I consider the 1/2 hp Rikon to be a bit under powered to run the steel CBN wheels. I do have the 1 hp Rikon and it has no problem with 2 steel wheels. About the same amount of power as my 3/4 hp Baldor. Not nearly as quiet and the 'fit and finish' isn't nearly as good, but for the price, it is a good deal. Ken Rizza's wheels are on aluminum and now a plastic hub, and they are lighter than the steel wheels. Thus far, I haven't heard of any issues with them running on the smaller grinder. I did have one of the blue no name grinders from Woodcraft, and it would run the steel wheels, but it was a strain. The 3/4 hp motor on it, compared to the 3/4 hp on my Baldor power wise was about the same as the weight difference, with the Baldor being at least twice the weight....
robo hippy