• Bench grinders are commonly found in metal shops, wood shops and in the homes of do-it-yourself craftsmen. Bench grinders typically consist of two grinding wheels mounted on a motor that spins them at a high rate of speed and allows the user to grind down the material being held against the wheel. Before using a bench grinder you should always manually inspect it to make sure that it is safe to use.
  
  

Inspection

• Before using your bench grinder, make sure that the work area is clean and that the grinder's side guards are covering the wheel's spindle and at least 75 percent of the wheel. Check the condition of the wheel. If the wheel is too worn down to use, replace it. Ensure that the work rest is within 1/8 of the wheels surface.
  
  

Safety Equipment

• Before using your bench grinder, put on eye protection and make sure that the face shields on the grinder--if your grinder is so equipped--are in position. While using your bench grinder, your material may become hot, therefore wearing safety gloves is recommended.
  
  

Safe Operation

• After turning on your bench grinder, stand out of the path of the wheel until it reaches its operating speed. This is to protect you in case the wheel breaks apart during startup. Place your material slowly against the grind wheel at a downward angle. This angle will prevent your material from catching on the wheel. Gradually apply pressure and move your piece evenly back and forth across the wheel.