Making the most out of your meat slicer experience also includes knowing how to fix a meat slicer in the event that it breaks down. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
In the previous segments, we went over the best ways to use a meat slicer and how to do so safely. In this segment, we’ll carry on from there and address how to solve your meat slicer if it breaks down.
Covering the basics
Before we get started with how actually to go about fixing a meat slicer, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. When addressing the concern, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with the details first.
Here are the main components of a meat slicer, ones that you should be familiar with, and those that you might need to handle down the road!
Pusher
As the name implies, the pusher is the tool that helps you keep the meat in place when you’re slicing it.
This component is also referred to as the meat grip. Housed by the product table, some models come with removable pushers that make the cleaning process easier.
Motor
The heart of the slicer, different motors cater to different horsepower. Generally speaking, the higher the horsepower, the faster the motor operates and the faster the meat is sliced.
Blade and blade guard
This component is the one that is responsible for the cutting.
Most models come with a blade guard with the sole purpose of keeping the user safe. For additional safety, companies have now started using removable blades.
Blade sharpener
An inbuilt sharpener for the razor, this component is utilized for the sharpening of the blade.
In most cases, it is removable and easy to cleanout.
Gauge plate
Dependent on the thickness control button, the gauge place is the region that surrounds the knife and can be moved for better accommodation and functionality.
Product table
The product table houses the pusher and is where the products are placed.
Identifying the fault
Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with the main components of a meat slicer, it is now a good time to step it up to the next level. Now, we’ll address how to go about finding the fault in your meat slicer.
Generally speaking, there is a multitude of things that can go wrong with your slicer. In this case, however, we’ll address the most common issues and how to go about them.
The first issue is often related to the power cord, or a faulty switch. The simplest way to do that is to either check the outlet for power readings, or plugging the cord in and seeing if the machine responds. The cord might be faulty.
If you hear excessive creaking or hear any type of noise that is generally louder than the usual one, then the main culprit here is the motors or the gears. To prevent any type of slipping off the blade, it’s advised that you treat the rubber base with methylated spirit.
Lastly, if you feel that the product table isn’t sliding properly, it’s high time to give it a thorough wash. The best way to go about it is by cleaning it with soapy water, letting it dry, and then lubricating it with oil. Let it dry naturally and then reassemble.
Major steps to undertake
To proceed to the next step where you address the heart of the issue, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Once that you’ve found out where the issue lay, you can strategically work from that point. However, getting there requires a little bit of technical finesse. Written below is what will help you get there.
Always use the right tools
The first thing that we simply cannot emphasize enough is using the right tool.
When starting out to disassemble or take apart your meat slicer, it’s of much importance that you have the right things with you. These include, but aren’t limited to, screwdrivers, methylated spirit or glass cleaner and a lubricant, preferably petroleum jelly.
Likewise, it’s also a good idea to wear cut-resistant gloves. The objects that you’ll be dealing with are pretty sharp.
Safe disassembly
If you’re planning on disassembling the meat slicer from scratch, then it’s a good idea to refer to the manual. Doing so would give you a heads-up of what to anticipate.
Generally speaking, disassembly is required when the problem is inside the slicer.
In most cases, people normally start by taking out the blade. The general machinery can be loosened by using a screwdriver, after which you can proceed to take out the whole thing. Just tug on it a little and it will come out with ease.
To remove the motor, we would highly suggest that you be extra careful. When starting, never let go of the motor. Using the appropriate screwdriver, gently proceed with the process. Once done, you’ll have two separate halves that house the motor.
After you’ve completed the aforementioned tasks, you’ll basically have access to the heart of the meat slicer. Inspect it carefully to see what is missing or might be anomalous.
Proceed to fix the issue and start the reassembly process after cleaning each component out!
Call a professional
If you don’t have that much experience in operating with electronics, we’d suggest that you don’t go down that rabbit-hole since it can have more bad effects than good ones.
If you feel that at any stage that the task at hand is beyond your understanding or level of expertise, it is a good idea to call up a professional to help you get the job done. If you’ve got a warranty, then it’s a win-win for you!
