New Bench Grinder----Dewalt/Wen

[77Mini]

I'm in the market for a new bench grinder. I was looking at the 8" Dewalt or the Wen 8" Variable speed.

I think the Dewalt is probably the better built grinder so I was leaning that way but I do like some of the features of the Wen (variable speed, light).

My concern is that the tool rests on the Dewalt have a notch for the grinding wheel. Thats fine for a stone but will that cause issues when I use a wire wheel given that the wire wheel will deform when used?

Anyone have this grinder that can comment?

Also interested in your thoughts between the two

 

[Pistolero]

The variable speed would be better for sharpening tools

 

[77Mini]

The variable speed would be better for sharpening tools

I agree but I am worried it may not be as good of a grinder. I watched a video on it and it shook like mad out of the box. The guy was able to get it better but still concerns me. The Dewalt videos seemed to be smooth but made mention to some people having vibration issues.

Looks like the tool rests can be mounted either way so that takes care of one concern. Dewalt is also an inch wider.

 

[jdewitt]

My concern is that the tool rests on the Dewalt have a notch for the grinding wheel. Thats fine for a stone but will that cause issues when I use a wire wheel given that the wire wheel will deform when used?

You don't use a tool rest with a wire wheel. Hold the work under the wire wheel and let it pull away from you. If the work catches on the wheel, let it go to the floor. You can get away with using a tool rest for a while as I did in younger years, but sooner or later the work will catch and you'll learn your lesson.

 

[cptn_zippy]

I have that Dewalt, it shakes as well, despite my work trying to true the wheels and flange washers. You just can't get a good bench grinder unless you spend $350+ or can find an old Baldor or craftsman block that isn't clapped out. In my research, the Dewalt is the best of the inexpensive and easily obtainable set.

And as above, remove the tool rest if you are using a wire wheel. I removed the end plate/shield as well.

J

 

[redragoon]

I have an old Craftsman block grinder, so I can't speak for either of these in use. However, I have several WEN tools including their belt/disc sander, 10" drill press, handheld belt sander, and hand power planer. All have worked well and been great tools for my uses. All of the WEN benchtop tools I have come with heavy cast iron bases. This helps alot with reducing the vibration from the tool. In fact, I don't even bolt down the combo sander. I just set the base on a non-slip rubber fabric and it doesn't move. The drill press needed some lag screws into the workbench, though.

 

[bobcatdan]

I would go with the DeWalt all be it is a pretty standard issue import grinder. Variable speed on a bench grinder doesn't excite me. Maybe it's just a historical bias, but Wen has been cheap **** riding on a some what good name for most of my life so unless their game has really stepped up recently, I'm not buying a Wen.

 

[Farmall450]

I have that Dewalt, it shakes as well, despite my work trying to true the wheels and flange washers. You just can't get a good bench grinder unless you spend $350+ or can find an old Baldor or craftsman block that isn't clapped out. In my research, the Dewalt is the best of the inexpensive and easily obtainable set.

And as above, remove the tool rest if you are using a wire wheel. I removed the end plate/shield as well.

J

I agree with most of this, but I've had my tool rest on for years with a wire wheel on one side and it's been just fine. I also don't think mine shakes, but it's no minty Cman block.

 

[Macrosloth]

https://www.kingcanada.com/en/products/metalworking/bench-grinders/kc-890-8-bench-grinder

Its bearings / not bushings ... still probably offshore. but one of the higher amp grinders for the price. I've got one and no complaints so far.. but if I did it again.. I'd likely step up to the 10 inch.

Cheers,

Edit - the tool rests are garbage.. but the motors solid.. dont like it, fab better ones

 

[jdewitt]

I've had my tool rest on for years with a wire wheel on one side and it's been just fine.

I used my wire wheel with a tool rest for years. I never knew any better. One day I was going at it with the wire wheel cleaning up a brass drawer pull. On one pass I pushed a bit too hard and BANG! it scared the living daylights out of me. The wheel had grabbed the work, pulled it between the wheel and tool rest, and shot it out the backside across the bench. Luckily I was holding it pretty lightly and I didn't get a finger pulled into the wheel. After that I mounted the wheel hanging off the end of the bench so it has a straight shot to the floor and took off the guard and tool rest. Whatever I'm working on goes under the wheel and I hold it on the top side with a light grip. If the wheel wants to take it from me, it can have it.

EDIT: Check out this vid.

It's a little over the top, but you get the gist.

 

[DSLTRK]

I'd be looking at the running amps. More amps means more torque.
Both are Chinese and I'd bet quality are aimilar between the two.

 

[Farmall450]

I used my wire wheel with a tool rest for years. I never knew any better. One day I was going at it with the wire wheel cleaning up a brass drawer pull. On one pass I pushed a bit too hard and BANG! it scared the living daylights out of me. The wheel had grabbed the work, pulled it between the wheel and tool rest, and shot it out the backside across the bench. Luckily I was holding it pretty lightly and I didn't get a finger pulled into the wheel. After that I mounted the wheel hanging off the end of the bench so it has a straight shot to the floor and took off the guard and tool rest. Whatever I'm working on goes under the wheel and I hold it on the top side with a light grip. If the wheel wants to take it from me, it can have it.

EDIT: Check out this vid.

It's a little over the top, but you get the gist.

I mean, it could grab it either way. As long as you don't get your hand sucked in, which doesn't take too much common sense lol.

 

[riceaterSLC]

How do the Jet models compare?

 

[royesses]

I have the Dewalt 8". I made new 1/4" thick washers and new spacers between the inside washer and motor housing boss on the shaft. The spacers are too loose on the shaft and introduce out of balance. The washers are also a poor fit. I also made some 1" wheel adapters that fit the shaft tight and installed camel wheels. Smooth as glass now. I made a diamond tipped wheel truer and that really gets the wheels smooth and true. It's a lot of work but if you have a lathe it is well worth the effort.


Roy

 

[cptn_zippy]

I will give those suggestions a try.

J

 

[Rabid Badger]

99.9 percent of the time a grinder shakes because of bad and/or out of balance wheels.

Never, EVER use the crappy plastic pieces that come with the wheel to mount it.

Here's what you do:

1) Get a piece of wood roughly the same thickness as your wheel and make a divot with a punch.

2) Carefully measure the diameter of the arbor opening in your wheel, then use a compass to scribe a circle of the same size around the divot.

3) Preferably with a drill press, drill a hole the size of your grinder's shaft centered on the divot.

4) Cut around the circle you scribed, leaving some room outside of the line.

5) Take the piece to final size using a stationary disc or vertical belt sander. Take a little at a time until you're able to tap the spacer into the wheel with a mallet using minimal force.

6) Mount the wheel. If there's any vibration remaining dress the wheel with your preferred tool.

7) Enjoy your smooth-running grinder.

 

[77Mini]

I'd be looking at the running amps. More amps means more torque.
Both are Chinese and I'd bet quality are aimilar between the two.

Dewalt 4.2A
Wen 5A

Dewalt is an inch wider than the Wen

 

[77Mini]

I ordered the Dewalt. The Wen resembles a lot of the lower end grinders....maybe they are good too.

I'm hoping a few less features and a little more money means you are putting that money into the quality of the grinder rather than the extra bits.

I also like that its an inch wider. My gut feel is that it will be a little better built.

 

[jdewitt]

I mean, it could grab it either way. As long as you don't get your hand sucked in, which doesn't take too much common sense lol.

Sure, it could grab either way, but if it's going to grab I don't want a tool rest in the way causing more problems/more damage. :shrug:

 

[cheechi]

bet you will stop a wire wheel on either one with almost no effort. If it's the same model Dewalt that Lowes carries I know you will. Go big or go home if you need a wire wheel.

You either want old iron or pricy new for grinders. The only cheapo I would even consider is also the only variable speed I would consider, the Rikon and only because of the reviews.