Bench Grinder Accessories

About Bench Grinder Accessories

Bench grinder accessories are essential additions that enhance the functionality, safety, and versatility of your bench grinder. Whether you're sharpening tools, removing rust, or deburring metal components, having the right accessories can dramatically improve your results and extend the lifespan of your equipment. From adjustable floor stands and pedestal mounts that provide stable positioning, to specialist grinding wheels, wire wheels, and drill bit sharpeners, these accessories transform a basic bench grinder into a comprehensive workshop tool.

Quality bench grinder accessories ensure your grinder operates safely and efficiently. Bore reducing rings allow you to fit wheels with different centre hole sizes to your grinder spindle, whilst dedicated sharpening attachments enable precision angle grinding for drill bits and chisels. Floor stands elevate your bench grinder to a comfortable working height and free up valuable bench space, making them particularly popular in busy workshops where every square metre counts.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes bench grinder accessories from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, and Faithfull. These manufacturers are renowned throughout the UK for producing robust, reliable accessories that meet the demanding requirements of professional tradespeople and serious DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you're setting up a new workshop or upgrading existing equipment, investing in proper accessories ensures you get the most from your bench grinder.

Jargon Buster

• Bore Size - The diameter of the centre hole in a grinding wheel, which must match your grinder's spindle diameter. Common UK sizes include 16mm, 20mm, and 32mm. Reducing rings allow larger bore wheels to fit smaller spindles.
• Wire Wheel - A circular brush attachment with steel wire bristles used for removing rust, paint, and corrosion from metal surfaces. Available in crimped or twisted wire configurations for different cleaning intensities.
• Pedestal Stand - A floor-mounted stand that raises the bench grinder to a comfortable working height, typically between 600-900mm. Most feature adjustable height settings and a stable base plate for secure positioning.
• Grinding Wheel - The abrasive wheel that performs the actual grinding operation. Available in different grit sizes and materials for various applications, from coarse metal removal to fine tool sharpening.
• Tool Rest - The adjustable platform that supports the workpiece against the grinding wheel. Proper positioning (typically 2-3mm from the wheel) is essential for safe, accurate grinding.
• Drill Bit Sharpener - A specialised attachment that holds drill bits at the correct angle for sharpening, ensuring consistent results and extending bit lifespan significantly.

Who Uses Bench Grinder Accessories?

Bench grinder accessories are utilised across numerous trades and industries throughout the UK:

• Engineers and Fabricators - for preparing welds, removing burrs, and shaping metal components
• Joiners and Chippies - for sharpening chisels, plane blades, and woodworking tools
• Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians - for cleaning parts, removing rust, and resharpening worn tools
• Metalworkers and Blacksmiths - for shaping stock and maintaining cutting edges
• Maintenance Engineers - for general workshop tasks including tool sharpening and component preparation
• Groundskeepers and Agricultural Workers - for sharpening lawn mower blades, shears, and cutting implements
• DIY Enthusiasts - for home workshop tasks and maintaining household tools
• Educational Workshops - in colleges, training centres, and technical schools across the UK

How to Choose the Right Bench Grinder Accessories

Compatibility: Always verify that accessories match your grinder's specifications. Check spindle diameter, thread type, and maximum RPM ratings. Most UK bench grinders feature either M14 or 1/2-inch BSF threads, with spindle speeds typically between 2,850-3,000 RPM for 240v models.

Intended Application: Different tasks require specific accessories. Wire wheels excel at rust removal and surface preparation, whilst drill bit sharpeners provide precision tool maintenance. If you're primarily sharpening high-speed steel tools, look for fine grit grinding wheels (80-120 grit). For heavy stock removal, coarser wheels (36-60 grit) prove more efficient.

Build Quality and Stability: Floor stands and pedestal mounts should feature heavy-gauge steel construction with adequate weight for stability during operation. Look for adjustable height settings and pre-drilled mounting holes that accept standard bolt patterns. Brands like Sealey and Draper offer robust stands with powder-coated finishes for workshop durability.

Safety Features: Ensure accessories include appropriate guards and comply with relevant BS EN standards. Grinding wheels should display maximum safe operating speeds clearly, and reducing rings must fit securely without any play or movement.

Workshop Layout: Consider your available space. Adjustable floor stands typically require a footprint of approximately 300-400mm square, but free up valuable bench space for other tasks. If floor space is limited, bench-mounted accessories may prove more practical.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your bench grinder setup with these commonly purchased accessories:

• Adjustable Floor Stands and Pedestal Mounts - elevate grinders to ergonomic working heights
• Wire Wheels - for rust removal, paint stripping, and surface cleaning
• Grinding Wheel Bore Reducing Ring Sets - adapt wheels with different centre holes to your spindle
• Drill Bit Sharpening Attachments - maintain precise cutting angles on twist drills
• Replacement Grinding Wheels - in various grit sizes and specifications
• Tool Rests and Work Supports - for accurate positioning of workpieces
• Wheel Dressing Tools - maintain flat, true grinding wheel surfaces
• Face Shields and Safety Goggles - essential PPE for grinding operations
• Bench Grinder Lighting - illuminate the work area for precision tasks

Safety Information

Bench grinder accessories must be used in accordance with HSE guidelines and manufacturer instructions. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety goggles or a face shield, as grinding generates high-velocity sparks and debris. Ensure any grinding wheels are rated for speeds exceeding your grinder's maximum RPM - never exceed the marked safe operating speed.

Before mounting accessories, disconnect the grinder from the 240v mains supply. When fitting grinding wheels, conduct a ring test by suspending the wheel and tapping it gently - a clear ringing sound indicates a sound wheel, whilst a dull thud suggests cracks or damage. Always allow newly mounted wheels to run at full speed for at least one minute whilst standing to one side before commencing work.

Floor stands must be secured properly to prevent movement during operation. If bolting to a concrete floor, use appropriate fixings such as Fischer or Rawlplug anchor bolts. Maintain the tool rest gap at 2-3mm from the grinding wheel surface, and adjust regularly as the wheel wears. Never grind on the side of a wheel unless it's specifically designed for side grinding. Ensure adequate workshop ventilation, as grinding operations produce dust and particles that present respiratory hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size bore reducing rings do I need for my bench grinder?

Measure your grinder's spindle diameter first - common UK sizes are 12.7mm (1/2"), 16mm, and 20mm. Bore reducing ring sets typically include multiple sizes (often 16mm, 20mm, 25.4mm, and 32mm outer rings) that adapt to your specific spindle. Sets from brands like Faithfull provide comprehensive coverage for most standard grinding wheels.

Can I use any wire wheel on my bench grinder?

No - the wire wheel must be rated for your grinder's operating speed. Most UK bench grinders run at approximately 2,850 RPM on 240v supply. Check the wheel's maximum safe speed marking and ensure it exceeds your grinder's RPM. Also verify the bore size matches your spindle diameter or that you have appropriate reducing rings.

Are adjustable floor stands suitable for all bench grinder sizes?

Most adjustable floor stands accommodate bench grinders with 6-inch to 8-inch wheels, which covers the majority of workshop models. Check the stand's specifications for maximum weight capacity and mounting hole spacing. Tooled-Up stocks adjustable stands from Sealey and Draper with universal mounting patterns, but always verify compatibility with your specific grinder model before purchasing.

How often should I replace grinding wheels?

Replace grinding wheels when they've worn down to approximately 75mm diameter (for standard 6-inch grinders) or show signs of damage such as cracks, chips, or excessive wear on one side. Regular wheel dressing extends lifespan, but wheels naturally decrease in diameter with use. Safety dictates replacement rather than using worn wheels below recommended minimum diameters.

Do I need special tools to fit bench grinder accessories?

Most bench grinder accessories require only standard spanners, typically 17mm, 19mm, or 22mm depending on your grinder's spindle nuts. Some models feature a spindle lock that allows single-spanner operation. For floor stand assembly, you'll need basic hand tools and potentially a drill with masonry bits if securing the stand to concrete flooring. Always consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific requirements.