The Best Bench Grinders for 2021
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Best Bench Grinder
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best bench grinders currently available.
UPDATED: August 5, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the JET 577102 JBG-8A because it features a powerful 1 HP motor, durable cast-iron wheel guards, and adjustable tool rests.
What is a bench grinder?
A bench grinder is a type of heavy-duty grinding machine that is used to drive abrasive wheels. These types of grinders are commonly used to hand grind various cutting tools and perform other rough grinding tasks. The two most common versions are 6 inches or 8 inches, meaning they work with that specific grinding wheel diameter.
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Mounting
They are typically bolted directly to a worktop surface or mounted to a pedestal stand. The separate stand can be beneficial as it doesn’t take up valuable worktop space.
Portability
These tools do not offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to portability, the workpiece has to be brought to it. For a more portable, hand-held option, go with an angle grinder.
What is it used for?
Depending on the bond and grade of the grinding wheel, it may be used for sharpening cutting tools such as tool bits, drill bits, chisels, and gouges. Alternatively, it may be used to roughly shape metal prior to welding or fitting.
Power
The power of a particular model’s motor is usually measured in Amps or horsepower (HP) and can range from 1/2 HP up to 1 HP. Generally speaking, the more powerful the motor, the more it can handle when subjected to a load. A larger motor will correspondingly come at a higher cost.
Grit
The benefit of having two grinding wheels in operation simultaneously is that it allows for two different grit options. For example, the typical setup is to have a coarse wheel on one side at around 36-grit and on the other, a fine wheel at 60-grit. This makes it possible to quickly move the workpiece between the wheels depending on the amount of material to be removed.
Speed
The speed rating of grinders is given as Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The standard maximum speed of the most commonly available retail grinders is approximately 3,500 RPM. Note that the RPM value that the manufacturer provides is the “no-load” speed.
Some models offer a dual-speed that allows the operator to select a lower RPM in addition to the maximum RPM. Variable speed options are also available that allow you to customize the speed within a given range. This flexibility allows for an increased range of project applications.
Types of Wheels
The typical wheels on most bench grinders are vitreous-bond wheels. They work best to do their intended task, but they inherently have a risk of cracking. Grinding wheels designed for steel are not to be used for grinding softer metals, like aluminum. The soft metal gets lodged in the pores of the wheel and later expands with the heat of grinding. This can dislodge pieces of the grinding wheel, causing injury.
A wire brush wheel or buffing wheel can be interchanged with the grinding wheels in order to clean or polish workpieces. Stiff buffing wheels can also be used when deburring is required.
Wheel RPM Rating
Wheels come with maximum RPM ratings printed on the label. For safety, the grinder's RPM must be equal to or lower than this value. The tag will include a note, like "the maximum operating speeds indicated on the wheel's tag must never be exceeded". Greatly over-speeding a grinding wheel could cause it to explode.
Safety
Most grinders will come with adjustable eye shields and spark guards mounted to the unit. This is to reduce the risk of a workpiece shard or grinding wheel fragment from hitting the user. However, you should still always wear the appropriate safety equipment including gloves and goggles when operating these tools.
So here is my list of The Best Bench Grinders for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Jet 577102 JBG-8A 8" Bench Grinder
The Jet 577102 JBG-8A bench grinder is powered by a one-horsepower motor that operates at 3,450 RPM.
Features enclosed pre-lubricated ball bearings with a 5/8” arbor.
Equipped with cast-iron wheel guards.
Includes large adjustable eye shields and spark guards.
Comes with two 8-inch vitrified grinding wheels, one coarse and one fine (36-grit and 60-grit).
Includes ports for a dust collector.
Features rubber feet to reduce vibration and movement.
Includes a heavy-duty guarded toggle switch.
Easy-adjusting spark guards and eye shields; guarded switch.
Check out this unboxing, assembly, and demonstration video of the 577102 JBG-8A:
Runner-up: DEWALT DW758 8" Bench Grinder
The DEWALT DW758 8-inch bench grinder is powered by a 3/4 horsepower induction motor that runs at 3,600 RPM.
Equipped with a cast iron base and motor housing for durability.
Features a 12” spacing between the wheels for working with long materials.
Features adjustable aluminum tool rests for accurate positioning.
Equipped with rear exhaust ports in the wheel guards.
Approximately 16 inches long.
Weighs 39.5 pounds.
Best Value: SKIL 3380-01 6” Bench Grinder
The SKIL 3380-01 6” bench grinder is powered by a 2.1-Amp motor that runs at 3,450 RPM.
Features both medium and coarse wheels for working with a variety of materials.
Equipped with built-in LEDs over the wheels to illuminate the work area.
Features adjustable tool rests for precise work.
Includes eye shields for protection while operating the grinder.
Designed with a cast-iron base with pre-drilled mounting holes.
Includes rubber feet for stability and to reduce vibration.
Accessory To Consider
Use a pedestal stand to save bench space.
Best Low Speed Option: RIKON Power Tools 80-805 8" Bench Grinder
The RIKON Power Tools 80-805 is powered by a 1/2 HP motor that operates at 1,750 RPM.
Includes both 60-grit and 120-grit white aluminum oxide wheels.
Equipped with adjustable eye shields and spark resisters.
Features a drill bit groove in the left tool rest for sharpening.
Features a durable cast iron base.
Includes rubber feet to reduce vibration.
Best Work Light: Sunex 5002A 8" Bench Grinder
The Sunex 5002A is powered by a 3/4 HP motor with a no-load speed of 3,450 RPM.
Includes both coarse (36) and medium (60) grit wheels.
Equipped with a cast iron base for long-lasting durability.
Includes a flexible work light for illuminating the work area.
Features a smooth operation with ball bearing construction.
Includes eye shields and tool rests on each wheel.
Best Dual Speed: BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS 8" Bench Grinder
The BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS is powered by a 3.1 AMP motor that offers dual speeds of 1,725 or 3,450 RPM.
Offers quick startups and smooth operation.
Features a front-mounted switch to easily change the speed from low to high.
Includes two cast aluminum work-rests that are adjustable.
Equipped with a cast iron base for durability.
Includes rubber feet to reduce vibration.
Best Budget Option: WEN 4276 6" Bench Grinder
The WEN 4276 grinder is powered by a 2.1 Amp motor for an operating speed of 3,450 RPM.
Offers smooth operation and quick startups.
Includes 6-inch 60-grit and 36-grid grinding wheels.
Equipped with a removable wheel guard for quick changes.
Features adjustable eye guards for protection when working.
Includes a flexible work light for illuminating the work area.
Best Variable Speed: Delta Power Tools 23-196 6" Bench Grinder
The Delta Power Tools 23-196 is powered by a variable-speed induction motor for speeds from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM.
Equipped with a variable speed dial to easily adjust the RPM on the front of the unit.
Includes clear safety shields with quick-adjust thumbscrews.
Features a cast iron base for durability.
Includes a water tray to cool the item being worked on.
Best Magnifying Eye Shields: ATD Tools 10558 8" Bench Grinder
The ATD Tools 10558 is powered by a 3/4 HP ball bearing motor that offers a no-load speed of 3,450 RPM.
Equipped with metal tool rests and spark guards.
Includes two grinding wheels consisting of medium and coarse grit.
Comes with a flexible work light for increased illumination on the workpiece.
Includes both magnifying and standard adjustable shatter-resistant eye shields.
Equipped with a dustproof switch.
Includes a cooling tray.
Includes pre-cast mounting holes in the base.
Best High RPM: Metabo DS 200 8" Bench Grinder
The Metabo DS 200 is powered by an induction motor to minimize noise and vibration.
Features a no-load speed of 3,570 RPM.
Equipped with die-cast aluminum protective covers.
Comes with tool-less adjustable supports.
Features a protective cover bayonet lock for quick changes.
Includes rubber feet to reduce vibration.
Features large spark protection guards
Includes an emergency stop switch.
I hope this list of the best bench grinders was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
