Green DIY: Own a Bench Grinder

I would guess that most people don't think of a bench grinder as a "green product", but it's probably the most environmentally and economically responsible tool I have in my shop.

A few years ago, I bought a small Ryobi bench grinder for $40 (I checked, they are still the same price), that has a work light attached. It has paid for itself over at least a dozen times. As soon as a bought it, I could believe I didn't get one years earlier.


My main uses:

Sharpen drill bits - much better than throwing them away or using them dull. I use it for both spiral (metal) and spade (wood) bits.

Sharpen knives, chisels, hoes, axes, shovels, lawnmower blades, scrapers, etc.

Fix broken screwdrivers by re-grinding the ends

Smoothing ends of metal pipe or bar that I have cut

Modifying hardware to fit (shorten bolts or metal plates)

Fixing the threads on stripped bolt ends

Cut chain and metal cable

Grinding / smoothing the edges of tile

If you consider extending the life of tools, plus trips to the store you don't have to make, plus the added safety in using sharp rather than dull implements, it's hard to argue against this having a good impact on the earth and your wallet.

I prefer Ryobi (good quality for DIY), but there are obviously a number of brands that work well. I bought my dad larger one from Harbor Freight a few years ago at Christmas, and its still going strong. It cost about $50.

Table Saw Set Up

Like most shops, my table saw is the heart of most of the activity. Someday, hopefully soon, I will be building a shop so I can have a fixed setup for all my tools - but for now I share space in the garage. To make this work, I built a moble base for the saw.


The photo above shows the saw (yup, it's messy) rolled out into the driveway. As much as possible, I like to work outside - more room, less dust, and less noise.

This diagram shows the basic layout of the base (42" x 42"). It has shelves around three sides, and dust collection on the center. I put a plastic bin in the bottom so its easy to get the dust out. The top of the base forms a deck to hold my fence and other tools. This who thing sits on five 3" locking casters - 4 in the corners and once in the center for support.

This is made from two sheets of 3/4" OSB, with furring strip edging. I kept the edging one inch proud to give me places to put clamps.


I installed power outlets on both sides of the base, which come in really handy. When the saw is plugged in, the outlets are live. It also has a shopvac dust collection point that comes in from the back.

I built a small outfeed table as part of the base. This gives me just enough extra support to for my two-foot deep cross-cut box, to keep from falling off the back. I left an opening in the back allow access to the motor, and provide airflow around it.


Here is a picture of the saw and my workbench together. The workbench is build in the same style, and has an integrated router table. It sits 1/2" lower than the saw to allow easy outfeed. Again, this has power incorporated. I plug the bench into the saw, so I have power all the way around the setup.



I have had this for about 7 years, its it has really served me well. I have some things that I would like to improve: a few more outlets, side support tables for cross-cutting longer boards, better clamp storage.

Tool Review: Small Angle Grinder

One of my favorite tools for remodeling is a 4.5 inch angle grinder. Mine is from Harbor Freight Tools and cost $15 on sale. A package of 10 grinding wheels is $10 - so you can get set up for $25.

What do I use this for?

• Grinding off nails that I can't pull out
• Removing nailed-in electrical boxes and fixtures
• Grinding the nail-heads off when removing a window frame (I don't like banging hard around big sheets of glass!)
• Cutting pieces of metal
• Touching up or regrinding screwdrivers, nippers, etc.
• Under cutting door jambs or trim (it burns, but works)
• Re-edging shovels and hoes
• Minor cutting of cultured stone and brick to fit

Once I started using one of these, I found it to be indispensable. I pulled a stud out of a wall and had the nails sticking up. I couldn't find my reciprocating saw right away, so I gave the grinder a try - it worked great.