We were able to complete the process on the included leather-вЂ‹covered stropping wheel, finishing the toolsвЂ™ edges to razor-sharpness.

Removing the вЂњwireвЂќ or burrs created during sharpening was something we needed to do by hand on a hone, or whetstone, taking only a couple of strokes. And though this Wen took some care and patience to get the work support set up and square to the stone, once it was ready to go for a task like sharpening chisels, we could fairly quickly remove enough material to rejuvenate some very sad, worn edges. WeвЂ™ve spent plenty of time honing edges on chisels, hand-plane blades, and knives by hand, trying all kinds of sharpening gadgets, with mixed results. WenвЂ™s Wet/Dry Sharpener is extremely useful. There are some things to keep in mind to grind both successfully and safely. What could be simpler than using a bench grinder? Step up to the machine, turn it on, and press an offensive bit of metal into the spinning, abrasive wheel. BauerвЂ™s bench grinder is a notable value at about half the price of similar models, and at the end of the day it will achieve the same results. We donвЂ™t always need the work light, but it does come in handy-especially when the grinder is in a dark, out-of-the-way corner of the shop. We found the cast work rests to be strong, easily adjustable, and effective. Larger wheels also last longer, with more abrasive material to wear down before they need replacing. But with their mass, they act like flywheels, maintaining rpms when we were working them hard. We noted the large wheels took a little longer than models with smaller ones to spin up to speed. We appreciate bench grinders like this Bauer, with big, meaty eight-inch wheels. Noisier than some more expensive models.RPM: 3,600 | Horsepower: 3вЃ„4 | Sink flange: Stainless steel | Grind components: Stainless steel | LED work light We evaluated each machine on ease of use, how well it performed, speed, versatility, and value. For the wet/dry sharpener, we honed a kitchen knife, wood chisel, and a firemanвЂ™s axe. For the wheeled and belt grinders, we ground flats, curves, and bevels in steel bar stock.

To then test them, we performed three common grinding tasks. We researched the market, surveyed user reviews, interviewed product managers, and relied on our own experience operating bench grinders to arrive at this selection. When that isnвЂ™t practical, grind on the lower half of the wheel that way, if the workpiece catches, it will be thrown down rather than toward you. Use these platforms whenever possible to steady whatever youвЂ™re grinding and maneuver it on the wheel. Tie your hair back, and avoid baggy clothes around the grinder. Just like gloves, anything long and loose-hair and clothing, for example-can get caught and pull you into the machine. They seem like a good idea, but grinding wheels-as well as wire wheels found on many grinders-can grab gloves, pulling them, and hands, into the machine.

Forged in fire belt grinder