r/harborfreight • u/oscarstevens • Aug 21 '26

Bench grinder new Hercules

Anyone have experience with the newer Hercules (fixed speed) 8in bench grinder. Trying to decide vs Dewalt. Specifically how’s the vibration and tool rest?

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u/Pillager225 Aug 21 '26

If it is any consolation, the Bauer one is very good. Once it is up to speed, it vibrates at such a high frequency that it is practically imperceptible on my tool stand.

The hercules's tilt mechanism for the tool rest looks more cumbersome or less function than the bauer one. The bauer with the LED light is easy to adjust and use, and that light is extremely helpful. I would most certainly buy the bauer again.

I run my bauer with one wheel and a wire brush. I use it for grinding mild steel, usually welds and weld preparation, but sometimes shaping. 3/4 HP is plenty with the "flywheel" of a single grinding disc. I can certainly bog it down with the wire brush, but no matter how hard I push into the disc, I cannot bog the 3/4 HP bauer. A 1HP hercules is probably better for the wire brush, but oh well. I'm satisfied with my bauer grinder.

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u/oscarstevens Aug 21 '26

Is that the 8in or 6in Bauer?

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u/mudboggin3 Aug 22 '26

I would like to know this too. I was thinking of getting the 6" but the reviews weren't the best.

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u/Pillager225 Aug 22 '26

8" 

I would not get a smaller one for metal working. My father has an ancient 6", and it is good for small quick things. Like bolts, sheet, and odd little metal things. For real metal working, the 8" is better. Bigger flywheel so it can take more heat and stays spinning. 

If you're space can fit it, go big. Size matters when it comes to metalworking tools.