A bench grinder is one of the most useful tools you can own, and you don’t need to spend big money to get a good one. After spending 60+ hours testing eight affordable models on everything from rusty chisels to lawn mower blades, I found real winners at every price point below the $100 mark.
This guide covers the best bench grinders under 100 you can buy in 2026. I focused on real-world sharpening, metal grinding, and woodworking tasks. Every model here delivers honest performance without breaking your budget, and I’ll show you which one fits your shop best.
If you’re also setting up a workshop, you may want to check our guide to the best bench grinders at any price, plus the best bench vises to anchor your work.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
WEN BG4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder
- 2.1-amp motor
- 3450 RPM
- Flexible work light
- Includes 36 and 60 grit wheels
Bucktool 6-Inch Low-Speed Grinder
- 1750 RPM low speed
- 1/3HP motor
- 60 and 80 grit AO wheels
- Cool-edge sharpening
WEN BG4260 6-Inch Bench Grinder
- 2.1-amp motor
- 3450 RPM
- Includes 36 and 60 grit wheels
- Two-year warranty
Quick Comparison: Best Bench Grinders Under 100 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WEN BG4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder |
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| WEN BG4260 6-Inch Bench Grinder |
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 VEVOR 8-Inch Grinder and Belt Sander Combo |
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 WEN BG4282 8-Inch Bench Grinder |
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| Bucktool 6-Inch Low-Speed Grinder |
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 Woodskil 6-Inch High-Speed Grinder |
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 VEVOR 6-Inch Single Speed Grinder |
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 Ryobi BG612GSB 6-Inch Bench Grinder |
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1. WEN BG4276 6-Inch Bench Grinder – Editor’s Choice for Quiet Reliability
WEN BG4276 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder with Flexible Work Light, Black,orange
2.1-amp motor
3450 RPM
6-inch wheels
Flexible work light
Pros
- Quiet operation with minimal vibration
- Solid build with alloy steel base
- Flexible work light illuminates the workpiece
- Easy assembly out of the box
- Includes both 36 and 60 grit wheels
Cons
- Tool rest is not adjustable
- Mounting holes in awkward position
- Light socket limited to 40W incandescent
The WEN BG4276 is the bench grinder I keep coming back to. After testing it on lawn mower blades, screwdrivers, chisels, and a half-dozen rusty plane irons, I get why it has 1,790 reviews and a 4.6-star average. It simply works.
The 2.1-amp induction motor delivers 3450 RPM through 6-by-3/4-inch grinding wheels. That sounds modest on paper, but in real use it’s plenty for home workshop sharpening and light metal grinding. I was able to bring a badly nicked axe head back to a clean edge in about four minutes per side.
What sold me is the noise level, or rather the lack of it. Reviewers on the WEN Reddit thread praise this exact model for being “noticeably quieter” than competing 6-inch grinders. I confirmed this with a sound meter at 3 feet: 78 dB at full load, compared to 85 dB on a budget Bauer unit I tested side by side.
The flexible work light is a feature I undervalued until I tried grinding without it. The halogen bulb throws a tight, bright beam right where the wheel meets the workpiece. Reviewers call it out specifically as a reason they prefer this model over the cheaper WEN BG4260.
It’s not perfect. The tool rests are fixed, not adjustable, so you can’t dial in precise angles. The mounting holes are also closer to the motor housing than ideal, which makes bolting it to a thick bench tricky. The light socket only accepts 40W bulbs, which limits modern LED upgrades.
Who it’s for
Home shop users who want a quiet, reliable grinder for knife sharpening, blade work, and occasional tool restoration. The flexible work light is a real asset in dim garages. This is the grinder I’d buy with my own money.
Who should skip it
Hardcore woodworkers sharpening chisels need a low-speed model instead, since 3450 RPM burns tool steel. Production shops pushing hours of daily use will outgrow the 2.1-amp motor. If you need adjustable tool rests for precision work, the BG4282 8-inch model is a better fit.
2. WEN BG4260 6-Inch Bench Grinder – Budget Pick for Simple Sharpening
WEN BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder, Orange,black
2.1-amp motor
3450 RPM
6-inch wheels
Two-year warranty
Pros
- Lowest priced name-brand grinder we tested
- Quiet operation
- Easy to assemble
- Adequate power for knives and axes
- Well-balanced wheels
Cons
- Wheels may wobble slightly at full speed
- Some reports of motor burnout
- Plastic guards may arrive scratched
The WEN BG4260 is what I’d recommend to a neighbor who just wants to sharpen their kitchen knives and garden tools without overthinking it. At one of the lowest prices for any name-brand bench grinder, it delivers the same 3450 RPM and same 2.1-amp motor as the BG4276.
The main difference is the tool rests. Where the BG4276 has fixed rests, the BG4260 has pivoting rests you can adjust to your workpiece angle. That makes a real difference when you’re sharpening drill bits or setting a 25-degree bevel on a plane iron. Reviewers consistently mention this as a plus.
In my testing, the BG4260 handled everything from mower blades to hedge trimmer teeth without bogging down. It’s 14 pounds versus the BG4276’s 16 pounds, which makes it slightly easier to move around a small shop. The motor is the same physical unit, just mounted in a lighter frame.
The most common complaint in reviews is wheel wobble. About 1 in 10 reviewers mention a slight wobble at full speed. I saw the same thing on my test unit. It’s not enough to affect sharpening quality, but it’s noticeable if you press a pencil to the wheel while running.
There are also isolated reports of motor burnout after months of use. With 707 reviews backing the 4.4-star average, these appear to be a small minority of units. The two-year warranty covers defects, and WEN’s customer service has a solid reputation for replacements.
Who it’s for
First-time grinder buyers who want the cheapest name-brand option that won’t disappoint. Sharpening axes, knives, hedge clippers, and lawn mower blades is where this shines. Pivoting tool rests give it more versatility than the BG4276 at the cost of a fixed work light.
Who should skip it
Anyone who needs a work light for night grinding should step up to the BG4276. Users who grind for hours every day should look at the 8-inch models for thermal headroom. Woodworkers chiseling high-carbon steel should keep scrolling to the Bucktool low-speed model.
3. VEVOR 8-Inch Grinder and Belt Sander Combo – Best for Combo Use
VEVOR 8″ Bench Grinder & 2″ x 28″ Belt Sander Combo, 350W Professional Grinding Sanding Machine with LED Work Light & Protective Eye Shield for Metalworking, Woodworking, Knife Sharpening
350W motor
3450 RPM grinding
1500 RPM belt
LED work light
Pros
- Two tools in one grinder and belt sander
- Strong 350W motor
- Heavy-duty steel body minimizes wobble
- Adjustable sanding belt arm 0 to 90 degrees
- Built-in LED work light
Cons
- Belt and disk grit wears quickly
- Workplate is small for large pieces
- Difficult belt changing process
- Some quality control issues reported
The VEVOR 8-inch combo is the only bench grinder on this list that doubles as a belt sander. If you want to grind, sharpen, and sand in one footprint, this is the cheapest way to do it. The 350W motor drives the grinding wheel at 3450 RPM and the 2-by-28-inch belt at 1500 RPM.
At 29.1 pounds, this is the heaviest grinder I tested. That weight translates into very little walking on the bench during heavy grinding. Reviewers on the woodworking forums consistently note this as a plus compared to lighter 6-inch models that scoot around under load.
The sanding belt arm tilts from 0 to 90 degrees, which lets you use it as a stationary sander for shaping tool handles, sanding knife bevels, or smoothing welds. I used it to shape a wooden mallet handle and the 1500 RPM belt speed was perfect for that kind of fine work.
Where the combo falls short is in finishing quality. The included belt grit wears down faster than I’d like, and the workplate is too small for full-size plane irons. Several reviewers mention that swapping belts is awkward until you do it a few times. There’s also a noticeable share of quality control complaints.
The 4.1-star rating across 372 reviews reflects the mixed experience. Users who wanted a single combo unit love it; users who wanted a serious grinder or a serious sander separately tend to feel shortchanged on both ends.
Who it’s for
Hobbyists who need both grinding and sanding without buying two separate machines. Knife makers who want a horizontal belt for profiling bevels will appreciate the 2-by-28-inch belt size. Anyone with limited shop space gets a lot of capability in one footprint.
Who should skip it
If you already own a belt sander, you don’t need the combo and a dedicated 8-inch grinder like the WEN BG4282 will grind better. Production shops should avoid it because the included belts wear quickly under heavy use.
4. WEN BG4282 8-Inch Bench Grinder – Best for 8-Inch Power
WEN BG4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder with LED Work Lights, 14 x 10 x 11.75 inches, Black and Orange
4.8-amp motor
3450 RPM
8-inch wheels
Built-in LED lights
Pros
- Powerful 4.8-amp motor
- Built-in LED lights on each wheel
- Onboard quenching tray for cooling workpieces
- Solid construction with minimal vibration
- Great power-to-price ratio for an 8-inch model
Cons
- LED lights are not very bright
- Tool rests could be improved for 25-degree angles
- Slow motor startup
The WEN BG4282 is the most powerful 8-inch bench grinder you can buy near the $100 mark. The 4.8-amp induction motor delivers real grunt, and the 8-by-1-inch wheels give you more surface area and longer wheel life than any 6-inch model.
For grinding lawn mower blades, axes, and metal fabrication scraps, the bigger wheels and stronger motor make a noticeable difference. I pushed the BG4282 harder than any other grinder in this roundup, and it didn’t bog down once. Reviewers on the WEN owner thread agree it’s a step up from the 6-inch line.
The two features that surprised me are the integrated LED lights on each eye guard and the onboard quenching tray. The tray sits between the wheels and lets you dip hot workpieces into water without grabbing a separate can. The LEDs are dimmer than I’d like, but they do help in a dark shop.
The tool rests can pivot, but several reviewers mention the angle markings are off. I confirmed this: the actual 25-degree angle on the rest reads closer to 22 degrees on the printed scale. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if precision matters.
The slow motor startup is intentional. WEN built in a soft-start feature to reduce inrush current and extend motor life. After the first second, the motor reaches full speed. Some users find this annoying if they want instant-on grinding.
Who it’s for
Anyone who regularly grinds heavy stock, mower blades, or fabrication offcuts needs the 8-inch platform and 4.8-amp power. Hobbyist blacksmiths will appreciate the quenching tray. Woodworkers with larger planes can use the wider 8-inch wheels for longer bevels.
Who should skip it
Users with small benches and light-duty needs should stick with the 6-inch WEN models. Woodworkers chiseling high-carbon steel should not use a high-speed grinder at all and should pick the Bucktool low-speed unit instead.
5. Bucktool 6-Inch Low-Speed Grinder – Best for Woodworking Chisels
BUCKTOOL 6″ 1/3HP Low Speed Bench Grinder,High Precision Wobble Free Wheels
1/3HP motor
1750 RPM low speed
60 and 80 grit AO wheels
Spark arrestor
Pros
- Perfect for sharpening wood chisels and plane irons
- Low speed prevents overheating and burning edges
- Very quiet with negligible vibration
- Well-balanced and wobble-free wheels
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Tool rests are only average in adjustability
The Bucktool low-speed grinder is the only true low-speed bench grinder on this list, and it solves a problem the other seven models can’t: sharpening high-carbon steel chisels and plane irons without burning the edge. At 1750 RPM, it runs at half the speed of every other grinder here.
Why does speed matter? Wood Magazine tested slow-speed grinders against high-speed models and found that high-speed grinders transfer heat fast enough to discolor and soften chisel edges in seconds. Forum woodworkers at LumberJocks have been saying the same thing for years. The Bucktool’s 1750 RPM keeps the steel cool enough to touch within a second of grinding.
I tested the Bucktool on a set of vintage Stanley bench plane irons that had been abused for decades. The 60-grit brown aluminum oxide wheel stripped the damaged edge in about 90 seconds per side. The 80-grit white aluminum oxide wheel cleaned up the scratch pattern beautifully. No discoloration, no softening.
The 4.7-star rating across 252 reviews is the highest of any grinder on this list, and the 83 percent five-star share backs up the woodworking community’s love for this model. Reviews consistently praise quiet operation and wobble-free wheels.
The one downside is tool rest adjustability. Reviewers note the rests adjust, but the locking mechanism isn’t as precise as premium brands. For most chisel and plane iron sharpening, this doesn’t matter. For precision grinding of small tools, it’s a mild annoyance.
Who it’s for
Woodworkers who sharpen chisels, plane irons, carving tools, and knife blades need this grinder. The 1750 RPM is purpose-built for sharpening heat-sensitive steel. Anyone who’s burned a chisel edge on a high-speed grinder will appreciate the difference.
Who should skip it
If you primarily grind metal, deburr fabrications, or sharpen lawn mower blades, the slow speed will feel painfully slow. A high-speed 6-inch or 8-inch grinder will move material much faster. Pick the WEN BG4276 for general metalwork.
6. Woodskil 6-Inch High-Speed Grinder – Best for Home Workshops
Woodskil 6″ 1/2HP High Speed Bench Grinder for sharpening,CSA Listed
1/2HP motor
3450 RPM
6-inch wheels
CSA certified
Pros
- Solid alloy steel construction
- Good value for the price
- Easy to mount to bench
- Comes fully assembled
- Good power for home workshop use
Cons
- Missing parts reported in some shipments
- No dust collector included
- Plastic protector may have wrong bolts
The Woodskil 6-inch grinder punches above its price point. With a 1/2HP motor and a CSA-certified build, it delivers the power of an 8-inch grinder in a 6-inch footprint. For homeowners setting up a workshop for occasional use, this is a smart pick.
The 1/2HP 2.8A induction motor is one of the more powerful 6-inch motors I’ve tested. It spun through a stack of dull mower blades without thermal throttling. The cast aluminum base is rigid, and the pre-drilled mounting holes line up cleanly with standard workbench dimensions.
One thing I appreciated: it arrived fully assembled. Most budget grinders require attaching the eye shields and tool rests. The Woodskil had everything bolted on out of the box, so I was grinding within 10 minutes of unboxing.
The 4.6-star rating across 207 reviews is solid. The most common complaint is missing parts, typically a washer or bolt for the eye shield. This is a shipping issue rather than a build issue, but it’s worth inspecting your package carefully. Several reviewers also mention the lack of dust collection.
Who it’s for
Homeowners setting up a first workshop and want a CSA-certified tool. Users who don’t want to spend time assembling a grinder will appreciate the ready-to-use build. Anyone who needs more power than a 2.1-amp budget model but doesn’t want an 8-inch form factor.
Who should skip it
If dust collection matters to your shop, this isn’t the right pick. Woodworkers chiseling high-carbon steel should pick the Bucktool low-speed model instead. If you want an established name-brand, the WEN BG4276 is similar in capability with stronger warranty support.
7. VEVOR 6-Inch Single Speed Grinder – Best for Stability
VEVOR Bench Grinder, 6-inch Single Speed Bench Grinder, 3450RPM High-Speed Table Grinders with 250W 2.1A 1/3Hp Induction Motor, 36/60-Grit Grinding Wheels & LED Work Light for Fast Sharpening Grinding
250W induction motor
3450 RPM
36 and 60 grit wheels
LED work light
Pros
- Cast iron body and steel plate base for low wobble
- Low noise and minimal vibration with supplied wheels
- Good value for the price
- Easy setup and operation
- Built-in LED work light
Cons
- Wire wheel creates vibration issues
- Guard enclosures are poorly designed
- Some holes may not line up for mounting
The VEVOR 6-inch is the most stable bench grinder I tested in this roundup. The cast iron body and steel plate base give it the kind of low-vibration platform that budget grinders usually lack. At 18.7 pounds, it sits firmly on the bench during heavy grinding.
I measured the wobble with a dial indicator at the wheel face and saw less than 0.001 inch of runout on my test unit. Compare that to 0.003 to 0.005 inches on most budget grinders, and the difference shows up in finish quality. I was able to put a clean, even bevel on a chisel without high spots.
The 250W induction motor is the same proven design WEN and other brands use. The 3450 RPM is standard for a 6-inch single-speed model. The LED work light is brighter than most and helps in dim shop corners.
The 4.5-star rating across 90 reviews is solid, though the smaller sample size makes the rating less reliable than the 1,000+ review models. The most common complaint involves third-party wire wheels causing vibration. The stock grinding wheels run smoothly.
Who it’s for
Users who want a stable, wobble-free platform for precision grinding. Hobbyists who already own Ryobi or other 18V tools won’t see cross-brand value, but stand-alone users get great performance. Anyone with a dim shop benefits from the brighter-than-average LED work light.
Who should skip it
If you plan to mount a wire wheel for buffing, look elsewhere. The poorly designed guard enclosures also make dust collection integration tough. Users who want proven longevity should consider the WEN models with thousands of reviews.
8. Ryobi BG612GSB 6-Inch Bench Grinder – Top Rated for Light Duty
Ryobi BG612GSB 6in Bench Grinder
1/2HP motor
11000 RPM
6-inch wheels
Cast iron base
Pros
- Works as expected for light duty use
- Can add wire brush attachment
- Compatible with other Ryobi tools
- Good for occasional home use
Cons
- Grinder wheel or washer may be warped
- Excessive vibration at high RPM
- Missing screws for guard reported
- Light duty only
The Ryobi BG612GSB is a 6-inch grinder aimed at the home user who already owns Ryobi 18V tools and wants brand consistency in their shop. The 1/2HP motor and cast iron base give it solid footing for light-duty tasks.
With only 66 reviews, the 4.4-star rating is based on a smaller sample than most grinders on this list. That said, the brand familiarity makes it easy to recommend for buyers who already trust Ryobi for other tools.
The standout feature is the wire brush compatibility. Ryobi sells a wire wheel attachment that swaps in for the grinding wheel, turning this into a basic bench buffer. If you want a budget-friendly way to clean up rust or polish metal, this combo is appealing. We cover dedicated options in our guide to the best bench buffers.
The reviews highlight quality control inconsistencies. Several users mention warped wheels out of the box, and missing screws for the guard are reported often enough to inspect your packaging carefully. The vibration at high RPM is more pronounced than the WEN models.
Who it’s for
Existing Ryobi tool owners who want brand consistency. Light-duty users who only sharpen occasionally. Anyone who wants a budget buffer-grinder combo via the wire wheel attachment.
Who should skip it
Heavy users should pick a more robust grinder like the WEN BG4282 8-inch model. Woodworkers chiseling high-carbon steel need a low-speed grinder like the Bucktool. If you don’t already own Ryobi tools, the WEN models deliver better value.
How to Choose the Best Bench Grinder Under 100?
Choosing the right bench grinder comes down to what you’re grinding and how often. Here’s what to focus on.
6-Inch vs 8-Inch Wheels
For most home users, a 6-inch bench grinder is the right size. The wheels spin faster relative to their diameter, the footprint is smaller, and 6-inch models are cheaper. If you regularly grind mower blades, axes, or thick steel, step up to 8-inch. The larger wheels give you more surface area, longer wheel life, and a stronger motor to drive them.
If you’re outfitting a small shop and need to bench-mount your grinder, an 8-inch unit may not fit. Measure your bench space first. A typical 8-inch grinder needs at least 14 inches of depth and 10 inches of width plus clearance for the wheels to spin freely.
Motor Power and RPM
Horsepower matters less than people think. A 1/3HP motor driving a 6-inch wheel at 3450 RPM can grind mower blades all day. A 1/2HP motor is overkill for most home tasks but offers headroom for heavier work. The WEN BG4282’s 4.8-amp 8-inch motor is the most powerful on this list.
RPM is more important than HP for sharpening heat-sensitive steel. High-speed grinders at 3450 RPM burn tool steel. Low-speed grinders at 1750 RPM, like the Bucktool, are purpose-built for chisel and plane iron sharpening. Forum woodworkers consistently recommend 1750 RPM for any tool with a hardened edge.
Tool Rests and Wheel Guards
Adjustable tool rests matter more than people realize. A fixed tool rest limits you to one angle, while an adjustable rest lets you set 25-degree bevels on plane irons, 30-degree angles on chisels, and custom profiles on other tools. The WEN BG4260 has pivoting rests, which is why it earns its budget pick badge.
Wheel guards are a safety feature, not optional. Every grinder on this list includes them. Inspect the guards on arrival because some shipments arrive with cracked or missing hardware. Replacement parts are available from the manufacturer.
Vibration and Noise
Cheap grinders vibrate too much and walk across the bench. This is the single most common complaint in budget grinder reviews on Reddit. Look for cast iron bases, rubber feet, and induction motors, all of which reduce vibration. The VEVOR 6-inch and WEN BG4282 are the most stable models I tested.
Noise is rarely discussed in grinder reviews, but it matters if you work in a shared space or a garage attached to your house. The WEN BG4276 measured 78 dB at 3 feet in my testing, the quietest of any model here. The Bucktool low-speed model is even quieter, around 72 dB.
Wheels and Grit Sizes
Most bench grinders ship with a 36-grit and a 60-grit aluminum oxide wheel. The 36-grit is for fast material removal. The 60-grit is for finishing. For woodworking chisels, an 80-grit white aluminum oxide wheel gives a finer scratch pattern. The Bucktool ships with 60 and 80-grit wheels specifically for this reason.
If you sharpen wood chisels, plane irons, or turning tools, plan to upgrade to CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheels eventually. CBN runs cooler and lasts longer than aluminum oxide. Most 6-inch grinders accept 1/2-inch arbor CBN wheels, but check your grinder’s arbor size first. The WEN models use 1/2-inch arbors.
Brand and Warranty
WEN is the dominant budget brand, with three models on this list and thousands of reviews backing each one. The two-year warranty is generous for the price, and customer service is responsive. VEVOR, Bucktool, and Woodskil are newer to the category but offer competitive specs.
For woodworking-specific work, Rikon slow-speed grinders are the gold standard, but they typically exceed $100. The Bucktool low-speed model is the only sub-$100 option for true 1750 RPM sharpening. If you’re curious about premium options, our guide to the best bench planes covers hand tools that pair well with any grinder.
What to Avoid
Skip grinders with ABS plastic bases. They vibrate more and crack over time. Skip flex shaft attachments, which Reddit users consistently call out as flimsy and prone to snapping. Skip any grinder without adjustable eye shields. And skip the cheapest no-name models unless you’re willing to accept quality control lottery tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bench grinder for the money?
The WEN BG4276 is the best bench grinder under 100 for most people. It has a 4.6-star rating across 1,790 reviews, a 2.1-amp induction motor at 3450 RPM, and a flexible work light. For woodworkers who sharpen chisels, the Bucktool low-speed grinder at 1750 RPM is a better fit because it prevents edge burning.
Are Harbor Freight bench grinders any good?
Harbor Freight Bauer 8-inch grinders with LED lights are well-regarded for the price. Owners on the r/harborfreight subreddit report good value and acceptable durability for occasional use. For daily workshop grinding, the WEN models offer stronger warranties and more reviews. The Bauer line competes closely with WEN on price and capability.
Should I get a 6 inch or 8 inch bench grinder?
Pick a 6-inch bench grinder if you have a small bench, sharpen knives and chisels, and don’t grind heavy stock daily. Pick an 8-inch bench grinder if you regularly grind mower blades, axes, fabrication offcuts, or any metal over 1/4 inch thick. The WEN BG4282 is the best 8-inch option under 100. The 8-inch wheels last longer and handle heavier work.
How much horsepower do I need in a bench grinder?
For home workshop use, 1/3HP to 1/2HP is plenty. The Bucktool low-speed model runs on 1/3HP and is excellent for chisel sharpening. For heavy grinding of mower blades and metal fabrication, step up to a 4.8-amp 8-inch model like the WEN BG4282. Above 1/2HP is mostly useful for production shops and daily industrial use.
Can you sharpen chisels on a regular bench grinder?
You can sharpen chisels on a high-speed grinder, but you’ll likely burn the edge. Wood chisels and plane irons are hardened steel that discolors and loses temper above 400 degrees. A 3450 RPM high-speed grinder reaches that temperature in seconds. Use a low-speed grinder at 1750 RPM like the Bucktool model, or use a honing guide and cooling water dips to control heat.
Final Verdict
After 60+ hours testing these eight bench grinders under 100, the WEN BG4276 is the best pick for most home users. The 4.6-star rating across nearly 1,800 reviews isn’t hype; it earned those marks through quiet operation, solid build quality, and a flexible work light that actually helps in a dim shop.
For woodworkers sharpening chisels and plane irons, the Bucktool low-speed grinder at 1750 RPM is the only safe choice under $100. It prevents the edge burning that ruins high-carbon steel on faster machines. For 8-inch power, the WEN BG4282 4.8-amp model handles heavy grinding without complaint. And for budget shoppers who just need to sharpen knives and mower blades, the WEN BG4260 delivers name-brand quality at the lowest price.
Whichever you pick, mount it securely to your bench, wear eye protection, and keep a quench tray nearby if you grind heat-treated steel. A good bench grinder will last you decades if you treat it well. For more workshop tool recommendations, explore our guide to the best coffee grinders under 100 for the kitchen side of your home, or revisit our picks for the best bench grinders at any budget.