Are you in the market for a pencil grinder? When you need to do detailing or remove excess material, then this is a must-have tool. We’ll be reviewing the top 5 pencil grinders on the market. After learning their features, pros, and cons, you can pick the best one for your needs.
1. CP9104Q COMPACT PENCIL BY CHICAGO PNEUMATIC 109
The CP9104Q is a good option for jobs in tight spaces. It’s powerful with 60,000 rpm with good power/weight ratio. The unit is also ergonomic and produces low levels of 71 weighted decibels (dBA).
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Good for working in tight areas and detailed work
- Powerful at 60,000 RPM
- Good power/weight ratio so easy to manoeuvre
- Super-low noise levels
- Very easy to handle
PROS
- Cheaper yet better than others on the market like Dotcom
- The company provides good customer service
- Good tool for materials like metal and composites
- Easier when working in tight spaces like aircraft
- No issues with heat build-up
CONS
- Price is a little high
WHO IS THIS FOR/NOT FOR?
Good choice for applications in small spaces
2. 218 PENCIL DIE GRINDER (1/8-INCH) BY ASTRO PNEUMATIC
The Astro 218 is a powerful and lightweight pencil grinder that’s and good for tight areas. It’s good for applications including finishing small parts and high-speed porting. It also offers variable speed control via the twist throttle
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Twist throttle for variable speed control
- High-speed porting/finishing of small parts
- Good for cleaning rotors, dies, brake pads, backing plates, mounts, etc.
- Lightweight and good for tight areas
- High free speed of 56,000 rpm
PROS
- Excellent value for the price
- Good for doing polishing in tight spaces
- Good power and speed vs other models
- Can be used for polishing cylinder head
- Bits can be used for carving and engraving
CONS
- Collet is a little tight
- Can become a bit warm but still very user friendly.
WHO IS THIS FOR/NOT FOR?
Suitable for cleaning applications and working in tight spaces
3. 10649A AIR-POWERED PENCIL DIE GRINDER (1/8-INCH) BY NEIKO
The Neiko 10649A cranks out 54,000 rpm and 90 PSI. It’s lightweight and includes adjustable speed via the textured throttle. The Neiko grinder can be used for various applications like rotors, jewellery, dies, brake pads, etc. It’s bundled with nylon hose, two wrenches, and nipple.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Includes nylon hose w/ slip-on shield, two wrenches, and nipple
- Textured throttle w/ self-closing lever
- Lightweight pencil shaft for precision grinding, cutting, and polishing
- Speed stays constant until you change it
- Applications like cleaning jewellery, rotors, dies, and brake pads
- Can be used for hobby work
- High airspeed with 54,000 rpm and air pressure of 90 psi
PROS
- Good rpm speed and low noise
- Cuts are clean and smooth
- Air tool oil prevents overheating
- Excellent for detail/finishing work
CONS
- Hard to use wrench for tip change
WHO IS THIS FOR/NOT FOR?
Good for users needing high-power and lightweight functionality
4. DWE4887 DIE GRINDER (1-1/2-INCH) BY DEWALT 137
The DeWalt DWE4887 produces 25,000 rpm for 1.5-in. Grinding applications. It has AC/DC capacity to work off generators and welding machines. The DeWalt unit’s paddle switch w/ lock-on button offers easy-grip use.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Pencil-style air-powered die grinder
- AC/DC capacity on welding machines/generator
- Precision collet holds accessories securely
- Paddle switch w/ lock-on button for improved gripping/ergonomics
- Motor with 4.2 amp and 25,000 rpm offer high power/speed for 1-1/2-inc. grinding application
PROS
- The heavy-duty grinder that’s built to last
- Very durable pencil grinder
- Powerful motor producing 25,000 rpm
- Good customer service for exchanges
- High-quality unit with a smooth operation
CONS
- Repairs can take a long time
- Bigger/heavier than pneumatic models
WHO IS THIS FOR/NOT FOR?
Good choice for durable/reliable corded pencil grinder
5. AIR-POWERED PENCIL GRINDER POLISHING KIT (1/8-INCH) BY GEDU
Gedu’s Pencil Grinder Polishing Kit offers high-speed 56,000 rpm. It’s durable, lightweight, and ergonomic. Features include variable speed throttle and ten grinding stone bits. The unit is also very budget-friendly in the under-$50 price range.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Compact for superior control when making cutting applications
- Variable speed throttle control so you can tweak the operating speed
- Durable, lightweight, and comfortable for easy use
- Bundled with ten styles of stone bits for grinding
- A high rate of 56,000 rpm
- Pencil-style air-powered die grinder
PROS
- Has good ergonomics/feel
- Works well with tungsten carbide bits
- Good pencil grinder for the price
- Good option for the aircraft industry
- Effective micro grinder for detailing/polishing
CONS
- The 1/8-in. bit isn’t precisely 1/8-in.
- Bits aren’t high-quality
WHO IS THIS FOR/NOT FOR?
Good option if you use your bitsOverall you can see there is a huge range of both pricing and quality pencil grinders on the market. We have endeavored to bring you a broad range of units we love. Depending on how often you plan to use this pencil grinder will depend on what you should spend. There is still something to be said for ‘you get what you pay for’.
Happy pencil grinding!
