If using BIAB why do you need to condition your malt, because if the grain "explodes" its not a big deal.
Though with a 1.25 inch diameter, I can see the grains more likely to explode, instead of be crushed, and stay intact.
My question is if the metal is soft, how durable is it? How long until the knurls wear down?
Didn't one of you say the steel did not seem hardened?
I just saw this at Adventures in Home Brewing.
http://www.homebrewing.org/Cereal-Killer-Grain-Mill_p_2310.html?AffId=160
That handle does seem very short, how long would it take to grind 10 pounds?
I would imagine its hard to hold/rotate with such short strokes, and would have greater torque than a longer handle.
Conditioning makes for a better and more uniform crush and also cuts down on the dust & keeps the hulls intact. In my opinion, the extra fluffiness of the grind makes for better better flow thorough the bag and the bag might even drain better after mashing so less squeezing. Since I recirculate during mashing, I think it improves the flow and I didn't have any problems with dough balls.
Unless you are grinding rocks, you'll never wear the rollers out. If you do, you will have long since gotten your $89 out of it.
The handle that they offer is useless. It will take a long crank, 12" at least, to get enough torque, it was working my air drill. As for hand crank time, I have no idea.