I think my el cheapo Sears grinder that I've used for the last 30+ years has earned its retirement, so I'm in the market for a new one. The Sears is a 6" grinder (much closer to 4.5" at the moment, "1/2 HP" (whatever 1970's Sears horsepower translates to), 3450 rpm, the motor sticks out a long way relative to the wheels, so I keep hitting it when trying to do any sort of angled grind. I long since sawed off the useless stamped steel tool supports and use it with third party supports, mostly a first generation Wolverine.
This will be used 98% for turning tools, occasionally a mower blade or such. I have different sharpening systems for planes and chisels.
So, what to get? Conventional wisdom would suggest an 1800 rpm 8" grinder, but lots of folks seem to think with modern steels there is no reason not to go 3450. I'd like a grinder that came equipped with wheels I didn't have to immediately replace. How big a motor? I've never felt like the 1/2 hp Sears was underpowered, but mostly I see people using 1 hp grinders. I'm inclined to go for the lower speed just because I have trouble taking off only the minimum amount of metal requires with the 6" wheels, and 8" at 3450 will be ~twice as fast.
The Rikon appears to be pretty reasonable with good quality wheels. Many pro turners on YouTube appear to use one from Steel City. Baldor would be a no-brainer, but I hope I don't have to spend $900. in the end, does it matter? Will the 1 hp rikon bring me a lot more joy than the 1/2 HP Rikon, for example.
Then there is the question of CBN wheels. Are they a lot better than Norton Al Oxide wheels? I've read a number of dire warnings about using them to grind lower grade steels ruining them. That would be bad. What is their primary advantage? I certainly wouldn't want wheels that ground any faster than the aluminum oxide ones I have now.
Your wisdom on this will be appreciated.