Need an adaptor

[Clarko]

Anyone know of an adapter to connect a Cabela’s grinder to a LEM hand operated meat mixer?

[JoeB]

I would visit the local machine shop with pics. They may have an easy solve. You may also have a VoTech in the area that teaches Machinery that would take on the task for martials.

[smokinbubba]

Clarko I have done LOTS of research on the subject and found no one commercially produces what you are looking for. Main issue is that on the small hand operated LEM, there is no gearbox and if you couple the grinder directly to the motor. It will spin way too fast. Check youtube for a guy that did this.
I bought a cheap Dayton gearbox to attempt a conversion and then the cabelas 50lb mixer became available again and I snagged one. Only complaint is the 12.5lb min payload so small batches still go through the kitchen aid.
I can tell you that the Cabelas grinders shaft is 3/4" x 6 spline. Only thing I found was a tractor front hydraulic pump shaft that has the same size. About $40 online. Never bought one myself yet.
Good luck

[smokinbubba]

Clarko I assume you have the 20lb manual mixer like I have?

[Clarko]

yes I have the 20# mixer

[smokinbubba]

Clarko do you have a cabelas grinder? Old or new carnivore?

[Ozzyno Stugots]

I found a website that makes adaptor to go from LEM grinder to Cabelas mixer but not the other way around. I sent email to them asking. The plastic adaptor is reasonable at 45.00 they make a metal one at 202.00. I like the LEM mixer and would be willing to pay the extra price. I have seen one in action but up to now the only way i can see to get one to work is to sell my Carnivore 1 hp and buy the LEM grinder to go with it. The hunt goes on.

[processhead]

For you guys experimenting with mounting different power sources to mechanical equipment, these guys have proven to be a good source for parts and they don’t charge an arm and a leg. I used one of their low speed gear motors to build a pellet auger feeder system for my electric smoker. [link text]https://www.surpluscenter.com/power-transmission/(link url)

[smokinbubba]

Ozzyno Stugots i found the cheapest way is to order the cabelas mixer. Ive put 2 15lb batches thru mine and it seems solid.

[smokinbubba]

Ozzyno Stugots i think the 44lb weston will fit also. Not 100% tho. I have a #12 cabelas pre carnivore grinder (weston butcher) and also a #22 1hp carnivore. My cabelas 50lb mixer fits both perfectly.

[smokinbubba]

Ozzyno Stugots you wont have reverse with the Lem. Thats why i stuck with the carnivore for my mixing. I grind with my #12 non carnivore

[JoeB]

smokinbubba It’s unfortunately a learning curve. Sometimes an expense one. Most of my processing equipment is one brand. At least i can hold them accountable for backward compatibility. I may not like, and wish i had reverse on my grinder but it is what it is… I feel your pain. Comes down to: want, vs, need, vs, like. Don’t buy for now, think about 5 years in the future. I would never pop $200 for an adapter. Money better spent on an upgrade. A permanent fix, not a patch

[Ozzyno Stugots]

yeah your right, the LEM mixer is not really a need, more of a preferrence, guess i will wait until Cabelas comes out with a 25 pound mixer, until then i still have my old faithful hand crank mixer.

[smokinbubba]

Ozzyno Stugots I have the cabelas 50lb and usually do 15lb batches. It works well just a little over kill. If they offered a 25lb, I would have jumped on it and will get one if they ever come out with one. I doubt that will ever happen. I think Cabelas does not care that much. LEM is a great company based in Cinci. I once met the owner Larry. He is like you and me, a lover of fine meat products. He isnt big corporate. He listens to his customers. If the LEM had a reverse and was priced more competitivly, I would have went with their products. I am very happy with my Cabelas equipment tho.

[JoeB]

I think it’s time to put on my Engineering cap and come up with a hack for reverse on these mixers. Should take a couple dpdt switches and elective surgery.

[processhead]

JoeB said in Need an adaptor:

I think it’s time to put on my Engineering cap and come up with a hack for reverse on these mixers. Should take a couple dpdt switches and elective surgery.

It’s been a while, but if it uses a split phase motor with a centrifugal switch in the start winding circuit, you can add the switch there to reverse the motor.

[JoeB]

processhead all mixers are not created equal. Time to prepare the operating room🥲

[processhead]

JoeB Time for exploratory surgery.

[JoeB]

processhead 🤨

[processhead]

JoeB

https://woodgears.ca/motors/reversing.html#:~:text=Once started%2C a single phase,polarity of the starter winding.