[robert waddell]

sounds like the Archimedes screw is fubarred         the small electric meat grinder that northern tools sell is a very good starter one but it depends on what you value most  your time (with an expensive one)  or your effort (with a cheap one)        the Torry mincer takes 20 min to do the same amount as the northern tools one and i takes 2 hours   better with a hand cranked sausage stuffer it goes at your pace

[melodrama]

I just bought the Breville one from Argos - half price at 57 quid and it has been perfect - and there is a 3 year guarantee which will replace the model, even once it goes back to full price - bargain!