Delta Power Tools 23-196 6-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder

When I was looking to buy a bench grinder, I noted the ratings of the various grinders on Amazon. Even though this model has a 3.9 star rating, I decided to buy it. I know the Delta name, and they always made superior tools. Well, I am not disappointed! This grinder is high quality, and operates with little vibration. It has good power for a 6 inch, and the variable speed is a very important feature in a bench grinder. I cannot understand why the ratings are not higher, since this is probably the best value for the money anywhere. I am very happy with it, and since it has a 5-year warranty (returns to Northern tool centers nationwide), I can depend on it to provide years of service.

Great product, my second one. I bought my first 25 years ago and it still runs. Looks great and is exactly as described. Negative only the directions just throw them away use your head and eyes and put it together.

One of the first things I learned in machinist school is that a heavy machine tool is a desirable trait. The weight (mass) helps to keep vibration down while in operation. This little jewel weighs in at a hair under 30 lbs. and it runs like a sewing machine. It is a well thought out tool that is manufactured to high quality standards. It comes with a diamond wheel dressing tool to true up the wheels as needed. They even provide a clip on the backside of the machine to store the tool. There is also a water cup on the front to cool your work piece. A single speed version of this grinder is available, but I recommend to spend the little extra money and get the variable speed version. You'll be glad you did. I'm really impressed with it and glad I spent the money to purchase it.

I bought this rather than a Dewalt for the variable speed feature. It replaces a new-out-of-the-box (but 15 years old) Skil 3395, which caught fire within 1 minute of being turned on. (Skil customer support suggested that it sucks to be me.) Assembly was a challenge. The instructions are brief, and illustrations like trying to read the mint mark on a well-worn coin. I went by the excellent photo of the product on the packaging. I've since sharpened several tools -- no fire, no smoke, didn't even get hot. I'm very happy with this tool and purchase.

I unpacked it, plugged it in and turned it on as soon as I got it. After reading the reviews, I was curious how badly it would vibrate. The one I got is fine. Turns on, spins up, no vibration. It's a decent grinder at a decent price.

Unit arrived well packaged. There was no damage to the box or any of the items included. Instructions were very clear throughout the assembly process. Would have liked to have seen more color photos in the manual. Have used the grinder to sharpen more than 20 drill bits so far. I really enjoy the groves in the rest piece. These really help with holding an angle while sharpening. The machine is quiet during operation. The speed adjustment is smooth and uneventful. I have noticed some vibration at a few speeds. Could be the stones are not perfectly balanced. Not a huge issue. Overall, this seems to be a decent budget benchtop grinder. I have used nicer units, but you won’t find many with this quality for the price point.

If your Delta comes with a bad vibration out of the box, the flanges on the side of each wheel may be out of alignment with the wheels. My flanges had fused to the printed side of the wheel stickers out of the factory—manufacturing issue? You’ll see what I mean if you try to remove the flanges from the wheels. Try these steps below and your vibration will decrease significantly. Step 1: buy Delta bench grinder Step 2: assemble Step 3: remove side wheel covers Step 4: remove the wheel nut on each side—one is reverse threaded Step 5: remove wheels w/ flanges from spindle Step 6: remove the four flanges (two per wheel) with a screw driver—do not pound on wheels Step 7: return the flanges to their respective wheels, and swap wheels left-to-right, right-to-left back on the grinder Step 8: return wheel nuts to the spindle, and only hand tighten Step 9: replace wheel covers Step 10: turn on grinder—no more vibration issues!!! Step 11: grind a bunch of metal stuff and replace the factory wheels ASAP with something halfway decent Oh, and if the light keeps moving around, you can remove the plastic bottom plate of the grinder base, and tighten the lamp neck washer from the inside of the unit’s base. You will need two wrenches and a Phillips head.

So far so good I’m extremely pleased with this bench grinder purchase. After the unboxing and setup I turned it on and I was very happy with it no vibration and it’s not as loud as my old daton was. I’m going to just have to put it threw it’s paces and then I will update the review afterwards. Yes I have and will recommend this to anyone who needs or wants a great bench grinder.