I wish I had published this WEN bench grinder review sooner, but maybe after one year of using it, now is the best time to give a more accurate review.
When I bought my first lathe two years ago, I thought I could scrape by without investing in a bench grinder. I tried to sharpen my tools by hand using a diamond stone, even sandpaper, but the results were horrible. I finally understood that unlike regular chisels, lathe tools need a more repeatable way of sharpening.
After watching way too many YouTube videos, I knew that the best option for woodturning was to get a slow-speed grinder. Between a 6-inch and 8-inch grinder, the 8-inch is better since it leaves less of a concave surface on your tools.
I was close to buying the WEN slow-speed grinder when I noticed they had a variable speed version. This seemed like the perfect answer to my questions about whether I want to invest in a grinder that can only run at slow speeds.
I purchased the WEN 4280 8″ variable-speed bench grinder from Amazon for about $130. At that time, it was the only variable speed grinder at that price range.
WEN 4280 – Variable-Speed Bench Grinder
For the price, the WEN 4280 packs a punch. WEN is known for producing affordable tools that have features found in more expensive options. Sometimes, rarely, this combination doesn’t work, and you’ll see a lot of negative reviews.
For the most part, however, it’s excellent value for money. Here’s the WEN bench grinder in a nutshell:
- 5-amp variable speed motor that does between 2,000 to 3,400 RPM
- White 80-grit (aluminum oxide) and a grey 36-grit (silicon carbide) wheels
- The wheels measure 8-inch by 1-inch, perfect for lathe chisels
- Common 5/8 inch arbor accepts most grinding wheels and wire wheels
- A flexible work light is attached to the grinder for better visibility
- Sturdy cast iron base with mounting holes
- Adjustable tool rests and sparks shield on both wheels
- 2-year warranty on parts
- Made in China
Right out of the box, I noticed the weight of the WEN bench grinder. I admit to not owning a grinder before, so I cannot tell you for sure if other grinders are lighter. But it did feel sturdy and well-built.
I turned on the motor and was happy with how smooth and quiet it ran. The variable speed worked perfectly, with a slow ramp up and down. There were noticeable vibrations on start and stop, but when it was running at the set speed, these mostly went away.
I did notice some dings on both wheels, and the white aluminum oxide wheel was rather uneven.
Fast forward; I’ve been using it for over a year now.
As you can see, I replaced the 46-grit wheel with a wire wheel, which makes the WEN 4280 a whole lot more useful for me. I mostly use it to sharpen my lathe tools and remove rust when restoring my Stanley hand planes.
I removed the spark shield, or eye shield because they only make it more difficult to see what I’m grinding. I also do not use the included tool rests.
Instead, I’m using the Wolverine sharpening system, mounted under both wheels on a base I made from plywood. There are four rubber pads beneath the base, which all but removed any vibration issues.
WEN 8″ Variable-Speed: Pros and Cons
After a year, here’s what I can say about the WEN bench grinder.
PROS:
- Excellent build quality, the sturdy cast-iron base adds weight and stability.
- Unbeatable price, even today, for the features and quality.
- A powerful 5-amp motor that I’ve had ZERO issues with.
- Standard 5/8 inch arbor means you have a great selection of wheels, buffing wheels, and wire wheels to use on the WEN.
- The best option for woodturners who do not want to be stuck to a one-speed grinder.
CONS:
- The wheels could have been made better.
- The tool rests are a bit flimsy. They work, but the tool rest included in the Wolverine system works better.
- The work light is not removable.
- I never used the included wheel dresser. I recommend getting this diamond wheel dresser instead.
This is perhaps the one tool in my small workshop that I absolutely have no regrets buying. If I had purchased the slow-speed grinder, which was about $30 less, it would have been more difficult to use with my wire wheel or buffing wheel. I’m glad I chose the variable-speed option.
Overall, highly recommended. You can read more about the WEN 420 and read other reviews on Amazon here.
