Best Bench Grinders for Trouble-free Sharpening and Polishing

First of all, we'd like to note the variable speed of this Delta Power grinder. This function allows you to choose a different wheel rotating speed when working with soft and hard metals. The machine's front panel features the ON/OFF button and the knob for speed adjustment (from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM). The controls are easy to access, so you can use them without distraction from working. The wheel guards have transparent plastic shields that protect your eyes from sparks and can be adjusted to a specific task. Also, the machine is equipped with a work light that will illuminate the workplace for better visibility. The water tray between the wheels will let you cool hot workpieces during work. The left tool rest is grooved for accurate sharpening of drill bits and other parts at precise angles.

Metalworking requires the use of reliable tools. We'd like to turn your attention to chop saws suitable for both professionals and novice handymen. A chop saw allows cutting metalware even angularly. Besides, we recommend reading the review on MIG welders for joining metal pieces.

Using this grinder is easy and comfortable. The presence of two grinding wheels of different grains will let you see the benefits of the tool right away. The wheel of 36 grain will work best for when you need to do rough processing of metal or when you need to remove thick layers off it. The wheel of 60 grain will let you sharpen knives, scissors, chisels, gouges, drill bits and many other small metal and nonmetal items. Once the wheel wears out, you can safely replace it yourself, choosing the grit that suits you better. You could actually install a felt wheel on it, if your project involves polishing of workpieces. Owing to 12.5 inches of distance between the wheels, the DW758 can also be used for handling rather bulky parts and items. Since the machine performs only dry grinding, we'd recommend you to keep water close in order to cool hot workpieces. 

Maintainance of the wheels is important. Don't wait till they get worn out completely and be sure to replace them once you notice cracks or spalls. Ignoring this rule may cause severe injuries and traumas. 

To replace the wheel, detach its guard first, unscrew the flange, then take the wheel off and install a new one accurately. Clean the flange from grinding dust and debris. Install the flange and tighten it firmly. This way, a right replacement provides a long lifetime of your machine.

The core of the WEN 4276 is a quiet 2.1A electric motor which despite being inferior to more high-performance models yields enough power to cope with most hard metals and plates. Yet, we'd recommend you to make frequent breaks to prevent the motor from overheating. The WEN 4276 comes with two grinding wheels, 36 grit and 60 grit accordingly, allowing you to use it for a variety of jobs, including final grinding. Speaking of conveniences, the manufacturer has equipped it with two shields to protect your eyes from sparks when working with metal, and adjustable tool rests where you can locate workpieces. The 40W lamp mounted on the adjustable bracket adds to usability of the tool, making it possible to use it under various light conditions. You might not want to use it for professional projects as its power isn't as strong as to some other bench grinders, yet, for home use it can become a great assistant, given its low price tag.

Buying a benchtop grinder, you get an opportunity to sharpen and grind tools easier and faster. Still, some pieces are large and awkward for grinding. In such case, we advise paying attention to angle grinders. These tools can be either corded or cordless and allow easy cutting, grinding, deburring, and derusting. So, having picked the right tool, you'll manage to do your jobs efficiently.

Each grinder may be equipped with various wheels for particular tasks. You can choose wheels of various grits and opt for a felt wheel for polishing metal or brush wheel to remove rust and smoothen weld joints. The Craftsman 9-21154 is equipped with two wheels, one with a 60 grit that works best for sharpening tools and polishing parts, and the other one with a rigid wire. Don't discard rusted metalware but make it look like new with the wire wheel! Also, you can flatten pieces and remove old paint quickly and easily.

Over time, any grinding wheel gets abraded and clogged by metal particles and rust. In addition, cavities and spalls may appear on a wheel surface. If your grinding wheels have such flaws, you should clean and dress them. Along with the grinder the package includes a dresser that will help you maintain the wheels in a proper condition. Don't use a cracked wheel since it may cause severe injuries. 

Like other models, this bench grinder by Powertec comes with 2 wheels. Each wheel is cased in a metal guard equipped with adjustable shields. This benchtop grinder comes with the wheels of 60 and 120 grit, respectively. Hence, you'll be able to grind even fine metal parts. The wheels are made of aluminum oxide and are 8" х 1" in size. This POWERTEC model has proved to be efficient for grinding workpieces made from steel and alloy, medium-density metals as well as for sharpening smaller items like scissors, knives, turning tools, etc. The fact that the wheels are made of soft material prevents the workpieces from getting too hot and allows achieving incredibly smooth surface of processed bits. Next to each wheel you'll find a tool rest, the left one being grooved to allow you to accurately shapern small cutting tools.

All DIYers and handymen, even those working in their own home workshop, need to have certain tools in their garage. You woudn't do off without a screwdriver and a screwdriver set that come handy during most, even minor, repairing works. Another tool we'd recommend you to purchase is a cordless drill.