With time comes change. Recently, such was the case with our meat grinding crew. I began to mull getting my own grinder. It was not a decision that I took lightly. This is "manly guy stuff" and all had to be just right. First I looked at the $100 counter top models. How do you use that after using a big commercial one for 30 years? Then I looked from EBay to the want adds and beyond and the gear was either to old, too cheap, too expensive or completely suspect. It was like looking for love on a Saturday Night. [rofl] 
Next, I saw what looked like some fine gear in the Cabela's catalog. I recalled that Catfish had a good grinder and contacted him for his opinion. Truthfully - no better source of information on general "manly guy stuff" exists. [up] The conversation - reminicent of the TV show Tool Time, went something like this. Ur ur ur ur umm? Gerr ugg urr urr urr....[smoke] In short, buy the best and you buy it once! Sage advice. My testosterone was beginning to boil...[hihi]
As I priced out the various options I realized that, with prices ranging from about $400 to $800, I would probably have to wait another year or five. I have two kids in college and I do not live on credit. But then my 87 year old dad, who I help out every day along with my 86 year old mom, decided he wanted to buy me a gift as a thank you for all of my support! He was thinking HD TV. I told him "Dad, if I want to pollute my brain I will drink whiskey or go to the NJH lounge and bar section....how about you get me a meat grinder! Done - he pitched me a check for $500.
Now comes the perfect storm. First, I considered the 3/4 hp model which, with some extras, would round up to about $450. I would have enough left for a bottle of good Taquila. But you know - Urr ur ur ur ... 3/4 horse power is like having 3/4 of a ****. Not my style. Then there was the 1 hp which was just over $500. And that is what Catfish has. I actually selected it but did not put in the order because I wanted to know the difference between the #22 and the #32 head sizes.
Well, when I went back to the site the next week they were all on sale!!! [drinking] For $640 I got the 1 1/2 hp model with the #32 head and an extra blade, some extra bushings, and a cover. Yeah baby! the kids can eat mac and cheese at school and drink cheaper beer because this one is for daddy....
Here are some pics....
The old grinder. It was actually refurbished inside and out this year but circumstances beyond anyones control rendered it unusable.
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And here is the new kid in town.... This puppy has stones....[up] I just need a scissor to take a deer, snip off the nose and tail, and just run her through. This bad boy will make fish food out of a turn coat in under 20 minutes....[rofl]
Anyhow - there will be burger and sausage making with good friends, for good times, for many years to come. [up]
![Image]()
![Image]()
Next, I saw what looked like some fine gear in the Cabela's catalog. I recalled that Catfish had a good grinder and contacted him for his opinion. Truthfully - no better source of information on general "manly guy stuff" exists. [up] The conversation - reminicent of the TV show Tool Time, went something like this. Ur ur ur ur umm? Gerr ugg urr urr urr....[smoke] In short, buy the best and you buy it once! Sage advice. My testosterone was beginning to boil...[hihi]
As I priced out the various options I realized that, with prices ranging from about $400 to $800, I would probably have to wait another year or five. I have two kids in college and I do not live on credit. But then my 87 year old dad, who I help out every day along with my 86 year old mom, decided he wanted to buy me a gift as a thank you for all of my support! He was thinking HD TV. I told him "Dad, if I want to pollute my brain I will drink whiskey or go to the NJH lounge and bar section....how about you get me a meat grinder! Done - he pitched me a check for $500.
Now comes the perfect storm. First, I considered the 3/4 hp model which, with some extras, would round up to about $450. I would have enough left for a bottle of good Taquila. But you know - Urr ur ur ur ... 3/4 horse power is like having 3/4 of a ****. Not my style. Then there was the 1 hp which was just over $500. And that is what Catfish has. I actually selected it but did not put in the order because I wanted to know the difference between the #22 and the #32 head sizes.
Well, when I went back to the site the next week they were all on sale!!! [drinking] For $640 I got the 1 1/2 hp model with the #32 head and an extra blade, some extra bushings, and a cover. Yeah baby! the kids can eat mac and cheese at school and drink cheaper beer because this one is for daddy....
Here are some pics....
The old grinder. It was actually refurbished inside and out this year but circumstances beyond anyones control rendered it unusable.
And here is the new kid in town....
This puppy has stones....[up] I just need a scissor to take a deer, snip off the nose and tail, and just run her through. This bad boy will make fish food out of a turn coat in under 20 minutes....[rofl]Anyhow - there will be burger and sausage making with good friends, for good times, for many years to come. [up]
