The 10 Best Metal Bench Grinders to Smooth Out Your Welding Jobs in 2023
Look in any common everyday workshop, and you’ll notice that around 75% of all tools share one particular trait, namely that they are either sharp or pointy, and their efficiency is usually based solely on this particular trait.
Since all tools tend to dull over time, it goes without saying that you will need some method of keeping them sharp and pointy as much as possible, and that’s where a good table grinder can come in handy.
Table of Contents
What Is a Metal Bench Grinder?
For those of you that don’t know, a bench grinder (also known as a table grinder) is a type of grinding machine that uses an abrasive wheel made out of a wide variety of materials, and this grinding machine is designed to be a benchtop-type tool.
While most commonly used to sharpen metallic objects, these bench grinders can also be used as a means to smooth out any excess materials that appear when you cut metal, as well as the excess material that is most commonly associated with welding jobs, although the latter is best performed with handheld angle grinders.
The exact purpose of this machine changes based on the bond and the grade of the grinding wheel, and you can even change the grinding wheel entirely for a wire brush or a buffing wheelto turn the entire machine into a polishing device.
Whichever the purpose, bench grinders are a staple in any workshop, especially those that have to do with metalworking or machinery.
Where Can I Buy a Metal Bench Grinder?
When browsing for tools, we recommend that you always go to a real-life hardware store where you can see the product for yourself, since bench grinders are not exactly easy to judge based on pictures, videos, and reviews alone.
However, if you have no way of visiting an actual hardware store that sells bench grinders, then you’ll probably end up shopping for them online, and there’s no better place to start looking for a brand-new bench grinder than Amazon.
You see, if you do happen to be unpleased with the product, you always have the option of returning it, and Amazon has a very flexible return policy where you will get your money back in no time.
However, that’s very unlikely to happen thanks to Amazon’s user reviews system, where any potential customer can read what all other users think about the products. Not only that, but a lot of users even go an extra step and include pictures in their reviews and even short videos showcasing the product.
Which Are the Best Metal Bench Grinders?
1. WEN BG4276 6-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder
Topping off our list of best metal bench grinders is the WEN BG4276 6-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder, and takes the #1 spot thanks to its perfect balance between performance and price and the fact that it comes with some neat little accessories that most other bench grinders don’t have.
The motor is pretty powerful, delivering up to 2.1 Amps, and the grinding wheel is 6.75 inches and can be spun at up to 3450 RPM, more than enough for all of your grinding, sharpening, smoothing, and sanding needs, especially if you’re a typical DIY enthusiast that likes reviving old tools, or sharpening kitchen knives.
The bench grinder features adjustable work pivots, so angled grinding applications will be a piece of cake. Besides, the motor is very silent, and it ramps up to maximum speed very quickly, so your grinding jobs will not be as loud as with other grinders, and you’ll be done sooner too.
One of the neat features we mentioned earlier is the flexible work light which provides you with better visibility so that you can see precisely what you are doing, thus greatly reducing the risk of making any mistakes, such as bringing too much out of a blade.
Another thing we liked is that by ordering this particular bench grinder, you don’t just get the bench grinder per se, you also receive a 60-grit wheel, one 36-grit wheel, pivoting tool rests, and adjustable eye guards, all at no additional cost.
Besides, this grinding wheel seems to be very sturdy, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking due to circumstances beyond your control because that’s exactly how long the warranty lasts.
If you’re interested in our #1 pick, go ahead and check out what other users think about this bench grinder by visiting the WEN BG4276 6-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder’s Amazon page.
Specs:
- Color: Orange and black
- Grinding wheel size: 6.75 inches
- Motor power: 2.1 Amps
- Motor speed: 3450 RPM
- Grinder size: 14 x 9.8 x 15 inches
- Weight: 16 pounds
Pros:
- The package contains 2 extra grinding wheels
- Can spin at up to 3450 RPM
- Powerful 2.1 Amps motor
- The motor is very silent
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- The grinding speed is non-adjustable
2. DEWALT DW758 Bench Grinder
The next grinder on our list is the DEWALT DW758 Bench Grinder, a powerful bench grinder that is best suited for industrial applications, all thanks to the 0.75 HP motor that can reach speeds of 3600 RPM, allowing high-speed removal of even the most durable materials.
This powerful motor is housed in a cast iron base and motor housing, and it spins an 8-inch grinding wheel allowing for larger projects to be finished quicker.
Of course, going through a lot of material means that you need to be careful about the exhaust, and that’s why this particular bench grinder was developed with rear exhaust ports that are set in the wheel guards, so you don’t have to worry too much about flying sparks and hot materials.
Because of the powerful build and clever design, this bench grinder is great for all kinds of grinding and sharpening applications, such as simple tool sharpening, rust removal, shaping parts, and weld cleaning.
However, just because this tool is best suited for large-scale industrial work doesn’t mean that it cannot be used for more precise projects, and this is all thanks to the precision-machined adjustable aluminum tool rests that let you position your workpieces in just the right position you need them.
Unfortunately, the only real drawback (an understandable one, though) is the fact that this bench grinder is pretty bulky, weighing in at almost 40 pounds, so make sure that whatever bench you’re placing it on is sturdy.
Speaking of sturdy, you don’t have to worry about this bench grinder failing on you too soon because you not only get a 3-year warranty, but the company offers free maintenance and component replacements, even if it’s caused by normal use.
More so, if you decide to buy this bench grinder, you’ll also get a 46-grit and a 60-grit wheel, eye shields, spark deflectors, aluminum tool rests, and an operating manual.
If working with heavy-duty metal is your thing, go ahead and visit the DEWALT DW758 Bench Grinder’s Amazon page and see whether it is perfect for you or not.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Yellow, black, and grey
- Grinding wheel size: 8 inches
- Motor power: 3/4 HP
- Motor speed: 3600 RPM
- Grinder size: 17.75 x 12.63 x 10.75 inches
- Weight: 39.5 pounds
Pros:
- Sturdy cast iron build
- Powerful 3/4 HP motor
- Extended 3-year warranty
- Adjustable aluminum tool rests
- Features an 8-inch grinding wheel
Cons:
- Replacing the wheel can be a bit annoying
3. WEN BG4280 Variable Speed Bench Grinder
The next item on our list focuses on versatility, and it is called the WEN BG4280 Variable Speed Bench Grinder.
This handy bench grinder comes packed with a 5 Amp variable-speed motor that can spin at speeds between 2000 and 3400 RPM, allowing you the flexibility needed to work at a higher degree of precision with a larger range of materials, both of and durable.
Speaking of working materials, this grinder comes with an 8-inch wheel, so you have plenty of coverage and waste little time working, even when you switch to slower RPM values.
One thing we liked about this bench grinder is that, while it does come with a lamp that keeps your workpiece illuminated, the box also contains a pair of eye guards that include built-in LED lights, and these serve pretty much the same purpose.
More so, the box also comes with an extra 80-grit wheel, one 36-grit wheel, pivoting tool rests, and an extended 2-year warranty so that you don’t have to worry about whether or not this device will fail on your any time soon.
One issue many bench grinders face when using them, especially during long grinding sessions, is the risk of overheating, and this can lead to damage to the components. Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore since this WEN bench grinder comes with a built-in quenching tray that will help cooling down your workpieces.
All in all, if you want to give kitchen knives their cutting edge back, or if you’re just looking to grind down excess material left over from a cut or a weld, this bench grinder is more than enough.
You can learn what other users love about this particular product by visiting the WEN BG4280 Variable Speed Bench Grinder’s Amazon page and visiting the Review section.
Specs:
- Color: Orange, black, and grey
- Grinding wheel size: 8 inches
- Motor power: 5 Amps
- Motor speed: 2000 – 3400 RPM
- Grinder size: 17 x 18.1 x 13 inches
- Weight: 41 pounds
Pros:
- Variable-speed motor
- Built-in quenching tray
- Comes with an 80-grit wheel
- Can reach speeds of up to 3400 RPM
- Comes with LED-illuminated eye guards
Cons:
- The lamp does not come with a light bulb installed.
4. Bucktool Combo Belt Sander & Bench Grinder
This next entry is called the Bucktool Combo Belt Sander & Bench Grinder, and it’s a bit different because it’s one of those machines that have multiple tools built into one, and for many metallurgists, that’s not exactly a bad thing at all.
The built-in belt sander meets all CSA standards, and it works along with a 6-inch bench grinder, and both of them are powered by the same induction motor that delivers 1/3 HP and 3.5 Amps, which make the sanding belt spin at 4480 RPM, and the grinding wheel at 3450 RPM.
Because of this dual build, this machine is ideal for general purpose sanding and finishing jobs on a wide variety of materials. These include not just metal, but also much softer materials such as wood and plastics too, and you can do pretty much any job with this device, includingsurfacing, finishing, sanding, grinding, polishing, and deburring.
Both built-in tools have plenty of adjustable features. For example, the belt can tilt at a 90-degree angle, and the belt housing can also swivel from a horizontal to a vertical position.
As for the grinding wheel, it comes with a tool-free adjustable eye shield and LED lights, and the quick-release tension and tracking mechanism makes so that changing the belts and the wheels to be incredibly easy.
Finally, you don’t have to worry about working on separate projects while using the same tool, since this machine comes equipped with two workbenches for more convenient sanding and better grinding.
If this 2-in-1 device has caught you’re eye, then go ahead and read more about it by visiting the Bucktool Combo Belt Sander & Bench Grinder’s Amazon page right now.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Blue, black, and metallic
- Grinding wheel size: 6 inches
- Motor power: 3.5 Amps
- Motor speed: 3450 RPM
- Grinder size: 24.9 x 19.8 x 12 inches
- Weight: 39.2 pounds
Pros:
- Includes both a belt sander and a wheel grinder
- Has a tool-free adjustable eye shield
- Grinding wheel teacher 3450 RPM
- Powerful induction motor
- Cast iron build
Cons:
- The attachments and guards aren’t that great
5. Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
We always advocate for tools that can do twice the things that their peers can, and if you share our mindset, then you’ll like the Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder.
This bench grinder is yet another entry in our list that offers variable speed control, so you gain the convenience of being able to grind, sharpen, buff and polish whatever materials you like, just by changing the motor’s speed.
Speaking of the motor, this bench grinder has a 5 Amp induction motor that has an upfront variable speed dial, allowing you to adjust the speed to anywhere between 2000 and 3400 RPM.
However, the true highlight of this bench grinder is the fact that it can incorporate two grits for sharpening and grinding simultaneously, which means that you can have 2 wheels of different grits all ready to be used without wasting any time switching between them, as you would do on a single-grit bench grinder.
Besides, if you’re interested in more precision work, know that the left tool rest comes with a drill bit rest that allows you to adjust it to any angle. However, that’s not the only thing that is adjustable in this bench grinder, since it also comes with full-sized safety shields that have thumb-screws that also make them adjustable.
As far as the overall build of this bench grinder goes, it’s made using a solid cast iron base that not only makes it durable but also reduces the level of vibrations that are common with grinding and sharpening jobs.
Lastly, the bench grinder has a build-in water tray that will help keep your workpiece from overheating while you’re grinding or sharpening it.
If you like the idea of having 2 grinding wheels readily available for you at all times, go ahead and visit the Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder’s Amazon page, and press Add to Cart to benefit from a special price.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Black and grey
- Grinding wheel size: 6 inches
- Motor power: 5 Amps
- Motor speed: 2000 – 3400 RPM
- Grinder size: 9.5 x 14.5 x 16.5 inches
- Weight: 29.2 pounds
Pros:
- Variable speed control
- Adjustable safety shields
- Motor speed can reach 3400 RPM
- Can hold 2 grinding wheels simultaneously
- Water tray prevents overheating of workpieces
Cons:
- The tool-rests could use some improvements
6. WEN BG4266 6-Inch Bench Grinder
This next bench grinder is called the WEN BG4266 6-Inch Bench Grinder, and it continues the trend of being able to hold 2 different grit wheels at the same time, making it ideal for sharpening dull tools, knives, bits, and more, all without having to switch the grinding wheel between jobs.
Speaking of the grinding wheel, the 2 wheels that come included in the package are a 60-grit that’s great for general grinding jobs, while the second 36-grit wheel is good for much faster material removal, and they both measure 6 inches.
These grinding wheels are powered and spun by a very quiet 2.1 Amp motor that can turn them at up to 3450 RPM, although you should know that it is a single-speed motor. Nonetheless, the speeds that it reaches make it good for other jobs other than grinding, such as buffing, just as long as you remember to replace the grinding wheel.
As far as protection goes, this bench grinder comes with impact-resistant eye shields that are transparent, so not only will your eyes stay protected, but you can watch your project carefully while you’re grinding or sharpening it so that you won’t make any mistakes.
Once the grinding wheels have been used up, you can replace them with other wheels of different grits and from a wide range of manufactures, just as long as they are 6-inch by 0.75-inch thick, and have a 0.5-inch anchor.
If this simple bench grinder seems like something, you could use, go ahead and read how satisfied other users are with it by going to the WEN BG4266 6-Inch Bench Grinder’s Amazon page, and visiting the Review section.
Specs:
- Color: Orange and grey
- Grinding wheel size: 6 inches
- Motor power: 2.1 Amps
- Motor speed: 3450 RPM
- Grinder size: 14.1 x 10.1 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 15.87 pounds
Pros:
- Great for buffing as well
- Impact-resistant eye shields
- Reaches speeds of 3450 RPM
- Can hold 2 different grit wheels
- Grinding wheels are easy to remove
Cons:
- Users claim it can be a bit noisy
7. JET JBG-8B 8-Inch Bench Grinder
JET is a big name in the tool manufacturing industry, and one of their products, the JET JBG-8B 8-Inch Bench Grinder, made it on our list because of how good and feature-packed it is.
It too can hold 2 grinding wheels simultaneously, and the default package will provide you with a fine 60-grit grinding wheel, as well as a much coarser 36-grit wheel, both of which are 8-inches in size, making it yet another machine that is great for both fast material removal and finer grinding jobs as well.
Speaking of finer precision jobs, this grinder provides you with adjustable tool rests, so you don’t have to worry about making any mistakes or eating up too much of your workpiece because you weren’t holding it steady enough.
The wheels are powered by a 1 HP 115V motor that can spin them at up to 3450 RPM, and you don’t have to worry about the machine moving around because of the vibrations since it has a rubber foot that ensures proper grip to the surface you placed it on. Not only that, but you can even bolt it down if you’re concerned about the machine’s stability.
The overall build of the machine showcases that it’s made to last. For starters, it has totally enclosed pre-lubricated ball bearings, so the grinder won’t end up grinding itself. Secondly, it has cast iron wheel guards for added ruggedness, and the dust vents make it so that all debris is efficiently removed from the grinder, thus preventing any type of clogging.
More so, the grinder has all the typical user-protection features you’d expect from a typical bench grinder, including one-piece spark guards and large eyes shields that are all easily adjustable.
Thanks to this durable build and the fact that it was constructed following strict production guidelines, this JET bench grinder meets all CSA safety standards, making them ideal for industrial workspaces.
If JET impressed you with their product, you should take a look at the product’s comments section and see just how satisfied customers are with the product. Simply visit the JET JBG-8B 8-Inch Bench Grinder’s Amazon page and check out the Review section.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Grey
- Grinding wheel size: 8 inches
- Motor power: 1 HP
- Motor speed: 3450 RPM
- Grinder size: 19 x 21 x 11 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
Pros:
- Holds two grinding wheels at once
- Meets all CSA standards
- Adjustable tool rests
- Can be bolted down
- 1 HP engine
Cons:
- Weighs 60 pounds
8. JET JBG-6B 6-Inch Bench Grinder
The next bench grinder on our list is yet another JET grinder, and it’s similar to the previous model, only that the most notable difference is that this particular model holds 6-inch wheels instead of 8-inch wheels.
Other than that, the product is pretty much identical, since it too has a cast iron body, completely enclosed pre-lubricated ball bearings, dust vents, rubber mounts, etc.
It too is powered by the same 1 HP motor and can reach speeds of 3450 RPM, so the only real difference in the workflow is that you’ll finish the grinding job a bit slower with this model because of the smaller grinding wheel.
However, since this bench grinder only holds grinding wheels that are only 6 inches in diameter, it is also much more compact, and a lot lighter than the 8-inch model, standing it at just 18 x 10.5 x 8.5 inches, and weighing in half as much as the 8-inch model (just 32 pounds).
Because this product is built just like the previous one and is manufactured while following the same strict guidelines and electrical requirements, it too meets all CSA standards.
All in all, if JET bench grinders seem like your thing, but don’t have the space to hold the bulky 8-inch version, you can go ahead and get the JET JBG-6B 6-Inch Bench Grinder instead.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Grey
- Grinding wheel size: 6 inches
- Motor power: 1 HP
- Motor speed: 3450 RPM
- Grinder size: 18 x 10.5 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
Pros:
- Much smaller than the 8-inch model
- Much lighter than the 8-inch model
- Holds two grinding wheels at once
- Meets all CSA standards
- Adjustable tool rests
Cons:
- You need a screwdriver to adjust the eye guard
9. WEN BG4286 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder
So far, we’ve discussed how having a fast motor is better, so naturally, you’re probably wondering why a product with Slow Speed in the name is on our list. Well, the WEN BG4286 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder is more of a specialized tool made for precision work only.
It’s powered by a soft start 3 Amp motor that can rotate the grinder’s 8-inch wheels at speeds of up to 1750 RPM, so while this may not be the ideal tool to grind and sharpen at an industrial scale, it’s perfect for when you need finer grinding and sanding jobs.
Besides, lower speeds mean that there’s no need to worry about workpieces heating up too much. Because of that, it’s still good for common jobs such as reviving old tools and knives
You can tell that this bench grinder is made with precision work in mind by looking at the accessories that come with the base package.
For starters, you will receive a standard 60-grit wheel, a much finer 120-grit fine finish wheel, pivoting tool rests a sturdy base with mounting holes already drilled for extra stability, and adjustable eye guards so that you can look at your work from any angle safely and securely.
Last but not least, this bench grinder is made to last, and if something does happen to it within the first 2 years, you don’t have to worry about it, since you’re covered by the warranty.
Those of you interested in precision work and not industrial-scale grinding can check out the WEN BG4286 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder’s Amazon page for further details.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Orange, black, and grey
- Grinding wheel size: 8 inches
- Motor power: 3 Amps
- Motor speed: 1750 RPM
- Grinder size: 18.7 x 14.7 x 11.1 inches
- Weight: 34.1 pounds
Pros:
- Ideal for precision sharpening and grinding
- Can mount 2 grinding wheels at once
- Includes a 120-grits fine finish wheel
- Adjustable eye shields
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy-duty grinding jobs
10. Sunex 5002A Bench Grinder
The last item on our list is the Sunex 5002A Bench Grinder, another dual-wheel bench grinder that you can use in your workshop to sharpen tools, knives, and remove any excess metal from welds and metal cut points.
The two wheels that come with the package are the standard 36-grit and 60-grit models, both of which are 8-inches in diameter, and thanks to the 5 Amp motor that can reach speeds of up to 3450 RPM, you’ll have enough surface area and power to grind and sharpen large pieces of metal in a very short time.
This bench grinder comes with a work light that has a flexible neck, and since the eye guards are also transparent and adjustable, you can work with metal pieces of any shape or size without having to worry that you may not be able to see from certain angles.
As for the bench grinder’s build, the base is made from durable cast iron, the feet provide extra stability thanks to the rubber cover, and you even have mounting holes if you want to place it securely in one spot without having to worry about any kind of vibrations or movements.
Users seem to be very pleased with the product, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Just visit the Sunex 5002A Bench Grinder’s Amazon page and see for yourself.
Specs:
- Build: Cast iron
- Color: Red and grey
- Grinding wheel size: 8 inches
- Motor power: 5 Amp
- Motor speed: 3450 RPM
- Grinder size: 16 x 14.25 x 10.75 inches
- Weight: 36.6 pounds
Pros:
- Can reach speeds of up to 3450 RPM
- Can hold 2 grinding wheels at a time
- Work light with flexible gooseneck
- Durable cast iron build
- Powerful 5 Amp motor
Cons:
- Only comes with a 1-year warranty
Table Grinder’s Buying Guide
After reading up on our 10 entries, you’ve probably noticed that we kept focusing on certain criteria over and over, and that is merely because bench grinders as a whole are very simple devices, and there are very few things that you need to look for to get something that suits your needs.
That being said, we went ahead and wrote down a small guide that will showcase what exactly you should be looking for when buying a new metal bench grinder, all so that you can make a better and more informed decision about your next big purchase.
Build
It goes without saying that quality should be your main concern when buying just about anything, especially a tool like a bench grinder. That being said, check out the materials that make up the bench grinder and make sure that they are as durable as possible.
Most bench grinders nowadays use cast iron to make up the bulk of the body, so naturally, these tools will be very durable. However, another neat way to figure out just how durable a bench grinder is would be to check out just how long the warranty is since that can be a tell-tell sign of good or bad craftsmanship.
For example, most generic bench grinders will have the standard 2-year warranty, but the top-quality ones can even come with a 5-year warranty.
Size of the Metal Bench Grinder
Not everyone has the same storage space at their disposal, and some of you may even have their workshop filled with all kinds of other tools, leaving very little bench space for a grinder.
Because of that, try to look for bench grinders that are as compact as possible. If you’re interested in a particular bench grinder, but the official description has no mentioning of the device’s actual size, one way to tell how big it is is to look at the grinding wheel.
This will not only be a clear indicator of the bench grinders’ width and length, but since most bench grinders share a standard design, it can also let you know just how tall the grinder is as well.
The Size of the Grinding Wheel
We talked about how the size of the grinding wheel is important in assessing the size of the bench grinder, but this particular feature is important for other reasons as well.
You see, depending on the side of the wheel, the bench grinder can be used for different jobs. For example, while very small wheels can be used to simply sharpen the typical kitchen knife, the larger wheels from bigger bench grinders can be used to smooth out excess steel for welding jobs.
Besides, a larger wheel means a larger grinding surface area, which means that you can sharpen or smoothen more in less time.
The Grinder’s Motor Power
Grinders are mechanical devices, and like all mechanical devices, it is driven by a motor.
Sure enough, old-fashion bench grinders can be powered manually using either handles or pedals, but since we’re living in the 21st century, we’ll consider that you are mostly interested in the ones powered by electric motors, since they don’t get tired, and they maintain the same work efficiency throughout their entire run.
Just like any other electrical tool, the power of the motor is a core aspect of its functionality, and more powerful motors are better since they allow you to grind through harder materials for longer periods, thus providing you with the most flexibility
The Grinder’s Motor Speed
The grinder’s motor speed goes hand in hand with the motor’s power, and it indicates just how many rotations-per-minute (RPM) the grinding wheel will perform once the bench grinder is turned on.
As such, some of the more powerful bench grinders can reach up to 3000 RPM, while the more budget-friendly grinders spin at around 2000 RPM.
Having more RPM means you will be able to grind harder materials much faster, therefore allowing you to get the job done more quickly.
Besides, most modern-day grinders have a way of adjusting the speed of the grinding wheel anyway, so a bench grinder with a maximum motor speed of 3000 RPM can spin at 2000 RPM, but the same thing cannot be said the other way around.
Besides, if you purposely slow down the grinder, you can go ahead and grind, smoothen or sharpen much softer materials with much greater precision.
Best Metal Bench Grinders: Closing Thoughts
As a metal worker, you may have realized by now the importance of a bench grinder, and how useful it can be to have one around the workshop. It doesn’t matter if you are planning to sharpen a knife or sand down a weld, a grinder is a must-have, and an electric-powered bench grinder is the best that you can possibly get.
As such, take your time reading the description of each of our suggested products, and then use what you learned in the second part of the article to determine which is the right bench grinder for you.
If you want to read more lists like the one above, simply leave your suggestions in the comments section below, and we will create a similar guide in no time at all.