What Is a Bench Grinder?
A bench grinder is a tool used to grind metals and cutlery by rotating a grinding wheel on a disc at high speed.
It differs from other grinding tools, such as disc grinders, in the size of the material being targeted.
Disk grinders are held in both hands and used on fixed materials, making them unsuitable for grinding small materials. A bench grinder can grind smaller materials because they are hand-held and used against a stationary grinder.
Uses of Bench Grinders
The principle of bench grinders is to grind metals and cutlery.
Bench grinders typically have separate grinding wheels on each side, one for rough grinding and the other for polishing. Furthermore, by replacing the grinding wheel with a finishing wheel called a buff, the grinder can perform a full range of operations, from rough grinding to finishing.
When grinding a blade, the blade is pressed against a disk rotating in the center of the grinder. Appropriate force is necessary, as pressing too hard can cause the blade to self-destruct.
How to Select Bench Grinders
The following are things to consider when selecting a bench grinder:
- Size of the Grindstone
Each bench grinder model has a specific size of grinding wheel that can be installed. Grindstones range in size from 5″ to 12″, with the most commonly used size being 6″. The most common size bench grinders have the advantage of being available in a wide variety of types and grinding wheels. - Principle of Use
Bench grinders can be used to polish metals and grind knives. However, the grinders available for each principle of use may differ. If the primary use is for sharpening blades, a blade grinder is the recommended choice. There are also double-headed grinders that can both polish metal and grind knives. Therefore, you can choose this type if you want to perform a variety of tasks. - Weight
Bench grinders come in a wide range of weights and sizes, from light, easily transportable products weighing as little as 1 lb to heavy, over 20 lbs. If you will be doing a lot of portable use, it is recommended that you choose a lightweight product.