Getting the best variable speed bench grinder can help you shape, repair, and create the tools you need to complete any job in front of you. You should look for a bench grinder that can be easily adjusted with a switch or a dial, something that’s comfortable and efficient, and most importantly, one that’s budget-friendly.
Fortunately, this list is comprised of variable speed bench grinders that fit all of those requirements.
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Regardless of which brand you’re searching for or which attachments you’d prefer to use, this list has every option that you could need. The addition of the best variable speed bench grinder available to your tool collection could save you quite a bit of money in the long run through repairs and other uses.
When you’re ready to upgrade your workshop, check out the list below and choose the one that suits you the most!
Choosing the Best Variable Speed Bench Grinder
1. Jet 8″ Variable Speed Grinder
Bench grinders are fairly common in the tool industry, but a lot of workers still don’t seem to have them in their possession. If you’re not familiar with how to use a bench grinder, then there’s no better place to start than the Jet 8” Variable Speed Grinder. This product has all sorts of features to help beginners learn the ropes.
For starters, there is a piece of safety glass over each of the grinders. With a grinder on both sides of this machine, you’ll stay protected from flying debris and other projectiles that bounce off of the surface. You can also change the size and function of the grinding stone in seconds by unscrewing the side.
Another huge benefit that beginners and experts will find useful is the fact that it comes with a rapid wheel stopping mechanism. This allows you to stop the motion of the grinder in only a few seconds, whereas other grinders might take 10 or more seconds to slow down completely. This is ideal to slow the grinding down or for emergency scenarios.
- Made out of a solid cast iron body
- Easy to stop whenever you need to
- Comes with safety glass for protection
- Smaller than the average bench grinder
- Not too many bonus features
2. WEN 5 Amp 8″ Variable Speed Bench Grinder
Although it comes in at number two on the list, the WEN 5 Amp 8” Variable Speed Bench Grinder is the best adjustable speed bench grinder to many people. It has numerous features to accommodate beginners, but it also gives experts a few unique tools to transform and accelerate their work progress.
For example, this top-notch machine comes with a built-in light to keep your job space illuminated around the clock. Being able to see in those small shaded areas on a tool while you’re grinding it down can help you achieve much more accurate results. It also has two safety glass pieces, just like the previous entry on the list.
While many bench grinders let you switch around wheels and exchange them for buffers, you’ll need a variable speed grinder for maximum efficiency. If you decide to buff out a piece of metal or shave it down with steel wire, then this is the tool for you. Change the RPMs quickly for slower or faster production speed.
- Comes with two safety glass pieces
- Adjustable speed for buffing and grinding
- Uses a built-in lamp
- The large lamp might get in your way
- Smaller safety glass than the previous entry
3. Delta Power Tools 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
Next up on the list is the Delta Power Tools 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder. This tool is one of the best for quite a few reasons, including the fact that it’s made by a fantastic brand that focuses its efforts on consistent quality. If you’re worried about a machine not lasting long enough, then you’ll love the longevity of this one.
Much like the previous grinder at number two on this list, this grinder comes with a lamp built-in on the top of it. This will help you see what’s going on without wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight along. The neck of the lamp is flexible, giving you the perfect angle to see everything going on in front of you.
Since it uses a 5-amp motor, you’re going to get a whole lot of power out of this machine. The variable speed ranges from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM, which is perfect for buffing, grinding, and getting the rust off of old pipes and tools. Having the changeable speeds at your disposal is ideal for both at-home workers and people at a job site.
- Comes with a built-in light with a flexible neck
- Ranges from 2,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM
- Includes a 5-amp motor for maximum power
- Not the widest range of RPM
- Slightly louder than some models
4. TruePower 199 Mini Multi-Purpose Bench Grinder
If you’re not looking for a full-sized bench grinder, then the TruePower 199 Mini Multi-Purpose Bench Grinder will do just fine. You don’t always need to be able to shave off car parts or massive pieces of machinery, making this product perfect for casual at-home projects. You can fix your hand tools, deal with small pipes, and so on.
One of the best features of this product is that it can be used for all sorts of purposes. For example, it comes with traditional grinding stones, a wire brush wheel for removing rust and corrosion from tools and other items, as well as a flexible shaft. You can take care of all sorts of problems with one compact machine!
This bench grinder fits the definition of ‘tiny but mighty’ with an impressive 0 to 10,000 RPM range. Since the motor is smaller than most others, you don’t have to worry about it being too loud. This range is ideal for nearly any project that you can imagine within the price range. When you’re all done, this compact tool can be stored almost anywhere.
- Comes with several attachments for multiple jobs
- Massive 0 to 10,0000 RPM range
- Compact enough to be stored anywhere you want
- Too small for big jobs
- Such a wide RPM range can be a chore for some people
5. Shop Fox W1840 Variable-Speed Grinder
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could combine all of your desired features into one item? Well, you can! The Shop Fox W1840 Variable-Speed Grinder uses all of the pros from the best 8” variable speed bench grinders on the list to make a top-notch product. You’ll quickly understand why so many customers rely on it.
Before we get into the product description, it should be noted that you can choose between either 8” or 6” grinding wheels. This gives you an optimal range to pick out exactly what you need to get the job done. Both wheels can be removed and replaced by buffers or wire wheels for different projects.
The safety glass on the front of both grinding stones is perfect for keeping you safe every time you use it. If you don’t like this glass being in your way, you can remove it quickly as well. There’s also an adjustable lamp on the front of the unit, giving you an illuminated area for when you’re working in a dimly lit situation.
- Comes in two different sizes to choose from
- Swop them out for wire wheels or buffers
- Includes removable safety glass pieces
- The lamp is smaller than almost any other model
- Much heavier than the average bench grinder
6. CRAFTSMAN 6″ Variable Speed Grinding Center
CRAFTSMAN is easily one of the most well-known brands in the entire industry, giving them a competitive edge that’s enough for many people to go with them right away. It should come as no surprise that the CRAFTSMAN 6” Variable Speed Grinding Center is such a hot seller throughout the year for plenty of workers.
Possibly the most impressive feature on this piece of machinery is the guiding platform on each stone to get the perfect cut. If you’re sharpening a lot of small hands tools like flathead screwdrivers or drill bits, then you’ll absolutely love the slotted platform that helps you get the perfect cut every time.
Much like a few other units on the list, this one includes a lamp to illuminate the area you’re working in. It also has the biggest safety glass pieces that you could ask for, completely preventing any debris from getting through and harming you. These two pieces can be adjusted for angle changes whenever you want to with a small dial.
- Made by a top-quality brand in the industry
- Includes slotted guiding platforms
- Uses adjustable safety glass pieces
- Uses 6” grinding stones, which is 2 inches smaller than average
- The safety glass pieces might get in the way
How to Choose the Best Adjustable Speed Bench Grinder
Once you’ve gone through the list and seen all of the best variable speed bench grinders that money can buy, it’s time to select your favorite one. If you’re well-versed in how they work and why they’re optimal for a handful of jobs, then you probably already know which one you’re going to go with. On the other hand, people who haven’t used bench grinders might have a few questions. If you’re a beginner in need of some further guidance, this section is where you’ll find everything you need to know. Enjoy!
What type of metal should a variable slow speed bench grinder be made of?
When you’re picking out any type of tool, you probably want to know which materials are used to get the best edge. It’s no secret that all tools have to be durable and long-lasting given the nature of their purpose. Variable speed bench grinders use a combination of materials, but the stone is always the same. However, there are a few different types of metal used to create the body portion, which is what we’re going to focus on.
The three main types of metal used in a bench grinder include cast iron, aluminum, and steel. All of them are solid choices, but some of them have benefits that others don’t and vice versa. For example, cast iron is very common because it’s easy for companies to mold and mass-produce, giving it a lower cost than other materials. However, it can be tremendously heavier than aluminum. Cast iron is very durable through, and it doesn’t generally splinter after years of hard work.
Aluminum is another great choice for people who want to have a combination of longevity and lightweight portability. You can carry an aluminum bench grinder all over the place without ever having to worry about it being too heavy. The only true downside to aluminum is that it can rust if you don’t take care of it properly. To do so, simply wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use to prevent moisture and debris from building up.
Finally, steel is one of the most widely used metals in the tool industry. The first metal that comes to mind when someone thinks of durability and toughness is steel, which is why so many people love it. Much like aluminum, you have to keep steel clean to prevent it from rusting out and breaking down over time. The good news is that it takes much longer for steel to rust, and it’s also much easier to repair and deal with if you forget to clean it. Steel is also a bit heavy like cast iron.
What is a variable speed bench grinder used for?
A variable speed bench grinder is used to repair tools, sharpen objects, craft metal molds, and much more. You can even polish old pipes and other supplies to make them look new or remove charred metal debris off of surfaces. They’re one of the most useful pieces of machinery if you’re someone who finds themselves in the shed or workshop often. If you’re tired of buying replacements for other tools when they get dull or chipped, then you should definitely consider getting a bench grinder.
The main reason that so many people decide to get a variable speed bench grinder over a single-speed one is the fact that it allows you to adjust the speed for various jobs. One speed definitely doesn’t work the same across all surfaces, so having the ability to change the speeds is ideal. For example, you wouldn’t want to use 10,000 RPM on a thin metal pipe or a screwdriver. You’d end up injuring yourself or ripping the tool to shreds! However, it’s perfect for thicker sheets of metal.
Another great reason that you should think about getting a variable speed bench grinder is that it saves you money through electricity. How so? Well, when you constantly run a motor at 3,400 RPM, you’ll generally spend a static amount assuming your rate doesn’t change. However, when you’re using a variable speed motor, you can reduce the speed to use less electricity, thus saving yourself plenty of money over time. You’ll end up paying yourself back for the purchase of the bench grinder through not having to replace tools and spending too much on your electrical bill alone!
What safety equipment should you have when using a bench grinder?
Many bench grinders come with lights and safety glass to keep you safe from flying debris, but it’s never a bad idea to stay prepared for the worst. If your glass because loose or a piece manages to get around the edge of it, then you need to have another line of defense. For starters, you should definitely get a good pair of gloves. Safety gloves are an essential part of everyone’s tool set, so make sure you have them before you get started. They also help for reducing vibrations that you’re bound to deal with when using a bench grinder.
Another piece of safety gear that you should have is safety glasses. You only get one set of eyes, so don’t let them get harmed by using a bench grinder. Safety glasses are usually fairly cheap, and they keep your eyes protected from flying metal and sparks that are naturally caused by using the machine. You can even opt for a pair of safety goggles if you want to keep your eyes extra safe from anything.
Lastly, you could get a spare pair of work pants and a long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms and legs. Although many workers don’t tend to go that far, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It’ll only take one piece of flying molten metal to make you change your mind and buy some tough jeans!
What other uses does a variable speed bench grinder have?
While they’re called grinders, you can use much more than the grinding stones that come with the unit. You can also try out a buffing cloth wheel to keep all of your tools and other materials as fresh as possible. If you’re working with other peoples’ products as a side job, you want to make sure they come back with stellar results. Buffing out their equipment is a great way to ensure repeat customers. You can even keep your own tools at home cleaned off with the buffing wheel.
Another wheel choice is a wire wheel. Wire wheels are great for shaving down debris that melts onto surfaces or to lightly sand down fragile surfaces. You wouldn’t want to use a dense stone to grind down thin sheet metal, as it would break the metal or scrape it up in an instant. Wire wheels are always a good item to have on hand whenever you might need them.
You could also buy different width of grinding stones, as well as varying grits. With a denser pattern on the stone’s grit, you’ll get a finer, softer feeling on your tools and other gear. A lighter grit usually produces less results, which is actually better if you don’t want to grind down too much of the surface. All in all, there are quite a few attachments that you might want to consider getting with your new bench grinder. After all, if you’re getting the best variable speed bench grinder on the market, why not get the best equipment to go with it?
Does brand matter?
When you’re looking for a new bench grinder, it’s a no-brainer that you want the best one available. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to chase after the best brands or the first ones that come to mind. CRAFTSMAN is a solid example of a top-notch brand, but you don’t have to go with their product just because they make amazing tools. Granted you can rely on them for durability and efficiency, but you’ll also have to spend a little bit more than off-brands.
There are quite a few options on the list above that aren’t as well-known as CRAFTSMAN, but they still are of the same quality. In fact, not only are they made excellently, but they also come at a cheaper price since you aren’t paying for the brand. All of that being said, if you’re not someone to trust a new brand who hasn’t proven itself in the industry, that’s completely understandable. In any case, all of the brands and products listed on this page are the best of the best.
The main features that you should look for are the range of RPMS, the safety glass or lack thereof, how compact it is, and whether or not it comes with a built-in lamp. All of the are preferences and not requirements, so figure out which features you’d like and make the decision that you know you can work with!
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