Yes, you and @MTLabrador are correct. A small grinder makes a boring job, well longer and more boring. Mine is a small LEM (1/3 hp maybe?) and it is over a half day job to make 100 plus pounds of burger. I was on a tight budget when I bought it (it was around $200 as I recall) but I often wished I would have doubled my purchase price.Honestly I think if I'd just stop being such a cheap ass and ponied up for a $500 grinder, I'd make my money back in 2 seasons, and would do it all myself.