Mechanic Glossary

Bench Grinder

A stationary power tool with two abrasive grinding wheels used for sharpening, shaping, and deburring metal parts.

A bench grinder is a workshop staple bolted directly to a workbench or stand. It features an electric motor that drives two abrasive grinding wheels at high speeds. Typically, one side is fitted with a coarse-grit wheel for fast metal removal, while the other side has a fine-grit wheel for sharpening and finishing. You press the workpiece against the spinning wheel to shape or clean it.

Safety is critical when operating a bench grinder. Keep the spark guards and tool rests adjusted close to the wheel (within 1/16 inch) to prevent the part from getting pulled down into the housing. Never grind soft metals like aluminum, copper, or brass on standard grinding wheels. The soft metal will melt and fill the pores of the wheel (loading), causing the wheel to overheat and violently explode during subsequent use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aluminum melts at a low temperature. It will clog the pores of the grinding wheel. When you grind steel next, the wheel can overheat, expand unevenly, and explode.
The tool rest should be adjusted within 1/16 inch of the wheel. If the gap is wider, the workpiece can get jammed between the rest and the spinning wheel, causing injury.
Dressing is the process of using a specialized tool (a wheel dresser) to remove clogged metal and worn abrasive grains from the grinding wheel face, exposing a clean, flat cutting surface.
Yes. Many mechanics replace one grinding wheel with a wire wheel for cleaning rust and paint off bolts and small brackets.
Back to Glossary

List Your Business on Top Mechanic Services

Get found by customers searching for mechanic services. Join the largest national mechanic services directory.

List Your Business