Benjamin Franklin once quoted that the best investment you could make was in the tools of your trade, and truer words were never spoken. Investing in the best slow speed bench grinders is an embodiment of this sentiment. The value of a grinder in a woodworking shop is incomparable.
Though you may probably not use it every day, you will feel its effects round the clock in the tools you use. A bench grinder will keep your cutting tools sharp and free of dust, polish your workpieces, and polish your finished pieces when used with a buffer, thus directly affecting your work quality. With the many bench grinders around, this article will focus solely on the best slow speed bench grinder.
Why a slow speed grinder, you may ask? The slower speed is much better at sharpening fine edges and giving them a smooth finish than faster RPM grinders. It also allows you a greater degree of control over your work. Any of the five grinders listed below will prove an invaluable addition to your workshop.
To spice up the read, I’ve included a comprehensive buyer’s guide with the necessary information that you need to know about these products before shopping for them. Stay with me…
Table of Contents
List of the Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder
1. WEN 4286 Slow Speed Bench Grinder
The WEN 4286 is the perfect companion for anyone who continually needs to resuscitate, clean, and deburr objects and blades. With a weight of 8 pounds, this machine feels sturdy and well-built from the get-go. This machine package includes two 8”x1” white aluminum oxide wheels, which are superior in performance to the silicon carbide wheels found on many other machines.
One of the wheels has a grit of 60 for general-purpose grinding and removing materials, while the other is a fine 120-grit wheel for surface finishing and sharpening of blades. The 1” thickness of the wheels gives a wide surface area so you can get through your work faster and with higher accuracy.
This machine also has a 3-amp motor that packs a powerful punch and gives a strong performance. Besides that, it works quietly enough not to be getting any noise complaints from neighbors while also protecting your hearing. At steady speeds of 1750 revolutions per minute, you will finish your work promptly and accurately. Though the machine takes a while before reaching this speed and sometimes slowing down once you are done, it works well with no hitches once it gets up to speed.
The design of this machine also makes it easier to remove the wheel guards so that you can quickly and easily change the wheels. With the 4286, WEN lives up to its promise of affordable tools rich in high-end features.
Summary of Top Features
- Grinding wheel size of 8”x1.”
- Speeds of 1,750 Revolutions Per Minute at no load
- 5/8-inch arbor size
- 3-amp motor
- 2-year warranty
Pros
- You can easily remove the wheel guards for wheel changing.
- It works quietly.
- The machine gives a smooth finish.
- High accuracy
Cons
- Complaints about customer care reliability.
2. RIKON Power Tools 80-808 Low-Speed Bench Grinder
One of the most considerable problems associated with more affordable bench grinders is the excessive vibration that prevents any worker from doing truly accurate work. Among other notable features, RIKON’s prime quality is the careful engineering that solves this problem.
The RIKON 80-808 comes with a cast iron base and rubber feet, features that reduce the machine’s vibration significantly. This reduction means that any woodworker can expect better results in terms of accuracy and precision. Other features on this machine that help increase accuracy include the LED work light to illuminate better your working space and the eye shields on each of the wheels.
These eye shields not only protect your eyes from any stray debris, but they also have magnification that allows you to closely inspect your work from a safe distance and attain precision.
The 80-808 also comes with two white aluminum oxide wheels of 8” diameter and 1” thickness, a size that allows for faster, more accurate working. It is powered by a 1 HP, 120 Volt continuous-duty induction motor that runs smoothly and offers a powerful performance. The speed of 1750 revolutions per minute on this machine does a better job sharpening tools that need a smoother finish than faster RPMs.
The motor also runs quietly enough to protect your hearing and not make any disturbance. At its price point, the 80-808 is a feature-packed machine that gives its value for the money.
Summary of Top Features
- It comes with a heavy cast iron base with rubber feet.
- Wheel sizes of 8’’ diameter x 1’’ thickness
- Speed of 1,750 revolutions per minute at no load
- 1 HP motor
- 5/8’’ arbor
Pros
- The engine runs quietly.
- 5-year warranty
- Clear eye shields with magnification
- Multiple safety features
- Large grinding wheel sizes
Cons
- The included LED lights are not that bright.
3. BUCKTOOL Low-Speed Bench Grinder fit CBN Wheel Professional Grinder, TDS-200C4HL
The BUCKTOOL TDS-200C4HL comes from a company that has developed a reputation for producing reliable and durable products, and the TDS-200C4HL is no exception. It comes with a powerful ¾ HPP low-speed induction motor that gives a smooth, powerful performance, as well as working quietly. At no load, the machine works at a top speed of 1750 revolutions per minute, a rate that is perfect for giving your tools a smooth finish. As your machine works, the cast iron base and rubber feet will dampen the machine’s vibration and keep it from moving around.
This machine comes with two grinding wheels. The left wheel has a diameter of 8 inches, a thickness of 1 inch, and 80 grit, while the right wheel has a diameter of 8 inches and a diameter of 1-1/2 inches, and 120 grit. Both have a shaft size of 5/8 inches. With these extra-wide wheels, you can get more work done faster and with higher accuracy.
The 3-Watt light is also another feature that helps the accuracy as you can turn it on in low-light conditions to see better and get precise results. The angle-adjustable eye shields work well to protect your eyes from debris, and the one three times magnifying also gives you a clearer view.
Another great and unique feature is that this machine has a safety switch that can help you prevent unauthorized access to the device. This feature is excellent, especially if you have children around your workshop.
Summary of Top Features
- ¾ HP motor
- Speed of 1,750 revolutions per minute at no load
- 3 Watts LED light
- 8’’x 1’’ and 8’’x 1-1/2’’ wheels
- 5/8’’ shafts
Pros
- A safety switch with a key helps prevent unauthorized access.
- Cast iron base with a rubber base to reduce vibration.
- It has a strong shaft to minimize wheel wobbling.
- Adjustable tool rests with concrete locking mechanisms.
- The machine runs quietly and smoothly.
Cons
- There have been customer complaints about the wheel quality.
4. Grizzly Industrial T28523 – Slow-Speed Bench Grinder
Another tremendous slow speed grinder is the Grizzly T28523. At no load, this machine works at a speed of 1,750 revolutions per minute, which is ideal for doing precise work and giving that smooth finish to a blade without taking off too much material. A 1/3 HP motor powers the machine and does not work too noisily to cause disturbances, and it gives a steady, reliable performance.
The T28523 comes with two grinding wheels, each with a diameter of 8 inches and a thickness of 1 inch. These relatively large wheels provide a large surface area and allow you to work faster and with greater accuracy and precision. The two are 60 and 120 grit wheels. Since handling bench grinders come with a considerable risk of bodily harm, safety features are also a big part of this machine.
The safety shields on the wheels keep your eyes safe from any debris and allow you to view your work from a safe distance, the wheel guard helps prevent accidental contact with the grinding wheel, and the spark deflector reduces the number of sparks spraying back towards you. The tool rest is also angle-adjustable, so you can position your workpiece to get your work done most effectively.
Summary of Top Features
- 1/3 HP motor
- Wheel size of 8’’ diameter by 1’’ thickness
- Speeds of 1,750 revolutions per minute at no load
- Angle adjustable guards
- 120 and 60 grit wheels
Pros
- Multiple safety features
- The machine gives a smooth performance.
- Adjustable tool rests
- Wide wheels
Cons
- It takes some time to get up to speed.
5. Rikon Professional 80-805, Slow Speed Bench Grinder
Another excellent slow speed grinder from Rikon is the 80-805. This machine has a ½ HP motor that runs smoothly and quietly and has enough power to run a small workshop, and is ideal for people working with hand tools. It also works the machine at a speed of 1,750 revolutions per minute.
The 80-805 comes with two wheels of 8” diameter, 1” thickness, and 5/8” arbor. The wheels are white aluminum oxide with 60 and 120 grit. The wheels are large enough for quick and accurate working at a speed that helps you control your work better.
A cast iron base and rubber feet help dampen the machine’s vibrations and prevent it from moving around too much on the working surface. This feature will help you achieve a greater level of accuracy as you will eliminate mistakes due to vibrations. This machine’s base is also equipped with mounting holes that make it easy to attach this machine to a grinder stand or your workbench.
Safety features on this machine include the eye shields and the spark deflectors, which are adjustable to offer excellent protection. Another feature that adds to this machine’s value is the groove in its design that can be used for sharpening drill bits and the diamond wheel sharpener.
Summary of Top Features
- ½ HP motor
- 8’’ diameter x 1’’ thickness wheel
- Speeds of 1,750 revolutions per minute
- 5- year warranty
- 5/8’’ arbor
Pros
- Adjustable tool rests
- The machine has anti-vibration rubber feet.
- It has a groove for sharpening drill bits.
- The machine runs quietly.
Cons
- The tool rests are difficult to adjust.
Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder Buyer’s Guide
With the right knowledge, you can pick the best bench grinder for you within your budget. Below is a comprehensive analysis on how to choose the best among many.
Why Should You Buy the Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder?
- Heat
Higher speed grinders have high inertial and are used to remove large amounts of material faster, which means that they also generate large quantities of heat almost immediately you start working, which can be problematic for sensitive metals. Overheating can reduce the metal’s hardness, making it dull faster and ruining the edge.
Slow speed bench grinders run at lower speeds and generate less heat. This speed makes them better if most of the work you plan to do is sharpening as the edges are thin and can quickly overheat. The best slow speed bench grinder will have better heat control and help to keep you from destroying the blade’s hardness.
- Control
Unlike high-speed grinders, which quickly take large amounts of material off the workpiece, slow speed grinders take material off slower. Hence you can better control how much material to take off. This slower pace is ideal for delicate pieces and is more forgiving of small errors while grinding.
- Better wheels
Another advantage of a slow speed bench grinder is that it often comes with friable white grinder wheels of better quality and grind better than the gray grinder wheels that come with high-speed grinders.
What Factors Should I Think On Before Buying the Best Slow Speed Bench Grinder?
- Safety precautions
As useful as a bench grinder is, it also comes with a considerable risk of bodily harm if mishandled. Hazards that could arise from using a bench grinder include respiratory problems from dust, impact injuries from flying objects, wheel explosions, sparks, and heat hazards. There are some precautions to look for in a bench grinder that increases its safety factor. These include:
- The wheel guards in a bench grinder work to prevent any fragments of an exploding wheel from reaching you. This risk is why it is prohibited to work a bench grinder without the wheel guards.
- Spark deflector- minimizes the number of sparks that the machine sprays back towards you as you work. It also works to catch any stray sparks.
- Eyeshields- Eyeshields work together with your protective eyewear to prevent any stray debris from getting into your eyes. They also allow you to view your workpiece closer but safely.
Apart from these machine components, you can take measures to ensure you are as safe as possible as you use this machine. These are:
- Do not grind from a typical bench grinder side, as this may risk the wheel exploding. Instead, get a wheel that is designed for side grinding.
- Do not exceed the maximum operating speeds located on the tag as over speeding a wheel risks exploding.
- Do not use a grinder without the wheel guards.
- Wear appropriate aye-protective gear, i.e., goggles, full face shields, or side shields.
- When grinding small objects that cannot be comfortably held by a hand, use locking pliers to safely hold onto them. The pliers protect your hands from hot burns and give you greater control over the grinding process.
- Do not use a cracked wheel.
- Do not wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothes when operating a bench grinder.
- Only wear gloves when there is no risk of getting them entangled.
- Make sure to stand to one side of the grinder until the wheel reaches operating speed.
- Make sure that all the machine guards are set in place before starting the grinder.
- Do not overtighten the nut when installing the wheel, as this could cause the wheel to crack.
- Wheel specifications
As much as different parts drive the machine, the wheel is the component that does the actual job. The best slow speed bench grinder is one whose wheel is geared to do the task most efficiently. The following are the wheel properties you should consider.
- The speed- the rpm (revolutions per minute) is used to differentiate bench grinders’ different rates. A slow speed bench grinder will have a speed of around 1,800 revolutions per minute. It is suited for smaller workshops and tasks such as sharpening blades since it does not produce a lot of heat, and that which it does release is done at a controlled rate.
- The size- you need to choose a wheel size that reflects the nature of your work. If you work with smaller tools and have a small workload, a smaller wheel may work well for you. If you need to work faster, you should choose a larger wheel as it has a larger surface area. It will also work to increase your accuracy.
- Wheel hardness- Harder wheels maintain their shape for longer but grind at hotter temperatures than the softer wheels. Softer wheels need more frequent dressing but better precautions when sharpening to prevent heat damage to your blade if you are still at the beginner stages.
- Motor power
The more the power of the bench grinder’s motor, the more influential the performance. Bench grinders’ engines range from ¼ to 1 HP and are usually rated in amps. Go for a machine whose motor guarantees a steady, smooth, and powerful performance.
- The material of the workpiece
Grinding wheels that are designed for a particular metal cannot be used for a different metal. Wheels that have been developed, for example, for steel, should not be used with softer metals such as aluminum. The softer metal runs the risk of getting stuck in the wheel’s pores, and later when the machine is running, expand due to the heat.
Pieces of the grinding wheel may then get dislodged, causing injury. Buy a grinder with wheels that match the material you plan to work on often. You could also buy a compatible wheel to use for other metals on your machine and change them when the occasion calls for it.
- Post-purchase services and accessories
After you purchase the machine, your interaction with the company will likely not end there. To ensure that the time after your purchase is not fraught with frustration, here are some company offerings that you should look out for before buying.
- Maintenance- even the best bench grinders can develop faults after a long period of use. A maintenance package will let you know the routine services that are recommended and offered by the manufacturer. Regular and thorough maintenance will help you keep your machine durable and long-lasting.
- Warranty- the warranty period on a machine will give you an idea of how long you can reasonably use the device while benefitting from the post-purchase services the company offers. Look into the details to find out what exactly they offer and keep your warranty agreement so you can claim it if needed.
- Return policy- Occasionally, a unit you purchase may come with a factory defect or a problem right off the bat. Find out about the seller’s return policy, i.e., Will they replace a defective machine/part? Do they pay for shipping both ways? This information may prove handy.
- Accessory package- Most machines offer components that increase the usability of the grinder. This package includes LED units to better light the workspace, batteries, tool rests, and even wheels. A generous accessory package will save you from spending extra money on components you could receive with the machine.
Final Thoughts
With proper practices and maintenance, the best slow speed bench grinder will see you through years of deburring, cleaning, and sharpening your tools, as well as many more tasks. This tool will prove itself invaluable to you. When purchasing a slow speed grinder, you may notice that its cost is slightly higher than that of other motors.
This cost difference is because this machine needs to overcome lower inertia and needs more power and torque. It also needs to overcome possible stalling as the machine works. Not to say that you should pay extravagant prices for your device. While worthwhile things will cost money, be careful that you are not extorted. After finding out the average price, visit different authorized resellers until you get the best price.
Also, be sure to carefully read the warranty agreement to make sure you fully understand the conditions under which your warranty will be valid and when it is voided. Then, get your bench grinder and enjoy the best-maintained tools you will ever have.