Best Bench Grinders for Trouble-free Sharpening and Polishing

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 16, 2023
Looking for a fast and hassle-free way of sharpening tools? Then, you definitely need a bench grinder! We've reviewed 5 best grinding tools and provided step-by-step guides to help you make the right choice. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Power
Speed
Wheel diameter & Arbor size
Wheel grit
Convenieces
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

A powerful motor is able to work under heavy loads for a long time without overheating.

CONS

The grinder is noisier in operation than some of its counterparts.

OUR VERDICT

Delta 230197 bench grinder is applicable for both at home and heavy-duty projects. It will handle all kinds of tools and parts that require sharpening.  

detailed parameters
Power

5 A

Speed

2,000-3,400 RPM

Wheel diameter & Arbor size

Wheel: 8" х 1"

Arbor: 5/8"

Wheel grit

36 and 60

Convenieces

Coolant Tray, Work light, Variable speed control, Adjustable spark shield

Weight

41 lbs

Warranty

5 years

PROS

The motor is protected from overloading, so the lifespan of the tool is really long.

CONS

Fixing the machine to a worktop is a bit inconvenient.

OUR VERDICT

This easy-to-use DeWALT bench grinder with a quiet motor is a reliable assistant for sharpening and grinding workpieces and tools. If you deal with cutting tools, this DeWALT machine will save you lots of money!

detailed parameters
Power

4.2 A

Speed

3,600 RPM

Wheel diameter & Arbor size

Wheel: 8" х 1"

Arbor: 5/8"

Wheel grit

36 and 60

Convenieces

Eye shields

Weight

39.5 lbs

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Compact size and small weight of the tool allow you to place it in confined spaces.

CONS

The motor may overheat after long-hours use. 

OUR VERDICT

It's a great solution for a home workshop! Don't spend money on getting your tools sharpened in the nearest locksmithery; instead, get this small bench grinder and do it yourself for free.

detailed parameters
Power

2.1 A

Speed

3,450 RPM

Wheel diameter & Arbor size

Wheel: 6" x 3/4"

Arbor: 1/2"

Wheel grit

36 and 60

Convenieces

Work light, Eye guards

Weight

16 lbs

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The included handheld dresser will help maintain the wheels effortlessly. 

CONS

The wheel replacement might be somewhat difficult for inexperienced handymen.

OUR VERDICT

The grinding and wire wheels make this bench grinder suitable for a wide range of jobs. Sharpen your parts or remove rust or paint in a matter of minutes!


detailed parameters
Power

2.5 A

Speed

2,000-3,450 RPM

Wheel diameter & Arbor size

Wheel: 6" x 3/4"

Arbor: 1/2"

Wheel grit

60

Convenieces

Water tray, Worklight, Variable speed control, Eye shields

Weight

~ 32 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The low-speed operation helps avoid overheating of the components. The electric motor is quieter than on most other similar tools.

CONS

If often used for metal, the wheel wear off pretty quickly.

OUR VERDICT

This Craftsman bench grinder will accurately sharpen and hone the tools made of steel and alloys. It's a great machine that both novices and professionals will appreciate.

detailed parameters
Power

3 A

Speed

1,725 RPM

Wheel diameter & Arbor size

Wheel: 8" х 1"

Arbor: 5/8"

Wheel grit

60 and 120

Convenieces

Eye shields

Weight

~ 36 lbs

Warranty

1 year

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Delta 23-197

Powerful Grinder for Heavy Loads

This bench grinder by Delta Power is a high-class tool that will prove useful in any garage or metalworking shop. This model is suitable for sharpening the cutting tools like knives, axes and many other bits and parts. The Delta Power model is fitted with a 5A motor that drives the grinding wheels at 3,400 RPM. The machine is able to run under considerable loads and is equipped with 2 wheels (8” in diameter and 1” thick). The grit of the wheels is equal to 36 and 60 accordingly, which allows both rough machining and fine polishing. Each wheel is enveloped with a metal guard to protect your hands. Moreover, both guards feature tool rests for a convenient and reliable arrangement of the workpieces machined.

Review of Delta 23-197 Variable Speed

Features

First of all, we'd like to note the variable speed of this Delta Power grinder. This function allows you to choose a different wheel rotating speed when working with soft and hard metals. The machine's front panel features the ON/OFF button and the knob for speed adjustment (from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM). The controls are easy to access, so you can use them without distraction from working. The wheel guards have transparent plastic shields that protect your eyes from sparks and can be adjusted to a specific task. Also, the machine is equipped with a work light that will illuminate the workplace for better visibility. The water tray between the wheels will let you cool hot workpieces during work. The left tool rest is grooved for accurate sharpening of drill bits and other parts at precise angles.

Delta 23-197 Variable Speed in the use

More Products to Consider

Metalworking requires the use of reliable tools. We'd like to turn your attention to chop saws suitable for both professionals and novice handymen. A chop saw allows cutting metalware even angularly. Besides, we recommend reading the review on MIG welders for joining metal pieces.

Detailed review of Delta 23-197 Variable Speed
Last updated price $245.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00LHUWAFK

 

DEWALT DW758

Robust Grinder With Protected Motor

This DeWALT bench grinder comes with the 3/4 HP electric motor delivering 3,600 RPM. The motor works quietly and it can be switched off with a single button. The machine features well-balanced arbors to provide a smooth and accurate wheel spinning. The cast iron base and all-metal body provide stability and minimize vibrations. The machine's bottom features holes to fix it to a countertop or a stand. The motor is protected against overheating and ensures a long service life of the tool. When using the machine, your eyes will be protected from sparks thanks to the plastic screens that can be tilted (depending on the wheel's wear). Thanks to all these features, the DeWALT model is really reliable and safe-to-use.

Review of DEWALT DW758 Overload Protection

Ease of Use

Using this grinder is easy and comfortable. The presence of two grinding wheels of different grains will let you see the benefits of the tool right away. The wheel of 36 grain will work best for when you need to do rough processing of metal or when you need to remove thick layers off it. The wheel of 60 grain will let you sharpen knives, scissors, chisels, gouges, drill bits and many other small metal and nonmetal items. Once the wheel wears out, you can safely replace it yourself, choosing the grit that suits you better. You could actually install a felt wheel on it, if your project involves polishing of workpieces. Owing to 12.5 inches of distance between the wheels, the DW758 can also be used for handling rather bulky parts and items. Since the machine performs only dry grinding, we'd recommend you to keep water close in order to cool hot workpieces. 

DEWALT DW758 Overload Protection in the use

Useful Tip

Maintainance of the wheels is important. Don't wait till they get worn out completely and be sure to replace them once you notice cracks or spalls. Ignoring this rule may cause severe injuries and traumas. 

To replace the wheel, detach its guard first, unscrew the flange, then take the wheel off and install a new one accurately. Clean the flange from grinding dust and debris. Install the flange and tighten it firmly. This way, a right replacement provides a long lifetime of your machine.

Detailed review of DEWALT DW758 Overload Protection

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $136.73
Stock In stock
ASIN B0000224J4

 

WEN 4276

Small and Lightweight

The WEN 4276 offers versatility that all DIYers and handymen need. On purchasing this one, you won't need to have any of your tools sharpened as you'd be able to do it yourself in your own shed or garage. The machine unlike many counterparts feels lightweight in hand and isn't gonna take up a lot of space on your shelf. The weight of the tool is 16 lbs only, which makes it very portable. 

Review of WEN 4276 Cast Iron Base

Low-power But Fast Tool

The core of the WEN 4276 is a quiet 2.1A electric motor which despite being inferior to more high-performance models yields enough power to cope with most hard metals and plates. Yet, we'd recommend you to make frequent breaks to prevent the motor from overheating. The WEN 4276 comes with two grinding wheels, 36 grit and 60 grit accordingly, allowing you to use it for a variety of jobs, including final grinding. Speaking of conveniences, the manufacturer has equipped it with two shields to protect your eyes from sparks when working with metal, and adjustable tool rests where you can locate workpieces. The 40W lamp mounted on the adjustable bracket adds to usability of the tool, making it possible to use it under various light conditions. You might not want to use it for professional projects as its power isn't as strong as to some other bench grinders, yet, for home use it can become a great assistant, given its low price tag.

WEN 4276 Cast Iron Base in the use

More Products to Consider

Buying a benchtop grinder, you get an opportunity to sharpen and grind tools easier and faster. Still, some pieces are large and awkward for grinding. In such case, we advise paying attention to angle grinders. These tools can be either corded or cordless and allow easy cutting, grinding, deburring, and derusting. So, having picked the right tool, you'll manage to do your jobs efficiently.

Detailed review of WEN 4276 Cast Iron Base
Last updated price $101.60
Stock In stock
ASIN B00LPFIPQ0

 

Craftsman 9-21154

Everything for Your Convenience

We'd like to present the bench grinder by Craftsman. This tool will allow you to keep all your shearing accessories perfectly honed. Not to mention that this machine will let you save money on visiting fitting shops. The Craftsman 9-21154 is a matching choice for household use. The conveniences of the grinder include the speed control that allows setting a proper RPM rate for every particular material. The speed is adjusted smoothly from 2000 to 3450 RPM for a wide range of applications. Working in the nighttime, your countertop will be illuminated by the bulb on a flexible neck. There are adjustable tool rests next to each wheel, and one of them features the mill for accurate edging of drill bits. Translucent tiltable shields above the wheels protect your eyes from sparks. Also, the tool is equipped with a water tray. The unit's base is perforated for fixing on a table or stand. It's obvious that the grinder bolted to a table is much safer than the loose one. Besides, when the grinder is installed on a stand, grinding becomes really convenient.

Review of Craftsman 9-21154 Variable Speed

Versatility of the Wheels

Each grinder may be equipped with various wheels for particular tasks. You can choose wheels of various grits and opt for a felt wheel for polishing metal or brush wheel to remove rust and smoothen weld joints. The Craftsman 9-21154 is equipped with two wheels, one with a 60 grit that works best for sharpening tools and polishing parts, and the other one with a rigid wire. Don't discard rusted metalware but make it look like new with the wire wheel! Also, you can flatten pieces and remove old paint quickly and easily.

Craftsman 9-21154 Variable Speed in the use

Wheels Need Proper Maintenance Too

Over time, any grinding wheel gets abraded and clogged by metal particles and rust. In addition, cavities and spalls may appear on a wheel surface. If your grinding wheels have such flaws, you should clean and dress them. Along with the grinder the package includes a dresser that will help you maintain the wheels in a proper condition. Don't use a cracked wheel since it may cause severe injuries. 

Detailed review of Craftsman 9-21154 Variable Speed

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B007KHCO1O

 

POWERTEC BGSS801

For Professionals and Novices

POWERTEC represents the grinder that, in our opinion, is great for home use. It is incredibly easy to use and maintain. It comes with a powerful motor and a high torque, which allows using the tool for a long time without interruptions. Comparing this machine with competing models, we can tag the POWERTEC as a low-speed grinder. Its maximum speed is 1725 RPM, i.e. ideal for honing. This speed rating enables you to perform a high-quality sharpening and avoid overheating as well as burning of the tool's edges. As the grinder doesn't work at high speeds, its operation is quite quiet and it produces very little vibration, which means even if you had to use it inside your place, it wouldn't irritate your family with a roaring operating sound.

Review of POWERTEC BGSS801 Slow Speed

For Accurate Jobs

Like other models, this bench grinder by Powertec comes with 2 wheels. Each wheel is cased in a metal guard equipped with adjustable shields. This benchtop grinder comes with the wheels of 60 and 120 grit, respectively. Hence, you'll be able to grind even fine metal parts. The wheels are made of aluminum oxide and are 8" х 1" in size. This POWERTEC model has proved to be efficient for grinding workpieces made from steel and alloy, medium-density metals as well as for sharpening smaller items like scissors, knives, turning tools, etc. The fact that the wheels are made of soft material prevents the workpieces from getting too hot and allows achieving incredibly smooth surface of processed bits. Next to each wheel you'll find a tool rest, the left one being grooved to allow you to accurately shapern small cutting tools.

POWERTEC BGSS801 Slow Speed in the use

More Products to Consider

All DIYers and handymen, even those working in their own home workshop, need to have certain tools in their garage. You woudn't do off without a screwdriver and a screwdriver set that come handy during most, even minor, repairing works. Another tool we'd recommend you to purchase is a cordless drill.

Detailed review of POWERTEC BGSS801 Slow Speed

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B015U2STNM

 

What is a Bench Grinder

That all cutting tools require occasional sharpening is a known fact, and for this purpose until recently a lot of DIYers used to use abrasive stones. Fortunately, with the invention of powerful bench grinders, there’s no more need to hone tools manually. Today you can get a powerful machine and use it for all kinds of metal, polishing and cleaning your workpieces to perfection quickly and painlessly.

Also, you may consider reading our review on angle grinders that can help polish and shape the metal parts prior to their further processing, as well as the review on table saws that you can use for woodworking projects.

Best Bench Grinders

What Features to Compare

Power and Speed

Before you buy a bench grinder, define the jobs it will fulfill. Pay attention to the power and the number of revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the power is the longer the grinder can work under heavy loads. The powerful benchtop grinders are the best for daily use in fitting shops. The models that work at higher speeds can sharpen the tools faster, yet the metal itself will get hot faster too and therefore, it'd be better if it's used by an experienced DIYer. Low-speed grinders in turn work at slower speeds, are used for a fine grinding of soft metals and much more convenient to use by novice users. 

Grinding Wheels

Grinding wheels are the next feature requiring your attention when choosing a benchtop grinder. The wheels are available in different thickness and diameter options. The larger the wheel diameter is the longer it will last and the more items you'll be able to process. Most bench grinders come with two wheels of different grits. One of the wheels usually has a coarse grit for rough grinding, sharpening, and milling, while another one features a finer grit for honing and finishing. The wheels are replaceable, and you can always choose a finer or coarser grit. Moreover, you can install felt and wire wheels as well. Don't forget to pay attention to the grinder's arbor size to pick the fitting wheel.

Conveniences

To make the usage of bench grinder more comfortable for a user, manufacturers tend to fit them with some little extras. We'd recommend you to go for a tool with a variable speed support so you could adjust the speed yourself depending on the type of material you process. A lot of bench grinders come with LED lights to allow you to use it under low-lit conditions. Since overheating is an often result of a long grinding process, some of the grinders include coolant vessels. For more comfort of use, you may want to consider purchasing a grinder with a tool rest where you could place workpieces. These rests can be notched to allow you to sharpen some smaller bits and scissors. Consider the package too as a lot of tools today are shipped together with eye shields that come useful during work with metal. 

Sources:

1. Bob Vila The Bench Grinder, BobVila.

2. Bench Grinders: Choosing the Right Wheel, The Family Handyman.

3. Justin Brunner Bench Grinder Buyer’s Guide, Blain'sFarm&Fleet.

4. Bench grinder, Wikipedia. March 3, 2017.

5. How to Use a Bench Grinder, wikiHow.

6. Bob Vila The Bench Grinder, BobVIla.

7. How To Use A Bench Grinder, Eastwood.

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