9 Best Variable Speed Bench Grinders of 2023

Photo: Delta

Variable speed grinders are very versatile tools that help a lot of hobbyists and professionals alike, from carpenters to plumbers and even painters. If you want the best outputs, then you need the best variable speed bench grinder in your shop.

You can use a variable speed bench grinder for sharpening objects, smoothing out, shaping, and honing, as well as for removing rust from steel or paint from old furniture that you’re restoring.

In this variable speed bench grinders review, you’ll get to find out all the important features that you need to watch out for in the buying guide, plus you also get a list of the top offers in the market.

9 Best Variable Speed Bench Grinders – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Wen 4280 (8 Inch with Light)	Come with a 5-Amp variable motor Produces speeds from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM Includes a flexible work light for full illumination Wen backs it with a 2-year warranty
	2. Craftsman 921154 (With Wire Wheel)	Comes with grinder and wire wheels Speed ranges from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM Includes a switchable light for illumination Extra-large eye shields offer better safety
	3. Shop Fox 1839 (With 36 & 60 Grit Wheels)	Variable speed grinder for wide grinding applications Features 60- and 36-grit wheels Includes an adjustable LED work light Comes with a 2-year warranty
	4. Shop Fox 1840 (8-inch With 0.75-HP)	Features 8-inch 36 and 60-grit wheels Comes with a more powerful 0.75-HP motor Same 2,000 to 3,400-RPM motor speed Also backed by a 2-year warranty
	5. Delta Power 23-197 (Durable & Top-quality)	Sturdy and durable variable speed bench grinder Comes with a powerful 5-Amp motor Backed by Delta Power’s 5-year warranty Includes a water tray to keep workpiece cool
	6. Delta Power 23-198 (With Toolless Change)	Offers you a toolless quick-change design It also comes with 36- and 60-grit wheels Delta Power Tools backs it with a 5-year warranty
	7. Bucktool Grinder (Dual Speed with 8-inch Wheels)	The durable cast-iron grinder comes with double speed control Features white aluminum oxide wheels Also includes a 3x magnifying lens spark shield Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty
	8. Norse BGC8 (8-inch wire & Abrasive Wheel)	The grinder comes with a wire and an abrasive wheel Features adjustable eye shields Also features adjustable tool rests
	9. Porter-Cable PCB525GB (6-inch)	Cast-iron grinder with rubber feet Delivers speeds from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM Comes with an adjustable 40-Watt lamp Backed by Porter-Cable’s 3-year warranty

1. Wen 4280 – 8-inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with Light

Photo: Wen

• Power: 5 Amps
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 8 inches

Featuring a sturdy cast iron base with mounting holes, this Wen offer is a top-rated variable speed bench grinder based on its high-quality design and engineering.

It comes with a 5-Amp variable speed motor that will go from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM to drive its 8-inch stone wheels. One wheel features an 80-grit stone for finer jobs while the other is a 36-grit for coarser and faster removals.

You can use these stones for sharpening your tools back to their original states and remember also that 8-inch wheels last longer than 6-inch ones.

Further features include eye guards to protect from the sparks, a flexible work light for adequate illumination, and a 2-year warranty from Wen.

Pros:

• Comes with a 5-Amp variable motor
• Produces speeds from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM
• Includes a flexible work light for full illumination
• Wen backs it with a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• It doesn’t come in different power options
• The package doesn’t include a wheel removal wrench

2. Craftsman 921154 – Variable Speed Grinder with Wire Wheel

Photo: Craftsman

• Power: 2.5 Amps
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 6 inches

Craftsman also makes good tools, such as this 6-inch variable speed grinder. It features two wheels and a 2.5 Amp motor that drives them with 0.5 HP.

This offer is great for anyone that needs a wire wheel for cleaning, polishing, or surface finishing of materials.

You can adjust the speed from 2,000 up to 3,400 RPM using the extra-large speed knob beside its On/Off switch. The included light also comes with an independent On/Off switch.

Although its 1-year warranty is comparably shorter, it comes with lots of other valuable features, such as wide eye shields, sturdy wheel guards, an over-sized cast iron base, and a water cooling tray.

Pros:

• A bench grinder with grinder and wire wheels
• Variable speed from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM
• Features a light with an On/Off switch
• Comes with extra-large eye shields for safety

Cons:

• The warranty is only 1-year long
• There are more powerful variable speed bench grinders

3. Shop Fox 1839 – Variable Speed Grinder with 36 & 60 Grit Wheels

Photo: Shop Fox

• Power: 2.5 Amps, 0.33 HP
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 6 inches

The Shop Fox 1839 is the smaller of the two Shop Fox bench grinders in this review. It comes with a 2.5-Amp motor that produces 0.33 HP and speeds between 2,000 and 3,400 RPM.

You get a 60-grit fine wheel and a 36-grit coarse wheel, which combine to support you with a variety of grinding applications. Each of the wheels measures 6 inches and is from aluminum oxide.

There are dual aluminum work rests and safety eye shields. Plus an LED work light that’s directional and adjustable. It comes with a 2-year warranty from its maker, Woodstock International.

If you want the best adjustable speed bench grinder with average power, then this offer will do the trick with its 0.33 HP motor. Else, Shop Fox is also available with a more powerful motor, as you’re about to see next.

Pros:

• Variable speed grinder for wide grinding applications
• Includes 60- and 36-grit 6-inch aluminum-oxide wheels
• Also features an LED work light
• Backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• It’s not ideal for heavy-duty work
• You can get cheaper bench grinders

4. Shop Fox 1840 – 8-inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder with 0.75-HP

Photo: Shop Fox

• Power: 5 Amps, 0.75 HP
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 8 inches

This Shop Fox 1840 also features dual aluminum-oxide grinding wheels with 36 and 60-grits, but they measure 8 inches while the Shop Fox 1839 comes with 6-inch wheels.

It also comes with a more powerful, 5-Amp motor, which turns the larger wheels with a 0.75-HP force between the same 2,000 and 3,400 RPM.

Other features remain the same, including the LED work lights, the dual eye shields, 2-year warranty, and overall design.

Pros:

• Features 8-inch 36 and 60-grit wheels
• Comes with a more powerful 0.75-HP motor
• Same 2,000 to 3,400-RPM motor speed
• Also backed by a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• It uses more electricity than the Shop Fox 1839
• It also costs more

5. Delta Power 23-197 – Durable & Top-quality Variable Speed Grinder

Photo: Delta

• Power: 5 Amps
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 8 inches

If you are looking for peace of mind, then check out this offer from Delta Power. It comes with an impressive 5-year manufacturer warranty, which is better than other grinders offer.

In addition to that, it comes with a powerful 5-Amp motor to generate 2,000 to 3,400 RPM with plenty of torque. Its two wheels feature a 36-grit coarse and 60-grit fine stones to cover most grinding needs.

Each side comes with adjustable tool rest, as well as an adjustable full-sized safety shield. Plus, a water tray is also available to help keep your workpieces cool.

For downsides, you’re looking at the price. But if you consider the sturdy build and the 5-year warranty, then this offer looks tempting.

Pros:

• High-quality variable speed bench grinder
• Powered by a strong 5-Amp motor
• The package includes a water tray
• Delta Power backs it with a 5-year warranty

Cons:

• It costs more than others
• It also uses more electric power

6. Delta Power 23-198 – Variable Speed Grinder with Toolless Change

Photo: Delta

• Power: 2.5 Amps
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 6 inches

Here’s a smaller Delta Power Tools offer for those who can’t handle the tough 5-Amp grinder above. This one uses just 2.5 Amps and comes with 6-inch wheels.

But its major feature is its toolless quick-change design for easily swapping wheels without getting your fingers dirty. It comes with a 36-grit coarse and 60-grit friable wheels.

The issue with this grinder, however, is that it costs more than the previous Delta grinder that’s also more powerful than it.

The good news is that in addition to its toolless change design, it also comes with most of the other Delta Tools features, such as a lamp, adjustable eye shields and tool rests, as well as an impressive 5-year warranty.

Pros:

• Features a tool-less quick-change wheels design
• Powered by a 2.5-Amp motor
• It comes with 36- and 60-grit wheels
• Delta Tools backs it with a 5-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s costlier than the previous Delta grinder
• The package doesn’t include a water tray

7. Bucktool Grinder – Dual Speed Bench Grinder with 8-inch Wheels

Photo: Bucktool

• Power: 0.5 HP, 3.1 Amps
• Speed: 1725 & 3,450 RPM
• Wheel Size: 8 inches

How about a different kind of speed control? Here comes one of the best dual-speed bench grinders on the market and it’s from Bucktool Professional Power Tools. Simply switch it between 0, 1,727, and 3,450 RPM as you please.

This bench grinder differs from others with its speed control and grinding wheels. The control has three positions only, while the wheels are 60 and 120 grit from white aluminum-oxide, which reduces heat buildup.

Bucktool also adds other nice features like a 3x magnifying eye shield with position and angle adjustments, as well as a high-precision flange for balanced wheels, and cast aluminum work rests with distance and angle adjustments.

This bench grinder isn’t cheap, but if you consider its many good and innovative features, plus the included buffing wheel and 1-year warranty, then it seems really worth its price.

Pros:

• A cast-iron bench grinder with dual-speed control
• Uses white aluminum oxide wheels that stay cool
• Includes spark deflector with 3x magnifying lens
• Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• It comes with a high price tag
• Four-speed settings could have been better

8. Norse BGC8 – 8-inch wire & Abrasive Variable Speed Grinder

Photo: Norse

• Power: 5 Amps, 0.5 HP
• Speed: 2,000-3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 8 inches

The Norse BGC8 is one of the best variable speed bench grinders out there because of its 8-inch design, abrasive and wire wheels, water tray, and adjustable light, tool rests, and eye guards.

This bench grinder also comes with a powerful 5-Amp motor with 0.5 HP driving its wheels from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM.

For issues, it comes at a relatively high price and is the costliest variable speed bench grinder in this review. However, if you want a bench grinder with a wheel dresser that stays on the grinder, then take a closer look here.

Pros:

• The grinder comes with a wire and an abrasive wheel
• Features adjustable eye shields
• Also features adjustable tool rests
• Comes with a water tray to cool your workpieces

Cons:

• You can get cheaper variable speed grinders
• Warranty information isn’t available

9. Porter-Cable PCB525GB – 6-inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Photo: Porter-Cable

• Power: 2.5 Amps
• Speed: 2,000 to 3,400 RPM
• Wheel Size: 6 inches

Porter-Cable also makes one of the best variable speed bench grinders. This offer is for a 6-inch wheel grinder with a cast iron base to offer stability and mounting holes for easy installation.

You get adjustable tool rests that make it easy to comfortably sharpen your tools and drill bits. Then there are the eye guards, the work light, and the simple controls.

The motor is only 2.5 HP, however, less powerful than other grinders with up to 5 HP motors. Still, it’s a nice and dependable bench grinder and Porter-Cable backs it with a 3-year warranty.

Pros:

• Cast-iron grinder with rubber feet
• Delivers speeds from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM
• Comes with an adjustable 40-Watt lamp
• Backed by Porter-Cable’s 3-year warranty

Cons:

• You can get more powerful grinders
• Its 6-inch wheels are less durable than 8-inch wheels

How to Buy the Best Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Photo: Wen

Variable speed bench grinders come with lots of benefits but you may get a little confused when you are trying to choose the perfect model for your shop.

Given that they are very specialized machines, you’ll need to understand their important features first and what they mean for you and your work.

This is the best way to get that perfect variable speed bench grinder for your shop and these important features are as follows.

1. Motor Power

This is one of the most important features of any bench grinder because the motor’s power determines the type of tough jobs you can do with it and for what duration.

Motor power is usually given in horsepower or in Amps. One horsepower corresponds to about 750 Watts of electric power usage. If it’s given in Amps, then simply multiply the figure with the grinder’s voltage to get its power rating in Watts.

A 1/3-HP motor is usually enough for most grinding jobs, but you can get a larger motor if you’ll be dealing with tougher materials or grinding for longer periods. This is because more powerful motors tend to last longer.

2. Speed Control

Different grinding jobs are best carried out at certain speeds, so it’s important to get a unit with the best bench grinder speed control. Having a good control knob is important to easily select what works best.

Most manufacturers will place this speed knob usually near the On/Off power button. So, once you see this, you’ll know you’ve got yourself a variable speed bench grinder.

Higher speeds with rougher stones are perfect for fast material removal, while slower speeds are better for precision jobs like sharpening. You’ll also get average speeds from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM on most bench grinders in the market.

3. Wheel Types & Sizes

Wheels are one of the most important parts of any variable speed bench grinder, so you also need to put in some consideration into it. There are two major wheel sizes: 6-inch and 8-inch wheels.

6-inch wheels are enough for most folks and they are best run at about 3,400 RPM. For more detailed work such as buffing, an 8-inch wheel is usually better. They run at slower speeds and often last longer than 6-inch wheels with their higher speeds.

4. Safety Concerns

Every electrical machine poses a certain level of risk and the same goes for variable speed bench grinders. It’s therefore important that you keep an eye out for safety when choosing your grinder.

The most common safety feature is a spark guard that cuts off the sparks that fly off from the wheel. Another important feature is a wheel guard to protect the fingers from the fast-rotating abrasive stones. And yet another safety feature is the safety switch.

It’s best to choose a grinder with as many safety features as possible because this makes your working environment safer.

5. Sturdy Build

Most variable speed grinders feature cast-iron constructions, which are usually tough and durable. They also help to cut the grinder’s vibrations, which make them offer a smoother and stabler grinding experience.

It’s up to you to inspect any grinder that you’re interested in to make sure that it either comes with a cast-iron construction or that it features something similarly good.

6. Extra Features

In addition to anti-vibration features, you should also look out for extra features that can make your work more convenient, such as cooling trays and integrated lamps for more light.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of this variable speed bench grinders review and you’ve seen the top offers out there, including the affordable and the premium ones.

This final decision now is all yours to take because it’s only you that knows exactly what your shop needs and what you can afford.