Any artist that's been doing glass for any amount of time has absolutely built up a collection of tools and supplies that he or she will never be able to use, no matter how long they are at it. There are the cutters, pliers, glass, sundries, chemicals and so many more that I can't even mention. As we accumulate tools throughout the years it makes our workshops look like a big mess. But, there are always our most important tools that we use on a regular basis. The perfect example of that, for most artists, is the stained glass grinder. A stained glass grinder smooths out edges that are rough after you've made the inital cut. If there was a tool that was worth the extra clutter, this one is it. There are a lot of different options though so we'll talk through the most popular grinders that are made by the most popular companies.

At the beginner level, you really just want something that's going to get you started. There are a lot of grinders that are inexpensive to purchase, but not all of them are all that easy to use and can get the job done effectively. I'll break the options up between the three biggest companies that sell stained glass grinders. We'll discuss Gryphon first. On the beginner side, Gryphon has a very popular beginners grinder called the Gryphon Studio Grinder. This is a nice one and a very popular one for people just getting started, a lot of beginners actually come into my studio and know this one by name so they feel comfortable with it. The Studio Grinder is nice because the motor is powerful, it has a tower that acts as a cooling tower, and a couple of work surfaces depending on your project size. And, one of the criteria that we look for, it has a pricepoint that would qualify this as an entry-level product. Another popular model that's manufactured by Gyphon is the Gryphon Gryphette Diamond Grinder. This is similar to the Studio Grinder in the fact that it is often highly recommended by various class teachers as a great option for getting started. This grinder has a lot of nice features that make it probably the most popular grinder for beginners. And another interesting note, this is one of the most popular options for glass teachers to use within the classroom. It has a strong motor for one of its size and its smaller so you can store it very easily about anywhere or tote it around to anywhere you need to go. It also has a surprisingly strong motor for something so small. The real pluses of this model is that it is so easy to use.

One of the other popular companies that manufactures grinders is Inland. They have been around for a long time and they have a great reputation with wholesalers, retailers, and artists for putting out products that are second to none. One of their popular entry level grinders is the Inland Aero Grinder. This model is good for large pieces of glass because it has a relatively large work area which is unusual for such an inexpensive grinder. It is also something that can be used for other crafts because it can grinder plastic, ceramic, and stone. This is good because it has more appeal to others if you choose to sell it when you upgrade. And, since its a beginner grinder, it also starts at an affordable price point so its affordable to about everyone. Inland takes their craft very seriously and has a slogan that they make what they would like to use themselves. Well, isn't that refeshing! A very popular product they produce is called the Inland Impulse Grinder. The nice thing about this grinder is that it has add-ons available that can literally triple the power of the thing. For one they have something called the TwinSpin Retrofit, which grinds straight edge glass and allows you to miter the edges. It also has others, such as the Beveler Kit, which make it a good option for a grinder that's going to grow with you

Finally, Glastar is another quality company that produces grinders. They have been around since 1978 and they have attained a respect in the market that comes from producing the very best. Glastar has such a great reputation that its the brand that most advanced artists and full-timers use as their primary grinder. Fortunately, they also produce some quality entry-level machines as well. A popular one is called the Glastar G12 and its great for someone just getting into the hobby. This is a product that has a lot of power for an entry-level machine. It just keeps going and the power doesn't slow down. There is nothing worse than losing power on your grinder when you're in the middle of the project. Another great option from Glastar is called the Glastar G5 Diamond Star. This is a pretty basic option so only go this route if you really are unsure if this is something you are going to stick with. This option works best for a brand new student who is testing the waters in stained glass and doesn't want to invest much on equipment.

If you spend anytime looking on websites or reading reviews you can drive yourself crazy, so stick with the primary companies and find something that meets your needs and your budget. There are a few places you can look for a grinder, you can check out online auction sites, you can go to the nearest art supply stores, or you can order from one of the popular internet sites if you want some advice and the best possible selection Just remember, power and torque are the most important things so as long as you have that then you will be fine. When it comes down to it, the extra fancy dancy things might be nice, but as long as the grinder achieves it's primary purpose then you will be ok.