
Last updated on October 18, 2022 6:55 pm by the writer.
Need a bench grinder for your workshop?
The best bench grinder for the workshop or garage runs at a consistent operational speed and delivers with minimal vibration.
The Dewalt or a Jet bench grinder are popular choices, depending on if you want the best or the best value.
Some DIY’ers instead opt for the best variable speed bench grinder, and craftsman builds a tool that delivers.
Best bench grinder [Single speed]
#1 Best Value bench grinder
Dewalt DW758 8-inch bench grinder
- Fairly stable and vibrates only slightly when properly set up.
- Can handle large and long workpieces.
- 3/4 hp induction motor runs for industrial use at 36000 RMP.
- Can sharpen steel tools effectively.
- Built to last longer than DIY models.
- Comes with a 36 grit and 60 grit wheel.
- Takes a while to reach full speed.
- Not variable speed.
#2 The strongest bench grinder
Jet 577102 JBG 8-inch bench grinder
- Comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Has 1 HP of power for heavy-duty grinding jobs.
- Rubber foot and bolt-in option ensures maximum stability.
- Has a heavy-duty toggle switch with a built-in guard.
- Has a 36 grit and 60 grit grinding wheel.
- Top of the range and built to last the best for industrial use.
- Tool rests could be a bit bigger.
#3 Best 6-inch bench grinder
Dewalt DW756 6-inch
- Still powerful enough for most DIY tasks.
- Grinding wheels stay straight even at slow speeds.
- 5/8 Hp of power.
- Comes with 36 and 60 grid wheels.
- Can “walk” across the table if not bolted down.
- May vibrate noticeably even after aligning the wheels.
- The power cord is stiff and inflexible.
- Smaller and less power than the 8-inch version.
#4 The Metabo bench grinder
Metabo DS200 8-inch
- Very little vibration during use.
- Remains stable on the work surface even without being secured to the work surface.
- Can sharpen large tools such as shovels and axes.
- Small eye guards may require the use of a full face mask during grinding.
- Tool rests are too small.
- After-market rests can be difficult to install.
#5 Best slow speed bench grinder
Makita GB602 6 inch
- This slow-speed bench grinder spins at 2850 RMP and is the best pro-choice for sharpening chisels if you don’t want a DIY variable-speed bench grinder.
- Noticeably well-built and sturdy.
- Easy to change the wheels.
- The motor is a split capacitor, resulting in reduced noise and vibration.
- Solid construction and built to last.
- The magnifying lens in one eye-shield can actually just blur the view.
- Might be to-slow to handle heavy-duty polishing work.
- A variable speed bench grinder can be. adjusted between a slower 2000 and 3450 RMP.
#6 DIY table grinder
Skil 3380-01 6-inch
- Feels solid and has a nice heft.
- Rubber feet keep the grinder securely on the table.
- Cheaper than other bench grinders.
- The wheel bogs down even with just a little pressure.
- Tool rests are too narrow and difficult to adjust.
- It May have to be bolted down for heavy-duty jobs.
Best variable speed bench grinder
#1 Best variable speed bench grinder 8 inch
Craftsman professional 8-inch variable speed bench grinder
- Stable and reliable performance when used with high-quality wheels.
- Better DIY brand than the others.
- Equipped with a useful light.
- Good for sharpening tools like chisels with variable speed.
- Narrow nose housing gives you better space for working.
- Solid and robust construction.
- Has enough power for even the most demanding grinding jobs.
- Comes with a wire wheel.
- Attached is a water tray.
- Variable Speed between 2000 to 3450 RPM.
- The light can come too loose from vibrations and need tightening.
- Vibration can be bothersome depending on the quality of the wheels installed.
#2 Best variable speed bench grinder 6 inch
Craftsman 921154 6-inch variable speed bench grinder
- Handles a wide variety of tasks from sharpening tools to removing rust.
- Good choice for restoring tools.
- Cheaper than the bigger 8 Inch version for light DIY work.
- For DIY it can still sharpen chisels and tool blades ready for a sharpening stone.
- Built-in light provides plenty of illumination.
- The bench grinder comes with a wire wheel.
- Variable speed control of between 2000 and 3400 RPM.
- Attached are 2 water trays.
- The tool rest is a bit too small.
- 6 inches could be too small depending on the tasks.
- Hums pretty loudly at slower running speeds.
#3 A DIY garage bench grinder
Shop fox w1840 8 inch variable-speed grinder
- Smooth and stable performance when properly set up.
- Light is smaller than others and not in the way.
- Variable motor speed ranges between 2000 and 3400 RPM.
- The engine stays cool even with heavy use.
- The wheels need some balancing for smooth operation.
- Wire wheels require spacers because of the long bolt threads on the rod.
- Diy bench grinders.
#4 Another variable speed table grinder
Delta power tools 23-197 8-inch
- Has decent gooseneck light.
- Tool rest has a built-in drill bit rest, ensuring a good angle when sharpening drill bits.
- Independently adjustable tool rests. compensate for worn wheels and allows for different grinding angles.
- For sharpening and grinding it comes with a 36 and 60 Grit Wheel .
- Has a small water tray.
- Variable speed between 2,000 and 3,400 RPM.
- Grinding wheels wobble too much.
- It can be difficult to balance the wheels.
- Not built to last forever.
#5 The WEN DIY bench grinder
Wen 4280 5 amp 8-inch variable speed bench grinder + light
- Runs quietly and does not vibrate much at all.
- Doesn’t bind or slow down even with moderately heavy pressure.
- Stable operation even without having to secure it to the work surface.
- Comes with an 80 Grit and a 60 grit grinding wheel.
- Runs-on a .75HP motor.
- Variable speed control that can be adjusted between 2000 to 3400 RPM.
- Built-in light often falls to the side when the grinder is in use.
- Cheaply made.
#6 A DIY table grinder with variable speed
Norse bgc8 9682080 8 inch
- Handles a variety of tasks including sharpening, grinding, deburring, and rust and paint removal.
- Adjustable tool rests allow for different grinding and sharpening angles.
- Accommodates larger workpieces due to the small diameter housing.
- Has a wire wheel.
- The narrow neck gives you more working space.
- Only .5 HP.
- DIY Brand.
#7 The Rikon bench grinder
Rikon 8 inch variable speed bench grinder
- Can also be effective for tool sharpening and metal cleaning.
- Comes with convenient accessories such as a pull-out water tray and an LED light.
- The bench grinder has a wire wheel.
- Variable speed between 2,000 and 3,400 RPM.
- Wheels are noticeably wobbly during use.
- Tool rests are a bit flimsy.
- For the price get a pro brand instead.
#8 Another variable speed bench grinder
Delta 23-198 6-inch variable speed bench grinder
- Very effective at sharpening lathe tools.
- Durable and long-lasting motor.
- Variable speed of between 2,000 and 3,400 RPM.
- Included are a 36 Grit and 60 Grit grinding wheel.
- Grinding disks are a bit difficult to remove.
- The included wrench for locking the axle is flimsy.
- The motor can get too hot.
An overview to bench grinders
Bench grinders are power tools equipped with abrasive grinding wheels. Their primary function is to grind down various types of materials, typically wood or metal.
There are countless uses for bench grinders. Often used for sharpening tools like blades and drill bits, when a dedicated sharpener is not around , they are also effective for cleaning, buffing, or polishing surfaces.
In the hands of a skilled worker, bench grinders can even be used to fashion new tools from raw metal.
What else do you need when working with bench grinders?
Apart from the bench grinder itself, there are some other tools and accessories you will need to have to perform a variety of tasks.
Most bench grinders come with tool rests, although you may have to purchase an aftermarket rest that provides more adjustment options.
Grinders typically come with grinder wheels as part of the set, but again, you might want to purchase wheels with different grit sizes depending on how you will use the grinder.
It is also a good idea to purchase a buffing wheel for honing blades and buffing wooden pieces.
Do you need a professional brand for DIY use?
In most of my tool reviews, I always emphasize the need for pro-level equipment, even for DIY use. Bench grinders are among the few exceptions to this rule. For most purposes, a good DIY brand will do just fine.
Bench grinders are fairly simple in terms of design and function, so even a DIY brand should provide satisfactory performance for a tool that’s not used often.
Whether you go for a pro or DIY model though, one thing that’s good about DIY brands is the variable speed setting.
Many inexpensive brands–and even most heavy-duty models–simply run at one speed, which limits your options considerably.
What’s it like to use a good-quality bench grinder?
Fast speeds aren’t usually an issue for heavy-duty jobs for which you will probably want your grinder going at full bore the entire time.
For most other applications, however, you will likely need to adjust the speed depending on the material you are grinding. In particular, you will want to set your grinder to slower speeds when sharpening chisels, to avoid overheating the metal.
Without a variable speed control, you will have to constantly turn the motor on and off to slow the wheel down. In addition to placing undue stress on the starter mechanism, this can get very annoying after a while.
Other than that, for commercial and industrial use, you will get a much better life span with a pro brand under daily use. And therefore you should consider if you want a slow or fast speed bench grinder.
For cutting metal, however, you should use a Dewalt chop saw for bulk cutting or pick the best cordless angle grinder for more portable metal cutting jobs.
Features to look for
- Speed control or speed. Essential for reducing or increasing the speed of the wheel according to the requirements of the job.
- Disk size. Smaller disk sizes have a more acute curvature, which might be better suited for certain tasks, while larger disk sizes are generally more versatile.
- Work light. An onboard light will help you see what you are doing and spare you the hassle of setting up a lamp near your work area.
Do you need a variable speed control for a bench grinder?
For sharpening chisels or tool blades a bench grinder with variable speed control lets you adjust the bench grinder to operate at slower speeds.
The trouble of using a single-speed bench grinder
Most single-speed bench grinders only run at 3400 RPM, which is suitable for burr and stock removal.
But at that speed it can be a bit too fast for sharpening tools, ideally, a speed of about 1700 RPM is better.
Although tools and blades can still be sharpened effectively at high RPM, just more care needs to be taken with frequent stops to place the metal surfaces under heat in some water to cool down.
Without a variable speed control, you are pretty much limited to running your grinder at full bore all the time. You could turn off your grinder to slow it down of course, but this hinders work efficiency and quickly gets annoying.
What sets variable-speed control apart from single-speed?
With variable speed control, you could run it at top speed when you need to remove stock and slow it down when sharpening tools.
Some people control the speed of their single-speed grinders with a rheostat or a dimmer circuit [1]. Although this will work with grinders that have brush-type motors, a grinder with an induction motor will burn up when operated in this manner.
Save yourself the trouble–and the expense–and simply get a variable-speed grinder if you are after out-of-the-box speed control.
With a single-speed high RPM bench grinder, there is more risk of overheating when sharpening tools, and you could ruin a perfectly good edge.
And if you are smoothing a workpiece, high speeds might leave burn marks on the surface.
On the other hand, all-pro made bench grinders like Dewalt, Makita, and Jet only come as a single-speed unit.
Remember if a bench grinder is a brush-type motor you could use a rheostat or a dimmer circuit to control the speed on a pro-brand tool.
Should you get a 6 or 8-inch table grinder?
Most commercially available grinders have disk or wheel sizes of 6”, which run at regular speed, and 8”, which is better suited for a slow-speed operation.
What DIYers should use?
Grinders intended for DIY home use usually have 6” disks. They typically run at speeds of 3400 to 3600 RPM and are suitable for most basic home improvement jobs.
Although they have smaller wheels than their 8” counterparts, many grinders with 6” wheels are surprisingly heavy.
Nevertheless, they are fairly easy to manage, and they are useful for even moderately difficult tasks.
What do professionals use?
Most pros use 8” grinders. They are better suited for heavy-duty work and are more appropriate for use with a buffing wheel or a wire brush.
Most 8” models do tend to run a bit slower than 6” grinders, but you won’t have to change the wheels as often, and they generally require much less maintenance.
In most cases, it would be better to go for an 8” wheel right off the bat.
Larger bench grinders are useful for basic sharpening of chisel blades and the like and metal-polishing tasks, and you will save money in the long run because you won’t have to keep changing the wheels.
If you do need the more acute curvature provided by a smaller wheel, you can simply swap out the standard 8” wheel for others that are better suited for the job you need to do.
You will definitely get more use out of an 8” grinder and a variety of wheels than you would with a 6” grinder and the same set of wheels.
Choosing the best bench grinders
Like most heavy-duty grinders, the Dewalt DW758 8” only runs at a single speed. Even so, it does a great job of shaping tools, deburring, and removing rust spots.
You could even use it to sharpen tools if you go slow, use a cup of water to periodically dip your chisels in for example, and exercise a bit of caution. The two wheels are spaced 12 ½” apart, so they can handle longer and larger pieces very easily.
#1 Best value durable bench grinder
The Dewalt bench grinder is the best value for money pro brand bench grinder, this is my recommendation if you want quality over variable speed.
#1 Best variable speed bench grinder
The Craftsman 8” bench grinder has a speed control that varies the wheel rotation from 2000 to 3450 RPM, making it suitable for almost any grinding, sharpening, or buffing task.
It has a work light with a flexible arm so you can work even in low-light conditions.
You do have to choose the right wheels for this grinder, as it can wobble a bit with cheaper wheels. But get some good quality wheels on it, and the performance is stable and reliable.
If you use a grinder mainly for DIY work and jobs that require you to have speed control like for sharpening your wood chisel set. The craftsman is best variable speed bench grinder.
#1 Best slow speed bench grinder
Or you could go for a slow speed bench grinder like the Makita GB602 bench grinder below this is a good pro-tool-choice for sharpening tool blades.
Do you need an attached light?
An integrated light isn’t essential, but it does come in handy for working in low-light conditions. Even if your workshop is brightly lit, having a light on your bench grinder will let you see the workpiece more easily.
You could set up a lamp in your work area of course. But having a light attached to your grinder means never having to reposition it when you need to move it out of the way or when you need better illumination.
When choosing a light-equipped grinder, go for a light with a flexible arm that lets you position the light source further or closer as needed. Make sure that it stays securely fixed to the grinder as well, especially when the grinder starts to vibrate.
Bench sanding, buffing, and polishing info
You can use your bench grinder as an effective buffer or polisher simply by attaching a buffing wheel in place of the grinder.
Buffing wheels come in 6” and 8” diameters, so you should have no trouble finding a wheel that will fit your grinder.
For polishing wood or metal, you will want a wheel with a leather buffing surface. For polishing or smoothening plastic surfaces, you will need a cotton buffing wheel.
Make sure that the wheel has access to a reasonably wide area of your workpiece. You may have to remove the guard that normally provides protection when grinding, but be aware that the guards on some models are part of the main casing and are usually unremovable.
Buffing is pretty easy once you know how, although you will first have to become familiar with how different surfaces react to the buffing wheel.
You will have to press the workpiece firmly against the wheel without applying too much pressure. Push too lightly, and the surface won’t get buffed at all. Push too hard, and you risk leaving burn marks on the workpiece or knocking the wheel out of position.
What grinding wheel to use?
Grinding wheels come with different grit sizes, each suited for specific types of jobs.
Coarse grit ranging from 16 to 24 grit, medium grit wheels range from 36 to 60 grit, and fine grit wheels range from 80 to 120 grit.
There are also super-fine grit wheels that have grit sizes from 150 and higher.
The coarser the grit is, the better suited it is for removing stock and burrs.
For smoothening surfaces, go for a wheel with a finer grit size. Most grinding wheels have grit sizes ranging from 24 to 100.
Grits also come in different colors, which indicate the type of material used. Like grit sizes, different colors are better suited for different purposes.
Most wheels for grinding are made of aluminum oxide and are typically gray or brown.
You may also come across silicon carbide wheels, which are usually black or green.
Ceramic wheels are usually blue or pink, or a combination of these two colors.
How to set up your bench grinder
The Best way to stand a bench grinder is to simply bolt it down to a steel workbench, this is preferable over a timber bench, although a timber bench will work.
You can then securely bolt down the grinder to hold it firm in operation. You can also bolt down replaceable bits of plywood onto a steel workbench to have a soft working area. It’s a good idea to also bolt down a good bench vise.
Having both vise grips and a bench grinder on a steel workbench is the perfect garage set-up for the practical man.
Tips for using a bench grinder
1. Always perform a safety check before using your grinder.
Make sure that the grinder is set securely on your workbench to reduce vibrations. The tool rest should also be set securely, with about 1/8” of space between the edge of the tool rest and the grinding wheel.
This space should be free of debris at all times, and you should have enough space to push the object to be sharpened back and forth.
2. Slow rotation can reduce overheating risks.
There is always a risk of overheating when using a bench grinder, due to the friction produced by the grinding wheel against the material.
You can generally avoid this by using a rough grit wheel and slow rotation speeds, although this isn’t always practical.
In any case, you should always have a container of water nearby.
So you can quickly dip your metal tool in if it starts to get too hot.
3. When sharpening chisels or other metal implements…
It might be better to have a container of pre-warmed fast-quench oil handy, which does a better job of preventing cracking than a can of water.
Keep a firm grip on whatever it is you are sharpening or buffing to prevent it from flying out of your hands when pushed against the wheel.
4. Keep your tool or workpiece centered on the wheel.
Keep it well away from the sides to prevent damaging the grinding wheel.
5. Use light pressure.
In general, you will want to apply light and even pressure when pressing your tool or workpiece against the grinding wheel.
Pressing too hard could remove too much material and increase the possibility of overheating.
Single-speed bench grinder comparison
DeWalt DW758 ![]() | Jet 577102 ![]() | Metabo DS 200 ![]() | DeWalt DW756 ![]() | Makita GB602 ![]() | Skil 3380-01 ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verdict: | Best value single speed | Best for power | ||||
Wheel diameter: | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 6 inches | 6 inches | 6 inches |
Amps: | 4.2 amps | 8 amps | 4.8 amps | 4 amps | 3 amps | 2.1 amps |
Motor: | 3/4 hp | 1 hp | 1-1/4 hp | 5/8 hp | .335 hp | 1/3 hp |
Speed: | 3600 rpm | 3450 rpm | 3570 rpm | 3450 rpm | 2850 rpm | 3450 rpm |
Variable-speed bench grinder comparison
Craftsman Professional ![]() | Delta Power Tools 23-197 ![]() | Wen 4280 ![]() | Shop Fox W1840 ![]() | Norse BGC8 9682080 ![]() | Rikon ![]() | Craftsman 921154 ![]() | Delta 23-198 ![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Verdict: | Best variable speed | |||||||
Wheel diameter: | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 8 inches | 6 inches | 6 inches |
Amps: | 5 amps | 5 amps | 5 amps | 5 amps | 2.5 amps | 2.5 amps | ||
Motor: | 1/2 hp | 3/4 hp | 1/2 hp | 3/4 hp | 1/5 hp | |||
Speed: | 2,000- 3,450 rpm | 2,000- 3,400 rpm | 2000- 3400 rpm | 2000 - 3400 rpm | 2000- 3450 rpm | 2,000-3,400 rpm | 2000 - 3400 rpm | 2000 - 3400 rpm |
Here’s the most versatile bench grinder
As with all power tools, getting the most out of your bench grinder involves knowing what you will use it for and what the best features and accessories are for the job.
Get a good 8” grinder that can accommodate a variety of wheel types, and it should provide years of reliable service. If you need to use a portable grinder instead, have a look here.
Dewalt DW758 bench grinder review
Pros:
- Wide wheel separation makes this perfect for long and large workpieces.
- Very little vibration if the wheels are perfectly balanced.
- Steady and stable positioning when in use.
- Runs on a 3/4 hp induction motor at 36000 RMP.
Cons:
- Does not have an integrated light.
- Wheels can be difficult to change.
- Is not variable speed.
#1 Best 8-inch single speed bench grinder
Frequently Asked Questions
Which size bench grinder for DIY and home projects use?
A 6-inch grinder is more appropriate for for DIYers and newbies.
Can I sand wood on a bench grinder?
Yes. You only have to replace the grinding wheel for this material.
What else can I use to sharpen my lawn mower blades?
You can use a cordless angle grinder for this job.
More information:
- How to make a single-speed bench grinder variable speed, using a rheostat or dimmer switch retrieved from, https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-60581.html

My name is Aaron, and thank you for reading my article. As a qualified builder, I share some tips here at Bangingtoolbox to help provide better DIY information on the internet.
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