I’m giving this bench grinder four stars because it needed a little work. The grinder arrived in time as stated, even if it hadn’t this should not be a reflection on the grinder itself and how it is rated. Although the shipping box was in excellent shape, the product box was a little messed up. However, this has no bearing on the validity of the product. Too many people drop their evaluation percentage of a product because of late shipping/arrival or packaging problems. Rate the product on how it functions folks. OK, first, the grinder vibrates excessively, causing the screws holding the eye protectors together to fall out. The eye protectors come assembled, but not installed. The vibration also makes a lot of noise, which could necessitate the use of ear protection. I also had purchased a WEN 4288 Cast Iron Pedestal Stand on which I installed the grinder. After the installation in my basement, I turned on the grinder and let it run. It was LOUD. My wife, upstairs, said the nose was really loud. Second, this also involves the eye protectors, the aluminum frame holding the plastic protectors onto the grinder is lame. The frame is crimped onto a small rod that is bent and bolted to the inside wheel cover. This needs to be crimped tighter than done at the factory. During assembly they came loose, allowing the clear plastic eye protectors to free fall against the grinding wheels. I’m expecting this will be a minor problem in the future. I’ll deal with that when, and if, it occurs. Third, the grinding wheels are not balanced and they wiggle when the machine is first turned on. I’m sure this causes some of the vibration. There is almost 1/8th to 1/4th-inch wiggle in both grinding wheels. One can really see this problem after turning the grinder off and watching the wheels as they slow down and come to a stop. The machine itself does what is advertised. It is a strong enough machine to do most grinding one will need. Having once had a small engine repair shop, I would have used this grinder to do what I needed. It will definitely provide all of the grinding requirements for the handyman, homeowner or DIY person. Now, a solution to the excessive vibration and noise. While pushing, poking, pressing and stretching on the grinder and its wheel covers, I discover that a simple solution to much of the vibration and noise was to stretch the wheel covers outward. This eliminated a lot of the vibration, hence the elimination of most of the excessive noise. I then took a ¾” x ¾” x 13¾“ piece of wood and placed it snuggly between the tops of the wheel covers (I actually had to gently hammer it in place with a small ballpeen hammer. Afterwards, my wife said she could not hear it.). As for the screws coming loose, I’ll add some lock tight to them. I am now satisfied with the grinder and expect to get many years use from it. I would recommend the machine to anyone. I’ll update my review if necessary.
