Best Bench Grinders for DIYers
A bench grinder sharpens blades and chisels, shapes and deburrs metal, and cleans rust with a wire wheel. Wheel size, motor power, and (for sharpening) speed matter, plus good tool rests for accurate angles.
What to look for
- ·An 8-inch grinder offers advantages over 6-inch for little more money, with bigger wheels and more capacity.
- ·For sharpening blades and chisels, a low-speed grinder (1,725 RPM) avoids overheating and ruining the temper.
- ·Adjustable tool rests, a good wheel, and minimal vibration matter most for accurate, clean results.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DW758 8-inch Bench Grinder | Editor's pick | $120 to $180 | The best all-around grinder |
| JET IBG-8 Bench Grinder | Editor's pick | $300 to $450 | Industrial smoothness |
| Rikon 80-805 Low-Speed Grinder | Editor's pick | $130 to $200 | Sharpening blades and chisels |
| WEN BG4280 8-inch Grinder | Best value | $70 to $110 | Value 8-inch grinding |
| JET JBG-6W 6-inch Shop Grinder | Best value | $120 to $180 | Quality 6-inch with wire wheel |
| Craftsman Bench Grinder | Best value | $60 to $120 | Familiar-name value |
| WEN BG4260 6-inch Bench Grinder | Budget pick | $40 to $70 | Best budget value |
| WEN 4276 6-inch Grinder | Budget pick | $35 to $60 | Occasional budget grinding |
| Store-Brand Bench Grinder | Budget pick | $30 to $55 | Lowest-cost occasional use |
Editor's pick
DeWalt DW758 8-inch Bench Grinder
$120 to $180
A top all-around 8-inch grinder with smooth 3,600 RPM wheels and adjustable aluminum tool rests for accurate angles. The pick for versatile sharpening and grinding.
Best for: The best all-around grinder
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
JET IBG-8 Bench Grinder
$300 to $450
An industrial-grade 8-inch grinder with a 1HP motor, rock-solid construction, and minimal vibration. The pick for serious users who want the smoothest, most durable grinder.
Best for: Industrial smoothness
Typically available at Acme Tools, Amazon.
Rikon 80-805 Low-Speed Grinder
$130 to $200
An 8-inch low-speed (1,750 RPM) grinder that prevents overheating blades and chisels while sharpening. The pick for sharpening tool steel without ruining the temper.
Best for: Sharpening blades and chisels
Typically available at Amazon, Woodworking suppliers.
Best value
WEN BG4280 8-inch Grinder
$70 to $110
A solid 8-inch grinder with a work light and decent tool rests at a value price. A strong value for shaping, deburring, and general grinding.
Best for: Value 8-inch grinding
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
JET JBG-6W 6-inch Shop Grinder
$120 to $180
A quality 6-inch grinder with a wire wheel and good build that stays cool in use. A dependable mid-value pick for rust removal and light grinding.
Best for: Quality 6-inch with wire wheel
Typically available at Amazon, Acme Tools.
Craftsman Bench Grinder
$60 to $120
A familiar-name grinder in 6 or 8-inch sizes for general sharpening and grinding at a fair price. A reliable value with easy availability.
Best for: Familiar-name value
Typically available at Lowe's, Amazon.
Budget pick
WEN BG4260 6-inch Bench Grinder
$40 to $70
The best bang-for-the-buck grinder, affordable with a spark deflector that works better than pricier models. A great budget pick for occasional use.
Best for: Best budget value
Typically available at Amazon.
WEN 4276 6-inch Grinder
$35 to $60
An inexpensive 6-inch grinder with enough power for home DIY sharpening and grinding. Basic but serviceable for occasional shop tasks.
Best for: Occasional budget grinding
Typically available at Amazon.
Store-Brand Bench Grinder
$30 to $55
The cheapest bench grinder for very occasional grinding and rust removal. Limited power and rests, but the lowest cost to have one on the bench.
Best for: Lowest-cost occasional use
Typically available at Amazon, Harbor Freight.
Frequently asked
What is a bench grinder used for?+
Sharpening chisels, plane irons, knives, and lawnmower blades; shaping and deburring metal; grinding off rust, paint, and welds (with a wire wheel); and rough metal removal. With the right wheel it is a versatile shop fixture for metalwork and sharpening.
6-inch or 8-inch bench grinder?+
An 8-inch grinder is the better buy for most people: bigger wheels, more capacity, and a flatter grind, for only a modest price increase over 6-inch. Choose 6-inch only for very light use or tight space and budget.
Do I need a low-speed grinder for sharpening?+
For sharpening hardened blades and chisels, yes, a low-speed grinder (around 1,725 RPM) generates less heat, so it is far less likely to overheat the edge and ruin the steel's temper. Standard 3,450 RPM grinders are fine for shaping and rust removal but risky for delicate sharpening.
What wheels should I use?+
A coarse wheel for fast material removal and a fine wheel for finishing and sharpening cover most needs. Add a wire wheel for rust and paint, and a friable (white aluminum oxide) wheel for cooler sharpening of tool steel. Match the wheel to the task and the grinder's arbor size.
How do I use a bench grinder safely?+
Wear eye and face protection, set the tool rest close to the wheel (about 1/8 inch), let the grinder reach full speed, use light pressure, keep the work moving and cool (dip in water for sharpening), and never grind on the side of the wheel. Replace cracked wheels immediately.