Bench Grinder Basics

Learn how to use a conventional bench grinder for perfect bevels on your chisels. Visit FineWoodworking.com for more woodworking technique videos.

[@ILuv2learn]

I just bought a similar tool rest and was looking for information about how best to use it. Your video was exactly what I needed. I watched it a couple of times. Thank you and Fine Woodworking for showing us how.

[@graydation]

I think a more appropriate title would have been "How to sharpen a chisel" Since a bench grinder can be used for far more things.

[@dannyhale7645]

I've watched a lot of videos on how to sharpen chisels/plane irons on a bench grinder. This is the first video I've seen that explained the process in a clear manner. It's the only video I've seen on the subject that was actually helpful. I ended up getting a jig made by Peach Tree, from Amazon. It works great. I use it with a vintage hand crank grinder, so there's no worry about overheating and losing the temper. I can lock it into the sliding mechanism, and check it with a small machinist square. Then I can slide it left and right, with my left hand, while cranking the grinder with my right. I briefly tried doing it free hand on an electric grinder. Very briefly. That was a disaster. I'm pretty sure the guys who do it free hand are using some sort of black magic.

[@DowningGoliath]

Still a relevant way to sharpen and great tips on how to set proper angles, but I've heard you should NOT quench the metal! Severe temperature changes in the metal created by dipping it in cold water has the possibility of creating hairline cracks in the metal at the thinnest part of the blade. If your tool is that hot, you've probably left it on the wheel too long, or are pushing too hard. A really neat trick is to use a heat sink from a discarded computer to help cool the steel without risking changing the metalurgy of the steel - it works amazingly well. I've also noticed that the specific grinder used by Asa in this video is a "low" speed grinder (

[@mjremy2605]

Glad to see your comment. I'm very new to bench grinders. If I invest in this expensive CBN Wheel, do you have a brand name that is good?

[@fredgonzini7099]

Great video I like to watch videos that are general because if I pick up one new thing it's a positive.

[@daleney7211]

great job teacher, novice wood turner. struggled sharpening cutting tools. thanks.

[@peterharrison8756]

Very useful information for someone new !!

[@allanfischer9417]

Thank you! There is a ton of good info here and great "how to" for those getting started.

[@rickgoebel6724]

That is a slow speed grinder running at 1750 RPM not the "usual" grinder which runs at 3600 RPM. The higher speed is going to heat up the tool even faster. But I like the idea of the rounded grinding face of the wheel which I will tryout tonight.

[@KonwTheTrut]

Hey, thanks for this video. Very informative, including mentioning the diamond rougher and the veritas jig. Helps a lot!

[@thesickening0169]

Thank you very much for this video. One of the best I've seen yet.

[@robohippy]

As some one from the wood lathe world, which put my flat work world mostly on hold, this sharpening video is 2 to 3 years out of date. CBN grinding wheels are so much better than standard wheels, that the standard friable wheels are now obsolete. Check out D Way grinding wheels.

[@robertmunguia250]

I’m having a hard time getting my chisels like that! That’s great sharpening.

[@MrAnderslilja83]

The most likeable person i've seen on youtube

[@DogGuy19]

Very informative video, I appreciate it very much. I'll be getting one of those jigs and hopefully I can sharpen things quickly and easily just like you demonstrate. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@brianshanahan3878]

Great video. This is exactly what I was looking for!

[@Rampant_Mongoose]

Thank you for video I learned a lot.

[@TheGamefisher1]

Extremely helpful many thanks

[@-_.._._--_.-.-_-_-_-...-.-]

And Fine Machining! Excellent!

[@That1towncar]

Thankyou! Very clear informative video!

[@OldNavajoTricks]

The Bob Ross of benchgrinding...

[@makasdiy]

Fantastic video, thanks!

[@valveman12]

Great Tips Excellent Video

[@tylersureddin321]

This really helped me with my knife making. Thought I made a mistake getting a bench grinder instead of a belt.

[@jacksonbrooks6782]

I have both and do the same as you, as nice as the belt is I actually prefer the grinder.

[@anthonyglassey3200]

Jackson Brooks can you use the bench grinder for handle shaping? I’m looking to get either a bench grinder or a belt sander.

[@escalator9734]

@@anthonyglassey3200 Get a 2*72 or 2*48 belt grinder.

[@watermain48]

Nice tutorial, thanks for sharing.

[@colinmurdoch9025]

Normal grit size for roughing out is 30 and for finishing is 60 ( makers advice)

[@ognjenradojevic]

In that case, can the grain size of 120 be used for polishing? I've got at a disposal an even finer wheel, I suppose it should be used for final polishing of the cutting edge?

[@johnbesharian9965]

​@@ognjenradojevic, "Final Polishing" of what "Edge"? What are we talking about? Lawnmower Blades, or Carving Chisels? Grits like 36 & 60 are mostly for coarse work in the metalworking trades, especially on the 3400 RPM bench grinder. While a 1750 RPM (slow speed - dry) bench grinder would be better for wood working tools, I find 100 & 120. or 150 grit, with a light touch, is much better for shaping and getting the wood working blades prepped for stoning than anything coarser. Don't forget, for most all blades, the back inch or so must be flattened before you shape the edge, and again after you stone the blade you have to once again hold the back of the blade FLAT against the stone to remove the burr with a few passes. Then it's as sharp as you've made it.

[@d0g3n]

Great video! Really enjoyed it!

[@colinmurdoch9025]

NORTON Friable wheels in UK are named FLIXOVIT

[@NaveenKumar-oj7xh]

Fucking pisses me off when companies do that.

[@whimpey109]

I always fimd it very satisfying sharpening my tools this way and feel the tool work its way through the material with ease!

[@henrysmovieclub]

Very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

[@travissmith7471]

Thanks for sharing... This has been very helpful...

[@WBToolNews]

A helpful classic video.

[@connguy146]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@DeeegerD]

I just bought a new grinder and didn't look at the kind of wheel because I looked at the 50% off ;) That's my kind of tool.

[@TheJKDGuy]

Thank You So much 💪❤️😀

[@colinmurdoch9025]

NORTON wheels have large bores - need to be supplied with bushings to suit your grinder spindle.

[@jutoku4379]

This jig only works with long shank chisels. And flat shapes

[@mjremy2605]

Excellent, thank you! Subscribed! I needed the tool rest information, and grinding chisel blade tips. 1. Can you recommend a good quality grinding wheel dresser tool? So much junk on Amazon. 2. Anyone know of a decent CBN grinding wheel? Apparently it is better (and cheaper) than a diamond grinding wheel as it does not heat up easily and second in hardness after a diamond. So you get 4 things with a CBN (Cubic Boron Nitride) wheel: Bushings are machined and fit well reducing vibration of wheel, material is a heat sink and does not overheat, it is much harder than regular stone wheels, you do not need to prep the wheel with dressing it like a stone wheel. Prices on Amazon run $70 - $80 each for CBN wheels, and they vary in arbor hole size. Some are 'diamond' coated but avoid these. Get the all CBN material. Not sure of what grit to get either -80 or finer, to sharpen chisels, drill bits, and kitchen knives. I am a novice at sharpening and bench grinders. I could really use some help. I also need a 6" bench grinder and was considering the Metabo. It is easy to slip off the housing guards and this is a big advantage. Please advise - anyone?

[@scottpetrie8707]

Nicely done.

[@Osckarre]

Awesome tips thanks for the upload!

[@williamweatherall8333]

This video is great

[@tianyinjia]

Wonderful thanks

[@Jatindersingh-my8tj]

🌹Greetings 🌹 and Bravo 🔔

[@Fretnagin]

From a safety perspective I suggest installing an eye shield and wearing safety glasses. Thanks

[@beakfordclakington1337]

thanks for some actual knowledge and vaiable actual info which is maybe SO missing in the zoomer (or whatver ) age God speed u

[@TonyTormento]

How to prevent the grinding stone kicking back the tool ?

[@scottmartin7717]

How are the first two tips of a bench grinder *basics* video to throw away your wheel and throw away your tool rest?

[@Fifty8day]

thanks for the tips

[@MegaSolo15]

Yes is used to sharpen knifes, axe and all those things

[@ALTMED]

Is this grinder also used for sharpening knives? Thank you

[@MrRacerhacker]

you can.

[@Tito74]

Faisal Almaiman use a sander

[@MegaMetinMetin]

TekNyc74 no

[@juancifuentes9956]

This is worth content in this days where any idiot is call influencer

[@Videos-in-the-OR]

Awesome! kindly a link where to buy this adjustable rest?

[@TeePeeB]

Do you need another compliment? You have it. Outstanding! Thank you.

[@ProximoK]

This is what I've never understood about bench grinders: If you are chisel grinding an edge, don't you want a flat grind? Doesn't the wheel lend itself to a concave edge geometry?

[@lebensschueler]

Thats actually an advatage. Because you need to sharpen less steel with a fine water stone.

[@colinmurdoch9025]

The Axminster 100245 tool rest includes the straight edge guide

[@robertbrandywine]

If I want to use MDF wheels to sharpen knives, do I buy a bench grinder? Do I want 6" or 8"? What shaft size is most common?

[@sleekspeed22]

@FineWoodworking Great Video. I found a great deal on a Bench Grinder but the week is really small ~5" What do I give up with a small wheel?

[@Postghost]

Thank you, sir.

[@colinmurdoch9025]

norton advise grit size for roughing out is 30 and for finishing is 60

[@senorboardhead]

Newbie question: I have (new to me) a sealed Craftsman commercial 6" grinder and two new wheels. The nuts that go on the arbor tighten clockwise on the Right side and counterclockwise on the Left. There is no place on the inside of the wheels to grasp the shaft. How do I get the nuts tight on the arbor without the shaft spinning ? There is no place where the shaft can be held like on a Dremel, and a wedge will not work, as the arbor just spins. What is the proper technique to tighten these nuts ? By hand perhaps and the spin does the rest ? Jam nuts don 't seem to be a very good idea. Perplexed.

[@aspincelaframboise5300]

senorboardhead; You need to use both hands and maybe use a wood wedge while you tighten the nut. Your grinder will need both wheels to be balanced (not wobbling). Then and only then do you dress your wheels true. If done well your grinder will hummmmmm along with you while you sharpen your tools. An important thing is to have FUN doing it eh… ÜïÖ

[@mastaloui]

Yes, with a wetstone. And create another barely visible bevel. This will keep it sharp for longer.

[@TheChipiboy]

Can you use this on some dull kitchen knifes?

[@tigertrucker3971]

very helpful thank you

[@TheDracoChick]

What about using a grinding tool for carving things like gemstones? Or does that take another set of tools entirely?

[@Wieselkatze]

Can i sharpen my knives with a benchgrinder :O?

[@dougquaid]

I would have rolled up my sleeves and wore safety glasses, that would be a good start.

[@NaveenKumar-oj7xh]

This is not Bench Grinder basics. This is Sharpening Chisel basics.

[@justfaz4177]

Can u leave a link under this comment for the little rest thingy for the blade?

[@khairulfarihan93]

What grit that stone?

[@richiefinn]

wouldnt it be better to use the sliding carrier rather than wobble all over the place . nice information though.

[@Peter-976]

How come no mention of grinder wheel speed?

[@irmaztamal21]

Where can i get the angle tool rest ?

[@madscientistshusta]

If your grinder is bogging down can you fix the motor?

[@lynnmlm147]

can you use plastic on a bench grinder. I have blocks of hdpe plastic that im trying to clean up

[@miroslawsulma5142]

Thanks.

[@deezynar]

I'd use a square to keep the chisel, or plane blade at a 90 degree angle. Freehanding isn't any faster.

[@carlnikolov]

what kind of grinding stone is he using?

[@MrLiveEra]

Any tips on grinding a standard chisel to a skew chisel?

[@Al-ds3sw]

Nice video but you only sharpen half of it you forgot the most important part before you sharpen the Bevel you most flatten the back of the chisel or you’re not going to have the sharpest tool possible Flattening the back Is the hardest and longest part of sharpening a chisel in many times overlooked I hope this helps you going forward

[@johnbesharian9965]

Agreed. And, for anyone not familiar with the concept, you do not flatten the back of a blade on the bench grinder but on your sharpening stone - Oil, Water, or Diamond.

[@apsdhimaanwoodworks8371]

Wheel name plz

[@aguswidi9316]

1:22 what is the name of the tools ? And Where I can buy it?

[@AL-ps6qg]

I hate my old wheels I have one that is warped so it shakes by bench to pieces andthe other one would deteriorate if I used it

[@PartyChicken407]

What do you do with the burr at the end?

[@CrankyFrankie59]

I think that was a 1,750rpm 8" grinder as opposed to the 3,000rpm 6" grinder. Much better with low rpm.

[@samsson6430]

Is that an 8in bench grinder?

[@GZE92Dovetail]

What brand is the grinder thanks

[@AloeVera84]

and what do we do with the burr?

[@thepurdychannel8866]

Justino_Jose remove it to make it even sharper

[@thepurdychannel8866]

Justino_Jose remove it by grinding or sharpening it it flat at no angle on the back of the chisel

[@tagrfid]

which is the model of your Bench Grinder, very thanks

[@ooltimu]

What grain has the wheel you're using?

[@coolvideotubes]

what make/model is the grinder in this video?

[@J0eCh0p]

no eyeshields?

[@leonruvalcaba1549]

Hes wearing glusses already mannn

[@deathblosomrules]

What grit wheel is best for sharpening tools?

[@FineWoodworking]

Lower grits (courser) do the work faster and heat the tool up less. 60 or 80 grit is a good place to start.

[@gerribarnes1613]

FineWoodworking b

[@brucefaw8037]

Gerri Barnes a

[@forturetools]

rough grit use 60# OR 80# if want better surfacing result of the edge use finer 150# then finer

[@harryjohnson9215]

What's happeneds if you use the side??????

[@johnbesharian9965]

Highly not recommended. The wheel can split and/or shatter.

[@thebeardedmanman7491]

Just a question what is that vaccuum looking thing in the background i have seen them only a few times and never knew what they were

[@AloeVera84]

they suck most of the dust, attached to cutting or grinding machines

[@thepurdychannel8866]

Thebeardedman Man there extractor fans to remove dust or fumes

[@Gunkaleh]

Would one remove the burr on a flat stone after grinding?

[@porteal8986]

While honing yes, but not on the grinder

[@johnbesharian9965]

Yes. The bench grinder is to prep the blade for the sharpening stone. You should flatten the final inch or so of the blade on your stone before grinding to have a reference point for the shaping on the grinder. Then, after the grinder shaping and then the stoning, you must again lightly flatten the back to remove the burr.

[@pineridgecarpenters6130]

I was hoping since it was a fine homebuilding video I could use it for my students...no safety gear at all. I cant show that to my students...safety first!

[@johnbesharian9965]

LOL! "Honey, we're going to have to take out a second mortgage because I need to buy some video gear so I can make video's for my students."

[@anncluckey5401]

I have a mini grinder,but the wheel turns up and away from me..whats up with that?

[@coollee8198]

you installed it with wrong way , or the wheel quality is not ok .

[@anncluckey5401]

牛恒振 I baught it the way it is. I want to fix the issue.

[@DaStig]

Ann Cluckey . some people prefer it that way. Ive known people invert the whole rig just to have a grinder that spins upward. It depends on what you need it for. People make jigs for this and that.

[@toecutter9752]

Senator Armstrong seems to have found a more peaceful occupation.

[@rogeragustin9470]

Reasons why people don't like to use bench grinder

[@robohippy]

well, as a turner, this video was obsolete before it was made. CBN grinding wheels are better in every single way you can look at them. I got rid of my Veritas grinder platform 10 years ago.

[@adrienrenaux6211]

What a shame, someone made a video on the internet not taylored just for you. How dare they

[@robohippy]

@@adrienrenaux6211 Don't know what your level of experience is, but as I said, this is obsolete.

[@johnbesharian9965]

@@robohippy, You must have had that operation one of my best friends mentioned when he ran into a vocalist I used to play guitar for before she became famous: "She must've had her nose put on upside down because when I said 'Hi' she just tilted her head back and kind of sniffed as she walked away". Look, Mr. High & Mighty, not everyone is able to afford $200.00 to $300.00 apiece for CBN wheels. Got it? We do the best we can with what we can afford. Now, go back to your cloistered guild and stay there.

[@robohippy]

@@johnbesharian9965 Well John, first question is how old are you? How long have you been turning, if you turn at all....? How much woodworking experience do you have? As for this video, I will stand by my comments. This was done by Fine Woodworking. Part of what they do is keep their subscribers informed on the latest and greatest of tools that are available. One of these advancements are the CBN grinding wheels. They range in the $160 or so to $200 range, but could be more considering that metal prices have gone way up in the last year. They are superior to any other wheel out there, in terms of safety, and in performance. You pay more, but you get a whole lot more. Sure, not every one can afford them, but once you get one, you will never go back to the standard grinding wheels, kind of like having a variable speed lathe rather than changing belts. I was stating a fact. You are trying to be all 'High and Mighty'. I have been turning for over 25 years, and did production bowl turning for most of that time. I demonstrate, and instruct. Perhaps you can learn from me....