A bench grinder is one of the must-have tools if you run a workshop. However, whether you want it for workshop applications or other needs, the best slow speed bench grinder for sharpening is always preferable.
With the tool, you can grind, remove paint from surfaces, polish, sharpen cutting tools such as chisels, gouges, and drill bits, among others.
The tool typically works while fixed to a benchtop or other surface, which means there is no much about flexibility. You may have to work from the same station, although the inflexibility means less if you have the right slow speed grinder.
Best Slow Speed Bench Grinders for Sharpening Reviews
If buying a slow speed bench grinder for sharpening for the first time or making a replacement, some knowledge about what the market is currently offering will do you good. We tested the top grinders in 2021 and prepared a list of the best three.
1. RIKON Professional Power Tool 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder
With its features and performance, RIKON Professional Power Tool positions itself the best slow speed bench grinder for sharpening. It has a ½ horsepower motor that makes 1750 revolutions per minute.
RIKON Professional is high quality and features aluminum oxide wheels of 8-inch diameter and 1-inch thickness. The wheels are 60 and 120 grit.
The slow speed grinder is a perfect piece for small workshops and other artisans using handheld tools. The equipment is comfortable to use and eliminates the possibility of making mistakes while in use, thanks to its anti-vibration rubber feet and a cast iron base. It features spark resistors and eye shields for safety.
The slow speed grinder includes a diamond wheel sharpener and a groove meant for sharpening drill bits.
Pros
- Reduces heat buildup
- Durable
- Has user safety features
Why We Liked It: We found the tool very comfortable and safe to use from its anti-vibration features, eye shields, and spark resistors. Also, the equipment is high quality and durable and will just serve right and for long in all slow speed grinding needs.
2. Premium Quality-WEN 4286 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder
WEN 4286 bench grinder has a powerful motor that makes 1750 revolutions per minute.
The quiet 3 amp equipment delivers enough power for all sharpening requirements, placing the tool among the best slow speed bench grinders for sharpening.
It features two large wheels of 8*1 inches with 60 and 120-grit. The two aluminum oxide wheels are designed for different roles.
The 60 grit wheel is for material removal and general grinding while the 120-grit wheel takes care of your sharpening and polishing needs.
Each wheel has an adjustable eye guard, with the sharpening and polishing wheel’s eye guard featuring a magnifying lens.
Pros
- Compact and powerful
- Easy to start and smooth performance
- Operates quietly
- Easy to remove wheel guards for wheel changing
Why We Liked It: You will love the grinder’s quiet operation and specified wheel functions. Besides, the 1-inch wheel thickness creates enough surface area for increased speed and accuracy.
3. Great Value -JET 577103 10-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder
JET 577103Industrial Grinder is a good pick for any professional seeking a slow speed bench grinder.
It can perform functions, including sharpening, cleaning, scrapping burs from metal rods, and buffing, among others. The equipment has a 1-1.5 HP motor that makes up to 1725 revolutions per minute.
However, with the revolutions, even the 1-horsepower grinder will deliver enough power for stringent grinding needs. The tool features industrial-grade wheels of 24-grit and 46-grit and a heavy-duty toggle switch.
The grinder’s base is a rubber foot that prevents movement from vibrations, although the tool can still be bolted down for better stability.
Pros
- Has a guarded heavy-duty switch
- Adjustable large eye shields
- Lubricated ball bearings
Why We Liked It: We loved the features the grinder incorporates. Its 10-inch wheels with guards featuring dust vents, 1.5-inch exhaust ports, pre-lubricated ball bearings, adjustable spark guards, eye shields, adjustable tool rest, and rubber mounts make the equipment safe and comfortable to use.
Slow Speed Bench Grinder Buying Guide
The market provides numerous bench grinder types, and their difference is not just the price. Individuals who have worked with them before may know how suitable they are for specific tasks and probably know the right equipment.
However, if you are new to slow-speed bench grinders, the purchase you are about to make will not merely involve moving around in stores searching for the best price.
Besides, you could get the wrong piece if you do not differentiate a high-speed and slow-speed bench grinder for sharpening.
We prepared a comprehensive buying guide to let you know what to look out for before making your order from online stores or if physically getting the tool from the stores.
Check the Number of Revolutions per Minute
The number of revolutions made per minute is the fundamental trick for differentiating high-speed bench grinders from the slow-speed grinders.
Most manufacturers will indicate the speed, which in most cases, will be labeled as the motor speed. The options available can vary from below 2000 RPM to above 3000 RPM.
A slow-speed bench grinder will have less number of revolutions per minute and is suitable for smaller grinding tasks.
Check the Motor Power
The slow-speed bench grinders use electric power, and so do not have a lot of manual work for the user. The manufacturers indicate the motor power in Amperes, with options such as 4.1 amps and 2.1 amps. A bench grinder whose power rating is higher will offer better performance compared to those with a lower power rating.
Get the Right Size
Although the slow speed grinders are not necessarily large in size, it’s essential to check the size relative to your available storage space and the nature of the work you intend to do. For small sharpening needs such as carpentry tools, a small-sized grinder with smaller wheels will be more efficient.
How About the Durability?
Every buyer wants the highest value for the amount spent on the purchase, and there is no better way to realize this than buying an efficient and durable tool. Checking the quality of the metal making the grinder is the sure way to know if it is durable. Cast iron is the best any grinder can have for its base.
The warranty period the manufacturer gives could also mean a lot about the tool’s durability. One with an extended warranty period will most likely last longer.
Consider the Safety
While you want a highly efficient tool, caution must be taken as they can cause serious harm to the user. The safety should start with the manufacturer by incorporating safety features. Some of the safety features to check for are the eye shields and spark resistors.
Conclusion
Although the operation of the grinders is the same, the efficiency and effectiveness make a whole new difference.
Slow speed bench grinders are meant for lighter grinding works, although they still have differences in aspects such as the wheel size, motor speed, and horsepower, among others. The combination of features distinguishes each type from the rest.
In our review, we found RIKON Professional Power Tool 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder, 80-805, the best bet for anyone seeking a perfect slow speed bench grinder for sharpening.
The equipment has all the best features, including the 8-inch by 1-inch aluminum oxide wheels with 60 and 120-grit. Its horsepower is high, and a motor speed 0f 1750 RPM is just perfect for a slow-speed grinder.
Besides, working with it is comfortable since it has anti-vibration rubber feet, safety features, and a wheel sharpener.
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