Vegetable cutters fi 4-11 view B) are machines that, without the use of attachments or removable parts, make three classes of cuts of vegetables-shredded, sliced, and grated. A dial control on the side of the machine allows instant changing of the thickness of the cut, even while the machine is in operation.

The entire front of the machine swings open to provide complete access to the interior for the purpose of cleaning and changing the blade. The machine should be washed with hot water immediately after it is used. The knurled knob holds the front of the machine securely when it is in operation.

Clean and scrub the knives and bowl with hot, soapy water and a very stiff brush. Rinse them well with hot water (170F) and allow them to air dry thoroughly before reassembling.

VEGETABLE CUTTER AND SLICER

The vegetable cutter and slicer is used to cut vegetables that are to be used for cooking and for salads. The machine may be used to do as many as three different cutting jobs at once. It maybe used for slicing either bias or horizontal french fries and julienne strips, and for coarse and fine chopping. The machine has a slicer adjustment for thicknesses up to one-fourth of an inch. The adjustment can be made while the machine is in motion. To make french fries or diced potatoes, the potatoes must be sized so that they will go into the machine.

When the machine is turned on, put a pan underneath the outlet to catch the water and vegetable particles and flush with water. This should be done after each use. At the end of the day disassemble the machine and thoroughly clean the cutting plates and disks. Carefully inspect each part for strings of vegetables that may not have washed off.

This machine has parts that must be oiled daily to prolong the life and efficiency of the machine.

MEAT SAW

Electric sawing machines  are used mainly for cutting chilled, frozen, and smoked meats into steaks and chops. It is important to know that meat can be cut more uniformly by machine when there is still some frost in the boneless piece.

The saw is made to revolve by a mechanical arrangement of two wheels and an electric motor. The table on which the meat is laid is constructed so that you can cut the meat to any desired size. The saw blades themselves are five-eighths of an inch wide and about 10 feet long.

Operation

Before operating the saw, you must tighten the blade using only one hand to apply just enough tension to keep it from slipping. Feed the meat straight through giving

Figure 4-12.-Electric sawing machine.

the blade a chance to cut. Do not force. Use only sharp blades. Dull blades may heat up, twist, and break.

The electric meat cutter is a dangerous piece of equipment. A great deal of care is necessary to avoid injury when you operate this machine. There are seven safety precautions that should be observed when you are operating the meat saw:

0 Always wear safety glasses or impact goggles when using the saw.

Before you cut the meat, make sure the right amount of tension is on the saw blade. There should be no flexibility whatsoever. The feel of the saw blade will be solid when the right amount of tension is applied.

Meat being sawed should be placed firmly against the sliding tray guide with enough pressure to maintain a uniform thickness of the slices.

Never use unnecessary force when cutting (sawing) meat. It is possible to break the blade and cause serious injury to yourself or others from flying pieces of metal.

Always make sure the guide is securely tightened after the adjustment for the thickness of the meat slices has been determined. Set the blade guide 2 inches above the meat.

Always keep your hands on the part of the meat that is most distant from the saw blade.

Make sure the blade guard is in place at all times except when cleaning.

Care and Cleaning

The revolving wheels have grease chambers. Pack them frequently. Keep the machine clean. Oil it at least once a week. Always wash and sanitize the machine properly after each use or after every 4 hours of continued use. Use hot soapy water to wash the machine and rinse it with hot water (170F). Do not drip water on the electric motor.