Bench grinders are an essential tool for any woodworker. They’re perfect for sharpening and polishing tools, as well as removing excess material from surfaces.
If you don’t have a bench grinder of your own, it’s worth considering getting one to help take care of all of those little jobs that can easily be done with this handy machine.
In this article, we’ll talk about the best bench grinders on the market today and why they’re so great.
Top 9 Bench Grinders Comparison Table
Image | Name | Horsepower | Motor | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. JET IBG-8 578008 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder | 1-1/2 HP | 3,600 RPM | 4.7 |
![]() | 2. WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder | 1/3 HP | 3,450 RPM | 4.6 |
![]() | 3. DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder | 3/4 HP | 3,600 RPM | 4.7 |
![]() | 4. WEN BG4280 5-Amp 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder | 3/4 HP | 3,400 RPM | 4.6 |
![]() | 5. Delta Power Tools 23-197 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder | 3/4 HP | 3,400 RPM | 4.5 |
![]() | 6. RIKON Professional Power Tools, 80-805 Slow Speed Bench Grinder | 1/2 HP | 1,750 RPM | 4.7 |
![]() | 7. JET JBG-8B 577102 8-Inch Bench Grinder | 1 HP | 3,450 RPM | 4.8 |
![]() | 8. DEWALT DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder | 5/8 HP | 3,450 RPM | 4.8 |
![]() | 9. JET JBG-8W 577128 8-Inch Bench Grinder with Wire Wheel | 1 HP | 3,450 RPM | 4.8 |
Things to Consider When Looking for the Best Bench Grinder
The Size of the Wheel
The grinding wheel size is one of the critical factors to consider when looking for the best bench grinder. Different bench grinders vary in size, and that makes them useful and ideal in various applications.
The size of a grinding wheel is its diameter in inches. Wheels with a larger diameter are considered the better ones. You will find options like the 6 and 8-inch abrasive wheels.
In this case, the larger size is considered the better option. The reason for this is because a larger wheel allows you to grind larger surfaces and objects more quickly.
Motor Power
Motor power is a critical factor to consider when looking for the best bench grinder. A bench grinder with a powerful motor enables it to work efficiently without any performance-related issues when grinding on a particular project.
Like any other power tool, the motor power of a bench grinder is measured in amps. You will find different motors like 2.1 and 4.1 amps. If you consider these two, the one with a higher power rating will offer a much better grinding performance.
When looking for the best bench grinder, go for one whose motor is powerful.
The Speed of the Motor
The rotating speed of the motor is an important factor to consider when looking for the best bench grinders. The rotating speed refers to the number of times the grinding wheel of a given bench grinder rotates per minute. The motor rotating speed is given in rotation per minute (RPM) rating.
Powerful motors can register up to 3,000 RPM while other more affordable options can hit RPM speeds of up to 2,000 RPM. The higher the speed of the motor, the better the grinding performance.
The good thing is that most bench grinders come with variable speed triggers. That feature allows you to alter the speed of the motor perfectly according to the activity you are using it for.
The variable speed trigger is incredibly important especially when you are grinding softer materials that require high precision levels.
Size and Form Factor
Though a bench grinder is supposed to be fixed on a bench in the workshop and remain static all along, its form and size are also major factors and one should be keen on that. A smaller bench grinder does not use a large space of your bench and that leaves you with more workspace for the user.
You also need to check the size of the grinding wheel as much as you are the size of the entire bench grinder. Just like expected, one with a grinding wheel that is of a smaller size will be a little bit lower and will stay at one place conveniently.
In the same way, a bench grinder that features a single wheel will take up a lesser space of the workshop. It can be good for your welding bench or table.
Durability and Reliability
Something else you need to consider when buying a bench grinder is its reliability and durability. Everybody would love to buy a bench grinder that will last for a long time. What you need to do is check the strength of a particular bench grinder as well as its build quality.
Any given bench grinder made of cast iron on its base is sturdy and stable. Before settling for one particular bench grinder, check its warranty duration.
Majority of the ones you will find in the market come with a two-year warranty. However, more durable and reliable brands come with a five-year warranty.
Safety Features
Just like most power-operated tools, a bench grinder has its fair share of risks it poses to the user. When one is grinding iron, sparks will be created and some shards of metal will begin flying. For that reason, one should wear safety glasses when operating a bench grinder.
These bench grinders come with some safety features to help reduce the risk.
They include the following:
- Eye guards: Most bench grinders come with eye guards that are in the form of clear, acrylic shields that extend directly over the grinding wheel while you are working. It helps keep steel and metal shards away from reaching your eyes. After a lengthy period of use, these guards can become scratched or dirty, and you should replace them.
- Spark arrestors: these are small steel plates that are found in between the eye guards and the wheels. They capture the sparks before flying away.
Top 3 Best Bench Grinder Reviews
1. JET IBG-8 578008 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder

The JET IBG-8 578008 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder is one of the best bench grinders you will find in the market. It is a powerful grinder bearing in mind that it features a powerful motor that spins the wheel at a speed of 3,600 RPM.
It is a versatile tool since it has coarse (36-grit) and fine (60-grit) verified grinding wheels. It can comfortably be mounted on a workbench or a stand.
This power tool is CSA/CUS certified because it follows strict guidelines and meets the electrical requirements. It is a strongly built tool that will last for a long time.
2. WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder

The WEN 4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder is an incredible bench grinder. It comes with a powerful 2.1-Amp motor that can spin the wheel at a speed of 3450 RPM at no load. The bench grinder fits grinding wheels that have a diameter of six inches and are ¾ inch wide.
It comes with an extra-large eye shield and wheel guards to make sure your safety is not compromised when working with it.
The tool is easy to mount because it features a wide sturdy base. It is made with a lightweight design as well.
3. DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder

The DEWALT DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder features a ¾ HP induction motor that provides it with superior power for all kinds of industrial grinding applications. Its base is made of rugged cast iron, and the motor housing is also strongly built. That means that this tool will last for a long time.
Its powerful motor spins the wheel at a speed of 3,600 RPM. You can use the machine for projects that require precision as it has a tool rest that allows you to accurately position it for work.
It also features two ports of rear exhaust that enhance a smoother operation. The incredible thing about this bench grinder is that features a twelve and a half-inch gap between the wheels and that allows it to run continuously for projects that take a long time. Its powerful motor makes it ideal for industrial grinding projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Variable Speed Grinder Worth It?
To answer this question, it is right to say that a variable speed bench grinder can be helpful but you can still work without one. A bench grinder that operates at one speed is just as good as a variable speed bench grinder.
All that you need to do is put a little more pressure on it while grinding to make any differences. Therefore a variable speed grinder is worthwhile but you can still do without it.
What is a Bench Grinder Good For?
A bench grinder is good for sharpening tools. To be more precise, they are good tools for spinning grindstones which in turn shape the metal. A bench grinder will be effective in restoring sharpness to blunt objects.
However, they aren’t very effective when it comes to instantly putting an edge on a tool.
What is a Variable Speed Bench Grinder?
A variable speed grinder can be described as a grinder that has an induction variable control to deliver more precise results with different materials. It can be used to sharpen a variety of objects because its speed can be altered according to the material being worked on.
You can sharpen woodworking tools with it. All you have to do is reduce the speed and you’ll do a perfect job on them. If you are sharpening metallic tools, all you will have to do is increase the speed and you are good to go.
How Do You Check if a Bench Grinding Wheel is Safe to Use?
You need to confirm that the grinding wheels have bottlers on each side. In addition to that, you need to check if the grinding wheel fits properly to the spindle when mounting it. In case you find out it is loose, you need to replace it immediately.
Do You Have to Mount a Bench Grinder?
Yes, you have to. It ensures that the grinder is fixed on the bench and does not shake at all. It allows you to sharpen your tools perfectly without having to go through a lot of trouble.
How far Should the Guard be on a Bench Grinder?
The distance between the bench grinding wheel and the guard should be about a quarter inch. In case the wheel breaks off, the short distance will help contain all the wheel fragments and that will minimize the probability of an injury.
What Metal Should not be Used on a Table Grinder?
You should avoid grinding aluminum and magnesium at all times. The reason for this is because aluminum melts quickly. Once it begins to melt, it will build up a coat on the wheel and the results of that will be devastating.
What Can You Sharpen With a Bench Grinder?
Though a bench grinder is a must-have tool in every workshop, it is more versatile than one may think. It can be used to grind down the metal and sharpen a variety of tools.
It can also polish or buff metal, get rid of hardened dirt, sharpen wood or metal, shape edges of metal or wood, and remove rust, and many more.
What are Bench Grinder Safety Rules?
There are a few safety rules that one must follow when using a bench grinder. They include the following:
- Always have safety glasses on. A dust mask is also a top priority.
- Avoid wearing loose gloves or clothing while using the bench grinder. Also, make sure that you’ve tied up your long hair.
- Never grind magnesium or aluminum.
- Always keep your fingers about three inches away from the wheel.
- Refrain from trying to adjusting the grinder when it is running.
- You should never grind on side of the wheel.
Can a Bench Grinder be Used to Sharpen an Axe?
Avoid using a high-speed grinder when working on an axe. This is because it will damage the tamper and ultimately ruin your axe by leaving it too soft. It will make it wear out with ease.
Why Do Some Bench Grinders Have Two Wheels?
Almost every bench grinder comes with two wheels. What that does is that it increases the versatility of the tool. One of the wheels is made for tougher grinding situations and that’s why it features medium to coarse grit.
The other one is designed for light sanding tasks and that’s why it features light to medium grit.
Conclusion
A bench grinder is an important tool to have in a workshop. There is a lot you can do with this tool and take your project to a higher level. If you are looking for the best bench grinders, consider those we’ve reviewed in this article.