Best 8-Inch Bench Grinders: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)
The best 8 inch bench grinders for sharpening include the BUCKTOOL 8 in Dual Speed Bench Grinder for sharpening and metal removal in one machine, the JET 8 in Industrial Bench Grinder for heavy shop use, and the DEWALT DW758 8 in Bench Grinder (best all round 8 inch grinder for a general shop).
On this page (8 sections)
- Best 8 inch bench grinders compared
- How these 8 inch bench grinders were compared
- Which bench grinder speed do you need for sharpening?
- What do 8 inch wheels give you over 6 inch wheels?
- How much motor power does a shop grinder need?
- What should you check on the tool rests and guards?
- Should you buy a low speed grinder for a home shop?
- Verdict: which 8 inch bench grinder should you buy?
The best 8 inch bench grinder for most shops is the BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS, because one machine gives you 1725 RPM for edge tools and 3450 RPM for grinding metal down. Buy the RIKON 80-805 if sharpening is your main job and you want low speed only.
The JET Industrial is the pick when your grinder runs for long stretches in a busy shop.
An 8 inch wheel is the reason to shop in this class. At the same motor speed the rim of an 8 inch wheel moves faster than a 6 inch one, but the wheel also holds more abrasive and wears more slowly.
That means fewer wheel changes and a flatter face for longer.
Wheel speed is the spec that decides how a grinder behaves in daily use. Low speed keeps heat out of a thin edge.
High speed takes metal off quickly when you are reshaping a worn bevel. The grinders below split along that line, so pick by the work you do most.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for sharpening and metal removal in one machineBUCKTOOL 8 in Dual Speed Bench Grinder
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best all round 8 inch grinder for a general shopDEWALT DW758 8 in Bench Grinder
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for steady everyday grindingCheck it - 5
Check itRIKON 80-805 8 in Low Speed Grinder
Best for edge tools that burn easily - 6
Best for long sessions on big workpiecesCheck it - 7
Check itDEWALT DW756 6 in Bench Grinder
Best smaller option when bench space is tight - 8
Best low cost way to try bench grindingCheck it - 9
Check itBUCKTOOL 6 in Low Speed Grinder
Best small low speed option for chisels and knives
Best 8 inch bench grinders compared
The top pick covers both speed ranges, but the rest of this group each solve a narrower job better. Read down the list by score, then jump to the model that matches your bench and your sharpening habits.
BUCKTOOL 8 in Dual Speed Bench Grinder: Best for sharpening and metal removal in one machine
- 1/2 HP dual speed motor at 1725 and 3450 RPM
- 8 x 1 in wheels with 5/8 in arbor
- 80 and 120 grit white aluminum oxide wheels
- Buffing wheel included
A two-speed 8 inch grinder that covers low speed edge work and fast metal removal without buying two machines.
Pros
- Switchable low and high speed
- White aluminum oxide wheels in two grits
- Buffing wheel in the box
- Cast iron base with mounting holes
Cons
- Heaviest pick here at about 45 lb
The BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS is the one grinder here that does both jobs well. A 1/2 HP induction motor runs at 1725 RPM for sharpening and 3450 RPM for metal removal, and you change speed with a switch rather than by changing machines.
The wheels are 8 x 1 in with a 5/8 in arbor, in 80 and 120 grit white aluminum oxide. That abrasive runs cooler than a grey wheel, which matters when you are working a bevel you don't want to blue.
A buffing wheel is in the box for polishing after sharpening.
Two cast aluminum rests adjust independently, so you can set one for a chisel angle and leave the other flat. The cast iron base has mounting holes and rubber feet to stop it walking across the bench.
The trade-off is weight. At about 45 lb it is the heaviest pick in this group, and it takes up more bench depth than a 6 inch machine.
If your bench is short, that is the one reason to look elsewhere.
JET 8 in Industrial Bench Grinder: Best for heavy shop use
- 1 HP motor at 3600 RPM
- 36 and 60 grit vitrified wheels
- Cast iron construction
- Toggle switch with safety key
The most powerful grinder in this group, built to run long sessions in a busy shop.
Pros
- 1 HP motor for sustained grinding
- Cast iron body and wheel guards
- Safety key on the toggle switch
Cons
- Single high speed only
- No buffing wheel included
JET's industrial 8 inch grinder is built for volume. Its 1 HP motor at 3600 RPM is the most powerful here, and the cast iron body and wheel guards are made to take long sessions without flexing.
It ships with 36 and 60 grit vitrified wheels on 8 inch arbors, so you get a coarse wheel for reshaping and a finer one for a working edge. Adjustable rests and safety shields come fitted, and the pre-drilled base mounts to a stand or bench.
The toggle switch has a safety key, which is a real help in a shop where other people use the tools. JET covers it with a two year warranty.
The catch is that it runs at one speed only. That is fine for deburring and reshaping, but a thin chisel edge heats faster at 3600 RPM than it would on a low speed wheel.
Sharpening hand tools is better served by the dual speed BUCKTOOL or the RIKON below.
DEWALT DW758 8 in Bench Grinder: Best all round 8 inch grinder for a general shop
- 3/4 HP motor at 3600 RPM
- Cast iron base and motor housing
- Precision machined aluminum tool rests
- 12-1/2 in between wheels
A well balanced 8 inch machine with machined rests and plenty of space between the wheels.
Pros
- Long 12-1/2 in span between wheels
- Cast iron base and housing
- Aluminum tool rests
Cons
- Single speed only
- One year warranty
The DEWALT DW758 is the safest all round choice for a general shop. A 3/4 HP motor at 3600 RPM sits between the JET models in power, and the cast iron base and housing give it a solid feel on the bench.
Its strength for sharpening is the pair of precision machined aluminum rests. A flat, square rest is what holds a consistent angle, and these are better finished than the stamped rests on cheaper grinders.
The 12-1/2 in span between wheels leaves room for longer work like a plane iron or a mower blade.
It comes with 36 and 60 grit wheels and rear exhaust ports in the guards to push dust away from your face. DEWALT backs it with a one year warranty.
The single speed is the limitation. For a shop that grinds more than it sharpens, that is not a problem.
For fine edge work on chisels and knives, the low speed RIKON gives you more control.
JET 8 in Bench Grinder: Best for steady everyday grinding
- 1/2 HP motor at 3450 RPM
- 36 and 60 grit vitrified wheels
- Cast iron wheel guards and dust vents
- Rubber mounts
A simpler JET that keeps the cast iron guards, quick adjusting spark guards and eye shields of the bigger industrial model.
Pros
- Cast iron wheel guards
- Quick adjusting spark guards
- Rubber mounts limit movement
Cons
- Half the power of the industrial JET
- Single speed only
The standard JET JBG-8 is the everyday version of the industrial model. It has a 1/2 HP motor at 3450 RPM and the same 36 and 60 grit vitrified wheels on 8 inch arbors.
What it keeps from the bigger JET is the build detail: cast iron wheel guards and dust vents, one piece quick adjusting spark guards, and large eye shields you can move without tools. Rubber mounts sit under the base to cut movement and vibration.
The 5/8 in shaft takes standard 8 x 1 in wheels, so replacements are easy to find when the originals wear. It meets CSA safety standards and carries a two year warranty.
It gives up motor power to the industrial JET and runs at high speed only. If you want one grinder for a home shop and don't need a 1 HP motor, this is the sensible middle choice.
It also works well as a second station for a coarse wheel.
RIKON 80-805 8 in Low Speed Grinder: Best for edge tools that burn easily
- 1/2 HP motor at 1750 RPM
- 60 and 120 grit wheels
- Tool rest with drill bit groove
- Diamond wheel dresser included
Half the wheel speed of the high speed grinders here, which keeps chisels and plane irons cooler at the edge.
Pros
- Low speed reduces heat buildup
- Grooved rest for drill bits
- Diamond dresser in the box
- Five year warranty
Cons
- Slow for taking off a lot of metal
- Single speed only
The RIKON 80-805 is the pick for anyone whose main job is sharpening. Its 1/2 HP motor runs at 1750 RPM, half the wheel speed of the high speed grinders here, which keeps heat out of a thin edge.
It comes with 8 x 1 in 60 and 120 grit wheels on a 5/8 in arbor. The left tool rest has a groove for sharpening drill bits, and the grinder ships with a diamond wheel dresser to keep the face flat and true.
That is a real saving, since a dressed wheel cuts cooler and cleaner.
The cast iron base has anti-vibration rubber feet and mounting holes, so you can bolt it to a bench or a stand. Adjustable eye shields and spark arrestors cover the safety basics, and RIKON gives it a five year warranty.
The trade-off is speed for metal removal. Taking a nick out of a mower blade takes longer at 1750 RPM.
If you need one grinder for both sharpening and reshaping, the dual speed BUCKTOOL covers more ground.
WEN BG4282 8 in Bench Grinder: Best for long sessions on big workpieces
- 4.8 amp motor at 3450 RPM
- LED lights in the eye guards
- Onboard quenching tray
- 36 and 60 grit wheels
A high speed 8 inch grinder with built in lights and a water tray close to the wheels.
Pros
- LED work lights in the guards
- Quenching tray for cooling work
- Two grit wheels included
Cons
- Single speed only
- Lowest score in this group
The WEN BG4282 is the pick when you grind long pieces and want light on the work. A 4.8 amp motor turns 8 x 1 in wheels at 3450 RPM, and the eye guards have built in LED lights so you can see the edge line clearly.
Its standout feature is the onboard quenching tray. You can dip a hot workpiece in water without turning away from the wheel, which matters on long grinding sessions where heat builds in the part.
It ships with 36 and 60 grit wheels and pivoting tool rests.
WEN backs it with a two year warranty and a stocked supply of replacement parts. The wheel guards come off easily when you need to change a wheel.
The single high speed is the main limit, and it carries the lowest score in this group because the other 8 inch machines offer more for the same bench space. It still earns its place if you grind a lot of metal and want lights and a water tray within reach.
DEWALT DW756 6 in Bench Grinder: Best smaller option when bench space is tight
- 5/8 HP motor at 3450 RPM
- Cast iron base and housing
- 12-1/2 in between wheels
- Rear exhaust ports
A 6 inch grinder for buyers whose bench cannot take an 8 inch machine but who still want cast iron build.
Pros
- Shorter footprint than the 8 inch picks
- Cast iron base and housing
- Machined aluminum rests
Cons
- Smaller wheels wear faster than 8 inch ones
- Single speed only
The DEWALT DW756 is the smaller option for a tight bench. Its 5/8 HP motor at 3450 RPM drives 6 inch wheels, and it keeps the cast iron base and housing of the bigger DW758.
The 12-1/2 in span between wheels is the same as the 8 inch model, so longer work still fits across the machine. Machined aluminum rests let you set a square angle, and rear exhaust ports in the guards push dust away from the work.
It suits a shop where bench depth is the real constraint. A 6 inch grinder takes less room front to back, and it costs less than an 8 inch machine.
The trade-off is the smaller wheel. A 6 inch wheel holds less abrasive and needs changing more often, and its face curves more quickly under heavy use.
Read our roundup of the best 6 inch bench grinders if this size fits your bench.
WEN BG4260 6 in Bench Grinder: Best low cost way to try bench grinding
- 2.1 amp motor at 3450 RPM
- 6 x 3/4 in wheels with 1/2 in arbors
- Pivoting tool rests
- Two year warranty
A light 6 inch grinder that suits a first bench setup or a second station away from the main one.
Pros
- Light enough to move around
- Pivoting tool rests
- Two year warranty
Cons
- Smaller and lighter than every 8 inch pick
- Single speed only
The WEN BG4260 is the cheapest way into bench grinding. A 2.1 amp motor at 3450 RPM turns 6 x 3/4 in wheels with 1/2 in arbors, and the whole machine weighs about 14 lb.
That light weight is its advantage. You can move it from a shelf to the bench when you need it, which suits a garage or a shared workspace.
Pivoting tool rests let you angle the work, and adjustable eye guards cover the wheels. It ships with a 60 grit wheel for general work and a 36 grit wheel for faster removal.
WEN gives it a two year warranty and keeps replacement parts in stock, which is more than you can expect at this end of the range.
The limits are real: 6 inch wheels, a light motor and a single speed. It will not hold up to daily grinding of thick steel the way the JET Industrial will.
As a first grinder or a spare station for a coarse wheel, it does the job.
BUCKTOOL 6 in Low Speed Grinder: Best small low speed option for chisels and knives
- 1/3 HP motor at 1750 RPM
- 60 and 80 grit wheels
- Adjustable work rest
- Spark arrestor and eye shield
The slowest and smallest grinder here, aimed at careful edge work on a compact bench.
Pros
- Low 1750 RPM speed
- Adjustable work rest
- Two year warranty
Cons
- Least power in this group
- 6 inch wheels only
The BUCKTOOL 6 inch low speed grinder is the small slow speed option. Its 1/3 HP motor runs at 1750 RPM on 6 inch wheels, so it is gentle on edges and easy to control.
It ships with a 60 grit brown aluminum oxide wheel and an 80 grit white wheel. The white abrasive is the finer of the two and runs cooler, which suits finishing work.
An adjustable work rest, a spark arrestor and a clear eye shield cover the basics, and the cast aluminum base has rubber feet to cut vibration.
It is the lightest and least powerful machine here. For a hobbyist sharpening chisels and knives now and then, that is not a problem.
For steady shop use, the 8 inch machines give you more wheel and more motor.
Choose it if your bench is small and you want slow speed without spending on an 8 inch machine. Otherwise the RIKON gives you the same low speed character on bigger wheels.
How these 8 inch bench grinders were compared
We compared these grinders on the specs that change how they behave at the bench: wheel size and arbor, motor horsepower, wheel speed, tool rest quality and what comes in the box. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Wheel speed got the most weight. A grinder that runs at 1750 RPM sharpens differently from one at 3450 RPM, and that single number decides whether a model suits edge tools or metal removal.
Motor power came next, since it sets how long a grinder can run under load before it slows.
Build came third. Cast iron bases and housings resist vibration better than stamped steel, and machined rests hold an angle more reliably than pressed ones.
We also counted the extras that save you money later: a second grit wheel, a diamond dresser, a buffer wheel or a quenching tray.
We kept the scoring honest by sticking to what each maker states. No grinder here gets credit for a feature it doesn't list, and the scores spread from 9.4 down to 8 to reflect real differences in what you get.
| Product | Best for | Wheel size | Speed | Base | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUCKTOOL 8 in Dual Speed Bench Grinder | sharpening and metal removal in one machine | 8 x 1 in | 1725 and 3450 RPM | Cast iron | 9.4 |
| JET 8 in Industrial Bench Grinder | heavy shop use | 8 x 1 in | 3600 RPM | 9.2 | |
| DEWALT DW758 8 in Bench Grinder | all round 8 inch grinder for a general shop | 8 x 1 in | 3600 RPM | 9.1 | |
| JET 8 in Bench Grinder | steady everyday grinding | 8 x 1 in | 3450 RPM | 9.0 | |
| RIKON 80-805 8 in Low Speed Grinder | edge tools that burn easily | 8 x 1 in | 1750 RPM | Cast iron | 8.8 |
| WEN BG4282 8 in Bench Grinder | long sessions on big workpieces | 8 x 1 in | 3450 RPM | 8.3 | |
| DEWALT DW756 6 in Bench Grinder | smaller option when bench space is tight | 6 in | 3450 RPM | 9.3 | |
| WEN BG4260 6 in Bench Grinder | low cost way to try bench grinding | 6 x 3/4 in | 3450 RPM | 8.9 | |
| BUCKTOOL 6 in Low Speed Grinder | small low speed option for chisels and knives | 6 in | 1750 RPM | 8.0 |
Which bench grinder speed do you need for sharpening?
Low speed, around 1750 RPM, is the better choice for sharpening hand tools. It gives the abrasive more time to cut without building heat in a thin edge.
High speed at 3450 RPM removes metal faster and suits reshaping and deburring more than fine edge work.
The difference matters most on chisels, plane irons and knives. A blue or purple mark on the bevel means the steel got too hot and lost its temper, and that happens quickly at high speed with light pressure.
At low speed you have more room to watch the edge and dip the tool in water.
If you do both jobs, a dual speed grinder is the practical answer. The BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS lets you sharpen at 1725 RPM and switch to 3450 RPM when you need to take a nick out of a blade.
That covers a home shop without buying two machines.
When high speed is the right call
High speed suits metal work more than edge tools. Deburring, rust removal and reshaping a worn bevel all go faster at 3600 RPM.
If your grinder mostly cleans up steel rather than putting an edge on it, a single speed high speed model like the JET Industrial or the DEWALT DW758 is the simpler buy.
When low speed wins
Low speed wins whenever the edge is the point. Woodworking chisels, plane irons, carving tools and kitchen knives all benefit from a slower wheel.
Pick the RIKON 80-805 if sharpening is most of what you do, or the BUCKTOOL 6 inch if your bench is small.
What do 8 inch wheels give you over 6 inch wheels?
An 8 inch wheel gives you more abrasive and a slower rim speed for the same motor RPM. That means fewer wheel changes and a cooler cut on the same grinder, which is why most sharpening benches settle on 8 inch machines.
The geometry is simple. An 8 inch wheel has a longer circumference, so each point on the face contacts the work less often as the wheel turns.
The wheel wears more slowly and holds its shape longer. A 6 inch wheel wears down faster and its face hollows out sooner, so you dress it more often.
The size also affects how the wheel meets the tool. On an 8 inch wheel the curve at the contact point is shallower, which gives you a flatter grind on a wide bevel.
That helps with plane irons and wide chisels where a hollow grind shows.
The cost is bench space and weight. An 8 inch grinder like the BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS weighs about 45 lb and takes more depth than a 6 inch machine.
If your bench is short or you move the grinder often, a 6 inch model is the better fit. Read what a bench grinder is used for around the shop for a wider look at the jobs each size handles.
Where a 6 inch grinder still makes sense
A 6 inch grinder makes sense on a short bench or as a second station. The DEWALT DW756 keeps a 12-1/2 in span between wheels, so longer work still fits.
A light 6 inch model like the WEN BG4260 is easy to move and store.
How much motor power does a shop grinder need?
Half a horsepower is enough for most home shops. It will run an 8 inch wheel through a sharpening session without bogging down.
Step up to 3/4 HP or 1 HP if you grind thick steel for long stretches or run a wire wheel on the other side.
Power matters most when the wheel is under load. A 1/2 HP motor like the one on the BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS or the JET JBG-8 holds speed through normal sharpening.
Push a wide blade into a coarse wheel and a small motor slows, which leaves a rougher grind and more heat.
A 1 HP motor like the JET Industrial's keeps the wheel turning at full speed under heavy pressure. That is the reason to buy it if your grinder works hard all day.
For a bench that sees a few chisels a week, the extra power is not needed.
The wheel size matters here too. A 1/2 HP motor turning an 8 inch wheel has less torque at the rim than the same motor on a 6 inch wheel.
If you plan to fit a wire brush or a buffing wheel, give the motor a little more headroom.
What should you check on the tool rests and guards?
A flat, square tool rest and adjustable eye shields are the two things to check before you buy. The rest holds your angle, and the shields keep sparks and grit out of your eyes.
Everything else is a bonus.
Look at how the rest adjusts. Two independent rests let you set one angle for a chisel and leave the other flat for a blade.
The BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS and the DEWALT DW758 both have machined aluminum rests that hold a setting well. A grooved rest, like the one on the RIKON 80-805, adds a place to seat a drill bit at a steady angle.
Check the guards too. Cast iron guards like the JET models' resist flex and stay in place.
Adjustable eye shields should move without tools so you actually use them. A spark arrestor above the wheel keeps sparks from flying toward you.
If you plan to sharpen drill bits, read our guide to how to sharpen drill bits on a bench grinder before you buy. A rest with a groove makes that job much easier.
Rests and guards to look for
Look for rests that lock firmly and sit close to the wheel. A rest with a wide gap lets small work slip under the wheel.
Adjustable shields that move up and down without tools get used more often than fixed ones.
Should you buy a low speed grinder for a home shop?
Buy a low speed grinder if sharpening hand tools is your main reason for owning one. Buy a high speed or dual speed model if you also reshape and clean up metal.
For most home shops a dual speed grinder covers both without buying twice.
The low speed machines here are the RIKON 80-805 and the BUCKTOOL 6 inch. Both run at 1750 RPM and both suit chisels, plane irons and knives.
The RIKON gives you bigger wheels and a drill bit groove; the BUCKTOOL is smaller and lighter.
High speed models like the DEWALT DW758 and the JET Industrial remove metal quickly. They are the right tool for a shop that grinds lawn mower blades, cleans rust off parts and reshapes worn tools.
Sharpening a fine edge on them takes a light hand and frequent cooling.
The middle ground is the dual speed BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS. It is the only model here that gives you both speeds on one set of 8 inch wheels.
That makes it the easiest buy if you are not sure which kind of work you will do more of. Our guide to the best bench grinders for sharpening tools covers the low speed options in more depth.
Verdict: which 8 inch bench grinder should you buy?
The best 8 inch bench grinder for most shops is the BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS, because it sharpens at low speed and grinds at high speed on the same 8 inch wheels. For sharpening only, buy the RIKON 80-805 for its 1750 RPM motor and drill bit groove.
For heavy shop use, buy the JET Industrial for its 1 HP motor and cast iron build.
The rest of the group fills in the edges. The DEWALT DW758 is the solid all rounder if you want machined rests and a long span between wheels.
The JET JBG-8 is the sensible middle JET for a home shop. The WEN BG4282 is the pick for long sessions where lights and a quenching tray help.
If your bench is short, the 6 inch machines earn their place. The DEWALT DW756 keeps cast iron build and a long span in a smaller footprint.
The WEN BG4260 is the low cost way to start. The BUCKTOOL 6 inch gives you low speed in a small size.
Whichever 8 inch bench grinder you choose, budget for a dressing tool and a water pot. A flat wheel and a cool edge do more for your sharpening than any single spec on the box.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for sharpening and metal removal in one machine
BUCKTOOL 8 in Dual Speed Bench Grinder
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best all round 8 inch grinder for a general shop
DEWALT DW758 8 in Bench Grinder
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Is an 8 inch bench grinder better than a 6 inch one?
Yes for most sharpening work, because 8 inch wheels turn slower at the rim for the same motor speed and wear down more slowly. A 6 inch grinder makes more sense when bench depth or budget is tight.
What speed should I look for in a bench grinder for sharpening?
Look for a low speed model around 1750 RPM if you sharpen chisels, plane irons or knives. High speed models at 3450 RPM remove metal faster but heat the edge quicker, so light passes matter more.
Do I need a buffer wheel on a bench grinder?
No, but a buffer wheel lets you polish a freshly sharpened edge without changing wheels. The BUCKTOOL TDS-200DS includes one, while most grinders here ship with two grinding wheels only.
Can I sharpen drill bits on an 8 inch bench grinder?
Yes. A tool rest with a groove, like the one on the RIKON 80-805, helps hold a bit at the right angle.
Freehand work on a plain rest takes practice and a light touch.
How do I keep a bench grinder wheel from burning a tool edge?
Use light pressure and dip the tool in water often. A low speed grinder or a white aluminum oxide wheel reduces heat buildup, and a quenching tray keeps water within reach.
