The Best Bench Grinders

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Bench Grinders and hope the blog can help you.

Any of these top-notch bench grinders can help DIYers sharpen blades and hone knives, axe heads, and chisels quickly and easily.

Many household and DIY projects require bladed tools or machines, whether it’s mowing the lawn or chiseling some wood. At some point, DIYers need to sharpen those blades or remove rust and corrosion from a steel tool. That’s where a bench grinder shines.

Unlike a stand-alone pedestal grinder, a bench grinder is typically mounted on a sturdy workbench and can tackle these tasks quicker and easier than an old-fashioned whetstone and lots of manual labor. Heavy-duty bench or table grinders typically feature two grinding wheels, often with different grits, to sharpen blades quickly and remove rust. On many grinders, the wheels can be swapped out for either metal brush wheels (a boon when cleaning metal connectors and spark plugs) or for buffing wheels, which are designed for putting a fine shine on metal or plastic surfaces.

Bench grinders are straightforward power tools, and all operate much the same way. The best bench grinders are high quality, easy to use, and protect eyes from sparks and fine metal shards while working (users should always still wear eye protection, though). The following bench grinders would be a good addition to any workshop.

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt DW758  8-Inch Bench Grinder
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder
3. UPGRADE PICK: Jet IBG-8 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder
4. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: DeWalt DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder
5. BEST FOR DIYERS: Wen BG625V 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
6. BEST FOR MECHANICS: Jet JBG-8B 8-Inch Shop Bench Grinder
7. BEST FOR LANDSCAPERS: Sunex Tools 5002A 8-Inch Bench Grinder With Light
8. BEST VARIABLE-SPEED:  Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
9. BEST FOR SHARPENING: Rikon 80-805 8-Inch Low-Speed Bench Grinder
10. BEST WITH WIRE WHEEL:  Jet JBG-6W 6-Inch Shop Grinder With Wire Wheel
11. ALSO CONSIDER: Wen BG4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder

How We Chose the Best Bench Grinders

A solid bench grinder can be the cornerstone (pun not intended) of a workshop. When we set out to curate a list of the top models, we wanted to ensure that the bench grinders we suggested were up to the job. We had to call upon all of our experience as DIYers and professionals to come up with the most important factors to consider when choosing a bench grinder.

Once we knew what to look for when shopping for one of these grinders, we performed extensive research to round up models that might meet our criteria. Then, we compared each model’s size, ability, materials, and value to ensure that they were worthy. Some products didn’t make the cut, but those that did were given awards based on their strengths.

Our Top Picks

The best bench grinder runs smoothly, has adjustable tool rests to get just the right angle, and is safe to operate. The following options are great for DIYers and pros alike, and all include adjustable eye guards, tool rests, and spark arrestors.

Best Overall

DeWalt DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder

This durable DeWalt bench grinder comes with 8-inch diameter grinding wheels so users can sharpen a lot of blades before needing to replace a wheel. The DeWalt DW758 comes with standard items like clear eye shields over both wheels to protect users’ eyes without obstructing their view.

The DW758 features adjustable, heavy-duty aluminum tool rests to allow users to position the item they’re sharpening at an optimal angle. The base, however, is cast iron, providing durability and stability while working with this model. The grinder wheels rotate at 3,600 revolutions per minute (rpm) for quick shaping of metal blades. However, there aren’t any bells and whistles like work lights or variable speeds.

Product Specs

• Size: 8 inches
• Speed: 3,600 rpm
• Horsepower: ¾

Pros

• Large 8–inch wheels provide heavy-duty sharpening for an extended period before replacement is necessary
• Durable cast-aluminum tool rests are stable, allowing for a consistent base and adjustability
• Cast-iron base is heavy and durable, providing long-lasting stability while grinding

Cons

• This model doesn’t include additional features, like work lights or variable speeds

Get the DeWalt DW758 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Wen BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder

The Wen BG4260 6-inch bench grinder’s affordable price point means users can sharpen a lot of blades without spending a lot of money. Shoppers can save money on the grinder as well as when sharpening blades instead of replacing them.

The Wen grinder comes with both 36-grit and 60-grit grinding wheels that spin at 3,450 rpm. The 36-grit wheel is best for reshaping edges, while the 60-grit wheel hones them. It features see-through eye shields to protect the user’s eyes while grinding, and they easily adjust for grinding larger items. Also, each wheel comes with adjustable tool rests to help steady the tool the user is grinding or sharpening—key to consistent results. Unfortunately, there isn’t any information about the motor’s horsepower rating available, and this basic model doesn’t have any bells and whistles to brag about.

Product Specs

• Size: 6 inches
• Speed: 3,450 rpm
• Horsepower: Unspecified

Pros

• Affordable price point; allows users to save money on both the grinder and on sharpening blades
• Low price compared to other models; includes eye protection shields and adjustable tool rests
• Includes 2 grinding wheel grits: The 35 grit reshapes blades and the 60 grit hones edges

Cons

• There isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower rating

Get the Wen BG4260 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Wen.

Upgrade Pick

Jet IBG-8 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder

Folks who might have a bit more money to spend and prefer a top-tier product will want to check out the Jet IBG-8 industrial bench grinder. This model features a heavy-duty 1-horsepower motor that allows users to grind tough materials like stainless steel continuously and repetitively. The motor produces 3,600 rpm, providing a general-use speed from a single-speed tool.

This model features all cast-iron construction, allowing it to be durable and long lasting as well as stable during grinding. There is a rear-mounted dust port that users can connect to a dust-collection system or shop vac to reduce messes. It also has the basics, including adjustable tool rests, adjustable eye protection shields, a 36-grit wheel, and a 60-grit wheel. The only real complaint worth registering is that this model does not include variable speeds, as 3,600 rpm may be a little too fast for delicate sharpening.

Product Specs

• Size: 8 inches
• Speed: 3,600 rpm
• Horsepower: 1

Pros

• The 8-inch wheels and 1-horsepower motor allow users to grind through tough material continuously
• Cast-iron construction makes it durable and stable during grinding
• Rear-mounted dust ports can connect grinder to a dust-collection system, minimizing messes

Cons

• Unlike other bench grinders, this model doesn’t offer any variable speeds
• 3,600 rpm is too much for some uses, like sharpening knives, chisels, and planes

Get the Jet IBG-8 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ace Tool.

Best for Beginners

DeWalt DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder

The DeWalt DW756 might be the top option for those new to the grinding or DIY world. Not only is this bench grinder affordable, but it also has almost everything a new craftsperson would need, including cast-iron construction for long-term durability and two stone grits: 36 and 60.

This model features a ⅝-horsepower motor that spins its 6-inch wheels at 3,450 rpm. Because the tool has a single speed, new users can focus on what they’re doing and not the grinder’s setting. The tool rests are precision machined from aluminum so they’ll stay flat and stable over time, but users can adjust angles whenever needed. The flip-down eye shield is also a benefit to new users, as they can get used to working on their grinder knowing they have an additional barrier between the workpiece and their safety glasses. However, without a built-in work light, users may opt to purchase an additional shop light for their grinders.

Product Specs

• Size: 6 inches
• Speed: 3,450 rpm
• Horsepower: ⅝

Pros

• Durable, long-lasting cast-iron construction; the only grinder a beginner will need for a while
• Single-speed design allows users to focus on their work and not the grinder’s settings
• Flip-down eye shield is an extra protective barrier between the workpiece and user’s safety glasses

Cons

• Doesn’t have an onboard work light, so users may want to purchase their own

Get the DeWalt DW756 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.

Best For DIYers

Wen BG625V 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

DIYers have needs. They like features but bemoan over-the-top prices, and Wen’s BG625V bench grinder will please them on both fronts. It offers features like adjustable speeds and tool position as well as onboard illumination for a quality finished result.

This model’s motor spins at speeds between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm, allowing DIYers to adjust it according to the range of projects they might tackle. It also has the basics, like flip-down eye protection and adjustable tool rests, but the tool rests also feature grooved tool holders for high-quality results (helped along by the onboard lighting). The two wheels that come with this model are 36 grit and 80 grit, the latter of which is finer than most grinders come with, making it more suitable for very sharp tools. The one area where it falls short is that there isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower, so its 2.5-amp variable motor may not be suitable for heavy-duty work.

Product Specs

• Size: 6 inches
• Speed: 2,000 to 3,400 rpm
• Horsepower: Unspecified

Pros

• Adjustable speeds allow DIYers to tweak the speed base by project
• Tool rest features a grooved design that holds workpiece securely for repeatable results
• 80-grit wheel is finer than that of most other bench grinders; more suitable for very sharp tools

Cons

• Heavy-duty work may be out of the question, as the motor’s horsepower rating isn’t available

Get the Wen BG625V bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wen.

Best for Mechanics

Jet JBG-8B 8-Inch Shop Bench Grinder

Whether it’s for cleaning up a fitting before welding or carefully reducing the length of a bolt, Jet’s JBG-8B bench grinder will be at home in a mechanic’s shop. This model features a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm. It can grind heavy-duty metal brackets or tabs but also clean up the end of an exhaust pipe, if necessary.

This model comes with two grinding wheels, including a 36-grit wheel for heavy grinding and a 60-grit wheel for fine-tuning. It also features heavy-duty cast-iron construction, allowing it to withstand the rigors of a mechanic’s shop. And, while it can be bolted down if necessary, it also features rubber mounts underneath that keep it from slipping if the user prefers to take it on and off the bench. If we could change one thing, we would have preferred that it come with a wire wheel for cleaning up threads on hard-to-replace hardware, but the user can purchase one on their own.

Product Specs

• Size: 8 inches
• Speed: 3,450 rpm
• Horsepower: ½

Pros

• ½-horsepower motor can tackle both heavy- and light-duty projects
• Heavy-duty cast-iron construction can withstand the rigors of a mechanic’s shop
• Rubber feet feature means users don’t have to bolt it to their work table

Cons

• Would be more suitable for a mechanic’s shop if it came with a wire wheel

Get the Jet JBG-8B bench grinder at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best for Landscapers

Sunex Tools 5002A 8-Inch Bench Grinder With Light

For sharpening a garden shed full of those tools that keep a landscape looking its best, including snippers, clippers, saws, and axes of all sizes, check out the 5002A 8-inch bench grinder from Sunex Tools. This bench grinder has a ¾-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm, giving it a solid all-purpose grinding speed (ideal for a variety of landscaping blades). The simple design and 8-inch wheels make bringing shovels, lawn mower blades, and axes back to tip-top shape a breeze.

This grinder comes with two eye shields and adjustable tool rests to achieve the proper angle on metal tools and blades. It comes with two sanding wheels: 36 grit and 60 grit. The 36-grit wheel is best for reshaping blades that have taken a beating, while the 60-grit wheel is best for bringing back that sharp edge. The biggest downside is that the tool rests are stamped and not forged, cast, or laser cut like many others at this price point.

Product Specs

• Size: 8 inches
• Speed: 3,450 rpm
• Horsepower: ¾

Pros

• 8-inch wheels and simple design make sharpening large lawn and garden tools straightforward
• The tool rests are adjustable and feature grooves to hold tools in place accurately
• ¾-horsepower motor can handle heavy-duty grinding; all-purpose speed works for most garden tools

Cons

• Tool rests are stamped and not forged, cast, or laser cut like many other models

Get the Sunex Tools bench grinder at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Variable Speed

Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Different metals require adjustable speeds for the best grinding results, and Delta’s 6-inch variable-speed bench grinder might be the tool for the job. It has a dial on the front that allows users to adjust the motor’s speed between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm, allowing them to dial in the correct speed for the project.

This Delta bench grinder comes with two 6-inch grinding wheels, with both a 36-grit and a 60-grit wheel included. It includes eye shields for safety and adjustable tool rests for support. The tool rests feature grooves as well, allowing users to get the exact angle on their blades, chisels, or other tools while protecting their eyesight. It even features a coolant tray that users can drop hot fasteners in for quick cooling. There isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower, however.

Product Specs

• Size: 6 inches
• Speed: Variable, between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm
• Horsepower: Unspecified

Pros

• Lets user dial in the correct speed for their project
• Grooved tool rests let user hold tool in the same position for consistent sharpening