The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the tools › general tool discussion
Recommend me an 8" bench grinder | The Garage Journal
January 24, 2024 - Here they are side by side: I'm pretty sure this means that if I don't mind losing two years of warranty, I can get the Rikon grinder branded as Masterforce and save $108. Thoughts? Click to expand... The rikons that I have are not variable speed. At one of the shops at work they bought one of the masterforce VS you showed. It BLOWS. No torque, nothing like the 8" Rikon Slow speed I have at home
Ships of Scale
shipsofscale.com › home › forums › modelshipyard: building your model › tools, lathes, mills, jigs and techniques
8" Variable Speed Bench Grinder | Ships of Scale
November 10, 2022 - It really doesn't take much pressure or speed to grind the tip to a better cutting edge. This is basically all that it will be used for. The 8" size is really preferred as the large wheel vs the small area, it produces a relative straight cut. If I go 6" or smaller, then the tool will start ...
Videos
16:37
Harbor Freight BAUER 8 inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder TOOL REVIEW ...
05:04
HERCULES variable speed 8- inch bench grinder - YouTube
04:51
The 5 Best Variable Speed Bench Grinders of 2025 - YouTube
13:02
Vevor 8" Variable Speed Bench Grinder Review - YouTube
04:14
Best Bench Grinders 2025 | Workshop Performance Tested - YouTube
Etto Woodworking
ettowoodworking.com › wen-bench-grinder-review-variable-speed
WEN Bench Grinder Review - 8" Variable-Speed WEN4280
The variable speed worked perfectly, with a slow ramp up and down. There were noticeable vibrations on start and stop, but when it was running at the set speed, these mostly went away.
Published March 22, 2024
Palmgren
palmgren.com › 8-variable-speed-economy-bench-grinder.html
8" Variable Speed Economy Bench Grinder
8" Variable Speed Economy Bench Grinder
8" Variable speed unit operates from 2000 to 3450 RPM · Flexible lamps with independent switch (40W bulb not included) · Eye shields, spark arrestors and adjustable tool rests included · 8" grinder includes a 60 grit abrasive wheel and a 8" crimped wire wheel · Read our blog for more information
Price $256.00
Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › bench grinders › 8 in. bench grinders
8 in. Variable-Speed Bench Grinder with LED Work Light
8 in. Variable-Speed Bench Grinder with LED Work Light
The BAUER™ 8 in. Variable-Speed Bench Grinder has a powerful 3/4 HP motor with infinite variable-speed control for a wide variety of grinding operations. The ultrabright LED light has a flexible gooseneck for a clear view of the workpiece. The tough transparent safety shields offer better visibility and protection.
Price $129.99
Sawmill Creek
sawmillcreek.org › forums › woodworking topics › general woodworking and power tools
Variable Speed Bench Grinder | Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community
February 27, 2020 - Buy a big old 3 phase grinder and use a vfd to make it variable speed. After a year or so report back to us. RPM is not important but FPM is what counts. that is why bigger diameter wheels must run lower RPM's. Bil lD ... Speed and heat are related and some metals benefit from lower speeds as a result. Whether or not you will benefit from that high range of speed variability will depend upon the specific tools and metal compounds you'll be grinding. I have just a 1750 rpm 8" grinder and it does everything I find I need with both HHS and carbon steel, taking great care with the latter, of course.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/tools › new wen 8-inch variable speed bench grinder, or used
r/Tools on Reddit: New WEN 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder, or Used
February 5, 2020 -
I'm on the fence between these two:
New WEN 4280 5-Amp 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
https://www.amazon.com/WEN-4280-Variable-Speed-Grinder/dp/B01M9FVT0W/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=WEN+8-Inch+Bench+Grinder+variable+speed&qid=1580932006&s=hi&sr=1-4
Used JET 8-Inch Bench Grinder 50% off from new price.
https://www.amazon.com/577102-JBG-8A-8-Inch-Bench-Grinder/dp/B00004T9KW
I plan on using it for:
Rough grinding chipped chisels, and hand plane Irons.
Sharpening/honing Kitchen knives and other blades with an MDF wheel + Compund.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7tsdFLtesg&t=110s
Removing rust with wire wheel.
Polishing?
It would be fun to attach a V-belt Pulley, and power something I make
https://www.mcmaster.com/6204k172
I'm leaning towards the Jet. Made in Taiwan, and I've heard good things about those factories. Also, it may keep the resale value.
I've heard great things about the WEN as well. I want their drill presses.
Questions:
I'm wondering if the variable speed is a big deal. Would I miss not having it?
I've done some research on Induction motors (Jet). I understand that it's pricey to make these motor vary in speed. So that tells me, the WEN isn't induction. What kind of motor are all these variable speed grinders using?
Top answer 1 of 3
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Knife Guy here: Please, PLEASE, do NOT use a bench grinder on knives! Not even cheap kitchen knives. Get a proper knife grinding system. Just reading that made my balls pull up inside my groin. Aack!!!
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I doubt you would use the variable speed. They are made with universal AC motors and do not have the torque of an induction motor. I think based on your description of use I would steer you toward the Wen (Tormak) clone, for all sharpening. Then get a cheaper used bench grinder for rust removal and such. Definitely listen to the advice given below by the knife maker u/CallsignViperrr he will steer you in the right direction.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/harborfreight › new bauer 8" bench grinder
r/harborfreight on Reddit: New Bauer 8" bench grinder
January 18, 2023 -
Hey all--
Despite keeping my eyes open, apparently I missed three opportunity to get the well reviewed 8" variable speed Heracles bench grinder as it went on clearance.
Practically the same day it went to clearance, HF released the new 8" Bauer variable speed grinder. The image looks exactly the same. The only major differences I can find are that it costs $10 more and the HP rating is down to 3/4....despite having the same amp draw.
Anyone know if this isIs this just a re-badge? Or is there a substantive difference between the two, especially to justify a $10 increase?
Edit: link to new grinder:
https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/grinders/bench-grinders/8-in-variable-speed-bench-grinder-with-led-work-light-59300.html
Top answer 1 of 2
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Project Farm tested both and the Hercules came out better. I have my name on the display Hercules at my local store for when they are allowed to sell it. Couldn’t find any left within a couple hundred miles otherwise.
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They seem to be using the same pictures for both the old Hercules and the Bauer (with the Bauer photoshopped red, of course). That might tell you something.
VEVOR
vevor.com › reviews › vevor-8-inch-variable-speed-bench-grinder-1800-3795rpm-36-80-grit-grindng-wheels-p_010493610708.html
Reviews for VEVOR Bench Grinder, 8 inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with 5.0A Brushless Motor 1800-3795 RPM, Table Grinder with Cast-aluminum Tool Rest for Heavy Duty Sharpening Grinding Application | VEVOR US
I recently purchased the VEVOR Bench Grinder, 8 inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder, and overall, I am very pleased with my purchase, especially considering the price. This bench grinder offers loads of power, which is impressive for a tool in this price range.
Palmgren
palmgren.com › 8-1hp-115-240v-variable-speed-bench-grinder.html
8" Variable Speed 1HP 115/240V Bench Grinder
8" Variable Speed 1HP 115/240V Bench Grinder
Equipped with the latest technology variable speed inverter delivering a broad range of continuous speeds to fit any application · Powerful, heavy-duty capacitor motors provide additional torque and provide plenty of power at all speeds without any loss of rpm’s at full load · LED speed readout with “soft” touch on/off and variable speed control pad. 3 hard speed switch settings 900 / 1800 / 3600 RPM for the 6” & 8” models and 900 / 1800 / 2400 RPM for the 10” model · Press the high or low switch button on touch pad to variably adjust the speed up or down in 100 RPM increments · Dynamically ba
Price $772.00
Vevor
vevor.com › power tools › grinding & sanding & finishing tools › bench grinder
VEVOR Bench Grinder, 8 inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with 5.0A Brushless Motor 1800-3795 RPM, Table Grinder with Cast-aluminum Tool Rest for Heavy Duty Sharpening Grinding Application | VEVOR US
VEVOR Bench Grinder, 8 inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with 5.0A Brushless Motor 1800-3795 RPM, Table Grinder with Cast-aluminum Tool Rest for Heavy Duty Sharpening Grinding Application
VEVOR bench grinder offers variable speed from 1800-3795 RPM with a 5.0A brushless motor, dual grinding wheels, adjustable LED light, cooling tank, and safety features.
Price $139.99
WEN Products
wenproducts.com › collections › bench grinders › wen bg4280 5-amp 8-inch variable speed bench grinder with flexible work light
WEN BG4280 5-Amp 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with Flexible Wor — WEN Products
WEN BG4280 5-Amp 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with Flexible Work Light
5-amp variable speed motor goes anywhere from 2000 to 3400 RPM Slower speeds maximize precision while high speeds help with fast material removal Flexible work light helps keep your workpiece illuminated during operation Onboard quenching tray helps cool down workpieces during long grinding ... 5-amp variable speed motor goes anywhere from 2000 to 3400 RPM
Slower speeds maximize precision while high speeds help with fast material removal
Flexible work light helps keep your workpiece illuminated during operation
Onboard quenching tray helps cool down workpieces during long grinding sessions
Inc
Amazon
amazon.com › WEN-4280-Variable-Speed-Grinder › dp › B01M9FVT0W
WEN 4280 5-Amp 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with Work Light - Amazon.com
These machines allow for simple resuscitation of dull blades, scissors, screwdrivers, and more. Compact yet powerful, the WEN 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder provides reliability even in the face of the most difficult tasks.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/tools › variable speed bench grinders
r/Tools on Reddit: Variable speed bench grinders
February 20, 2022 -
I'm long overdue to invest in a bench grinder, and I like the idea of variable speed for rough sharpening (and just general versatility). But high-quality variable speed bench grinders seem to be uncommon.
There are plenty of consumer-grade options (e.g. HF/Hercules, WEN, Craftsman, Delta), but they don't strike me as buy-it-for life tools. In the higher quality range I only see a few (e.g. Dayton, Jet).
So I can't help but wonder: is there a good reason these aren't readily readily available as industrial-quality tools?
Top answer 1 of 3
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I have the Delta variable speed grinder, and I'm pretty happy with it. Like all consumer grade grinders, the tool rests aren't that great, but it has a decent amount of power and good bearings. I think the reason you don't see industrial grade variable speed grinders, is that in an industrial setting, they'll use grinders to grind, and dedicated sharpening machines to sharpen. Instead of a variable speed grinder, you'd just get 2 or 3 grinders to suit each application. If you want a really high quality sharpening grinder, look at Tormek. They can sharpen almost anything - drill bits, knives, chisels, etc.
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I have a Shop Fox that I like quite a bit. I do recommend it.
Amazon
amazon.com › Woodskil-Protective-Grinding-Multipurpose-Grinders › dp › B09ZTL2RWQ
4.8A 3/4HP 8-Inch Bench Grinder, 3600rpm Table Grinder with Two Protective Eye Masks and Two Grinding Wheels Multipurpose Grinders for Metal, Knife, Dental, Amber, Jewelry, Jade - Amazon.com
Digital Display 8 Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder ReviewAlli Ulasewich · Image not available for Color: To view this video download Flash Player · Visit the Woodskil Store · FREE Returns · POWERFUL INDUCTION MOTOR: Bench grinder adopts a 4.8A powerful low noise induction motor, and the high-speed operation of 3/4HP 3600RPM can help us to grind tools quickly.
Rikon Power Tools
rikontools.com › home › shop › model 80-800vs: 8″ variable speed bench grinder
Model 80-800VS: 8" Variable Speed Bench Grinder - Rikon Power Tools
October 2, 2022 - [show_more more=”» Read More” less=”» Read Less” color=”#0f70e8″]used mainly for sharpening woodworking tools. The VS Grinder features a front dial that easily controls the motor speed from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM, so that you can correctly set the wheel speeds to the different materials being worked on.
Grizzly Industrial
grizzly.com › products › grizzly-8-variable-speed-grinder-with-light › t27305
Grizzly T27305 - 8" Variable-Speed Grinder with Light - Grizzly Industrial, Inc.
8" Variable-Speed Grinder with Light
T27305 8" Variable-Speed Grinder with Light
Dial in your grinding wheels thanks to the variable-speed.
The T27305 8" Variable-Speed Grinder with Light sports a 3/4 HP, 120V motor with a range of 2000–3400 RPM to address all your grinding needs.
The adjustable gooseneck light and adjustable eye shields allows you to put the light right where you need it and make sure you're safe about it as well.
It also features aluminum tool rests and a coolant tray, as well as a two wheels (one 36-grit and one 60-grit) to get you started.
Like all Grizzly grinders, the T27305 comes with a 1-year warranty whi
Price $199.00
American Association of Woodturners
aawforum.org › forums › woodturning forums › woodturning discussion forum
Rikon 8" 1-hp grinder, thoughts? | American Association of Woodturners
January 29, 2025 - Both of them are much nicer to use than the 6" sears high speed grinder that got me through the first 30 years of woodworking. ... I have the Rikon and it works flawlessly. I see no point in spending more. ... Click to expand... It should be fine. I have only 6 bench grinders.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/woodworkingtools › 8" bench grinder recommendation?
r/woodworkingtools on Reddit: 8" bench grinder recommendation?
January 26, 2024 -
Can anyone recommend a good low/variable speed 8" bench grinder with 5/8" arbor for sharpening cutting tools. (ex. lathe chisels).
I tried the Rincon 8” Low Speed 1HP Bench Grinder, but it had significant wobble in the wheels.
Bucktool
bucktool.com › home › bucktool bench grinder, 8-inch, 3/4hp low-speed professional wheel grinder, cbn wheel compatible, wobble-free design, tds-200c4hl
BUCKTOOL Bench Grinder, 8-Inch, 3/4HP Low-Speed Professional Wheel ...
BUCKTOOL Bench Grinder, 8-Inch, 3/4HP Low-Speed Professional Wheel Grinder, CBN Wheel Compatible, Wobble-Free Design, TDS-200C4HL
Product Description
Powerful 1750 RPM Low-Speed Induction MotorThis BUCKTOOL 8-inch low-speed bench grinder is powered by a 3/4 HP (continuous) / 1-1/4 HP (peak) induction motor, delivering a steady 1750 RPM—perfect for precision sharpening and fully capable of driving CBN grinding wheels (CBN wheel not included).
Extra-Wide 1-1/2" Premium WA Grinding WheelComes with a 1.5-inch wide white aluminum oxide (WA) wheel, ideal for carpenters, woodturners, and carvers who require greater surface area and cooler cutting action for sharpening tools and chisels.
High-Visibility 3W LED Work Lig
Price $188.00