I made my first sausage ever with this today and had no problems.  The price is right.  I didn't have any issues with cracks or any physical issues.  This was my first time making sausage and we made 3 pounds.  I would say that any issues I had with air bubbles came from being new to this skill, rather than any problems with the equipment, with some practice, I was able to prevent air bubbles. I found it a little difficult to work the meat through the grinder tray and pull the sausage at the same time.  But with some practice, I was able to do both tasks by myself.  I would recommend this.  For the price, you can't really go wrong.