The Best Bench Grinders

The Best Bench Grinder Options — Photo: amazon.com Photo: amazon.com

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Many household and DIY projects require bladed tools or machines, whether it’s mowing the lawn or chiseling some wood. At some point, DIYers need to sharpen those blades or remove rust and corrosion from a steel tool. That’s where a bench grinder shines.

Unlike a stand-alone pedestal grinder, a bench grinder is typically mounted on a sturdy workbench and can tackle these tasks quicker and easier than an old-fashioned whetstone and lots of manual labor. Heavy-duty bench or table grinders typically feature two grinding wheels, often with different grits, to sharpen blades quickly and remove rust. On many grinders, the wheels can be swapped out for either metal brush wheels (a boon when cleaning metal connectors and spark plugs) or for buffing wheels, which are designed for putting a fine shine on metal or plastic surfaces.

Bench grinders are straightforward power tools, and all operate much the same way. The best bench grinders are high quality, easy to use, and protect eyes from sparks and fine metal shards while working (users should always still wear eye protection, though). The following bench grinders would be a good addition to any workshop.

BEST OVERALL: DeWalt DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder
UPGRADE PICK: Jet IBG-8 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder
BEST FOR BEGINNERS: DeWalt DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder
BEST FOR DIYERS: Wen BG625V 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
BEST FOR MECHANICS: Jet JBG-8B 8-Inch Shop Bench Grinder
BEST FOR LANDSCAPERS: Sunex Tools 5002A 8-Inch Bench Grinder With Light
BEST VARIABLE-SPEED: Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
BEST FOR SHARPENING: Rikon 80-805 8-Inch Low-Speed Bench Grinder
BEST WITH WIRE WHEEL: Jet JBG-6W 6-Inch Shop Grinder With Wire Wheel
ALSO CONSIDER: Wen BG4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder

How We Chose the Best Bench Grinders

A solid bench grinder can be the cornerstone (pun not intended) of a workshop. When we set out to curate a list of the top models, we wanted to ensure that the bench grinders we suggested were up to the job. We had to call upon all of our experience as DIYers and professionals to come up with the most important factors to consider when choosing a bench grinder.

Once we knew what to look for when shopping for one of these grinders, we performed extensive research to round up models that might meet our criteria. Then, we compared each model’s size, ability, materials, and value to ensure that they were worthy. Some products didn’t make the cut, but those that did were given awards based on their strengths.

Our Top Picks

The best bench grinder runs smoothly, has adjustable tool rests to get just the right angle, and is safe to operate. The following options are great for DIYers and pros alike, and all include adjustable eye guards, tool rests, and spark arrestors.

Best Overall

DeWalt DW758 8-Inch Bench Grinder

Pros

Large 8–inch wheels provide heavy-duty sharpening for an extended period before replacement is necessary
Durable cast-aluminum tool rests are stable, allowing for a consistent base and adjustability
Cast-iron base is heavy and durable, providing long-lasting stability while grinding

Cons

This model doesn’t include additional features, like work lights or variable speeds

This durable DeWalt bench grinder comes with 8-inch diameter grinding wheels so users can sharpen a lot of blades before needing to replace a wheel. The DeWalt DW758 comes with standard items like clear eye shields over both wheels to protect users’ eyes without obstructing their view.

The DW758 features adjustable, heavy-duty aluminum tool rests to allow users to position the item they’re sharpening at an optimal angle. The base, however, is cast iron, providing durability and stability while working with this model. The grinder wheels rotate at 3,600 revolutions per minute (rpm) for quick shaping of metal blades. However, there aren’t any bells and whistles like work lights or variable speeds.

Product Specs

Size: 8 inches
Speed: 3,600 rpm
Horsepower: ¾

Get the DeWalt DW758 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Wen BG4260 2.1-Amp 6-Inch Bench Grinder

Pros

Affordable price point; allows users to save money on both the grinder and on sharpening blades
Low price compared to other models; includes eye protection shields and adjustable tool rests
Includes 2 grinding wheel grits: The 35 grit reshapes blades and the 60 grit hones edges

Cons

There isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower rating

The Wen BG4260 6-inch bench grinder’s affordable price point means users can sharpen a lot of blades without spending a lot of money. Shoppers can save money on the grinder as well as when sharpening blades instead of replacing them.

The Wen grinder comes with both 36-grit and 60-grit grinding wheels that spin at 3,450 rpm. The 36-grit wheel is best for reshaping edges, while the 60-grit wheel hones them. It features see-through eye shields to protect the user’s eyes while grinding, and they easily adjust for grinding larger items. Also, each wheel comes with adjustable tool rests to help steady the tool the user is grinding or sharpening—key to consistent results. Unfortunately, there isn’t any information about the motor’s horsepower rating available, and this basic model doesn’t have any bells and whistles to brag about.

Product Specs

Size: 6 inches
Speed: 3,450 rpm
Horsepower: Unspecified

Get the Wen BG4260 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Wen.

Upgrade Pick

Jet IBG-8 8-Inch Industrial Bench Grinder

Pros

The 8-inch wheels and 1-horsepower motor allow users to grind through tough material continuously
Cast-iron construction makes it durable and stable during grinding
Rear-mounted dust ports can connect grinder to a dust-collection system, minimizing messes

Cons

Unlike other bench grinders, this model doesn’t offer any variable speeds
3,600 rpm is too much for some uses, like sharpening knives, chisels, and planes

Folks who might have a bit more money to spend and prefer a top-tier product will want to check out the Jet IBG-8 industrial bench grinder. This model features a heavy-duty 1-horsepower motor that allows users to grind tough materials like stainless steel continuously and repetitively. The motor produces 3,600 rpm, providing a general-use speed from a single-speed tool.

This model features all cast-iron construction, allowing it to be durable and long lasting as well as stable during grinding. There is a rear-mounted dust port that users can connect to a dust-collection system or shop vac to reduce messes. It also has the basics, including adjustable tool rests, adjustable eye protection shields, a 36-grit wheel, and a 60-grit wheel. The only real complaint worth registering is that this model does not include variable speeds, as 3,600 rpm may be a little too fast for delicate sharpening.

Product Specs

Size: 8 inches
Speed: 3,600 rpm
Horsepower: 1

Get the Jet IBG-8 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Ace Tool.

Best for Beginners

DeWalt DW756 6-Inch Bench Grinder

Pros

Durable, long-lasting cast-iron construction; the only grinder a beginner will need for a while
Single-speed design allows users to focus on their work and not the grinder’s settings
Flip-down eye shield is an extra protective barrier between the workpiece and user’s safety glasses

Cons

Doesn’t have an onboard work light, so users may want to purchase their own

The DeWalt DW756 might be the top option for those new to the grinding or DIY world. Not only is this bench grinder affordable, but it also has almost everything a new craftsperson would need, including cast-iron construction for long-term durability and two stone grits: 36 and 60.

This model features a ⅝-horsepower motor that spins its 6-inch wheels at 3,450 rpm. Because the tool has a single speed, new users can focus on what they’re doing and not the grinder’s setting. The tool rests are precision machined from aluminum so they’ll stay flat and stable over time, but users can adjust angles whenever needed. The flip-down eye shield is also a benefit to new users, as they can get used to working on their grinder knowing they have an additional barrier between the workpiece and their safety glasses. However, without a built-in work light, users may opt to purchase an additional shop light for their grinders.

Product Specs

Size: 6 inches
Speed: 3,450 rpm
Horsepower: ⅝

Get the DeWalt DW756 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.

Best For DIYers

Wen BG625V 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Pros

Adjustable speeds allow DIYers to tweak the speed base by project
Tool rest features a grooved design that holds workpiece securely for repeatable results
80-grit wheel is finer than that of most other bench grinders; more suitable for very sharp tools

Cons

Heavy-duty work may be out of the question, as the motor’s horsepower rating isn’t available

DIYers have needs. They like features but bemoan over-the-top prices, and Wen’s BG625V bench grinder will please them on both fronts. It offers features like adjustable speeds and tool position as well as onboard illumination for a quality finished result.

This model’s motor spins at speeds between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm, allowing DIYers to adjust it according to the range of projects they might tackle. It also has the basics, like flip-down eye protection and adjustable tool rests, but the tool rests also feature grooved tool holders for high-quality results (helped along by the onboard lighting). The two wheels that come with this model are 36 grit and 80 grit, the latter of which is finer than most grinders come with, making it more suitable for very sharp tools. The one area where it falls short is that there isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower, so its 2.5-amp variable motor may not be suitable for heavy-duty work.

Product Specs

Size: 6 inches
Speed: 2,000 to 3,400 rpm
Horsepower: Unspecified

Get the Wen BG625V bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wen.

Best for Mechanics

Jet JBG-8B 8-Inch Shop Bench Grinder

Pros

½-horsepower motor can tackle both heavy- and light-duty projects
Heavy-duty cast-iron construction can withstand the rigors of a mechanic’s shop
Rubber feet feature means users don’t have to bolt it to their work table

Cons

Would be more suitable for a mechanic’s shop if it came with a wire wheel

Whether it’s for cleaning up a fitting before welding or carefully reducing the length of a bolt, Jet’s JBG-8B bench grinder will be at home in a mechanic’s shop. This model features a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm. It can grind heavy-duty metal brackets or tabs but also clean up the end of an exhaust pipe, if necessary.

This model comes with two grinding wheels, including a 36-grit wheel for heavy grinding and a 60-grit wheel for fine-tuning. It also features heavy-duty cast-iron construction, allowing it to withstand the rigors of a mechanic’s shop. And, while it can be bolted down if necessary, it also features rubber mounts underneath that keep it from slipping if the user prefers to take it on and off the bench. If we could change one thing, we would have preferred that it come with a wire wheel for cleaning up threads on hard-to-replace hardware, but the user can purchase one on their own.

Product Specs

Size: 8 inches
Speed: 3,450 rpm
Horsepower: ½

Get the Jet JBG-8B bench grinder at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best for Landscapers

Sunex Tools 5002A 8-Inch Bench Grinder With Light

Pros

8-inch wheels and simple design make sharpening large lawn and garden tools straightforward
The tool rests are adjustable and feature grooves to hold tools in place accurately
¾-horsepower motor can handle heavy-duty grinding; all-purpose speed works for most garden tools

Cons

Tool rests are stamped and not forged, cast, or laser cut like many other models

For sharpening a garden shed full of those tools that keep a landscape looking its best, including snippers, clippers, saws, and axes of all sizes, check out the 5002A 8-inch bench grinder from Sunex Tools. This bench grinder has a ¾-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm, giving it a solid all-purpose grinding speed (ideal for a variety of landscaping blades). The simple design and 8-inch wheels make bringing shovels, lawn mower blades, and axes back to tip-top shape a breeze.

This grinder comes with two eye shields and adjustable tool rests to achieve the proper angle on metal tools and blades. It comes with two sanding wheels: 36 grit and 60 grit. The 36-grit wheel is best for reshaping blades that have taken a beating, while the 60-grit wheel is best for bringing back that sharp edge. The biggest downside is that the tool rests are stamped and not forged, cast, or laser cut like many others at this price point.

Product Specs

Size: 8 inches
Speed: 3,450 rpm
Horsepower: ¾

Get the Sunex Tools bench grinder at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Variable Speed

Delta 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

Pros

Lets user dial in the correct speed for their project
Grooved tool rests let user hold tool in the same position for consistent sharpening
Built-in cooling tray allows users to drop small blades, fasteners, or other items quickly

Cons

Delta doesn’t offer any information about this model’s horsepower rating

Different metals require adjustable speeds for the best grinding results, and Delta’s 6-inch variable-speed bench grinder might be the tool for the job. It has a dial on the front that allows users to adjust the motor’s speed between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm, allowing them to dial in the correct speed for the project.

This Delta bench grinder comes with two 6-inch grinding wheels, with both a 36-grit and a 60-grit wheel included. It includes eye shields for safety and adjustable tool rests for support. The tool rests feature grooves as well, allowing users to get the exact angle on their blades, chisels, or other tools while protecting their eyesight. It even features a coolant tray that users can drop hot fasteners in for quick cooling. There isn’t any information available about the motor’s horsepower, however.

Product Specs

Size: 6 inches
Speed: Variable, between 2,000 and 3,400 rpm
Horsepower: Unspecified

Get the Delta bench grinder at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Best For Sharpening

Rikon 80-805 8-Inch Low-Speed Bench Grinder

Pros

Runs at lower speeds to prevent overheating knives, chisels, and other similar tools
Aluminum-oxide wheels sharpen in 60 and 120 grits; rougher grits usually leave duller edges
Sturdy base and rubber feet reduce vibration and movement, making sharpening safer and more accurate

Cons

Designed to sharpen knives and chisels; not meant for heavy-duty sharpening such as for lawn-mower blades

Folks looking for a bench grinder built specifically for sharpening will want to consider the 80-805 model from Rikon. This low or slow-speed bench grinder features a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 1,750 rpm, helping avoid overheating blades like knives and chisels during sharpening.

The 8-inch wheel grinder comes with two wheels with higher-than-typical grits: 60 and 120, both of which are made from white aluminum oxide. This combination allows for a finer approach to sharpening, with the 60 grit reshaping the blade and the 120 grit wheel honing a sharp edge. This model features a heavy-duty cast-iron base as well as rubber nonslip feet. The result is reduced vibration for safer, more controlled sharpening. Just keep in mind that this grinder is designed for sharpening knives, chisels, and similar tools, not necessarily heavy-duty work like lawn-mower blades and badly damaged axes.

Product Specs

Size: 8 inches
Speed: 1,750 rpm
Horsepower: ½

Get the Rikon bench grinder at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Rockler.

Best With Wire Wheel

Jet JBG-6W 6-Inch Shop Grinder With Wire Wheel

Pros

Wire brush lets users clean dirty, corroded parts and hardware; much easier than manual cleaning
Comes with a 36-grit wheel that can reshape blades, removing gouges and chips from edges
Cast-iron construction, including the wheel guards, which also have built-in dust collection ports

Cons

Does not come with a 60-grit wheel; must be purchased separately

One of the best uses for a bench grinder is using it with a wire wheel. This combo makes cleaning up dirt, corrosion, and other undesirable substances from hardware and parts a breeze, and that’s what the Jet JBG-6W shop grinder offers. This bench grinder uses 6-inch wheels and comes with a 36-grit grinding wheel on one side and a wire wheel on the other, allowing users to take advantage of the quick scouring that this tool is capable of.

This model has a ½-horsepower motor that spins at 3,450 rpm. It features cast-iron construction and a predrilled base for stability and permanently mounting it to the shop bench. If the shop has a dust-collection system, each wheel’s cast-iron guard has a dust port in the back to keep messes to a minimum. It’s important to note, however, that for really effective sharpening, users will want to purchase a 60-grit wheel to swap with the wire brush as this model does not come with one.

Product Specs

Size: 6 inches
Speed: 3,450 rpm
Horsepower: ½

Get the Jet JBG-6W bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Also Consider

Wen BG4282 4.8-Amp 8-Inch Single Speed Bench Grinder

Pros

Affordable price point for an 8-inch bench grinder with smart features
Eye guards have built-in LED work lights that let users illuminate their workpiece
Built-in cooling tray prevents overheating or warping of items after grinding

Cons

Wen doesn’t provide information regarding this model’s motor horsepower rating

Folks who like built-in features might want to consider Wen’s BG4282 bench grinder. This 8-inch grinder features a motor that produces 3,450 rpm of grinding speed and includes a 36-grit wheel and a 60-grit wheel for sharpening and honing a sharp edge. Also, it’s relatively affordable, allowing users to get a large, capable 8-inch grinder without breaking the bank.

The Wen BG4282 bench grinder has some tricks up its sleeve, too. There are two LED work lights built in, each hiding under the flip-down eye guards, providing plenty of light on either side of the unit without repositioning a standard work light. It also has a cooling tray built-in below the power button for cooling freshly ground items off as they come from the grinder. As with all Wen bench grinders, however, there isn’t any information about how powerful the motor is.

Product Specs

Size: 8 inches
Speed: 3,450 rpm
Horsepower: Unspecified

Get the Wen BG4282 bench grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Wen.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bench Grinder

Shoppers won’t find a lot of bells and whistles on the average bench grinder—just two wheels that spin at rapid speeds. While it’s possible to change a wheel on a bench grinder, it’s not always the most successful task because it can be difficult to get the new wheel balanced, which is a necessity to prevent wobbling. For the best results, it’s usually better to purchase a bench grinder with the desired type of wheels already installed on the tool. The two wheels on a bench grinder usually differ: One may be a coarse grit, while the other might be a fine grit, wire brush, or even a buffing wheel. The best bench grinder will depend on the type of grinding, cleaning, or polishing the user intends to do.

Popular Types of Bench Grinders

Though bench grinders can be beneficial for anyone who wants to sharpen a blade or grind rust away from a steel item, they’re found most often in the workshops of auto mechanics, DIYers, and classical woodworking artisans who use a lot of hand tools.

Automotive

Automotive workers, including both auto-body workers and mechanics, use bench grinders regularly to remove rust from nuts and bolts as well as to polish steel and chrome engine and body parts to a high sheen. A bench grinder designed for the automotive industry typically features the fastest spinning speeds—up to 3,450 rpm. Being able to clean and polish auto parts on a bench grinder saves an immeasurable amount of time over cleaning and polishing by hand.

Woodworking

Woodworkers and craftspeople depend on sharp hand tools, such as planes and chisels, for creating well-fitting dovetail joints and smoothing out rough wood, but sharpening these metal tools by hand is time-consuming. A bench grinder makes quick work of keeping hand tools sharp, but grinders designed for woodworkers feature slower spin speeds than the ones marketed to automotive workers. The tempered steel in hand tools can be damaged by the high heat that results from fast-spinning grinding wheels, so for anyone looking to sharpen tempered tools, look for a grinder with a slower (1,725 rpm) wheel.

Variable-Speed

DIYers who dabble in both woodworking and car or auto-body repair typically rely on variable-speed bench grinders. These grinders let them operate the tool at its highest speed when they need to clean car bolts and reduce it when sharpening chisels and other woodworking hand tools. Variable speed grinders typically run $65 to $125 more than their same-brand counterparts that feature single speeds, but choosing a variable-speed grinder is less expensive than purchasing two separate bench grinders to get both high and low speeds.

Portable

Standard bench grinders are heavy, weighing up to 50 pounds, and in general, they perform their best when mounted to a workbench to keep them from moving. Those who need to take a grinder with them to different work sites will want to invest in a smaller, lighter-weight model (around 10 pounds) that features rubber feet to keep it from sliding when positioned on a table.

Wheel Material

The type of material from which the wheels are made will determine the tool’s best use. Most grinder wheels, except wire and buffer wheels, come in one of two grits: 36 grit for aggressive grinding and 60 grit for finer grinding. In addition, they’re made from the following materials:

Silicon carbide: This is one of the most common grinding wheels found on bench grinders and is suitable for a range of grinding tasks, including sharpening cast iron and lawn-mower blades. However, consider that this type of grinding wheel tends to heat up very quickly, which can ruin the temper of high-quality woodworking tools such as chisels or hand planes.
Aluminum oxide: These commonly found wheels do not heat up as quickly as silicon carbide wheels and are designed for grinding hard metals such as carbon steel and alloy steel that are found in hand tools.
Wire wheels: Made from both steel and brass bristles, wire wheels are designed to clean away grease and gunk quickly from auto valves and fittings. A grinder in a mechanic’s shop will likely have at least one wire wheel.
Ceramic aluminum oxide: This abrasive wheel is used mainly for grinding away material from hard alloys and steel. If someone wanted to grind off half of an axe head (for some reason), this is the wheel they’d want.
Buffing wheels: Made from a variety of thick, brushed fabrics, buffing wheels are designed to polish steel and metal items to a high shine. They’re often used by auto-body workers when restoring a car to achieve high sheens on hubcaps and other chrome automobile features.

Wheel Type and Size

Bench grinders are labeled by the size of their wheels, which are commonly either 6 inches or 8 inches in diameter. Both types of grinders perform similarly, with a couple of considerations.

6-inch grinder: These smaller bench grinders are often slightly less expensive, ranging from around $65 to $175, depending on the brand and any optional accessories they may feature. They come with a choice of low or high speeds, and they’re suitable for a variety of grinding purposes, such as sharpening knives, blades, and tools. They can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds or more and can be bolted to a workbench or used as a portable tool.
8-inch grinder: Designed with the professional mechanic or woodworker in mind, these larger 8-inch bench grinders often feature more powerful motors, but they usually don’t spin quite as quickly as the smaller 6-inch models. They’re made to stand up to frequent use in a professional workshop and range from around $100 to $500 or more, depending on brand and quality. They range in weight, typically between 20 to 50 pounds, and are usually bolted to a workbench to keep them from moving.

Safety Features

All power tools present a measure of risk—bench grinders included. Grinding iron creates sparks and sends shards of metal flying, so it’s imperative to wear safety glasses when operating a bench grinder. Fortunately, grinders usually include some safety features to help reduce risk—although they don’t eliminate risk completely.

Eye guards: These are standard on most bench grinders in the form of clear, acrylic shields that extend directly over the grinding wheel as the user works, keeping metal and steel shards from making contact with eyes. Over time, these guards can become dirty or scratched, but when that happens, they can be replaced.
Spark arrestors: These small steel plates, located between the wheels and the eye guards, are intended to keep sparks from flying all over the workshop. However, there will still be sparks, so it’s not a bad idea to keep flammables a few feet away from a bench grinder while it is in use. But, in general, the spark arrestors will keep the sparks from traveling very far.

Accessories

Common bench grinder accessories are designed to make it easier to use the tool and include:

Tool rests on which the user can brace a knife or blade to hold it steady while grinding. This accessory comes standard on almost all bench grinders.
LED lights that illuminate the work area to better see the task at hand.
Rubber feet (on portable models) to keep them from sliding across a workbench during operation.
A water tray near the bottom of the grinder for dipping a chisel, or other metal items, to cool off.

Tips on How to Mount a Bench Grinder

If a DIYer has space on their workbench, they’ll most likely want to mount a new bench grinder to keep it stable while sharpening or smoothing tools and parts. Bench grinders are pretty heavy on their own, but bolting them to a workbench, using the provided holes in their base, is optimal.

Position the grinder where it will go on the workbench, and then use a pencil to make marks on the workbench in all four base holes.
Use a drill to drill through the pencil marks.
Attach the grinder by inserting bolts through its base holes and the holes drilled in the workbench, and then use nuts to secure the bolts firmly in place.

FAQs

Your grinding needs are not identical to anyone else’s, so the grinder you choose should reflect the type of materials and items you’ll be grinding. Below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about bench grinders.

Q. What is a good speed for a bench grinder?

A good do-all speed for a bench grinder is between 3,000 and 3,600 rpm. Most models without variable speeds run at around 3,450 rpm for flexibility and general usefulness.

Q. What is the best size bench grinder?

Most pros would agree that the best size for a bench grinder is 8 inches. These models are small enough to move around, the wheels stay relatively cool during use, and the motors are built to withstand a lot of work. However, for a DIYers or part-time user, a 6-inch model will likely be more affordable and just as capable of getting the job done.

Q. Should I get a 6-inch or 8-inch bench grinder?

If you’re a DIYer and a newbie to bench grinders, consider a 6-inch model, which should provide you with ample power to grind, sharpen, and clean a wide array of blades and tools. The larger 8-inch grinders are designed for use by pros.

Q. Do I need a variable-speed bench grinder?

If you need to sharpen woodworking tools, but you also work on cars, a variable-speed grinder will allow you to use the lower speed for sharpening woodworking tools and the higher speed for grinding down bolt ends or cleaning away rust from auto parts.