Bench grinders are incredibly useful tools that can be used for various types of projects.

This includes shaping parts, rust removal, sharpening tools, and grinding.

So what’s the best bench grinder for your projects?

In this review, I’ll explain what features to consider and also recommend some of my favorite grinders.

Best Bench Grinder

DeWalt 8-Inch Bench Grinder

This durable bench grinder from Dewalt is the perfect solution for all your projects. It can help you remove rust, sharpen tools, shape parts, deburr, and clean items.

The unit is powered with a ¾ HP motor which delivers 3600 RPM, which is a straightforward and dependable speed for material removal.

This unit is made to last with its cast iron motor housing and base.

Another thing that makes it convenient is the 12-1/2” reserve between wheels. It makes this grinder perfect for lengthier and more substantial grinding jobs.

You can also position your work accurately with the adjustable aluminum tool rests.

What customers are saying

This bench grinder received fantastic reviews with customers commenting on its solid construction, great performance, and quiet operation.

Some complained about the grinder wobbling and vibrating excessively, but many customers said they experienced little to no vibration on their units.

Variable Speed Grinder

Delta Power Variable Speed Bench Grinder

The Delta Power grinder comes with impressive features. It has a 5A induction motor with incredible performance and variable speed of 2000 to 3400 revs per minute.

You’ll be able to adjust the tip to the exact angle every time, with a handy drill bit on the left side of the tool rest.

The robust bottom features a water tray that cools your stock pieces while grinding, and the safety shields come with thumbscrews to make adjustments quick and easy.

This tool is extremely versatile and can be used for various applications.

What customers are saying

This grinder received great reviews. Customers were most happy with its smooth operation, variable speed adjustment, superior quality, and overall value for money.

Still, some customers said they received units that did not work and some complained about the vibration levels of the machine.

Best Heavy Duty Grinder

Jet IBG-8VS 8” Variable Speed Grinder

This durable heavy duty grinder from Jet features a one horsepower motor with a variable speed adjustment of 900 to 3600 revs per minute.

It is designed with a complete cast iron body and has plenty of safety features included. The unique motor can reduce the revs per minute from 3600 to 0 in seconds to halt the wheel.

We recommend this unit for all heavy duty tasks. It has received 100% positive reviews, with people commenting on its solid build, powerful performance, smooth operation, and versatile use.

Best Slow Speed Grinder

Rikon Professional Slow Speed Bench Grinder

The Rikon bench grinder is equipped with superior quality wheels made from aluminum oxide.

Its fierce ½ horsepower motor delivers 1750 RPM which makes it perfect for turners, crafters, carpenters, and small workshops that use hand tools.

The heavy duty cast iron base features rubber feet for vibration reduction and you can remain safe with the adjustable eye shield.

The diamond wheel sharpener eliminates heat accumulation during sharpening applications. Plus, you can sharpen your drill bits with the integrated groove for convenience.

What customers are saying

Most customers gave this grinder fantastic reviews. Many commended its smooth operation, quality, and overall value for money.

Still, some people reported having issues with the wheels.

Best Industrial Grinder

Jet 578008 Industrial Bench Grinder

The Jet bench grinder is engineered with heavy duty materials to match the substantial needs of the most productive workshops.

With this beast you’ll be able to sharpen tools or grind and smooth out surfaces with precision, ensuring perfect results every time.

The sealed bearings make the unit maintenance free, and the grinding wheels support both fine and coarse grinding jobs.

Other unique features on this unit include its dust trough, wheel dresser, toggle switch with a safety mechanism, adjustable safety shields, and CSA/CSU certification.

What customers are saying

The majority of customers were extremely happy with their purchase and commented on this grinder’s powerful, smooth, and quiet operation. They also love the fit, finish, and overall quality of the machine.

However, some customers reported a wobble, and a few received damaged units.

Best Cheap Grinder

WEN 6-Inch Bench Grinder With Flexible Work Light

This Wen unit is ideal for deburring jagged edges, sharpening tools, and cleaning objects. The unit comes with two 6x¾” wheels, plus a 60 and 36 grit wheel, making it perfect for versatile use.

The 2.1A motor starts up quickly and delivers a smooth and constant speed at 3450 revs per minute. Wheel changes are also quick and easy thanks to its user friendly design.

Plus you’ll get an onboard work light that provides illumination for precision work and visibility. This unit includes a 2 year warranty.

What customers are saying

This grinder received great reviews with customers praising its solid build, quiet operation with no vibration, and work light.

Some customers, however, were not happy with the quality, especially on the tool rests.

Other Recommended Grinders

Bucktool 8Inch Low-Speed Bench Grinder

The Bucktool bench grinder comes with a ¾ horsepower low speed induction motor that delivers an impressive 1750 revs per minute.

The super wide grinding wheel makes this tool the perfect workshop addition for turners, carvers, and carpenters.

Its LED light provides illumination for detail sharpening and the adjustable eye shield offers 3X magnification.

The tool rest offers adjustment from 0 to 45 degrees and the robust rubber foot base ensures no vibration during operation.

Ironton Variable Speed Benchtop Grinder

The Ironton bench grinder comes with a ¾ horsepower, 5A, 110V motor that delivers a variable speed setting of 2000 to 3400 RPM.

You can rest assured that you’re safe thanks to this grinder’s adjustable eye shield, wheel dresser, and water tray to avoid heat buildup.

Included with the unit are an 8” 60 grit aluminum oxide wheel, an 8” wire wheel, and a light bulb for illumination.

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The Tacklife bench grinder is extremely versatile with six functionalities: sharpening drill, polishing, sharpening knife, sharpening ax,  sharpening chisel, and flexible shaft.

This multi-functional tool is ideal for various jobs at home or on site. The unit can double up as a rotating tool as well, saving you money, energy, and time.

The model includes two safety switch contacts to ensure safety and various other features that make it a must have tool.

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The Grizzly industrial bench grinder comes with a 1/3 horsepower motor that delivers 1750 revs per minute and is ideal for slow speed grinding applications.

The unit also features angle-adjustable tool rests and guards with wheel sizes of 8x1x5/8”. You also get 60 and 120 grit wheels for fine and coarse grinding jobs included in the purchase.

AFF 1/2 HP 6” Bench Grinder

The AFF bench grinder features a ½ horsepower motor, flexible light for illumination (no bulb included), and adjustable steel rest to assist with quick material removal.

The unit is made with robust die cast aluminum for durability and efficiency. Included with this model are one magnifying glass, a water tray, and a standard safety glass.

You can use this bench grinder for almost all heavy duty jobs to produce reliable results every time.

Types Of Grinders

Automotive applications

Automotive grinders are perfect for mechanics and auto body workshops. They can use these machines to remove rust, bolts, and nuts.

They are also used for polishing chrome, steel body parts, and engines.

Woodwork applications

Woodwork bench grinders are a suitable option for craftsmen that use sharp hand tools like chisels or planes.

They can help with making well fitted dovetail joints or smoothing rough wooden surfaces. However, sharpening these tools manually takes a lot longer.

Variable speed grinders

Variable speed grinders are a good fit for those who work in both auto body repair shops and woodworking applications.

Fast speeds are used for cleaning bolts and nuts while slower speeds are great for sharpening hand tools.

Portable speed grinders

Bench grinders are heavy and work well when table mounted. This also prevents the grinder from moving.

However, if you require a unit that can be taken to various worksites, the compact and small units with rubber feet are a more suitable option.

Features To Consider

Wheel material

The wheel material on the grinder is an essential aspect to consider. The most common materials include:

Silicon carbide

This is most commonly found on multi-functional grinders that can be used for various grinding applications.

These wheels can heat up rapidly which is not ideal when using superior quality hand tools like planes and chisels.

Aluminum oxide

Wheels made from this material do not get heated fast and are suitable for grinding hard metals like alloy steel or carbon steel.

Wire wheels

These are constructed with brass and steel bristles, making them perfect for cleaning away the gunk and grease found on auto fittings and valves.

Ceramic aluminum oxide

These wheels are primarily used for grinding away materials from hard steel and alloys.

Buffing wheels

These wheels are made from thick brushed materials and are used for polishing metal and steel to produce a high shine.

Wheel type & size

A bench grinder is characterized by the wheel size which is normally a diameter of six or eight inches. Both sizes work equally but come with different considerations.

Safety tools

Any power tool you buy will pose some risks, and bench grinders are no exception. Safety features that are useful on these power tools include:

Eye safety shields

These normally come standard with most bench grinders and help with keeping steel or metal shards away from your eyes while working. Eye shields are also replaceable.

Spark arrestors

These are tiny steel plates found between the eye shields and wheels. They are designed to prevent sparks from flying everywhere.

There will be sparks but these arrestors prevent it from going too far out.

Other accessories

Standard bench grinder accessories are engineered to make the operation of the tool easier and simpler, these accessories include:

• Tool rests – allows you to hold a blade or knife steady while you’re grinding
• LED light – illuminates your work area for better visibility
• Rubber feet – prevents portable grinders from sliding over the work area
• Water tray – this is useful for cooling off the items you’re working with