I think there is a huge difference between drilling holes in a flat metal surface vs machining case, gears, and shafts for a hydraulic pump. I don't know where this comes in as there is no hydraulic pump in this project. There is no real science to laying out holes to be drilled and welding in a hub. Layout dye, scriber, center punch, and hammer. A Browning hub and a wheel ready to mount carbides ... about $100.00 Buying a factory wheel with hub setup for carbides....... probably $1500.00. I don't see the big deal about the balancing as it only turns 800 RPM while gouging wood chunks. At this point there is no balance or consistency due to different load intervals.
The whole point of building it in my shop is total build control. My choice of components, cost savings, adaptability to my specific usage ( large stumps ), quality of purchased parts and the ability to buy them locally vs buying them through a manufacturer at inflated cost due to off standard specifications.
The point of my post was the difference between using a 3/4" vs 1" wheel due to weight and drilling. There is also a cost factor difference in having 3/4" stock cut to 24" as I have not located any pre cut blanks. 1" is available and although a bit heavy for the task may be the best candidate.