Grinder Buying Guide

These versatile tools can be used to grind, shape, cut, polish and hone a wide variety of materials. Grinders are especially good for maintaining other tools. They can be used to sharpen almost any large blade, bit or cutter.

Model Variations
Grinders are made in distinctly different design configurations to make certain tasks easier and more efficient. Choose yours based on how well the design matches your specific needs or maybe you need one of each, let's see.

• A bench grinder is a good choice for sharpening hand tools, blades, bits and cutters. They are also very good for shaping, smoothing and polishing work pieces that can be brought to the bench. Bench grinders are stationary tools that mount to the top of a workbench or stand. They are available from 6" to 10", determined by the diameter of the wheel they accept. Their motors are rated in horsepower (HP) and range from 1/3 HP to 1 HP. Higher HP motors allow the user to work with tough materials from wood to carbide or tungsten with ease. Bench grinders with tool rests help you hold work pieces steady for more accurate shaping and honing. Some have lights mounted near the wheels that allow you to better see details in your work and reduce eyestrain.
• Angle or straight grinders are good choices for large work pieces that are too unwieldy to work at a bench. Angle and straight grinders are handheld portable tools with wheels from 4" to 9". Their motors range from 4 to 15 amps, and turn at speeds from 4000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 1100 rpm. Some even have variable speed capabilities to match their speed to the material being worked. Lower speeds are best for polishing while rough shaping requires higher speeds. High amp motors produce enough power, in the form of torque, for heavy use without slowing or stalling.
• Die grinders are specialty handheld power tools designed to shape and polish the insides of cylindrical objects. They have long thin spindles and shafts that allow them to reach deep inside the work piece. Die grinders are usually used in machine and metal working operations to port and polish the insides of piping and plumbing systems and joints

Accessories
The right accessories allow you to perform many different tasks with your grinder. See what's out there and which ones you need.

Accessory	Uses
Cutoff Wheel	Cutting masonry and metals
Grinding Wheel	Shaping/cutting metal or wood or sharpening hand tools, blades, bits or cutters
Polishing Bonnet	Polishing metal or wood finishes
Buff Belt	Buffing wood
Wire Brush	Polishing and rust removal
Abrasive Disc	Sanding wood or light metal
Pre-punched Disc	Sanding wood