Originally Posted by dsbrantjr

tim: What kind of parts were you thinking about using a wire wheel on? If they are small or complex a better choice might be a Dremel tool with the 2500-01 Rotary Tool Multi-Vise http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-2500-01.../dp/B000P4W3LU or 220-01 Rotary Tool Work Station http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-220-01-.../dp/B00068P48O, both of which can hold the tool at various angles leaving both hands free to manipulate the workpiece. The bench grinder is better suited to larger, heavier work.

For shaping metal by grinding I prefer to use a disc/belt sander over a wheel-type tool. It does not load up with softer metal such as aluminum like a wheel does and the work table is more adaptable than those on bench grinders, in my experience. YMMV.