2 Grinding Benches

A double-wheeled bench grinder is an electrically operated tool used to manually grind workpieces, components, and construction parts. Powered by an enclosed central electric motor, it is a standard piece of equipment found in workshops of all kinds.

A double-wheeled bench grinder consists of an enclosed central electric motor mounted on a table or workbench, with a grinding disc on each side. Both discs are enclosed to ensure safe operation and to contain dust and debris produced during grinding. A tool rest allows the workpiece to be positioned comfortably and held securely while being manually guided along the rotating disc.

The key advantage of this design is that both grinding discs run simultaneously. If roughing and finishing are both required, switching between the two work stages is straightforward – simply move the workpiece from one disc to the other without stopping the machine. This dual-disc configuration also improves energy efficiency: the combined momentum of the two wheels reduces the load on the electric motor, lowering overall power consumption.

Operating a double-wheeled bench grinder demands a high level of safety awareness. The disc rotates at considerable speed and carries significant momentum, creating a serious risk of injury if proper precautions are not followed. Essential protective equipment includes safety glasses and respiratory protection.

Standard industrial gloves are not suitable for bench grinder work. Even brief contact with a rotating grinding disc can pull an operator's entire hand into the machine. However, specialist gloves designed specifically for bench grinder use are available. These are engineered so that if they contact the spinning disc, the outer surface layer shears away – preventing the glove, and the hand inside it, from being drawn in.

Beyond repair work such as sharpening tools or drill bits, a bench grinder is primarily used to improve the aesthetic or safety-related qualities of a workpiece. One of the most common tasks performed by a double-wheeled bench grinder is deburring and finishing gutted, welded, or injection-moulded components. With the exception of diamond dressing and knife sharpening, a double-wheeled bench grinder is generally not suited to production-line environments.

Choosing the right double-wheeled bench grinder means looking beyond the price tag. Budget machines often compromise on component quality, which affects both performance and longevity. Alongside precision output, ease of maintenance is a key indicator of overall build quality – and a factor worth prioritising when assessing any model.

Proper installation and storage also play an important role in getting the most from a bench grinder, helping to maintain accuracy and extend its working life.

Well-regarded manufacturers of double-wheeled bench grinders include REMA, ESB, SCHÄFFER and GREIF.