So, I also ordered one of these mills as a result of this thread and am using it today for the first time. I studied the manual and watched the online video, so I'm quite sure that it is lubed up and assembled correctly.
My problem is that when it is working properly, the handle is fairly easy to turn and the raw tomatoes go through rather quickly; however, it seems to clog up for no reason and is a bear to turn. Just as quickly, it will run smoothly again.
Since it's quite a mess to take it all apart, clean it, reassemble it, I'm hesitant to do that yet AGAIN, as I've done that 2 times already and it seems to work sporadically again each time I start again. I've tried cutting the tomatoes in smaller pieces, sticking a thin silicone spatula through the opening in the hopper, turning the handle counter-clockwise,...any other ideas? Do I have a lemon?
