A bench grinder is a must-have for any workshop. They are essential for sharpening tools, grinding down metal, and removing rust.
With so many different bench grinders on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve created this list of the 10 best bench grinders available today.
We’ve included both budget-friendly and high-end options to suit every need. So whether you’re just starting in your workshop or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on to find the perfect bench grinder for you.
Bench Grinder Comparison
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Best Bench Grinder in 2022 – Our Top 10 Choices
1. DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder
The first best bench grinder on our list is DEWALT DW758. It is a 3/4 hp bench grinder with a motor that can deliver 3,600 rpm for industrial-level grinding. This could be the most durable bench grinder you can find, thanks to its cast iron base.
It also has an overload protection to maximize its motor life. Not to mention the tool-free adjustable guard and precise aluminum structure for accurate work!
If there was one thing to watch out for, it would be the fact that this grinder vibrates a lot.
While this should not be a problem occasionally, the DW758 is known to shake quite excessively that it may disturb your workflow. Some have tried modifying the tool and removing the wheels but to no avail.
Pros
- ¾ horsepower motor
- Durable cast iron base
- Overload protection
- Tool-free adjustable guard
Cons
- Excessive vibration
2. JET 577102 Shop Bench Grinder
For those wanting a powerful and pristine bench grinder that will not take up space, the cast iron JET 577102 is the perfect solution. It’s built for the ultimate durability and heavy-duty projects, featuring iron wheel guards and a dust vent.
Yet no matter how intense the grinding session, the rubber mount will prevent the machine from moving around. It also has an adjustable spark guard and large eye shield, while coming with fine and coarse wheels!
Unfortunately, this bench grinder may not have the best quality control. There have been several complaints about loose screws and flimsy parts on the received product.
The good news is that this is something you could easily fix at home. Additionally, it is also quite unstable and should be used with caution.
Pros
- Powerful and compact
- Stable rubber mount
- Eye shields
- Includes 2 grinding wheels
Cons
- May have loose screws
- Unstable build
3. Delta Power Tools 23-197 Variable Speed Bench Grinder
If we had to say it, then the Delta Power Tools 23-197 might just be the best bench grinder on the market today. Its variable speed control between 2,000 to 3,400 RPM means you can use it for any sharpening or polishing work.
Its 5-amp motor is very powerful, while the inclusive 36 and 60 grit wheels can be used to sharpen and grind different materials. Meanwhile, the built-in water tray ensures that the machine stays cool when in use.
On the downside, Delta is not known to offer the most excellent warranty services. You might have some difficulty if you ever need to claim the warranty.
The machine also wobbles and vibrates when in use, although this could happen with virtually any other bench grinder.
Pros
- Water tray for cooling
Cons
- Poor warranty service
- Wobbles and vibrates
4. WEN 4286 Slow Speed Bench Grinder
The WEN 4286 could be the right choice for any workshop as it offers reliable performance in a compact shape. It comes with two 8-inch wheels, the 60-grit and 120-grit, to accommodate a wide range of purposes.
What we love about this bench grinder is its silent 3-amp motor, fast startup, and steady 1750 RPM output. While it may sound slow, this is excellent for producing a smooth finish when sharpening any edges.
Moreover, it also features an easy-remove wheel guard, eye shields, and two-year warranty!
Although the wheels are relatively out of balance and could be a problem for you. While it comes with a variable speed control, this feature does break and malfunction easily.
Pros
- Comes with 2 wheels
- Slow 1,750 RPM for smooth finish
- Silent motor
Cons
- Out of balance
- Not good speed control
5. DEWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder
Dewalt does it again with the DW756, which is an equally commendable bench grinder that could be the right one for you. This 5/8 horsepower tool is easy to use and built for heavy-duty operations.
With a durable cast iron base and motor housing, you can be assured that it will last you for a long time. It also produces 3,450 rpm output while being quite accurate thanks to its aluminum tool rests.
Even better, it features rear exhaust ports and larger spaces between wheels for a more versatile usage.
Its main downside is the difficulty to adjust guards, which is quite unlike the other Dewalt bench grinders. It also does not come with a light and may be a dealbreaker for some of you.
Pros
- 5/8 horsepower
- 3,450 rpm
- Durable cast iron base and housing
- With rear exhaust ports
Cons
- Hard to adjust guards
- No light
6. Rikon 80-805 Slow Speed Bench Grinder for Sharpening
It seems that it is impossible to talk about bench grinders without mentioning the Rikon 80-805, a durable model that comes with 60-grit and 120-grit wheels.
It is also a slow speed grinder at 1750 RPM, yet its ½ HP motor is ideal for small carpenters and DIYers alike.
Moreover, the cast iron base and anti-vibration rubber mount make the machine both sturdy and safe. The adjustable eye shields and spark resistors will add to this sense of safety too.
In helping the motor last longer, the diamond wheel sharpener can reduce any heat build-up.
The main complaint about this bench grinder is Rikon’s lack of quality control, which means some products may arrive defective. Some also report the wheels to being unbalanced, but this can be prevented by changing them.
Pros
- Slow speed grinder
- Anti-vibration rubber base
- Safe and sturdy
Cons
- No quality control
- Wheels may be unbalanced
7. WEN 4276 Bench Grinder with Flexible Work Light
The WEN 4276 is the ideal choice for a small, compact, and affordable bench grinder. At only 16 lbs, this lightweight design makes it easy to store and travel with. It has a 2.1-Amp motor and can run up to 3,450 RPM at no load.
In terms of wheel size, you can enjoy 6-inch wheels to handle a range of projects and materials. Not to mention that it comes with a flexible work light to improve your precision and visibility!
With that said, this work light is not necessarily attached in the most stable construction. It may slump down as the grinder vibrates and moves around when in use.
This is also not the most powerful bench grinder you can get, considering its small size and motor. However, it’s still great for any minor work!
Pros
- Flexible work light
Cons
- Poorly reinforced light bulb
- Not the most powerful
8. SKIL 3380-01 6-Inch Bench Grinder with LED Light
The best bench grinder you can get could be the SKIL 3380-01, which is another 2.1-amp motor running at a speed of 3,450 RPM. You can choose between the medium and coarse wheels depending on the material you are working with.
Meanwhile, the built-in LED lights can prove useful during your work. The adjustable tool rests will also help you with accuracy, while the rubber feet enhance stability.
Unfortunately, this SKIL bench grinder may not be the most durable set you can get. Some people also find it hard to replace the wheels. This could be something to consider before buying it.
Pros
- Good small grinder
- LED work lights
- Adjustable tool rests
Cons
- Not durable
- Hard to replace wheels
9. Shop Fox W1840 Variable-Speed Grinder with Work Light
The Shop Fox W1840 is a 3/4 HP bench grinder that comes with a variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the tool depending on your needs. This is between 2,000 to 3,400 RPM.
It comes with dual 8″ grinding wheels made of aluminum oxide. Best of all, the two adjustable aluminum work rests will help you achieve accurate results.
However, make sure that you choose your seller wisely as Shop Fox is known for its bad quality control. They don’t have the best customer service either!
Pros
- Variable grinding speed
- Aluminum oxide wheels
- Dual adjustable work rests
Cons
- Poor quality control
- Poor customer service
10. Bucktool TDS-200C4HL Low-Speed Bench Grinder
Finally, consider the Bucktool TDS-200C4HL. It is a 3/4-horsepower low-speed bench grinder that runs at 1,750RPM.
The wide grinding wheels are ideal for any carpenter and carver, as it comes with two sets of wheel choices. It features a cast iron base with rubber feet, safety switch, and adjustable eye shields.
While this tool comes with LED lights for better visibility, some customers find that they do not turn on. This could be due to minor wiring issues. However, it is surely something not to miss!
Pros
- Low-speed motor
- Two grinding wheels
- Safe to use
Cons
- LED light may not function
How to Choose the Right Bench Grinder
Here are some important factors you should look for when buying a bench grinder.
1. Wheel Size
When choosing the best bench grinder, it is crucial to pay attention to the wheel size. There are smaller ones at 3 inches, but these are mainly used for detailed works and crafts.
We recommend the 6-inch grinder for the average woodworker looking to sharpen tools, sand materials, or other light repairs. Whereas the 8-inch is more suitable for heavy work.
2. Wheel Material
There are many wheel materials that you can find, with silicon carbide being the most common for grinding and sharpening.
Aluminum oxide is more ideal for harder metals and heats up more slowly. Other examples include ceramic aluminum oxide, wire, and buffing.
3. Power
Power can be measured in amps or horsepower. Most 6-inch grinders have around 2.1 amps or ¼-horsepower, while 8-inch models can produce up to 5 amps or ¾ horsepower.
You can find bench grinders with motors of 1-horsepower, although these are usually used for industrial projects.
4. Speed
In determining the right speed for your bench grinder, know that this is related to the horsepower and measured in RPM. Faster speeds will require more horsepower while letting you work quickly.
If you plan on handling tough materials, we recommend at least 3,000 RPM. Meanwhile, 1,750 RPM would do well for jobs with soft woods and metals.
5. Wheel Grit
Wheel grit will affect how smooth or rough the resulting material will be, with a higher number corresponding to smoother materials. This is the 100 and 60-grit wheel.
However, go for a 30-grit wheel that is much coarser and can help you sharpen your pieces. This is ideal if you are planning to do more sharpening works
6. Safety features
While having a powerful, fast, and high-quality bench grinder is important, there is another element that is also as crucial, if not more. Yes, we are talking about safety features!
This includes spark deflectors, eye shields, dust exhaustion, and cooling. With these technologies, you can ensure a safe working environment.
Also read: 10 Best Circular Saws with Dust Collection System
7. Customer Reviews
Another important yet often overlooked factor is customer reviews, which is necessary if you are buying online. This lets you find out what real customers think about the bench grinder after using it.
Is it as powerful as the company claims it to be? Are there any unexpected downsides?
8. Price
Just like buying any other woodworking tool, never forget to plan a budget beforehand. This will prevent you from spending too much while finding the best model in your price range.
Of course, price doesn’t equate to quality, but cheap grinders are often not the most durable either. It’s all about figuring out the balance!
Conclusion
In trying to find the best bench grinder for you, these are some of our top tips to look out for. We have also detailed 10 of the best bench grinders you might be interested in.
However, personal research is always important as you’ll have your own preferences and requirements. Good luck!