Bench Grinder VS Angle Grinder: Which One Should You Choose

Published on: December 31, 2021
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Are you thinking of purchasing a new grinder? But cannot decide to choose between Bench grinder vs. angle grinder? This article is a clear discussion for you to choose the best one grinder between them for your desired purposes.

Grinders are the most important tools used for grinding purposes. There are different types of grinder tools with different size, weight, and speed available for a different project. The bench grinder and the angle grinder are the most common types of grinders in the industrial world.

Are you planning to purchase a well-designed grinding tool?  In this article, we will discuss the most popular bench grinder and angle grinder with their individual properties, uses, pros and cons, and so on.

bench grinder vs angle grinder

Body Part

Despite these two tools being grinder types, they have some similar properties but they differ from each other in shapes, sizes, usages, and many other attributes.

Bench Grinder vs. Angle Grinder

Here, we will inform you about the two major types of grinders including differences between bench grinder and angle grinder to increase further knowledge of you.

1. Design

Both grinder tools have a separate design. Angle grinders are designed in such a way to fit into your hand and are easy to hold. It has a grip for easy maneuvering and to cut down on vibration. This grip gives extra support to handle a place to reduce vibration.

On the other hand, bench grinders are bench-top type grinder that use an abrasive wheel that is used for cutting tools. It is designed in a way that as a base it could stand on a flat surface. It also works on reduced vibration. In the bench grinder, the workpiece has to be brought to it.

2. Weight

The weight of the angle grinder is comparatively less than the bench grinder because of its one wheel. It is lightly weighted so that you can move it easily. The average weight of angle grinders varies from 7-8 pounds, rarely it would be 10 pounds.

The bench grinder is generally made with a cast iron base. It is a very heavy metal and for the reason of using the heavy metal, it is placed in one spot, it handles a lot of pressure and needs to be stable. 

3. Function  

Bench grinders are perfectly used in sharpening any dull tools, modify parts that need to be resized and refurbish old rusted parts. So when you have an object to be sharpened and two hands are required to get the desired edge, you should go for a bench grinder.

It is used also for shaping and honing and sometimes used to remove burrs in casting. By changing the wheel types of these grinders you can sharp, polish, shape, and clean any type of metals.

An angle grinder is a perfect tool for cutting and removing the excess material from the workpiece due to its smaller size and portability. It is widely used in cutting and polishing wood and metal objects.

They are most commonly used by welders and finishing stone in metalworking and different types of construction factories. The more powerful motor and wheel will produce more efficiency and speed. 

4. Wheels

The most important tool of a grinder is its wheel, for each task you have to adjust a specific wheel. Bench grinder has two wheels, used at a time, one is grit size on one size and the other one is on another side. Fine grit, buffing, wire brush, and coarse grinding wheels are a common example of bench grinder wheels.

On the other hand, the angle grinder has one wheel. During the work, you need to change the specific type of wheel, you have to stop the grinder and it requires some extra time for changing the wheel. 

5. Wheel Speed

RPM (rotation per minute) is used to measure the wheel speed of two different types of grinders. In the case of a low-speed bench grinder, it generates 1700 to 1900 RPM, while it runs at high speed, usually forming around 3000 to 3500 RPM.

On the other hand, the wheel speed of the angle grinder is around 8000 to 12000 RPM. For more precise work you can get an angle grinder with 6000 RPM. 

6. Users

Both users require skilled hands for proper utilization unless a serious injury can occur to any person.

Bench grinders are most commonly used in workshops and woodworkers mainly use this grinder for polishing and renewing the workpieces. It is rarely used for home purposes.

Construction workers, steelworkers, welders use the most powerful force of precise angle grinders for finishing metallic and nonmetallic surfaces.  Homeowners use the angle grinder most frequently. 

7. Portability

Since bench grinder is a heavily weighted grinder, having two wheels and much more bulky, it is difficult to move in a different workplace. It has low maneuvering and portability facilities, this means it stands on a fixed and flat place to work. The workpieces have to be moved to the grinder tools cutting, sharpening, or polishing.

Because of its lightweight angle grinder, it is very flexible for portability and can be moved from one place to another.  It is very comfortable maneuvering into the workpieces for a smaller size.

8. Pros and cons

Bench Grinder 

Pros

  • Quite firm and steadfast;
  • The grinder has a variety of wheels;
  • Bench grinders of various speed can be found;
  • Use of heavy metal gives more stability to a bench grinder;
  • A bench grinder can be used for numerous tasks.

Cons

  • Less versatile in nature;
  • Not for amateurs.

Angle grinder

Pros

  • High portability;
  • Easy to rotate according to the desired angle;
  • Easy to change the wheel;
  • Fastest grinder at all in the industrial world;
  • It is perfect to get access to difficult sides of a work-piece.

Cons

  •  Sometimes it may become overheated;
  •  It may not always be available with extra wheels.

Which Grinder is Better for Precision Grinding: Bench or Die Grinder?

When it comes to precision grinding, the die grinder is often preferred over the bench grinder. While the bench grinder is better suited for larger projects, the die vs angle grinder offers better control and precision for smaller, detailed work. Its compact size allows for better maneuverability and accuracy.

What are the main differences between an angle grinder and a bench grinder, and which one is better for specific tasks?

When it comes to the angle grinder comparison, the main differences lie in their design and function. An angle grinder is handheld and best for cutting and grinding metal, while a bench grinder is stationary and better for sharpening tools. Both have their unique uses, so the choice depends on the specific task at hand.

Conclusion

After a lot of research, we have found all the information that will help you to make the right decision according to your needs.

Both grinder machines are used for versatile tasks. Now it depends on you what type of grinder will match with your desired requirements.

When you are thinking about bench grinder vs. angle grinder, please give a view to this article. Surely it will save you valuable time as all of these grinders are described here clearly.

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About This Writer

david rowan author

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

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