The importance of working with top quality tools can never be overemphasized. To get any task done in a timely and efficient manner, a good tool in great condition is needed. While every tool in your workshop is important, some are more than important. Bench grinder, for instance, is often described as the ultimate ‘do-it-all tool’.
Also variously referred to as table grinders or pedestal grinders, bench grinders are bench mounted abrasive tools that are used for several tasks including shaping, sharpening, buffing, polishing, and cleaning of all kinds of metal and wooden objects. They are actually grinding machines that are used to drive abrasive wheels. Depending on their performance and the wheels they are driving, these machines can be used for all manner of rough grinding.
Since they need to be fixed to a worktop, bench grinders are not the most flexible grinders. The workpiece will have to be brought to the grinder. The sheer amount of work they can handle, however, is always impressive. While they may be used mostly for grinding off dust and imperfection or adding a smooth finish to an item, bench grinders can also be used for honing other tools in the workshop. This is why they are highly regarded. Cutting tools like tool bits, drill bits, chisels, gouges, and similar tools made of metals may need to be sharpened from time to time; bench grinders will get the job done most effectively.
Finding the perfect bench grinder can be a little more difficult than you anticipate. An article like this with top products review and a buying guide can always be useful. Here, we will review some of the top bench grinders on the market now and provide links to get them at the best deal.
Our Top 7 Picks
If you are considering buying a great bench grinder that will serve efficiently for years, here are 7 of the best ones to consider at the moment:
1. JET 577102 JBG-8A 8-Inch Bench Grinder
This is a powerful and highly versatile bench grinder that you can trust. Coming from a top brand, it has the right features to deliver great performance consistently, and will bring lots of improvement in your workshop. It is delightfully made to fit into all kinds of shops, including those that have very little space. It is also perfectly built to withstand high-volume demands: it will grind, sharpen, and smoothen whatever you throw at it with precision.
This remarkable bench grinder comes with industrial-grade 36-grit and 60-grit 8-inch wheels for versatility. It features a 1-horsepower, 115-volt motor that can deliver a speed of up to 3,450 RPM. It comes with 2 vitrified grinding wheels (1 coarse and 1 fine wheel). There is also a heavy-duty guarded toggle switch that will help you work more efficiently with the tool. The cast iron wheel guards have ports for dust collection. You will also get eye shields when you buy this top quality bench grinder.
2. DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder
Dewalt is a company that is renowned for the quality of their tools and this is one of the very best bench grinders they have made. It is a powerful grinder that is ideal for a variety of tasks including deburring, dust removal, and cleaning. Though this top quality grinder is ideal for large grinding applications, it is particularly impressive for high-speed material removal. It is great for both home and industrial applications and is quite durable.
The DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder features a powerful 3/4 HP induction motor that is capable of providing superior power for all sorts of grinding: it can run at a speed of 3,600 RPM for high-speed material removal. It features two precision-machined aluminium tool rests that allow the operator to position works accurately at all times. It also comes with a tool-free adjustable guard and surge protector for the safety of the operator. The cast iron base and motor housing are features that help to prolong the lifespan of the grinder. It also comes with a 3-year limited warranty; one-year free service.
3. WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder
This is a remarkable package that comes at a very affordable price. It is an excellent option for those that are on a budget but want a quality bench grinder. It is a highly rated grinder that will make an excellent addition to any workshop. The design is great, and even though it doesn’t feature built-in light, the flexible work light that comes with it makes up for this.
The WEN 4276 features a 2.1 amp motor that delivers enough power for most grinding tasks. It can deliver a steady speed of 3450 RPM, which is okay for a machine of its size and is ideal for fast deburring of unwanted edges and rust removal. It includes two 6-inch by 3/4-inch wheels: a 60-grit wheel for material removal and general-purpose grinding as well as a coarse 36-grit wheel for faster material removal. Thanks to two precision-machined aluminium tool rests, it is easy to accurately position work while using this tool. The heavy-duty base makes it easy to mount and use this grinder. There are protective eye guards for the safety of the user.
4. SKIL 3380-01 6-inch Bench Grinder
Skil is another highly respected brand when it comes to quality bench grinders and this is their best budget-friendly bench grinder. It is perfect for a wide range of applications including grinding down of welded joints, polishing surfaces, as well as smoothening roughened chisel edges, drill bits, and similar metal tools. It has a solid cast iron base with rubber feet for easy mounting and operation.
Coming to the technical part, the Skil 3380-01 features a 2.1 amp, 120V motor that is capable of providing enough power for routine grinding and related tasks. It is capable of delivering a speed of 3450 RPM, which is sufficient for effective performance. It features medium and coarse wheels in 6-3/4 diameter that will grind down a variety of material needs. There are adjustable tool-rests for the two wheels to make accurate positioning easier, as well as convenient built-in LED Work Lights over each wheel for a clearer view. You also get eye shields for safety when you but this bench grinder. It comes with the reliable Skil Three Year Benchtop Warranty.
5. Rikon Professional Power Tools, 80-808, 8″ Slow Speed Bench Grinder
This is a professional grade bench grinder that is perfectly built for all manner of applications. It can handle most tough tasks in your workshop effectively. It is especially perfect for sharpening operation since it is fully equipped with a diamond wheel sharpener and has a design that reduces the amount of heat produced by the motor. It has a cast-iron base with rubber feet on it to absorb most of the vibration to keep it stable and let you work smoothly.
This Rikon Professional slow speed bench grinder features a powerful 1/2 HP motor with 1750 RPM low speed; delivering enough power to sharpen most hand tools. It comes with high quality 1″ x 8″ 60-grit and 120-grit white aluminium oxide wheels for grinding and sharpening – both wheels can operate at the same time or independently without any issues. It also comes with adjustable safety eye shields.
6. ATD Tools 10558 8″ 3/4 HP Bench Grinder
This is a heavy-duty, fixed, high-speed bench grinder that is perfect for home and industrial application. This is a high-performance tool that can handle most tasks in your workplace. Though there are few complaints about the design, users are majorly happy with the performance of this powerful bench grinder. It is one of the highest-rated bench grinders on the market due to its amazing performance and the fact that it is durable.
ATD Tools 10558 8″ Bench Grinder features an incredible 3/4 HP, 4.8 Amps, 120V heavy-duty, ball-bearing motor that is powerful for almost any task you will need it to perform in any workshop. It can deliver a No-Load-Speed of 3,450 RPM, which guarantees quick and efficient operation at all times. It comes with two 8″ diameter wheels (1 medium and 1 coarse-grained wheel) for grinding and sharpening. Though the tool rests on both wheels are small and not adjustable, they will help any experienced user position work accurately. Instead of inbuilt lights, it features a light which some users find incredible, though it doesn’t turn on unless the grinder is running. It has a spray shield that has magnifying glass protection of user and a better view of the work in progress.
7. Rockwell ShopSeries RK7867 6-Inch Bench Grinder
This is a little versatile bench grinder that is most suitable for small and medium-sized projects. While it will be the perfect bench grinder for home use, it can also be a significantly helpful tool in any workshop. It can fit into workplaces where space is an issue. It is easy to mount and use.
The Rockwell ShopSeries RK7867 6-Inch Bench Grinder features a 1/2 HP motor with 2.0-Amp input that provides enough power for most grinding and sharpening tasks. It can deliver a speed of 3450 RPM, which is fast enough for grinding and rust removal. It comes with 2 (one 36-grits and one 60-grits) grinding wheels. There are adjustable tool rests for precision control. This bench grinder also comes with eye shields for the safety of the operator.
How to choose the best bench grinder
Barely looking at the products we have reviewed, you will understand that several top industry players produce bench grinders. These manufacturers and several others whose products couldn’t make this list have several models of bench grinders on the market. Choosing from the multitude of options can be very tough. You need more understanding of how the products work and the most important qualities to look out for. That is exactly why this section is important.
Factors to consider when choosing a bench grinder
Though we have found the best bench grinders on the market and reviewed them, it is still important that you have a basic understanding of the factors that are critical to the performance of the machine. Here are some of the most important features you must consider before settling for a particular bench grinder:
What you need it for
Just like with every other tool, bench grinders are not made equal. Some are perfect for industrial application and others can only handle small and medium projects. It is important that you buy a model that will be suitable for the work you need it for. You should also consider how often you will be using the machine.
Brand
If you look at the array of products we have reviewed, you will notice that they are all from reputable companies. This may not seem like the most important factor, but it is still essential that you buy bench makers made by reputable companies.
Size and power
We are discussing these two factors because they are related in most model. Generally, bigger models offer more power except in rare cases. Most small models deliver just enough power to handle most non-industrial grinding jobs. Depending on the kind of tasks you are going to perform with the bench grinder, buy a model that offers enough power to get the job done efficiently.
Speeds
Speed is another important factor to consider before choosing a bench grinder. Though high-speed grinders in the range of 3500 RPM are admired for their abilities to get the work done quickly and effectively, some tasks are best performed with low-speed grinders in the range of 1,700 RPM. Depending on the type of job you will use the machine for, choose the one that offers the right speed.
Wheel of the Grinder
It is also important that you consider the wheels of the grinder. It is important that you get bench grinders that have wheels with different grits. Almost every modern model come with one medium wheel and one coarse wheel.
Other Important Features
There are some other important features that you need to look at before choosing a bench grinder. Tool rests, for instance, are critical to the quality of job you will be able to achieve with the grinder. Eye guards are also important for the safety of the users. You also need to look at the lighting technique used by the machine; while inbuilt lights are great, flexible lights can also perform satisfactorily and let you work in poorly lit conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is faster always better?
Generally, speed is important in getting the job done quickly and efficiently. This, however, does not mean that speed is better at all times. Some jobs require lower speed grinders. Delicate tools, for instance, need to be sharpened at low speed to prevent overheating.
Are there safety issues I may experience using bench grinders?
While using the bench grinder, flying debris and sparks are almost inevitable. They are the major safety issues you need to be aware of. Most manufacturers include safety eye guards in their package and it is important that you use them or goggles anytime you are using the grinder.
How do I care for my bench grinder?
Generally, bench grinders do not require so much in terms of maintenance. If you use them under the right condition, they will be able to stand the test of time. Wheel dressing, however, is an important requirement that you need to respect. This will square the wheels and round them, reducing wobble and exposing fresh grit to keep the machine working smoothly.
What is the best grinder for a beginner?
Grinders that have tool rests allow for precise positioning of the work to get the job done properly. These are important and will help anyone that doesn’t have serious knowledge of using bench grinders. It is even better when the tool rests are adjustable.
Wrapping up
Deciding to choose a particular bench grinder over several other options can be very tough. We have tried to make it easier by finding out the best 7 grinders on the market and discussing their most significant features. We have also discussed the most important factors to consider before choosing one and answered some of the questions you may have. All the products featured here are top quality bench grinders. They are also highly rated by verified buyers and users. You can order with confidence.
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