Best Bench Grinder: Top Picks for Sharpening and Grinding in 2024

Looking for the best bench grinder to sharpen and grind your tools and materials? You've come to the right place! This guide will help you choose the perfect bench grinder for your needs by exploring key features, reviewing top models, and providing a handy buying guide.

In a hurry? Here's a quick answer:

The DEWALT DW758 is our top pick overall, offering exceptional power, durability, and adjustable tool rests. However, the Shop Fox W1840 is a great budget-friendly option for basic tasks.

Read on for a more detailed breakdown of the best bench grinders for sharpening and grinding in 2024!

Best Bench Grinders

When it comes to sharpening and shaping metal tools, a bench grinder is an essential tool for any workshop. With so many different options available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. That's why we've compiled a list of the best bench grinders to help you make an informed decision. Our team has researched and tested various models to bring you this comprehensive roundup. Whether you're a professional metalworker or a DIY enthusiast, we've got you covered with our top picks.

DEWALT Bench Grinder

If you're looking for a reliable and powerful bench grinder, the DEWALT DW758 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 3/4 HP induction motor provides superior power for industrial grinding applications.
• The rugged cast iron base and motor housing provide durability and prolonged life.
• The motor runs at 3,600 RPM for high-speed material removal.

Cons

• The grinder is heavy, weighing in at 39.5 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
• The wheels take a while to stop spinning after the grinder is turned off.
• The precision-machined aluminum tool rests could be sturdier.

Our experience with the DEWALT DW758 has been positive overall. The powerful motor makes quick work of tough grinding tasks, and the cast iron base and motor housing feel solid and durable. The adjustable tool rests are a nice touch, although they could be a bit sturdier.

One downside to this grinder is its weight - at nearly 40 pounds, it's not the most portable tool out there. Additionally, the wheels take a while to stop spinning after the grinder is turned off, which could be a safety concern for some users.

Overall, if you're in need of a powerful and reliable bench grinder for industrial applications, the DEWALT DW758 is definitely worth considering.

Shop Fox W1840 Variable-Speed Grinder with Work Light

If you're looking for a reliable and efficient bench grinder, the Shop Fox W1840 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The variable speed motor allows you to adjust the RPM from 2000 to 3400, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and materials.
• The included eye guards with built-in LED lights help keep your workpiece illuminated, making it easier to work with precision and accuracy.
• The onboard quenching tray helps cool down workpieces during long grinding sessions, reducing the risk of warping or damage.

Cons

• The finish could be better, but for its price, it's still a great value.
• Some users have reported issues with wobbly wheels, but this seems to be a rare occurrence.
• Balancing the wheels can be a bit tricky, especially if you don't have experience with bench grinders.

We've been using the Shop Fox W1840 Variable-Speed Grinder with Work Light for a few months now, and we're quite impressed with its performance. The variable speed motor is a great feature that allows us to adjust the speed based on the task at hand, whether we need precision grinding or fast material removal. The included eye guards with LED lights are also very helpful, especially when working in low-light conditions.

The onboard quenching tray is another useful feature that helps keep our workpieces cool and prevents them from warping due to excessive heat. We also appreciate the adjustable work rests, which allow us to pivot the grinder for angled grinding applications.

Overall, we think the Shop Fox W1840 is a great bench grinder for the price. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done and comes with a stocked inventory of replacement parts and a friendly customer phone line. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile bench grinder, this one is definitely worth checking out.

WEN BG4276 Bench Grinder

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bench grinder that gets the job done, the WEN BG4276 is a great option.

Pros

• The 2.1-amp motor turns the 6-by-3/4-inch grinding wheels at speeds of up to 3450 RPM, making it perfect for reviving old tools, knives, bits, and more.
• The flexible work light illuminates your project during operation, allowing for greater precision and accuracy.
• The grinder includes one 60-grit wheel, one 36-grit wheel, and adjustable eye guards, making it a versatile addition to any workshop.

Cons

• The WEN BG4276 is a bit underpowered compared to some of its more expensive counterparts, but it still gets the job done for basic grinding and sharpening tasks.
• The grinder is relatively small, which may be a drawback if you need to work with larger tools or materials.
• Some users have reported that the grinder vibrates a bit more than they would like, but this can be mitigated by securing it to a sturdy work surface.

We were impressed with the WEN BG4276's performance during our testing. The motor is surprisingly powerful for a budget grinder, and the flexible work light is a nice touch that helps you see what you're doing. The adjustable eye guards are a great safety feature, and we appreciated the inclusion of two grinding wheels with different grits.

That being said, the WEN BG4276 is not perfect. It's not the most powerful grinder out there, and it may struggle with larger or tougher materials. Additionally, the vibration can be a bit of an issue, but this is a common problem with bench grinders in general.

Overall, we would recommend the WEN BG4276 to anyone looking for a budget-friendly bench grinder for basic grinding and sharpening tasks. It's not the most powerful or feature-packed option out there, but it gets the job done and includes some nice features that make it a solid choice for the price.

VEVOR Bench Grinder

If you're looking for a versatile and powerful bench grinder, the VEVOR 8-inch bench grinder is a solid option to consider.

Pros

• The 5A brushless motor running at 1800-3795 rpm delivers exceptional grinding power and durability, making it an ideal tool for grinding, reshaping, and sharpening metal implements of all kinds.
• With its electronic speed control system and two grinding wheels, this bench grinder offers versatility and precision. The low-speed setting at 1800 RPM with the fine grinding wheel (80-Grit) allows for maximum control and minimal heat buildup, while the high-speed setting with the coarse grinding wheel (36-Grit) ensures efficient material removal. It's perfectly tuned for each specific task.
• The VEVOR table grinder is designed for user convenience. It features pivoting tool rests with an integrated drill bit guide, allowing for easy adjustment of different cutting angles according to your tools. The adjustable eye guards and onboard work lights ensure safe operation, while the quenching tray can hold water or oil to keep your workpiece cool during grinding.

Cons

• Weighing up to 38 lbs, this variable speed bench grinder is quite heavy and may not be the most portable option.
• Some users have reported that the grinder may not start up smoothly or may have issues with the motor after a few uses.
• The 80-grit wheel may not be fine enough for certain tasks that require a finer grind.

Overall, the VEVOR 8-inch bench grinder is a solid choice for those who need a versatile and powerful tool for grinding and sharpening metal implements. Its electronic speed control system, adjustable tool rests, and onboard work lights make it easy to use, while its robust construction ensures durability and stability during use.

Buying Guide

When it comes to purchasing the best bench grinder, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will discuss the key features that you should look for in a bench grinder to ensure that you make an informed decision.

Motor Power

The motor power is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a bench grinder. The power of the motor will determine the speed at which the grinder operates and the amount of work it can handle. A bench grinder with a powerful motor will be able to handle tougher jobs and will last longer.

Wheel Size

The size of the grinding wheels is another important consideration. The larger the wheels, the more surface area they will cover, and the faster they will grind. However, larger wheels may not be suitable for smaller jobs. It's important to choose a wheel size that matches the type of work you will be doing.

Speed

The speed of the grinder is another important factor to consider. Bench grinders typically come with two speed settings, which are high and low. The speed you choose will depend on the type of material you will be grinding. For example, high speeds are ideal for grinding metal, while low speeds are better for grinding wood.

Additional Features

Some bench grinders come with additional features that can make them more versatile. For example, some models have adjustable work rests that allow you to position the workpiece at different angles. Others come with dust collection systems that help to keep your workspace clean.

Safety Features

Finally, it's important to consider the safety features of the bench grinder. Look for models with safety guards that protect your hands from the grinding wheels. Additionally, some models come with spark deflectors that prevent sparks from flying out of the grinder and causing damage or injury.

By considering these factors when purchasing a bench grinder, you can ensure that you choose a model that is suited to your needs and will provide reliable performance for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a bench grinder and what is it used for?

A bench grinder is a stationary power tool with two grinding wheels used for sharpening, grinding, and polishing metal, wood, or other materials.

What are the key factors to consider when buying a bench grinder?

• Motor power: Determines speed and capacity for handling tough jobs.
• Wheel size: Larger wheels cover more area and grind faster, but may not be suitable for small jobs.
• Speed: High speeds for metal, low speeds for wood.
• Additional features: Adjustable tool rests, dust collection systems, etc.
• Safety features: Guards, spark deflectors, etc.

What are some of the top-rated bench grinders?

• DEWALT DW758: Powerful, durable, adjustable tool rests, heavy (39.5 lbs).
• DEWALT Bench Grinder: Powerful (5/8 HP), industrial build, some vibration at high speeds.
• WEN BG4280: Variable speed, LED work lights, quenching tray, less durable finish.
• WEN BG4276: Budget-friendly, good for basic tasks, less powerful than some models.
• VEVOR 8-inch bench grinder: Powerful, variable speed, adjustable tool rests, heavy (38 lbs).

I'm looking for a powerful bench grinder for heavy-duty tasks. Which one should I get?

Consider the DEWALT DW758 or DEWALT Bench Grinder. Both offer high power and durability.

I'm on a budget and only need a grinder for basic tasks. What are my options?

The WEN BG4276 is a good budget-friendly option for light-duty sharpening and grinding.

What safety precautions should I take when using a bench grinder?

• Always wear safety glasses and ear protection.
• Use the guards provided with the grinder.
• Secure the grinder to a sturdy work surface.
• Be aware of sparks and keep flammables away from the work area.
• Turn off and unplug the grinder before changing the wheels or making adjustments.