attachment that quickly installs to its base so that you can sharpen your household knives or other items with ease.

With a design that is simple to operate, the sharpening process provides much more performance than what could be achieved with manual sharpening. Additionally, the variable speed control and ease of belt changes make this product capable of sharpening even the most industrious and large items.

You will be able to put an edge on blades without any hassles with this tool.

Pros:

  • Crafted from the highest quality materials
  • Built for performance and durability
  • Sharpens a wide variety of items quickly

Cons:

  • Aligning material can be difficult based on the type of bench grinder you use
  • This is an attachment only that only mounts to a certain type of bench grinder

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Delta Power Tools 23-196 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder:

The best type of grinder bench will come with as many accessories as possible to make for an easier grinding or sharpening experience. This product is equipped with full-size safety shields that are clear and have thumbscrews for easy adjustment.

Additionally, this model features a 5 Amp induction-type motor for a powerful performance as well as an upfront variable speed dial that allows you to easily control speeds from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM for a fine level of control. The best feature is undoubtedly the sturdy cast iron base that works well for increased durability and reduced vibration in addition to a built-in water tray to help keep the workpiece cool while grinding.

Pros:

  • Features variable speed control offering you convenience and versatility in your grinding, sharpening, buffing, and polishing operations
  • The upfront variable speed dial allows you to easily control speeds from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM
  • Features a 2 1/2 Amp induction-type motor for powerful performance
  • Incorporates two different grits for sharpening and grinding
  • The left tool rest has a drill bit rest milled into the surface so you’ll get the correct angle on the tip at all times

Cons:

  • The higher the RPM you use, the easier it is for the motor to degrade
  • Excessive vibration can occur over time

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WEN 4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Bench Grinder with LED Work Lights:

From deburring ragged edges to cleaning objects to sharpening blades, the WEN 8-Inch 4.8A Bench Grinder helps resuscitate old worn down knives, tools, and bits, saving you time and money. Compact yet powerful, this model provides reliability even in the face of the most difficult tasks.

This package includes two 8-inch by 1-inch wheels: a 60-grit wheel for general purpose grinding and a coarse 36-grit wheel for faster material removal. The onboard coolant tray serves as a quenching pot for workpieces, making sure your tools and blades don’t warp due to excessive heat.

Additionally, the included eye guards can adjust to prevent them from interfering with your project while their built-in LED lights illuminate your workpiece during operation. For added convenience, an adjustable work rests pivot to allow for angled grinding applications.

This model certainly stands as one of the best bench grinders based sheerly on the quality features and the ease to do more flexible work projects.

Pros:

  • The 4.8-Amp motor turns grinding wheels at speeds of up to 3450 RPM
  • The onboard quenching tray helps cool down workpieces during long grinding sessions
  • Includes a 60-grit and a 36-grit 8-inch by a 1-inch grinding wheel with 5/8 inch arbors
  • Features pivoting tool rests and adjustable eye shields with four built-in LED lights

Cons:

  • The wheels and wheel guards can fall off balance and need frequent adjustments
  • The grinding wheel can cause frequent shifts in speed with more heavy-duty materials

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Rikon Professional Power Tools 80-805 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder:

This 8″ Slow Speed Bench Grinder features a powerful 1/2 hp Motor with 1750 RPM, which is ideal for sharpening operations because it reduces heat build-up. Also included are 1″ x 8″ 60 grit and 120 Grit white aluminum oxide wheels with equally sturdy and adjustable wheel guards.

The standout feature of this product is that it is built sturdy with a cast iron base featuring anti-vibration rubber feet. Additionally, adjustable safety eye shields and spark resisters are also included to help promote bench grinder safety during use.

Pros:

  • This durable bench grinder includes 1” x8” 60 grit and 120 grit white aluminum oxide wheels.
  • With a powerful ½ HP Motor with 1750 RPM, this slow speed grinder has more than enough power for small workshops and for carpenters, turners, carvers, and other craftspeople working with hand tools.
  • This grinders base is made of Cast Iron and features anti-vibration rubber feet. No mistakes will be made because of vibrations.
  • The adjustable safety eye shields and spark resistors allow you to feel safe while using the slow speed grinder. Also, this bench grinder includes a groove in its design for the sharpening of drill bits.
  • This grinder is fully equipped with a diamond wheel sharpener and is ideal for sharpening operations since it reduces heat build-up.

Cons:

  • Like most of the best bench grinders, excessive vibration is possible
  • Both the grinding wheels and wheel guards need to be inspected frequently to avoid vibration

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BUCKTOOL 8-Inch Dual Speed Cast Iron Base Bench Grinder TDS-200DS:

The BUCKTOOL 8-Inch Dual Speed Bench Grinder is the ideal companion for small workshops and for carpenters, turners, carvers, and other craftspeople working with hand tools. The machine allows for simple resuscitation of dull blades, scissors, screwdrivers, and more.

Both compact and powerful, this bench grinder provides reliability even in the face of the most difficult tasks. With a generally quiet 3.1 AMP motor, expect quick startups and smooth performance, the best overall feature is that you will have the same powerful torque at low-speed compare to high speed, which is a big advantage compared to VS models.

Additionally, you can change the speed from 1725 to 3450 RPM by simply turning the dual speed switch L to H, and these faster speeds are ideal for deburring unwanted material and rust removal while the lower speeds help achieve a precise sharp edge to knives and tools. The heavy-duty cast iron base features anti-vibration rubber feet, which means that no mistakes will be made because of vibrations.

A buffing wheel is provided for multipurpose polishing. For additional features alone, this model is hard to beat.

Pros:

  • Features a 1/2HP dual-speed induction motor with smooth performance and steady torque at both low and high speed. This slow speed is ideal for sharpening edges of woodworking tools, while the high speed is ideal for quick metal removal based on the powerful induction motor
  • Includes 60 grit and 120 grit white aluminum oxide wheel which can reduce heat build-up
  • Two pieces of cast aluminum tool rests can independently adjustable to compensate for wheel wear and to achieve different angles

Cons:

  • The grinding wheels can get stuck over time
  • Not adaptable to other wheels from different manufacturers

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WEN 4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder with Wire Bench Wheel Brush:

Like the WEN-4282, this model helps resuscitate old worn down knives, tools, and bits, saving you time and money. Compact yet powerful, this model provides reliability even in the face of the most difficult tasks.

When you need to remove deposits or imbedded abrasions, a wire wheel is one of the best products you can invest in. This WEN model makes it simple to attach an included wire wheel to the bench grinder to get heavy-duty abrasions off of stainless steel or any other type of material that needs to be brushed.

If you do not need a wire wheel, then this model may not be worth it; however, this is the best model you can come across for bench grinder/wire wheel combinations.

Pros:

  • 2.1-Amp motor
  • 3450 RPM at no load
  • 6 in. by 3/4 in. wheels, 1/2 in. arbor size
  • Great for cleaning and blending surfaces
  • Great for removing light burrs, paint, and corrosion
  • Provides great Use for light to medium duty brushing action

Cons:

  • The wheels can rub together without a proper guard
  • The power of the motor is not ideal for heavy-duty applications

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DEWALT 6-Inch Bench Grinder (DW756):

The heavy-duty DEWALT DW756 6-inch bench grinder is ideal for all grinding operations, including sharpening tools, deburring, rust removal, shaping parts, and cleaning objects. It’s powered by a 5/8 horsepower induction motor that runs at 3,450 RPM for easy and reliable high-speed material removal.

The DW756 is complemented by an industrial cast iron base and motor housing for added durability and prolonged life. It has a 12-1/2-inch distance between wheels for longer and larger grinding applications, and precision-machined adjustable aluminum tool rests allow the user to accurately position work.

Additionally, the rear exhaust ports in the wheel guards provide smooth operation. This grinder measures 15 inches long and weighs 28-1/2 pounds, which is perfect for jobs that require a lot of power from a bench grinder.

Pros:

  • Powerful 5/8 HP induction motor for heavy-duty grinding operations
  • Industrial cast iron base and motor housing provide durability and prolong the life of the bench grinder
  • The motor runs at 3,450 rpm for high-speed material removal
  • Precision-machined aluminum tool rests allow the user to accurately position work

Cons:

  • The guard wheels can be hard to adjust
  • If you wish to work light, this unit has far too much power

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Taytools Bench Grinder Replacement Sharpening Tool:

Let’s face it, most bench grinders come equipped with a tool rest that is almost useless. Stock tool rests are difficult to adjust accurately and do not hold adjustments.

This bench grinder tool rest seeks to overcome these weaknesses, as it will work with both 6” and 8” diameter grinders and belt sanders with a 1” wide wheel or belt, which is secured directly to your bench. The tool rest can be quickly removed from its base to allow unencumbered freehand grinding.

The tool rest is 4 inches wide by 2.5 inches deep and has a 5/8 x ¼ inch groove to accept the included grinding jig, which will accept blades up to 2.5 inches wide. The base is 2.5 inches wide by 6” long and allows the entire rest to be moved forward/back 3 inches, and alternately, the entire rest can be raised/lowered by 2 inches.

Best of all, the tool rest can be rotated forward and back a full 170 degrees. and the entire unit is made from anodized aluminum and will never rust.

When it comes to the best bench grinder for sharpening, this model is at the top of the list.

Pros:

  • Will work with both 6” and 8” diameter grinders and belt sanders with 1” wide wheel or belt
  • Mounts directly to the bench and can be quickly removed to allow freehand grinding
  • Tool rest comes with a grinding jig that will accept blades/chisels up to 2.5 inches wide
  • Can easily move forward/back, up/down, and rotate
  • Constructed from anodized aluminum and will never rust.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work well with an 8-inch grinder
  • Is prone to wobble with use and may not be as sturdy as other models

Buyers Guide: What to Look for When Buying a Bench Grinder:

Buying a bench grinder will likely find you noticing many similarities between the products. A few key things to keep in mind are as follows:

  • Be absolutely sure about what you will primarily use the bench grinder for. These tools pack a lot of power and can be used for so many different things. Make sure you have the right model for what you need before you get the unit home.
  • The more durable and powerful the motor is, the better the bench grinder will perform for tasks like sharpening.
  • Wheels are the heart and brain of a bench grinder. Make sure you invest in a bench grinder that has a strong and sturdy wheel that is not prone to wobbling and malfunctioning during excessive use.
  • Be sure you know the difference between motor and grinding power based on how much and what type of work you will be doing. If you work light, consider a less powerful motor for more flexible work, if you will be using the bench grinder constantly and for a variety of tasks, invest in a unit with a powerful motor and wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who Makes the Best Bench Grinder?

As you can see, there are a lot of quality bench grinders on the market. Could there be one company that stands head and shoulders above the rest?

Dewalt is probably the company that makes the absolute best bench grinder. This is because Dewalt takes extra care to build their bench grinders to adapt to flexible work projects with powerful motors and wheels that are incredibly adaptable.

Best of all, making adjustments is a breeze with a Dewalt model. This company strives to be consistently innovative and they always deliver.

Dewalt 8 inch DW758 bench grinder

Should I Get a 6-Inch or 8-Inch Bench Grinder?

If you are only going to use your bench grinder for standard tasks around the home, then a 6-inch bench grinder will certainly get the job done. A typical 6-inch bench grinder will at about 4 amps of power and is capable of reaching RPM speeds of around 4,000.

If you want to take it to the next level or if you are a professional, an 8-inch bench grinder is definitely the model for you. An 8-inch bench grinder can accommodate a wire wheel or a buffing wheel, which makes it stand out ahead of the 6-inch models.

An 8-inch bench grinder may operate a bit slower but this decrease in speed makes for fewer wheel changes overall. Therefore, an 8-inch bench grinder is certainly the best bench grinder is you want the full experience.

Do I Need a Variable Speed Bench Grinder?

A variable speed bench grinder is essentially a powerful grinder that offers incredible versatility when it comes to sharpening. The ability to switch between speed levels is important based upon the durability of the material you are working with.

If you will not be doing any sharpening with your bench grinder, you likely do not need a variable speed bench grinder. These models are only necessary if you will be working with a wide variety of materials.

What Is the Best Grit for Sharpening Knives on a Bench Grinder?

When it comes to sharpening knives, finding the right grit is crucial to complete the task. A 600-grit is probably the best grit to go for since this is a nice middle ground between the far too powerful 160-grit and the too weak 220-grit.

What Bench Grinder Should I Buy?

If you are just starting out, the WEN-4276 is a safe bet that will be both effective and versatile enough if you wish to work light. This model features a perfect motor and decent RPM to easily glide through the most simple and basic of tasks.

Conclusion

There you have it, our picks for the 10 best bench grinders on the market right now. Any of these models are certain to get a wide variety of tasks done no matter how simple or complex. From 6-inch to 8-inch models, low amp, and high amp motor power, these models have all the bases covered for all of your bench grinding needs.

Ben Jones

When it comes to selecting the right tool for the job there are some important factors that you have to consider. I hope by sharing some of my knowledge I'll be able to educate you on a range of grinders so you can get the job done.

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