The Best Bench Grinders | Reviews of Top-Rated Models

Bench grinders are one of those tools that are not always thought of as a woodworking tool. Yet as a woodworker, the quality of your finished product often depends on the sharpness of your tools.

You could keep purchasing brand new tools every time an edge becomes dull OR you could purchase one of the best bench grinders for woodworking to preserve your investment.

Once you have this tool, you will wonder what you ever did without it since you can now have sharpened blades and tools in minutes where you once had to sharpen by hand or completely replace.

Our number one pick for the best bench grinder is the DeWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder. This bench grinder delivers great grinding speed, thanks to its powerful motor. It is super lightweight, making it convenient and easy to use. It also allows for longer and larger grinding applications and DeWALT made this tool with highly durable materials.

The Best Bench Grinders Are:

ProductDetails
1. DeWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder

  • Speed: 3,450 RPM
  • Size: 6 Inches
  • Power: 5/8 HP
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 10.4 pounds
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2. Delta Power Tools 23-197 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

  • Speed: 2,000 - 3,400 RPM
  • Size: 8 Inches
  • Power: 5 Amps
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 44.2 pounds
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3. Craftsman 921154 6-Inch Variable Speed Grinding Center

  • Speed: 2,000 - 3,400 RPM
  • Size: 6 Inches
  • Power: 2.5 Amps
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 30.8 pounds
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4. WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder with Flexible Work Light

  • Speed: 3,450 RPM
  • Size: 6 Inches
  • Power: 2.1 Amps
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 16 pounds
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1. DeWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder

This 6-inch bench grinder features a powerful 5/8 HP induction motor that allows you to quickly complete heavy-duty grinding operations.

We loved the cast iron base and motor housing, adding durability and stability to this particular grinder. It runs at 3450 RPM, so you have high-speed removal and precision sharpening when you need it the most.

The 12.5-inch distance between wheels also allows for larger grinding applications when they may be needed. The only downside is that this is a 6-inch bench grinder, but it makes up for any flaws by allowing for high speeds and also having a decently large distance to handle large grinding applications.

Just remember to keep your hands safe when the machine is in use!

We also like the precision-machined aluminum tool rests that come with this system, as it allows users to position their work accurately. The product is very easy to use, and it comes with rear exhaust ports in wheel guards for smoother operation.

Specs

  • Speed: 3,450 RPM
  • Size: 6 Inches
  • Power: 5/8 HP
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 10.4 pounds

Pros

  • Very easy to use
  • Powerful motor for high-speed material removal
  • Highly durable
  • Allows for larger and longer grinding applications

Cons

  • The vibration level of the unit is a bit high

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2. Delta Power Tools 23-197 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

The variable speed controls of this bench grinder are some of the best in the industry today. You can grind, sharpen, buff, or polish with relative ease with changing speeds. Part of this is due to the 5-amp motor, which lets you power up to 3400 RPM for fast work.

There is a tool rest that has been milled into the surface of the grinder so that you always get the correct angle for sharpening, while there are also compensations for wheel wear so you never wind up with the wrong edge.

Give it a try and we think you will love this bench grinder just like we did. We find it to be one of the best on the market!

The speed range of this tool is from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM. For grinding and sharpening, this 8-inch bench grinder comes with 36 and 60 Grit Wheels. This tool also comes with a flexible work light to help illuminate your workspace.

Specs

  • Speed: 2,000 – 3,400 RPM
  • Size: 8 Inches
  • Power: 5 Amps
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 44.2 pounds

Pros

  • Adjustable full-size safety shields
  • Powerful induction-type motor
  • Variable speed control
  • A cast-iron base for durability and longevity

Cons

  • It is pretty heavy

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3. Craftsman 921154 6-Inch Variable Speed Grinding Center

Out of all the bench grinders we got to take a look at, this model has the least overall vibration. It is a little underpowered at 2.5 amps and 1/5 HP, but it still reaches a no-load RPM of 3400.

The lower speeds help keep vibration under control, resulting in a smoother grind that is easier for most people to handle.

The wider eye shields are transparent and help to act as spark guards as well, limiting the amount of metal flake mess that you create while using this tool.

We still recommend you wear protective eyewear though. It includes a water-cooling tray and handheld wheel dresser, working with its adjustable tool rests, so that you have accurate sharpening or polishing every single time. It is also priced to move.

This is a variable speed unit with a speed range from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM. For accurate bit sharpening, this unit comes with a large adjustment tool that rests with patented attachment.

Specs

  • Speed: 2,000 – 3,400 RPM
  • Size: 6 Inches
  • Power: 2.5 Amps
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 30.8 pounds

Pros

  • Variable speed settings for more control
  • Large cast-iron base for more stability and reduced vibration
  • Added safety features
  • Allows for more accurate bit sharpening

Cons

  • The motor is a little underpowered

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4. WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder with Flexible Work Light

This was the lightest of the bench grinders we had the honor of looking at, but do not let its size fool you. Sometimes the best things come in small packages.

Despite some compromises on the construction of the base to reduce weight, the amount of vibration and drift received was minimal.

This allows the grinder to attach to most workbenches, allowing you to take advantage of the no-load 3450 RPM produced by the 2.1-amp motor.

And best of all, you can grab this grinder for less than $50 right now. This makes the WEN bench grinder a great value for those who need something cost-effective while developing their woodworking career or hobby.

This unit weighs only 16 pounds and it comes with a flexible work light for maximum precision and visibility.

Specs

  • Speed: 3,450 RPM
  • Size: 6 Inches
  • Power: 2.1 Amps
  • Power Source: Electric-Powered
  • Weight: 16 pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight and very easy to use
  • Flexible work light for maximum precision and visibility
  • Protective eye guards to keep your eye safe during work.
  • Sturdy base for reduced vibration

Cons

  • Not the best option for heavy-duty tasks

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Bench grinders are a fairly basic tool. Each one spins 1-2 discs that are composed of various materials to help you with chisel sharpening, saw, and other tools that are used for woodworking.

While they require a little experience to use properly, they are easy to learn how to use and can be essential for any individual who is interested in woodworking.

If you want consistent results with this tool, these are the top-rated bench grinders that are available right now. We hope this these bench grinder reviews have helped you determine just what product will suit your wants and needs.

The best bench grinders for woodworking do not have to break your budget. While most of the inexpensive bench grinders require a compromise between speed, stability, cost, and building materials, it’s easy to find an option that works for you with a little bit of research and know-how.

With just the bare minimum of research, you can find versatile grinders with multiple features that will help you take your projects to the next level. Read this detailed review and then grab yours today. You will not regret it!

Why A Bench Grinder Is The Essential Work Bench Tool

Bench grinders do a great job of sharpening tools, especially when you purchase a single-speed model. If it is rated for 3,000 RPM or more, then you can consistently create sharp tools for your next project.

This makes it a lot easier to maintain your equipment so that your woodworking creativity can always be explored. After all, having tools that are sharp and ready for use is essential if you want to create exceptional woodworking projects.

Yet the bench grinder becomes a truly necessary workbench tool when you choose a model that comes with variable speeds. These variable speed benches are one of the best options for amateur and professional woodworkers alike.

Once you can have lower RPMs and the discs are interchangeable, then you can use your bench grinder for buffing, polishing, and cleaning. The idea behind the lower RPMs is that the discs will no longer produce as much pressure, which is essential for sharpening.

Instead of stripping away the surface of the metal for sharpening, the bench grinder and its blades will instead wipe the surface, cleaning and taking away dust, dirt, and the ever-present sawdust that gets everywhere during woodworking.

Sharpening is a crucial part of any woodworking tool for example mower blades. It is very important to sharpen mower blades.

You also have size options available to you that can facilitate grinding, cleaning, and the other aspects of this tool that you may wish to use. Most bench grinders are either 6-inch or 8-inch models.

The 8-inch grinder is generally the best option from which to choose as it provides a 0.25-inch larger wheel that is accessible to the user.

This means you do not have to lower your hands closer to the physical component of the bench grinder. It also makes it easier to sharpen longer tools since you have more grinder space for sharpening and cleaning.

There are 10-inch models available as well, which pushes the wheel size to 1.25 inches. Some manufacturers have commercial or industrial models that go beyond 10 inches, but for the average woodworker, the best value comes with the 8-inch model.

The 10-inch model just costs too much money and provides little benefit for the individual that cannot be obtained from the 8-inch model. Most woodworkers do not need the biggest option, they need the best one. A good angle grinder can be a very good pair with a small bench grinder.

When purchasing a bench grinder, you also want to pay attention to how it sits at a workstation. While some grinders are stationary, others require the use of wheels. If you do choose a model with wheels, you are going to want to invest in a model with wheel guards, which will stop you from kicking the grinder out of place.

The wheel guards will also make sure flying material does not end up clogging the wheels. Although there is not a lot of debris that occurs when using a bench grinder, it is still possible for some metal shavings to fly about.

The guards add some extra protection, and it is also important that you keep yourself safe by wearing safety goggles, gloves, and a facial mask to stop you from inhaling metal shavings.

If the bench grinder does not have wheels, it will most likely have rubber feet. These rubber feet will stop the tool from slipping and sliding while you are operating the blades.

This is a significant feature since you definitely do not want the blades to be moving while your hands are nearby. If you do not want to buy a unit with wheels, invest in rubber feet.

How To Properly Use Your New Bench Grinder

It is important to store your bench grinder in a careful manner. Most of the wheels that you will be using with this tool are glass-bonded products, so they are strong, but can still be quite brittle.

After all, glass is simultaneously one of the strongest and yet most fragile materials because of the way it is produced.

Any unexpected impact could damage the wheel or the bench grinder – and that type of damage is usually not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. This means you need to store the bench grinder and its discs in an area where things will not fall on it or hit.

If you happen to be storing your woodworking equipment in a garage or toolshed, consider keeping the bench grinder away from other tools and definitely not under any hanging implements.

You will also want to check the machine speed against the safe operating speeds that are listed on your preferred grinding wheels. Over-spinning a wheel above its ratings can cause it to dislodge from the bench grinder. This could injure you or cause a lot of damage to your workbench.

The wheels that usually come with a lot of bench grinders have a different maximum speed than that of the bench grinder itself. It is always best to check the specs and read the user manual before you use it.

Most bench grinders will require you to mount them before use. Most bench grinders are not capable of standing on their own, so be sure to have the proper tools for mounting. The only exception would be portable bench grinders that are balanced in a specific way.

The last thing you want to have happened is your bench grinder falling over with a sharp tool in your hands, so make sure you have given this tool a solid base before using it.

Finally, you are going to want to determine whether or not you want a work light. A work light will keep your workstation illuminated.

This addition is valuable if you have a special place where you perform your woodworking such as a barn, garage, or shed where you keep all of your tools. The ideal style will be a flexible work light that can be adjusted to suit different angles.

Flexible work lights are sold separately from bench grinders but are considered one of the most valuable assets you can get because the presence of extra illumination heightens the degrees of your sharpening and work.

Above all else, you will also want to control dust and protect yourself from particulates when using the best bench grinders for woodworking. Use your personal protective equipment and consider adding a dust collection bin or bag if your preferred model does not collect dust on its own.

Breathing in glass, grit, and metal shavings is not a pleasant experience. Many consider it worse than breathing in sawdust since the shavings tend to be sharper. Always wear a mask and goggles when operating the bench grinder, as well as safety gloves.

After carefully examining several different options currently on the market, we have determined that the award for best bench grinder for woodworking should go to the Dewalt model for its heavy-duty grinding and stable operation.

How To Maintain Your New Bench Grinder

Owning a bench grinder is just one-step of the process. For proper woodworking, you will also need to know how to maintain your bench grinder.

Otherwise, you will be only receiving a partial benefit from this tool and you could be putting your project or your health at risk. Most bench grinders come with instructions, so be sure to read any documents that come with the bench grinder.

Most wheels are made from aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Ferrous metals benefit from the first type of wheel, while all other metals benefit from the latter wheel type.

When buying a bench grinder, there will usually be information about what type of wheels are included. You can use an angle grinder wheel for cutting metals. If you want to buy a new one, you can buy them for very little at most hardware and woodworking stores.

To maintain these wheels, you’ll want to dress them regularly so that you can remove any clogged grains that may be on the wheel. You have two options available to you: diamond dressers or star-wheel dressers.

We recommend this diamond dresser for general needs. We also recommend this emery star-wheel dresser.

For general cleaning purposes, the star-wheel dressers will give you consistently clean grains. If you have cleaned the wheel several times already, then the diamond dresser is a better option because it will help to restore the sharpness of the wheel to some extent.

The best bench grinder owners will use the star-wheel dresser first to remove wood grains and then go in with the diamond dresser. Just run the dresser over the wheel as instructed by the manufacturer.

You will also want to inspect your bench grinder to ensure there are no cracks in the wheel before and after use. The most common reason for wheel cracking is an over-tightening of it.

This is a common error since most people worry about the wheel coming loose while the bench grinder is in use. Just be sure to have it tight enough that the wheel is held in place and no more than that.

What Will It Cost Me To Buy The Best Bench Grinders

Compared to the cost of constantly replacing dull tools or having a professional sharpener address them for you, a bench grinder is reasonably affordable.

There are several models that are available right now for less than $100. Most of the cheaper bench grinders are 6-inch models, however, so they may not be suitable to the needs of every woodworker.

Most bench grinders fall between $100 and $200. At this price, you can find an 8-inch bench grinder with features like an attached light. These are the products recommended for the average woodworker who will be spending a reasonable amount of time working with their tools.

You can also check for better prices from a variety of online retailers, who tend to try to sell bulk products or surplus at discounted prices. Sometimes you can also call hardware stores and see if they have some units they are struggling to move.

Remember to always check what is included in the initial price you are given. While some sellers will include a variety of add-ons such as flexible work light or extra blades, others will only give you the bare bones and expect you to pay extra for other features.

Industrial-grade bench grinders can be priced all the way up to $1,000, but are better for individuals who do woodworking as their primary profession. Many of these models will have more powerful motors, which explains why they can cost more.

Over time, you will also need to replace the various wheels that are being used with your bench grinder as well. Prices go up based on the fineness of the grit that is required. 36-Grit wheels can be found for $10, while 6,000-grit wheels may cost upwards of $100 each.

Most woodworkers can find replacement wheels between these two pricing extremes. If you need something for small tasks then use an air die grinder, which does the job that is small or minute in nature.

The grit of the wheel refers to how abrasive it is. In general, the lower a grit number is, the more broadly abrasive the wheel. Therefore, for example, a 36-grit wheel has larger grains and is, therefore, best used for broad sharpening.

A finer grit, meanwhile, will produce more detail and works well for more fine-tuning of a tool’s sharpness. They can also be used for cleaning and buffing. It is easier to see why they are more expensive since they are more difficult to make and tend to be used for more specialized tasks.

If you want a fully functional bench grinder that can be used for a variety of tasks, you are going to want wheels of different grits. Most woodworkers should have at least two or three for diversity and range.

Conclusion

If you are interested in more tips, tricks, product reviews, and buying guides, check out our homepage. We regularly post new content for you to enjoy.

Our top pick for the best bench grinder is the DeWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder because it comes with a very powerful motor that delivers a no-load speed of 3,450 rotations per minute.

The bench grinder is super lightweight and it is very easy to use. It is made with highly durable materials and it allows for longer and larger grinding applications.