Bench Grinders

About Bench Grinders

Bench grinders are essential stationary workshop machines designed to be permanently mounted to a workbench or pedestal stand, providing reliable grinding, sharpening, and finishing capabilities for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Unlike handheld angle grinders, these stable machines offer superior precision and control, making them ideal for repetitive sharpening work and detailed metalworking applications. Most bench grinders feature twin grinding wheels mounted on either side of a central motor, allowing users to configure different wheel grades or attachments - from coarse material removal to fine tool sharpening. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range including standard twin-wheel grinders, wet and dry sharpening systems, and combination units from trusted manufacturers such as Sealey, Draper, Einhell, and Record Power.

Available in various sizes from compact 150mm models with 250-370W motors suitable for light-duty work to heavy-duty 200mm variants with up to 750W for demanding industrial applications, bench grinders serve workshops across engineering, carpentry, metalworking, and agricultural sectors. All models operate on standard 240v mains supply, ensuring compatibility with UK workshop sockets. Whether you're sharpening chisels and drill bits, removing rust from metal components, grinding down welds, or polishing surfaces, MyToolShed.co.uk offers a bench grinder to match every workshop requirement and budget.

Applications

Bench grinders serve diverse trades and applications across professional and DIY sectors:

• Engineering Workshops: Grinding, deburring, and finishing metal components and fabrications
• Woodworkers and Chippies: Sharpening chisels, plane blades, turning tools, and drill bits to maintain cutting performance
• Agricultural and Farm Maintenance: Repairing and sharpening agricultural implements, blades, and machinery components
• Garden and Landscape Professionals: Maintaining lawnmower blades, shears, secateurs, and garden tools
• Metalworkers and Fabricators: Grinding welds, removing mill scale, and preparing surfaces for finishing
• Motor Vehicle Technicians: Cleaning components, removing rust, and general workshop maintenance tasks
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home workshop tool maintenance and general grinding applications
• Educational Workshops: Teaching metalwork and engineering skills in schools and training centres

Choosing The Right Bench Grinders

Wheel Size and Power: For general home workshop use, a 150mm (6-inch) bench grinder with a 250-370W motor provides adequate performance for sharpening and light grinding. Professional users tackling heavier metalworking should consider 200mm (8-inch) models with 370-750W motors for increased capacity and faster material removal.

Motor Speed: Standard bench grinders operate at 2,800-3,600 RPM, suitable for general grinding with aluminium oxide wheels. For precision tool sharpening where maintaining the temper of cutting edges is critical, consider a wet stone grinder operating at slower speeds (90-120 RPM) with water cooling to eliminate overheating risk.

Configuration Options: MyToolShed.co.uk offers standard twin-wheel setups, wet and dry grinders that pair traditional grinding wheels with water-cooled stones, and combination units featuring grinding wheels alongside wire brushes or sanding belts for maximum versatility.

Build Quality: Heavy-duty cast iron construction provides superior vibration damping and stability compared to pressed steel housings. Look for adjustable tool rests that lock securely, robust eye shields, and easily accessible on/off switches for safe operation.

Safety Information

Always ensure grinding wheels are rated for speeds at or above your grinder's operating RPM. Never use damaged, cracked, or chipped wheels as they can disintegrate during operation. Wheel guards must remain in place at all times, and tool rests should be adjusted to within 3mm of the wheel face to prevent workpieces being dragged between the rest and wheel. Eye protection is mandatory - safety goggles or a full face shield provide essential protection from flying sparks and debris. Avoid wearing loose clothing, jewellery, or gloves that could become entangled in rotating components. Secure the bench grinder firmly to a stable workbench or stand, and ensure adequate workspace with good lighting and ventilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a standard bench grinder and a wet stone grinder?
Standard bench grinders operate at high speeds (2,800-3,600 RPM) for general grinding and rapid sharpening. Wet stone grinders run much slower (90-120 RPM) with water cooling, preventing heat build-up that can damage the temper of tool edges - preferred for precision sharpening of chisels and quality cutting tools.

What size bench grinder do I need for a home workshop?
For general DIY use, a 150mm (6-inch) bench grinder with 250-370W motor provides adequate performance for tool sharpening and light grinding. For regular metalworking or larger tools, a 200mm (8-inch) model with 500W or greater offers increased capacity and efficiency.

How often should I replace or dress my grinding wheels?
Dress grinding wheels whenever they become glazed, loaded with material, or develop grooves - typically every few hours of intensive use or monthly for lighter applications. Replace wheels when significantly worn down in diameter, damaged, cracked, or when vibration indicates wheel imbalance.