Bench Grinders

The best bench grinder depends entirely on your shop's specific application. Heavy-duty 8- to 12-inch single-speed models — like our Jet Bench Grinders — are typically the best choice for commercial metalworking and heavy fabrication, while combination units like the Baileigh IGBB-436 (8" grinder plus 4" belt grinder) suit shops that want grinding and belt sanding in one machine.

An 8-inch bench grinder is generally better because its larger motor and wheels handle heavy stock removal much faster and clear tall tool rests with ease.

You do not strictly need one unless you regularly perform tasks like sharpening dull tools, shaping raw metal, or deburring welded edges.

The Baileigh 8" Bench Grinder (IGB-8) is an excellent choice for a home workshop, offering a heavy-duty motor and cast-iron construction that resists vibration during general DIY tasks and tool sharpening. For a lighter-duty option, our smaller Jet 8" bench grinders offer reliable performance at a more accessible price point.

A bench grinder is an exceptionally versatile multi-purpose workshop machine used for: Sharpening dull woodworking chisels and hand plane irons. Restoring clean cutting edges to lawnmower blades, axes, and hatchets. Grinding down and shaping custom metal stock or small tool blanks. Removing heavy rust, corrosion, and scale from old metal parts using a wire wheel attachment. Deburring sharp edges, flash, and rough burrs on freshly cut steel or aluminum. Thinning out and reshaping damaged or broken drill bits. Smoothing weld joints and blending metal surfaces. Polishing metals to a high-gloss finish when swapped with cloth buffing wheels and compound. Rounding off sharp corners or modifying small bolts, brackets, and fasteners. Cleaning up masonry tools, scrapers, and garden hand trowels.

When buying a bench grinder, you should look for motor horsepower, wheel diameter (usually 6 or 8 inches), adjustable tool rests, and heavy cast-iron construction to minimize vibration during sharpening and grinding tasks.