How to Use a Bench Grinder

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A bench grinder can be used to grind, cut or shape metal. You can use the machine to grind down sharp edges or smooth burrs off metal. You can also use a bench grinder to sharpen metal pieces -- for example, lawnmower blades.


Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Turning on the Grinder

PDF download Download Article
    • Make sure the grinder is tightly secured to the bench.
    • Check that the tool rest is in place on the grinder. The tool rest is where the metal item will rest as you grind it. The rest should be secured in place so there is a 1/8 inch (3 mm) space between it and the grinding wheel.
    • Clear the area around the grinder of objects and debris. There should be enough space to easily push the piece of metal you are working with back and forth on the grinder.
    • Fill a pot or bucket with water and place it near the metal grinder so you can cool off any metal that gets too hot while you grind it.
  2. Wear safety glasses, steeled toed shoes (or at least no open-toe shoes), ear plugs or muffs and a face mask to protect yourself from grinding dust. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Stand to the side until the grinder reaches maximum speed.
  4. Move so you are directly in front of the grinder. Holding the metal tightly in both hands, place it on the tool rest and slowly push it towards the grinder until it touches the edge only. Do not allow the metal to touch the sides of the grinder at any time.
  5. To cool the metal off after or during grinding, dip it into a bucket or pot of water. Keep your face away from the pot to avoid the steam created by the hot metal hitting the cooler water.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Grinding, Cutting, Shaping and Sharpening

PDF download Download Article
  1. Move the metal back and forth across the grinder until the chunk of metal is gone. Holding the metal against the grinder in one place for too long will warm it up, and could damage the piece.
    • Hold the metal on the tool rest and turn it gently until the grinder comes in contact with the spot you want the cut.
    • Keep turning the piece until it breaks in half. Make sure you hold each end. Dip both hot ends in water when you are done.
    • Touch a piece of metal to the grinder at the spot where you want it to bend. Use a back and forth motion, as you would to grind a part off.
    • When you see the metal turning orange, it is warm enough to be pulled away from the grinder. Use both hands to bend the metal to the shape you want. Dip it in water once it is the right shape.
    • Rest the piece on the tool rest and hold it securely with both hands.
    • Slowly push the blade into the grinder, angling it slightly up or down so the grinder cuts metal away to create a pointed, sharp edge. Use the same forward-and-back motion, rubbing the blade across the bench grinder to prevent cutting into the blade or warming it up too much.
    5. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the purpose of the grinding machine?
    Community Answer
    Tool sharpening mostly (chisels, engraving tools, hoes, edgers). You can look up instructions on YouTube!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Should the stone spin towards the blade or away from it?
    Community Answer
    The stone should spin away from the blade to create a thinner blade at the extremity with a 10 degree angle.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What is the rest tool on a bench grinder used for?
    Community Answer
    The tool rest provides you with a solid base on which to rest the piece of metal or tool you are grinding. Without this, the object would be impossible to hold steady and would probably be flung across the room.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Make sure you have the right grinding wheel for the metal or cut you are working with. Much like sandpaper, grinding wheels are made to accomplish different types of precision grinds. Some wheels are designed to cut through metal, while others are for making small, gentle surface rubs.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Do not wear gloves when operating a bench grinder. Even glancing contact with hands will quickly and certainly remove skin, a glove becoming caught in the wheel can easily remove whole fingers. Light latex gloves are OK to save your hands from irritant dust etc.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Bench grinder
      • Safety glasses
      • Bucket of water
      • Grinding blades

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tell if Silver is Real: 6 Simple Tests
      How to
      Harden Steel
      How to
      Tell Gold from Brass
      How to
      Build a Metal Detector
      How to
      Test Platinum
      How to
      Melt Metal
      How to
      Identify a Metal
      How to
      Tell Bronze from Brass
      How to
      Patina Metal
      How to
      Tell Brass from Copper
      How to
      Protect Stainless Steel
      How to
      Identify Steel
      How to
      Spot Real (and Fake) Moldavite
      How to
      Print on Metal
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about using a bench grinder, check out our in-depth interview with Josh Goldenberg .

      References

      1. ↑ https://ehs.princeton.edu/book/export/html/76
      2. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/abrasive_wheels/safeuse2.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,159 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Amanda Morrow

        Nov 3, 2018

        "I wasn't aware of the benefits and good intentions of wikiHow. I will definitely be supporting your site and ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement