I would think 5lbs and under by hand. 20lb mixer works well for me. 2 B.O. pork butts will give you 16-18lbs. Add your water and spices… Will make apx 100ea 4" links. For me that’s about 7hrs work. I work around the 25lb mark, making a variety of sausages /hamburgers & ropes . Any more than that is a refer / time issue during the processing. But i do compound my own seasonings.

I say that reverse will be a must on my next grinder. I have a 1hp 12# L*M. (8 years) Works great with their mixer tilt tub , but reversing the mixer would be wonderful. Would never think about hand cranking.

Thanks for the good info smokinbubba Will that mate up with the L*M 20# mixer? I worry that Cabeles my be out of business by the time i can convince my Wife that a new grinder is a life staple, and our life would be worthless without it