Cynthia in my view I definitely dont think you need to budget the huge amount you mention for this purpose.
My views
Min 8 inch or bigger.
Jim said it....his and hers.....the two applications are incompatible.
Buy one way balancing kits and balance all wheels use.
Buy more than one grinder each.
Example
Glassman needs course wheels and even he two wheels of different grits then second grinder ...one with wire wheel and other with sisel buff.
You
Slow speed 60 grit Norton 8" wheel and either 80 or higher grit.
Go to Princess Auto, you can get very reasonable grinders there that will be way leas expensive and more than do the job especially if you add the balancing wheels. Dont buy wheels there and toss out the wheels that come with the grinder.
Look for grinders with decent tool stands to rest you object on, look for grinders with task lights mounted on the grinder , look for face shields. Then check out how the wheels are secured. Why?
When you balance, its not a one time thing. As you wear your wheel you and Glassman will need to rebalance the wheel.
In your case going Neander consider a worksharp and also consider for both you and glass man again each to his own a 1" belt sander. This is a very hand tool i have found and for more than just woodworking or car mechanics.
For the kind of loot you mention in my view you could pull off the above, buy good machines and have change left over and both have what you need.
Were you guys starting a grinding shop with employees that are going to be grinding parts all day or buying a machine with a motor thats gonna run many times all day long in use then i would say layout the loot for baldor. Eaxmple i did on my dust collector.
But i personally dont agree for a hobbyist even serious ones.
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