8 Best Bench Grinders for Sharpening Chisels (Lathe Tools 2023)

Lathe tools meant for turning will get blunt after a while. That is natural, but having to purchase a new set every time the older devices stop working is not. So, what should you do when your woodturning tools are no longer sharp?

Not to worry because all you need is the best bench grinder for sharpening chisels. Bench grinder is used to remove the smoothness from the tips of the woodturning tools and restore the sharpness.

So, if you want to know more about sharpening wood and lathe chisels, gouges and other woodturning tools, then keep reading.

Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder for Sharpening Chisels – [My Top Picks]

• Best Slow Speed: Rikon 80-808
• Runner Up Slow Speed: PowerTec BGSS801
• Best Variable Speed: JET 577103
• Runner Up Variable Speed: BuckTool TDS-200DS
• Also Great: Shop Fox W1840

Best Bench Grinders for Sharpening Lathe Tools – [Top Picks of 2023]

Here are the 8 best bench grinders for sharpening chisels you should know.

1. RIKON 80-808 – Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• Durable cast iron.
• Rubber padded bottom.
• Low vibration factor.
• Magnifying glass station.
• LED installed.
• Slow speed grinding.
• The LED light is not sufficient.

A grinding tool is essential for keeping those woodturners in top shape. So, if you are looking for a machine that can grind the edges as well as save the bank, then do not hesitate to invest in the RIKON 80-808.

The competitive advantage of this tool is that it is the best slow speed bench grinder for sharpening chisels & woodturning lathe tools. Consequently, you can save more power and invest it later for more work. So, you get efficiency and durability with the Rikon model.

The process is further aided by the adjustable casts that allow a stable resting position for the chisels and screws.

There are rubber pads at the bottom of the machine that keeps the tool in place. It can also reduce vibration and allow better control.

You can use the magnifying mirror to inspect the damaged appliance and work on fixing it carefully. Moreover, the LED work light shines some more light over the workstation.

2. POWERTEC 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• 8-inch wheel.
• Quiet application.
• Less heat generation.
• Aluminum oxide wheels.
• Heavy steel gauge base.
• Has a faulty tool rest.

Woodturning chiseling tools can become hot without any notice. So, if you are a craftsman who needs to sharpen a lot of tools and need to run the grinder for a long time, then the grinder tool from POWERTEC is a good option.

You mostly rub metal against metal to remove the bluntness. So, it is natural that the grinder tool will get hot. As a result, the POWERTEC tool has systems such as 1725 RPM to protect against overheating.

Aluminum oxide is also used to make the grinding wheels, and the material can effectively reduce temperature increase. So, it is an excellent grinder for lathe tools.

This power-tool has a steel gauge base, which is very heavy. So, the device stays put and enhances stability. Moreover, you can do all of this messy work in a quiet and controlled environment, thanks to the silent motor.

3. JET 10-Inch Grinder – Best Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• Large eye shield.
• Pre-lubricated ball bearings.
• Versatile grinder.
• 10-inch wheels.
• UL listed motor.
• More expensive than other chisel grinders.

Power-tools can be dangerous at times. If you are not cautious, you can seriously harm yourself. So, in case you are always around devices like grinders, and are worried about your safety, then the JET tools can offer some consolation.

You have to work close to the engine to see how much you are shaving off. The process creates sparks that can burn your face. You can wear protective goggles to avoid that.

But Jet made sure to install large eye shields to prevent burning or any injury. The glass also keeps the dust from scattering all over.

This JET tool can arguably be the best variable speed bench grinder for sharpening as it provides more versatility. So, based on the turning tool, you can change the speed of the machine.

The engine is a phase 1 type with pre-lubricated call bearings. Consequently, its wheel will not get stuck in the middle while sharpening your woodturning tools.

To control the 10-inch wheels, it has a sturdy toggle switch.

4. Shop Fox W1840 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• Portable and lightweight.
• Two aluminum oxide wheels.
• 2000 to 3400 RPM power.
• 5/8-inch wheel bore.
• The adjustable work light is not good.

The bench grinder for woodworking tends to be massive. So, if you are a person who is always on the go, and you need a grinder that weighs less, then do not miss out on Shop Fox. They manufacture grinder models that will be perfect for you.

The wheels on the Shop Fox W1840 grinder are one of its most crucial elements besides the motor. So, naturally, it has some weight to it.

However, shop fox has wheels made of aluminum oxide, which drastically reduces the weight of the entire machine. Aluminum oxide also helps producing less heat.

But even with less weight, the motor can crunch superb output. It can give you 2000 to 3400 RPM. With the generated power and 5/8-inch wheel bore, you can also run variable speed on the wheels.

5. WEN 4286 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:Affordable machine.

Two eye shields, one with magnifying mirror.

1750 RPM motor.

Portable.

Steady and smooth application.

Not suitable for heavy-duty work.

Are you a beginner who wants to buff and built their razor-sharp tools but do not know where to start? So, if you want an inexpensive yet high-quality tool, then do not sleep on WEN 4286.

Because this brand produces some the best bench grinders for sharpening woodturning tools.

This machine has all the essential elements a grinder needs, but it is still affordable. The 1750 RPM power with the 3 amp motor can work while grinding at a slow speed.

So, as a beginner, you can practice and learn with this tool.

The device is extremely lightweight too, only 8 pounds. So, it will not take much space on your workstation even though it has two wheels, two eye shields, and an active baseline.

6. Delta Power Tools 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• 2000 to 3400 RPM variable speed.
• Big LED work light.
• Induction Motor.
• Accurate angle setting system.
• The base plate can be wobbly.

If you want excellent output, and you cannot be bothered with economical products, then do not hesitate to purchase a grinder from Delta. Specifically, the variable speed model will be more useful to a professional like you.

Delta 23-196 can generate 2000 to 3400 RPM every time. With this much speed, you can smoothly go through all your blades and skews. You will also get razor-sharp edges every time.

The motor on this machine is also unique as it has a 2.5 amp induction motor. Hence, the device uses less energy to sharpen the tools.

Delta Power went the extra mile to add a drill bit on the left tool rest. Consequently, you can get accurate angle settings.

7. WEN 4280 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• Variable Speed.
• Faster rust removal with accuracy.
• Dual grit option.
• Sturdy iron cast base.
• Tends to create noise.

The slow speed grinder from WEN has made our list before. If you like the features of that model but want more diversity, then WEN has got something for you too. 

This machine is a beast when it comes to power generation. It can perform with variable speed because of different grit systems. You will get 36-grit and 80-grit on the tool, which can be paired with 8-inch by 1-inch grinding machine.

With the variable speed, you can maintain precise alternations and remove gunk and rust faster. At the bottom of the tool, there is a sturdy iron cast that holds the grinder in place.

So, you can exert as much pressure as you want, your accuracy will remain unharmed.

8. BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS 8-Inch Dual Speed Bench Grinder

Key Points:

• Induction motor.
• Slow speed grinder.
• Produces less heat.
• Less vibration.
• Doesn’t have any LED light.

The TDS-200DS from Bucktool is one of the durable variable speed bench grinders available out there. It’s a relatively new tool on the market and already gained customers’ trust due to its high-quality construction and excellent features.

It comes with a ½ HP dual-speed induction motor that can go up to 3450 RPM. But sharpening chisels with such high speed is not recommended, not to worry, it also has slow speed (1725 RPM) option.

With this speed, you can sharpen your woodworking tools without burning the edges.

Both of the 8″ grinding wheels are made of aluminum oxide. As a result, they don’t build much heat while grinding.

The cast aluminum tool rests are highly adjustable that allows you to grind efficiently. Besides, its sturdy cast iron base helps you to sharpen with less vibration.

Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder for Sharpening Chisels – [Updated Buying Guide]

Do not solely depend on the bench grinder reviews as you will only get a list of the best product on the market. You need to know how each component works.

That knowledge will not only help you purchase the most compatible product but also will help you increase your understanding of grinders.

Also, keep in mind that grinders for chiseling are different than grinders for bits and staples. So, know your device through and through before making a purchase.

1. Slow Speed Bench Grinder

As a beginner, sharpening your woodworking chisels on a slow speed bench grinder is the right option.

They have 1725 RPM, which is half of the speed of the industrial high-speed bench grinders (3450 RPM). You can also consider purchasing a variable speed bench grinder that has low and high-speed settings. 

The high-speed grinder is the most premium option for the expert, who understands how to protect the tips of the chisels from burning and removing the hardness of the steel.

So choose according to your skill level.

2. Tool Rest

If you want to sharpen your wood chisels more efficiently, you’ll need to have a well-designed tool rest. But the reality is most of the bench grinders come with an inefficient tool rest that doesn’t provide the versatility you need while sharpening your chisels.

Professional woodworkers use a highly adjustable tool rest such as Oneway Wolverine System, you can also use any of these aftermarket tool-rests for more satisfying results.

But if you don’t want to spend money on the tool rest, make sure your bench grinder comes with a large and suitable one.

3. Wheel Size and Type

Bench grinders are available in various wheel sizes and wheel types. For sharpening woodworking or woodturning chisels, 8” wheels are the right options.

The different types of wheels are:

• Aluminum Oxide
• Diamond
• Silicon Carbide
• Cubic Boron Nitride

Choose a grinder with the Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN) wheels, because these wheels are the most suitable for sharpening high-speed steel (HSS) woodturning lathe chisels. 

Generally, bench grinders come with aluminum oxide wheels, but if you want to achieve the best result, you can buy at least a single CBN Wheel for your bench grinder.

Best Bench Grinder for Sharpening Woodturning Tools – FAQs

What is a CBN grinding wheel?

CBN stands for Cubic Boron Nitride. CBN wheels are around two and half times stronger than aluminum oxide wheels.

For the professional woodworkers, it’s the right option for sharpening chisels and woodturning tools.

Slow Speed Vs. High-Speed Bench Grinder – Which is Better?

If you’re a beginner trying to learn to sharpen your woodworking tools, then the slow speed bench grinder (1720 RPM) is the right option.

High-speed grinders are suitable for professionals who are looking for the most advanced alternative to sharpen woodworking tools.

According to the expert woodworkers, the slow speed bench grinder is the appropriate option for sharpening all kinds of chisels.

6-inch Vs. 8-inch Bench Grinder – Which is the Right Size for Sharpening?

6-inch bench grinders require more maintenance than the 8-inch grinders. Besides, you’ll need to replace the wheels of 6” grinder frequently. As a result, 8” bench grinder is the right choice for sharpening chisels.

Final Words

If you want to maintain your woodturning tools properly, then you need to invest in the best bench grinders for sharpening chisels. Because cheap quality products will not be able to sharpen the skews and blades into its original state.

On that note, if you are comfortable working with slow speed, or if you are starting to learn how to grind, then the Rikon Power Tools 80-808 will be more suitable for you.

On the other hand, if you want variable speed and more diversity, then the BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS or this grinder from JET should serve you right.

Whichever it is, this power-tool will undoubtedly make things a lot easier for you!

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