Fine Woodworking

Tools & Materials

Tool Test: Bench Grinders for Woodworkers

Slow-speed grinders give a fresh edge quickly, without burning

By Chris Gochnour #226–May/June 2012 Issue

Chris Gochnour usually review hand tools, but since bench grinders play such a vital role in keeping tools sharp, he was up for the challenge of evaluating a pool of 8-in., variable- or slow-speed machines under $200 to see how well they performed at shaping plane irons and bench chisels. Tool rests play a key role, so they were a big part of the equation. Machines from Craftsman, General International, Penn State Industries, Porter-Cable, and Woodcraft were tested.

From Fine Woodworking #226

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.

Download FREE PDF

when you enter your email address below.

View PDF

X

X

Get It All!

UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.

Subscribe to Fine Woodworking

Save up to 69%

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Up Next

Featured Workshop

a diagram of a round Shaker stand and an image or a round Shaker stand

Shaker candle stand with Christian Beckvoort

He’s built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified than Christian Becksvoort to demonstrate making this classic. In this seven-part video series,…

Featured Projects & Plans

Build a Contemporary Sideboard

Chris Gochnour's sideboard combines usefulness, strength, and beauty in a contemporary case piece

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

|
|
|
|
|
|

View More Create Post

Power-Tool Flattening

Use your shop sanders to help take the tedium out of the process of sanding.
Tool test: Belt sanders for woodworkers

Asa Christiana put 10 midsize belt sanders to work flat-sanding both panels and edges, sanding curves and tight corners, and using the tool as a stationary sander while clamped to a benchtop.
Jigs for Routing Perfect Curves

Tips and techniques for making an assortment of pattern-routing jigs.
Great Results with a Belt Sander

It's noisy and it's dusty, but in a pro shop like Chris Becksvoort's, it's hard to beat the belt sander for producing great results quickly.

Highlights

Shape Your Skills

when you sign up for our emails

Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking.

Sign Up
Shop Talk Live Podcast

Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community.
Woodpeckers Shop Upgrade Giveaway

Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers. Click for full details.
Our favorite articles and videos

We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.

View All

View More

UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all

Start Free Trial Upgrade Membership