The Best Bench Grinders (Review) in 2020

These 10 bench grinders represent what we believe are the best on the market right now, and any will serve you in good stead. With so many buying options available, though, deciding exactly which one is the best option for you can be a challenge. We hope our handy guide below will help you work out what to look for in a bench grinder, and how to use one safely and effectively.

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Things to Consider When Buying a Bench Grinder

When choosing a bench grinder, we advise that you consider the following, to help you make the best decision for your needs:

• 8 inch or 6 inch?

One of the first questions on your radar should be whether to invest in a bench grinder with 6 inch, or 8 inch grinding wheels. For most home applications, 6 inch wheels are perfectly fine. However, bear in mind that these smaller models are often less powerful than their 8 inch counterparts. For certain applications, such as sharpening chisels, 8 inch grinders are a better option, since the slightly larger wheel has less curvature per inch.

• Motor Speed

Another factor to bear in mind when purchasing a bench grinder is its motor speed. Faster speeds remove material from whatever you’re grinding faster, which is great for tougher materials. If you plan on using the grinder mainly for sharpening tools, however, you may be better off with a slower revolution speed that helps prevent them from overheating without the need for a water cooling tray. If in doubt, you can always choose a grinder with adjustable speeds.

• Safety Features

Ensuring you can use a tool safely is vital, and things are no different when it comes to bench grinders. Look out for safety features such as eye shields, spark deflectors, and a sturdy metal base when selecting your grinder to help maximize your personal safety.

• What’s Included?

If you’re purchasing your first bench grinder, choosing one that includes certain useful extras could be a sound investment, to save you from having to purchase them separately. Look out for adjustable tool rests, wheel dressers, grinding wheels, and water cooling trays.

Bench Grinder Uses

As mentioned earlier, bench grinders are a really versatile piece of kit, which can be put to all sorts of uses, including:

• Sharpening tools, such as chisels and drill bits - anything made from hardened steel
• Deburring tools
• Shaping wood or metal
• Removing rust from metal objects
• Reforming knife blades for special purposes
• Cleaning or polishing workpieces

Choosing The Right Grinding Wheel

Grinding wheels are the interchangeable disks that actually come into contact with whatever is being ground. Each grinding wheel has three main characteristics to bear in mind, which, combined, determine its function:

• Abrasives

A wheel’s abrasive grains are the parts that actually do the cutting. Aluminum oxide abrasives are suitable for most metals, as are Zirconia alumia abrasives. The latter tend to be used on tougher jobs. For softer and non-ferrous materials including rubber and stone, a silicon carbide abrasive will typically be used. More recently, ceramic aluminum oxide abrasives have been developed to tackle the most demanding grinding jobs.

• Grit Size

Grinding wheels can be coarse, medium, or fine, depending on the size of abrasive grains they use. Grit size is measured numerically, and the higher the number, the finer the grit. The coarsest wheels have grit sizes ranging from 10 - 24, while the finest range from 70 - 180. Coarser grains are used for rapid material removal, while their finer counterparts are suitable for fine finishes and brittle materials.

• Bonds

Another characteristic to bear in mind when choosing a grinding wheel is how strongly the abrasive grains are bonded together. Hard grade wheels have a longer life, and are best used for more powerful machines and jobs with small areas of contact. Conversely, soft grade wheels are good for removing material rapidly, jobs with large areas of contact, and for use on harder materials such as steel.

Other Types of Grinders

Bench grinders are not the only type of grinder around - many others, with slightly different functions, exist too:

• Die Grinders

Small, hand-held grinders designed to shape and polish round objects, especially pipes. They can also be used for engraving and woodworking. These grinders tend to have high rotational speeds, of 27,000 rpm or more.

• Wet Grinders

As the name suggests, wet grinders use water to cool down and lubricate the grinding wheel during use. They’re used to polish and grind tile and stone surfaces, and are available in both handheld and bench mounted designs.

• Belt Grinders

These grinders work through an abrasive belt, which is typically used to finish surfaces, deburr tools, and remove material. Different types of belt can have different effects.

• Floor Grinders

Large, walk-behind grinding machines, usually only used for industrial purposes. They look a lot like a vacuum cleaner, and are used to smooth, clean, and level concrete surfaces.

Best Bench Grinder FAQ:

Q: Does my grinder require any maintenance?

A: Like any tool, belt grinders require some maintenance to keep them in good working order:

• Check the grinder regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as loose nuts and bolts, and the positioning of the grinding wheel
• Dress grinding wheels regularly, using a dressing tool, to keep their surface even
• Remember to remove dust and debris from the grinder after every use, or it could enter the motor and create problems
• Look out for unusual vibrations during use

Q: How often should I replace my wheel?

A: This will depend on the type of wheel, how often it’s used, and what it’s used for. These wheels tend to last for a very long time, assuming you’re keeping them in good condition through regular dressing.

You don’t need to change a wheel as long as it is performing its function properly, but it will eventually wear down to an extent that renders it unusable.

Q: What safety issues might I experience using my grinder?

A: Like any tool, bench grinders are not entirely risk-free - fortunately, there is plenty you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible during use:

• Read the operating manual

Manufacturers know the risks associated with their products, and will offer advice to reduce them as much as possible

• Wear the correct protection

This entails: safety glasses with side shields, a full face shield, gloves, and work boots. Avoid loose-fitting clothing or jewelry that could become caught in the machine.

• Ensure Guards are in place

Check the eye shields and spark guards are in place prior to beginning your work.

• Check the Wheels

If you can see any hairline cracks, it’s not safe to use

• Get up to Speed - Allow the grinder to reach its operating speed before you start to work, to ensure a constant speed
• Stand to one side

When you first start the grinder, stand to the side. Defective wheels are most likely to explode upon starting.

Our Top Pick

For us, the best bench grinder on the market right now has to be DEWALT’s 8 inch option. The compact but sturdy design features just about everything you might need from a grinder: spark and eye shields, tool rests, a powerful motor, and a rugged base.

Everything adds up to a great, versatile product, capable of taking on the demands of both DIY and industrial jobs. The motor runs at 3,600 rpm, allowing for fast and effective material removal, and is encased in protective cast iron housing, ensuring it lasts and lasts. If you’re looking for a bench grinder that’s safe, durable, and effective - without breaking the bank - DEWALT definitely have you covered.

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Sources:

1. Bench grinder - Wikipedia
2. How to Use a Bench Grinder - wikiHow