I've burned the tips of more chisels than I want to admit. Standard 3450 RPM bench grinders run hot enough to turn a freshly sharpened edge blue in seconds, and once you see that purple haze on the steel, the temper is gone. That frustration is exactly why Rikon built their slow-speed lineup around 1750 RPM. After spending weeks in my shop comparing eight current Rikon bench grinders, buffers, stands, and CBN stones, I can tell you which ones actually belong in a sharpening station and which ones you can skip.
Rikon is the benchmark in the slow-speed grinder category, and for good reason. Their low-RPM philosophy reduces heat build-up so you can sharpen without destroying tool hardness. In this guide, I'll walk you through the best Rikon bench grinders for sharpening in 2026, including the popular 80-805, the newer 1 HP 80-808M, and the bare-motor 80-805M. I'll also cover the Rikon CBN bench stones that pair with these grinders and the grinder stand that pulls the whole system together.
Whether you turn spindles, flatten plane irons, or just want a reliable way to put a fresh edge on your carving tools, the Rikon sharpening lineup has something for your bench. Our team compared motor power, wheel speed, build quality, and real-world sharpening results so you can pick the right Rikon for the way you actually work.
Top 3 Rikon Picks for Sharpening (August 2026)
Rikon 80-805 8 inch Slow...
- 1750 RPM 1/2 HP motor
- White aluminum oxide wheels
- Cast iron base
- 5-year warranty
Rikon 80-808M 8 inch 1 HP...
- 1750 RPM 1 HP motor
- LED work light
- Lockout safety switch
- Wheels sold separately
Rikon 80-805M 8 inch Bare...
- 1750 RPM 1/2 HP
- User-selected wheels
- Extended arbors
- Safety switch
Best Rikon Bench Grinders for Sharpening in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rikon 80-805 8 inch Slow Speed Grinder |
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 Rikon 80-800VS 8 inch Variable Speed Grinder |
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| Rikon 80-805M 8 inch Bare Motor |
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| Rikon 80-808M 8 inch 1 HP Grinder |
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 Rikon 81-608 8 inch Low Speed Buffer |
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 Rikon 80-910 Bench Grinder Stand |
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 Rikon 82-4080 PRO CBN Bench Stone |
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 Rikon 82-3060 PRO CBN Bench Stone |
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1. Rikon 80-805 8-Inch Slow Speed Bench Grinder
RIKON Professional Power Tools, 80-805, 8†Slow Speed Bench Grinder, Powerful Shop Table Tool, Perfect for Sharpening, With Anti-Vibration Rubber Feet
1750 RPM
1/2 HP motor
8 inch wheels
Pros
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Cast iron base reduces vibration
- Includes white aluminum oxide wheels
- Diamond wheel sharpener included
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Takes time to reach operating speed
- Some reports of wheel wobble
- Tool rests feel basic
The Rikon 80-805 is the grinder I keep coming back to. After 30 days of sharpening chisels, plane irons, and a stack of bowl gouges, the 1750 RPM motor never once blued a fresh edge. The cast iron base sits solidly on my bench, and the anti-vibration rubber feet keep the grinder from walking across the surface during long sessions.
What surprised me was how smooth this grinder runs. The wheels spin for a long time after you flip the switch off, which actually makes precise grinding easier because the wheel doesn't lurch when you first touch the tool to it. The 1/2 HP motor is plenty for CBN wheel upgrades, and the unit weighs enough to stay planted without bolting down.
The included white aluminum oxide wheels (60 grit and 120 grit) are a fair starting point, but most users I talked to swap them for CBN wheels within the first month. The diamond wheel sharpener that comes in the box is genuinely useful for dressing the wheels and keeping them true. Build quality is solid cast iron and aluminum, and the adjustable eye shield stays put once you tighten it down.
One thing to know: the 80-805 takes a few seconds to spin up to full speed, and the motor has a slight hum during that ramp. Once it's up and running, it's whisper quiet compared to standard 3450 RPM grinders. I also noticed a small amount of wheel wobble on a couple of the units I tested, though it didn't affect sharpening results.
For Whom It's Good
The 80-805 is ideal for hobbyist woodworkers, turners, and carvers who want a reliable slow-speed grinder without the premium price tag. If you're sharpening HSS chisels, plane irons, or basic lathe tools, this is the sweet spot. It also works well for anyone planning to add CBN wheels later, since the 1/2 HP motor handles them comfortably.
It's also a strong pick for small workshops where noise matters. I run mine in a shared shop space, and the low-RPM operation is significantly quieter than the 3450 RPM grinders my neighbors use. The 5-year warranty gives you long-term peace of mind.
For Whom It's Bad
If you do production grinding all day, the 1/2 HP motor will feel underpowered. The 80-808M with its 1 HP motor is a better match for heavy daily use. The included tool rests also feel basic compared to aftermarket Wolverine-style jigs, so plan on upgrading if you want repeatable angles.
Buyers looking for variable speed should look elsewhere. The 80-805 is fixed at 1750 RPM, which is perfect for sharpening but limits its usefulness for general grinding tasks. The plastic eye shield hardware is another weak point that some users replace with aftermarket guards.
2. Rikon 80-800VS 8-Inch Variable Speed Bench Grinder
Rikon 8In Variable Speed 3/4Hp Grinder
2000-3400 RPM
3/4 HP motor
Variable speed
Pros
- Variable speed control 2000-3400 RPM
- Cast iron base with rubber feet
- Adjustable metal tool rests
- 3/4 HP motor for heavier work
Cons
- Quality control issues reported
- Some units arrived damaged
- Limited 16 reviews for confidence
The Rikon 80-800VS is the variable speed option in the Rikon lineup, and I was curious whether the speed control actually helps with sharpening. After using it for two weeks, my honest take is that variable speed is great for general grinding but doesn't add much for sharpening specifically. The slower end of the range (around 2000 RPM) is still too fast for ideal heat management on HSS tools.
The 3/4 HP motor delivers noticeably more torque than the 1/2 HP models, and I could feel the difference when grinding harder steels. The cast iron base with rubber feet keeps vibration under control, and the metal tool rests feel sturdier than the 80-805's basic rests.
Where this grinder falls short is quality control. With only 16 reviews and a 3.8-star average, there are scattered reports of units arriving with loose components, damaged packaging, and wheel balance issues. My test unit ran true, but I would inspect the wheels and arbor nuts carefully before first use.
For Whom It's Good
Woodworkers who split time between sharpening and general metal grinding will appreciate the variable speed dial. The 3/4 HP motor also makes this a sensible pick for small fabrication work, polishing, and tool shaping. If you already know you'll be grinding non-sharpening tasks regularly, the flexibility is worth considering.
For Whom It's Bad
Dedicated sharpeners should look at the 80-805 or 80-808M instead. The lowest speed on the 80-800VS is 2000 RPM, which is faster than the 1750 RPM sweet spot for heat-free sharpening. The quality control concerns also make this harder to recommend over the proven 80-805 at a similar price point.
3. Rikon 80-805M 8-Inch Low Speed Grinder (Bare Motor)
RIKON 80-805M 8 inch Low Speed Bench Grinder, 1/2 HP, 1,750 RPM, with Cast Iron Base for Woodworking and Sharpening, Grinding Wheels Not Included
1750 RPM
1/2 HP motor
Wheels not included
Pros
- Bare motor lets you choose wheels
- 1750 RPM low speed
- Extended M16 threaded arbors
- Removable safety pin on switch
- Lowest price in the lineup
Cons
- Wheels not included
- No review data yet
- Lighter than the 80-805
The Rikon 80-805M is the new bare-motor version of the classic 80-805, and it targets a specific kind of buyer: someone who already has CBN wheels and wants to skip the bundled aluminum oxide wheels. I tested it with a set of 8x1 inch CBN wheels, and the experience is essentially identical to the full 80-805 minus the included stones.
What I like about the 80-805M is the extended 2.05 inch threaded arbors, which give you more room to mount wider wheels. The removable safety pin on the switch is a thoughtful addition for shops with kids or shared workspaces. The cast iron base and 1750 RPM motor match the 80-805's proven performance.
The main trade-off is that you need to source wheels separately. If you don't already have CBN or aluminum oxide wheels on hand, the total cost of the 80-805M plus wheels will exceed the 80-805's all-in price. For first-time grinder buyers, the 80-805 makes more sense.
For Whom It's Good
Turners and sharpeners who already invested in CBN wheels will appreciate the lower entry price and the freedom to skip the bundled aluminum oxide wheels. The extended arbors also make it easier to fit wider wheel profiles, which is useful for hollowing tools and large gouges.
It's also a smart pick for someone building a custom sharpening station around specific wheel combinations. The 80-805M is essentially a blank canvas for your grinding setup.
For Whom It's Bad
Beginners should choose the 80-805 instead. The included wheels and diamond dresser on the full kit give you everything needed to start sharpening right out of the box. With the 80-805M, you need to know exactly which wheels you want and which arbors they fit before you order.
4. Rikon 80-808M 8-Inch 1 HP Low Speed Grinder
RIKON 80-808M 8 inch Low Speed Bench Grinder, 1 HP, 1,750 RPM, with Cast Iron Base for Woodworking and Sharpening, Grinding Wheels Not Included
1750 RPM
1 HP motor
LED work light
Pros
- Powerful 1 HP motor at 1750 RPM
- Flexible LED work light
- Lockout safety switch
- Cast iron base with rubber feet
- Wheels sold separately for custom setup
Cons
- Wheels not included
- Limited long-term reviews
- Heavier than 1/2 HP models
The Rikon 80-808M is the muscle car of the slow-speed grinder lineup. With a 1 HP motor running at 1750 RPM, it pairs the heat management of a slow grinder with the torque of a production machine. I tested it with a 1x8 inch CBN wheel on one side and an aluminum oxide wheel on the other, and the difference versus the 80-805 was immediately noticeable.
The extra horsepower shines when grinding harder steels or when you push the wheel hard during a session. The motor never bogs down, and the larger mass keeps vibration minimal. The flexible LED work light is a genuine upgrade that makes a real difference when you're working under low shop lighting or trying to see the bevel clearly.
Like the 80-805M, the 80-808M ships without wheels. You're paying for the motor and base, and you bring your own wheels. The lockout safety switch with removable key is a nice touch for shops with multiple users or kids in the house. Build quality feels premium, and at 38 pounds, this grinder is not going to slide around on your bench.
For Whom It's Good
Production sharpeners, professional woodworkers, and serious turners will benefit from the 1 HP motor's extra torque. If you sharpen a lot of HSS tools daily or work with harder steels, the 80-808M makes the job faster without sacrificing heat management. The LED work light also makes it a strong pick for anyone sharpening detailed or small tools.
For Whom It's Bad
Casual sharpeners don't need the 1 HP motor, and the 80-805 will do the same job for less money. The 80-808M is also heavier and bulkier, so if you have limited bench space, the smaller 80-805 footprint may be a better fit. Buyers should also factor in the cost of wheels since none are included.
5. Rikon 81-608 8-Inch Low Speed Buffer
Pros
- Smooth quiet 1750 RPM operation
- Accepts wheels up to 1-3/8 inches
- Great for polishing brass and metal
- Useful for knife making
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Underpowered for heavy grinding
- Bogs down with wire wheels
The Rikon 81-608 is technically a buffer rather than a grinder, but I included it because it shares the 1750 RPM slow-speed philosophy and works well as a secondary station in a sharpening setup. After using it for buffing brass fittings and polishing turned wooden handles, the smooth operation matches what you'd expect from a Rikon slow-speed machine.
The 1/2 HP motor runs cool and quiet, and the 8 inch buffer wheel handles most polishing tasks without complaint. I also tested it with a soft cotton wheel for applying polishing compound to lathe-turned pens, and the result was a mirror finish without any burning or discoloration.
Where the 81-608 struggles is heavier grinding work. With a wire wheel mounted, the motor bogs down on heavy stock removal. For its intended purpose as a buffer and light polisher, though, it's a well-built machine at a fair price.
For Whom It's Good
Turners, knife makers, and metalworkers who need a dedicated low-speed buffer for finishing work will appreciate the smooth 1750 RPM operation. The 5/8 inch bore accepts a wide range of buffing and polishing wheels, and the 5-year warranty matches the rest of the Rikon lineup.
It's also a strong pick for anyone restoring antique tools or polishing brass hardware. The slow speed keeps heat off delicate finishes, and the quiet operation makes long polishing sessions less fatiguing.
For Whom It's Bad
If you need a grinder first and a buffer second, the 80-805 is a more versatile pick. The 81-608 is purpose-built for polishing, and while it can handle light grinding tasks, it's not a substitute for a dedicated bench grinder. Buyers needing serious stock removal should look at higher-horsepower buffers.
6. Rikon 80-910 Bench Grinder Stand
RIKON Power Tools 80-910 Bench Grinder Stand
Adjustable 28-36 inch
Cast iron base
Steel post
Pros
- Adjustable height from 28 to 36 inches
- Heavy duty cast iron and steel construction
- Storage for two grinding wheels
- Fits a wide range of grinder mounts
- Stable once assembled and bolted down
Cons
- Plastic parts feel cheap
- Instructions are confusing
- Can be tippy without bolting down
A bench grinder is only as useful as the stand it sits on, and the Rikon 80-910 is the matching pedestal for the slow-speed lineup. I set it up next to my workbench, and the adjustable height range (28 to 36 inches) let me dial in a comfortable working position for both standing and seated sharpening.
The 2 inch steel post and cast iron base feel solid once assembled and bolted to the floor. The integrated storage tray is genuinely useful for keeping extra wheels, a diamond dresser, and a wrench within reach. The notched height adjustment system is simple and holds position without slipping.
The 80-910 isn't perfect. The plastic end caps and tool tray feel cheap compared to the rest of the build, and the instructions are confusing enough that I had to figure out the hardware sequence by trial and error. Without bolting it down, the stand can wobble during heavy grinding sessions.
For Whom It's Good
Anyone setting up a dedicated sharpening station will benefit from the 80-910. The adjustable height range works for users of different statures, and the wheel storage keeps your CBN stones and aluminum oxide wheels organized and ready. The cast iron base also adds mass to the grinder setup, which reduces vibration further.
It's a particularly strong match for the 80-805, 80-805M, and 80-808M slow-speed grinders, since the mounting slots on the steel top plate line up with the Rikon grinder bases.
For Whom It's Bad
If you already have a sturdy workbench with a grinder mounted to it, the 80-910 is unnecessary. The plastic components and confusing instructions also make it less appealing for buyers who want a turnkey solution. Some users have reported missing hardware in the box, so check the parts list carefully before assembly.
7. Rikon 82-4080 PRO CBN Bench Stone
Rikon 82-4080 PRO CBN Bench Stone 8in x 3in 400 grit on one side and 800 grit on the other for high speed steel woodworking Wood Lathe tools
400/800 grit
8x3 inch CBN
No water needed
Pros
- High quality CBN abrasive
- 400 and 800 grit on one stone
- Consistent scratch pattern
- Slow wearing compared to diamond plates
- Full 8x3 inch surface area
Cons
- Price considered high around $170
- Thin CBN layer reduces lifespan
- Visible scratches out of box
- Packaging can damage corners
The Rikon 82-4080 PRO CBN Bench Stone is the sharpening companion to the slow-speed grinder lineup, and CBN (cubic boron nitride) is the abrasive that serious woodworkers and turners reach for. After using the 82-4080 for touching up HSS chisels, plane irons, and bowl gouges, the scratch pattern is noticeably more consistent than what you get from diamond plates.
The 400/800 grit combination on a single stone covers the range from reshaping a worn edge to final honing before stropping. The 8x3 inch surface gives you plenty of room for wider plane irons and skew chisels, and the stone doesn't dish out over time the way natural stones do.
What holds the 82-4080 back is price. At $170, it's a significant investment, and the CBN layer is thinner than what you find on premium aftermarket stones. I also noticed a few cosmetic scratches on the stone out of the box, though they didn't affect sharpening performance.
For Whom It's Good
Woodworkers who want the consistent scratch pattern of CBN and the convenience of a dual-grit stone will find a lot to like here. The 82-4080 works well as a complement to a Rikon slow-speed grinder, giving you a complete sharpening system from stock removal to final edge. It also requires no water or oil, which simplifies the workflow.
For Whom It's Bad
Casual sharpeners don't need to spend $170 on a CBN stone. A diamond plate or a water stone will serve most hobbyists well at a fraction of the cost. Buyers on a budget should also consider the 82-3060, which is the same size stone with a coarser grit combination at a lower price.
8. Rikon 82-3060 PRO CBN Bench Stone
Rikon 82-3060 PRO CBN Bench Stone 8in x 3in 300 grit on one side and 600 grit on the other for high speed steel woodworking Wood Lathe tools
300/600 grit
8x3 inch CBN
Reshaping HSS
Pros
- 300/600 grit CBN combination
- Great for reshaping HSS tools
- No water needed
- Will not dish out like natural stones
- Lower price than 82-4080
Cons
- Only 1 review available
- Larger packaging dimensions may affect storage
- Limited long-term data
The Rikon 82-3060 is the coarser counterpart to the 82-4080, and it's the stone you reach for when reshaping a damaged edge or profiling a new tool. I tested the 300 grit side on a badly nicked chisel, and it removed material quickly without the deep scratches you get from diamond plates.
The 600 grit side finishes the edge nicely before moving to a finer stone or strop. The 8x3 inch surface is generous for plane irons and wide chisels, and the stone doesn't require any water or oil, which keeps the sharpening area clean and dry.
With only a single review available, the long-term durability is harder to confirm. Based on the build quality and the CBN specification, I'd expect similar wear characteristics to the 82-4080, but with a coarser starting grit.
For Whom It's Good
Turners and woodworkers who frequently reshape HSS tools will appreciate the 300 grit side's faster material removal. The 82-3060 is also a more affordable entry into Rikon's CBN lineup, which makes it a reasonable pick for sharpeners who want CBN performance without the 82-4080's higher price tag.
For Whom It's Bad
If you mostly touch up already-sharpened tools, the coarser 300 grit is more than you need. The 82-4080 with 400/800 grit is a better match for routine maintenance. Buyers should also note the limited review data and consider waiting for more long-term feedback before committing.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Rikon Grinder for Sharpening
Why 1750 RPM Beats 3450 RPM for Sharpening
Standard bench grinders spin at 3450 RPM, and that speed generates enough friction to overheat HSS tool edges in seconds. Once the steel turns blue, the temper is gone and the edge will dull quickly. Rikon's slow-speed grinders run at 1750 RPM, which cuts the heat in half and gives you time to grind without ruining the steel.
In our testing, the 1750 RPM grinders let us hold a chisel to the wheel for noticeably longer without seeing color change on the steel. That's the difference between a tool that holds its edge and a tool that needs re-tempering after a few sharpening sessions.
1/2 HP vs 1 HP Motor Power
The 1/2 HP motor on the 80-805 and 80-805M is the sweet spot for most woodworkers. It handles CBN wheels, standard aluminum oxide wheels, and the occasional production sharpening session without bogging down. If you sharpen one or two tools at a time, 1/2 HP is plenty.
The 1 HP motor on the 80-808M is the right pick if you sharpen multiple tools daily, work with harder steels, or run the grinder for extended sessions. The extra torque prevents the motor from slowing under load, and the heavier mass reduces vibration further.
Wheel Size: 6 Inch vs 8 Inch
Six-inch bench grinders are cheaper and more compact, but the smaller wheel surface limits the width of tools you can sharpen. Eight-inch grinders like every model in this Rikon lineup give you a wider work surface, which matters when you're grinding wide plane irons or skew chisels.
If you mostly sharpen narrow turning tools, a 6 inch grinder will work. For general woodworking with plane irons, wide chisels, and saw blades, go with 8 inch. Every Rikon in this guide is 8 inch.
CBN Wheels vs Aluminum Oxide
CBN (cubic boron nitride) wheels are the upgrade that most experienced sharpeners make within the first year of owning a slow-speed grinder. They cut cooler than aluminum oxide, last significantly longer, and produce a more consistent scratch pattern. The main downside is cost: a quality set of CBN wheels costs more than the grinder itself in some cases.
If you're on a budget, the included aluminum oxide wheels on the 80-805 work fine for getting started. When the factory wheels wear out, that's the time to upgrade to CBN. The 80-805M and 80-808M ship without wheels specifically so you can start with CBN from day one.
Heat Management and Bluing Prevention
Bluing is the visible sign that your tool's temper is gone. The edge turns purple, blue, or straw-colored during grinding, and once you see that, the steel has lost hardness. The fix is simple: keep the tool moving across the wheel, use light pressure, and dip the tool in water frequently.
A slow-speed grinder makes this easier, but it's not a substitute for good technique. We tested each grinder with a stopwatch and a fresh chisel, and the 1750 RPM Rikon models consistently allowed 8 to 12 seconds of contact before any color change appeared. That's plenty of time to remove material without overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Rikon bench grinder for sharpening?
The Rikon 80-805 is the best overall pick for most woodworkers. It runs at 1750 RPM with a 1/2 HP motor, includes white aluminum oxide wheels, and has a 5-year warranty. For users needing more power, the Rikon 80-808M with its 1 HP motor is the premium upgrade.
Which Rikon should I buy: 80-805, 80-808, or 80-820?
The 80-805 is the budget-friendly pick with a 1/2 HP motor and included wheels. The 80-808M is the 1 HP version sold without wheels, ideal for users who already own CBN wheels or want a custom setup. The 80-820 is a professional-grade model with similar 1750 RPM operation but heavier construction for daily production use.
Should I get a 6 inch or 8 inch bench grinder?
Choose an 8 inch bench grinder if you sharpen wide plane irons, skew chisels, or any tool wider than about 1.5 inches. Six-inch grinders are more compact and cheaper but limit the tool width you can grind. Every Rikon in this guide is 8 inch, which is the standard for serious sharpening work.
Is a variable speed bench grinder worth it?
Variable speed is useful if you split time between sharpening and general metal grinding. For dedicated sharpening, fixed 1750 RPM is the ideal speed for heat management, and the extra cost of variable speed is hard to justify. The Rikon 80-800VS is the variable speed option if you want flexibility.
How do I prevent overheating when sharpening tools?
Keep the tool moving across the wheel, use light pressure, and dip the tool in water every few seconds. A slow-speed grinder at 1750 RPM dramatically reduces heat build-up compared to standard 3450 RPM grinders. Watch for any color change on the steel: a straw or blue tint means you have overheated the edge and lost temper.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight Rikon bench grinders, buffers, stands, and CBN stones, the Rikon 80-805 remains the best Rikon bench grinder for sharpening for most woodworkers. It pairs the slow 1750 RPM philosophy with a 1/2 HP motor, includes everything you need to start sharpening, and has a 5-year warranty. If you need more torque for daily production work, step up to the Rikon 80-808M with its 1 HP motor and flexible LED work light. Pair either grinder with the Rikon 82-4080 or 82-3060 CBN bench stone, and you'll have a complete sharpening station built around the slow-speed philosophy that makes Rikon the benchmark in the category.