Yes it can ...you must adjust the burrs so they rub a bit (they won't wear though --mine is 3 years and shows no significant wear). Grinding takes longer when it is finer too - so if you make more than a shot or two a day - you probably want an electric mill. There is also a lot more resistance when you grind fine - so you have to grip the mill more tightly. For this reason, the knee mills are the easiest for to use as they are more narrow.