Rikon 80-805. Best Overall
The Rikon 80-805 is the go-to slow speed grinder among woodturners for good reason. 1/2 HP induction motor, runs smooth and quiet, and the included white wheels (60 and 120 grit) are friable aluminum oxide that work well right out of the box. The included tool rests are mediocre but easy to upgrade to a Wolverine jig. Best balance of price, build, and runout I compared.
Check price on Amazon →I sharpened lathe tools and chisels on five different slow speed grinders and these are the ones that gave me clean, cool edges without burning the steel.
I have been a hobby woodworker and amateur knife maker for over a decade, and the single biggest upgrade I made to my sharpening setup was switching from a fast bench grinder to a slow speed grinder. The difference in heat generation is night and day – and once you burn the temper out of a good chisel because you ground it on a 3,450 RPM wheel, you never make that mistake again. Slow speed grinders run at 1,725 RPM, which is the sweet spot for keeping tool steel cool while still removing metal fast enough to be useful.
I compared five slow speed grinders in my own shop over the course of a winter, sharpening lathe gouges, plane irons, chisels, and a couple of axe heads. Below are the five I would buy with my own money, plus what I learned about wheel quality and tool rest design.
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rikon 80-805. Best Overall | Check price | ||
| WEN BG4286. Best Budget | Check price | ||
| Jet IBG-8VS. Best Variable Speed | Check price | ||
| Powermatic PM350VBG. Best Premium | Check price | ||
| Delta 23-196. Best Classic Design | Check price |
The full reviews
Rikon 80-805. Best Overall
The Rikon 80-805 is the go-to slow speed grinder among woodturners for good reason. 1/2 HP induction motor, runs smooth and quiet, and the included white wheels (60 and 120 grit) are friable aluminum oxide that work well right out of the box. The included tool rests are mediocre but easy to upgrade to a Wolverine jig. Best balance of price, build, and runout I compared.
WEN BG4286. Best Budget
For the WEN BG4286 is genuinely competitive with grinders twice the price. 5 amp induction motor, decent wheels, and the cast iron base is heavy enough to absorb vibration. The tool rests are basic but functional. Three-year warranty is generous for the price tier.
Jet IBG-8VS. Best Variable Speed
Variable speed is a luxury, but once you have it you will not go back. The Jet IBG-8VS runs from 1,400 to 3,400 RPM, so you can drop to ultra-low speed for delicate work or speed up for stock removal. 1 HP motor is overkill in the best way. Excellent cast tool rests and a built-in coolant tray.
Powermatic PM350VBG. Best Premium
The Powermatic PM350VBG is the flagship. 1 HP variable speed motor from 700 to 3,000 RPM, premium tool rests, and built-in halogen lighting on each wheel. If you sharpen for a living or run a teaching shop, this is the upgrade. Lifetime construction quality and a five-year warranty.
Delta 23-196. Best Classic Design
The Delta 23-196 is an old-school workhorse with a cast iron base, simple controls, and rock-solid reliability. Comes with serviceable gray wheels (most users replace immediately with white wheels), but the motor and frame are excellent. A good choice if you find one new or refurbished.
Frequently asked
Standard bench grinders run at 3,450 RPM, which heats steel quickly and can ruin the temper on high-carbon edges. Slow speed grinders run at 1,725 RPM, which keeps the steel cool enough to maintain hardness while you sharpen.
Friable white or pink aluminum oxide wheels are the standard for tool steel. They wear faster but stay cool and cut clean. I use 60 grit on one side for shaping and 120 grit on the other for finishing.
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