It is difficult to imagine a modern kitchen without such a useful mechanism, like a meat grinder. With its help, any housewife can do without even a food processor. But over time, any even the sharpest blade becomes dull and ceases to perform its functions. The way out of this situation is quite simple - you need to sharpen the knife again. We will talk about ways of sharpening further.
characteristics of knives
There are at least two knives in any meat grinder:
- stationary;
- agile.
One of them is motionless. It is a circle with many small holes. The second knife is a spare part with several blades, usually, with four. During operation, the knife rotates and due to this there is a grinding of products. And then the crushed pieces are pushed through the holes of the stationary part.
causes of failure
One of the parameters of a good meat grinder is the sharpness of the cutting edges of the moving blade. However, when small bones or veins are found in the meat, then it is necessary to be blunt. Gradually, more effort is needed to grind the products.
Another parameter of efficient operation is the distance from the stationary part to the moving one. The shorter this period, the better the grinding. Over time, this distance increases due to wear. Besides because of that, that knives, usually, made of rough metal, they, oxidizing and rusting, lose sharpness.
So, to reduce the amount of effort to grind food (and in modern conditions and the amount of electricity consumed), you need to sharpen the blades for the meat grinder in time.
Means of sharpening a knife for a meat grinder
There are several options for sharpening a knife:
- using a special machine;
- using a grindstone;
- using sandpaper.
Whatever method of sharpening is chosen, Preparatory work is required. Grease the blades with sunflower oil and allow to dry for 5-10 minutes. It is also necessary to do with the tool for sharpening. This is necessary for that, so that the sharpening tool does not deteriorate at the very beginning. In addition, this preparatory step prevents the formation of fragments due to the possible incorrect position of the knife during sharpening.
Using a special machine
The most convenient option, Of course, there is a use of a special machine. It is designed for sharpening meat grinder blades and has a smooth abrasive surface. Before work on a disk special paste is put, which contains small abrasive particles. Due to this, after drying the composition, the surface of the disk becomes rough. After connecting the device to the mains, the disk begins to rotate and to it accurately press a cutting edge of details. Be sure to take breaks during operation to prevent the metal from overheating.
Despite the simplicity of the method, this procedure requires certain skills. If you keep the knives at the wrong angle, then you will not be able to sharpen, Moreover, it can be dangerous.
Another disadvantage of this option is its high cost. A knife sharpening machine is quite expensive, and it is not so easy to find in a regular store. Sometimes it is easier and safer to consult a specialist or use another method.
Use of grindstone
It is much easier to buy a grindstone in a store. It is much cheaper than a machine, and several options for its use.
The first option. Sharpening is performed by rotating the knife. The grindstone in this case must exceed the diameter of the knife at least 2 times. The knife lies in the center in this way, so that the blades fit snugly to the surface of the stone.
Holding a knife in the middle of the stone with his hands, it is necessary to make circular motions. Gradually increase the speed as much as possible. You can finish sharpening, if all the blades are the same without jags and visible ??inequalities. This method of sharpening can be used only on not very blunt knives.
The second option is the rotation of the stone. This method is suitable, if there is no result from the first. Since the sharpening force will depend on the amount of friction, then the stone must be of fine fraction. The size of the stone may not exceed the size of the part. A knife is taken in one hand, in another - a stone. They are tightly pressed together and there are circular motions. This procedure can be performed more effectively, if you fasten the part, rather than hold in your hands. Be sure to wear gloves for protection. After sharpening the blade is allowed to cool and rinse under running cold water.
Using sandpaper
Another popular way to sharpen a meat grinder knife is to use sandpaper. The thickness of the sandpaper depends on the thickness of the blade. The thicker the metal to be processed, the greater the grain fraction.
The procedure itself is very simple. Taking a knife in one hand, and in another paper, you just need to gently wipe each blade, until it becomes sharp. The movements are similar to those, which happen if you just wipe the surface.
So, if you follow any simple method, you can keep the meat grinder in perfect condition, without turning to experts on the side.