Brat, just for comparison, I picked up a FoodSaver FM2000 from Walmart for $59 -- that price was after a $10 coupon that was on the box. This is a very basic model, but it seems to work great -- I am loving it! Note that I found different Walmarts carrying different selections of the FoodSavers -- the first one I went to only had more expensive models. I think you can check on-line to see which stores carry this. (I just now did that -- this model is only available in store, not on-line ... but that is good, because you want to find a box that has the $10 coupon on it!)
As far as the pepper coating, I would echo Qdog's suggestion. If you are concerned that the pepper would be too strong, consider cutting it with something like paprika, or even something like coffee or cocoa. (I seem to remember a New England Cheesemaking recipe for jack cheese with a coating that included some combination of pepper, coffee, cocoa, and possibly the kitchen sink.
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