18
GRINDER PLATES.
The orifice plate is probably the most
important single part of a meat grinder.
Dixie Grinders Inc. sells only "PREMIUM"
type tool steel plates. Extensive testing has
shown time and time again that our selection
of tool steel performs the best over the entire
range of products ground. Our special heat
treatment process, which includes a soak at -
300°F for two hours, gives our plates the
toughness that we have found is required.
Other steels may stay sharper, but when it
breaks into ten pieces its sharpness is no
longer an advantage.
Failure to change the pin and bushing
shortens the life of the feedscrew and the
head. When the pin and bushing become
worn they allow the feedscrew to contact the
head. This results in rapid wear to the
feedscrew and head, and can even lead to
metal in the finished product.
.500
+.000
-.002
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:
GRINDER RING.
The grinder ring needs little maintenance
other than thread inspection. The center
support should contact the slip in bushing at
the same time that it contacts the plate. If
there is any clearance between the plate
bushing and the center support after the ring
has been tightened first inspect the plate for
flatness, see page 15. If the plates are flat, or
within .002 per side of being flat, send the
ring in for rebuilding. If foreign material
causes a plate to break, inspect the ring
before use. The center support sets back .500
+.000/-.002
PLATE BUSHING.
The plate bushing supports the weight and
the side load of the feedscrew. Being a plain
bearing it relies on the product for
lubrication and cooling. The bushing is mild
steel and carburized. The hardness is only
.040 deep, and some of this is used during the
honing after the bushing has been hardened.
Therefore we recommend to discard the
bushing when it measures 2.665 ID. Typical
wear is very even. Checking or grooves
indicate that the machine is run empty often.
Normal life is about one month.
