Waltons 11 lb stuffer question

[processhead]

Chef said in Waltons 11 lb stuffer question:

processhead You have a very technical mind. I would think that a ratchet would make it work, but do you think that is the fix to the problem? I think the gear ratio or something might be the solution. I only have used two stuffers, one an 11 pound LEM and a 30 pound F. Dick. Similar diameters cylinders, but the LEM is much harder to crank and I did often need a cheater bar or ratchet of some type for snack sticks. The F. Dick has no problem stuffing snack sticks at all, yet the throughput is faster than the LEM. Engineering wise, I can only think that the gear ratio is the difference.

Your Thoughts? (BTW Happy Thanksgiving)

You are correct, Chef . Ease of cranking is all about the gear ratio which is something we can’t change and the length of the crank handle, which in theory we can control.

And the laws of physics and gear ratios say you can go slow with little effort or fast with more effort, all other things being equal.

The only advantage the ratchet-crank brings you is that it allows you to operate the crank repeatedly in a position where it requires the least amount of effort. For most people that probably means a position where they can apply some body weight on the down stroke.

The one thing I found I can control is the length of the crank handle on my antique stuffers. A longer handle means more leverage which reduces the amount of effort required. (but you have to move the handle a greater distance)

I fabricate longer handles for my old stuffers and it is totally worth it.

[processhead]

marzig20 said in Waltons 11 lb stuffer question:

Chef said in Waltons 11 lb stuffer question:

marzig20 I believe it would. With it being on the opposite side, one can crank with the left hand and use the right hand on the stuffing tube.

At least that is the way I use it. If it were at 90 degrees, I think it would be much harder for one person to operate.

That’s exactly my concern. In my mind’s eye, I can’t figure out how I would be able to do it by myself.

With the side crank stuffers, when stuffing by yourself, you basically have to crank with your right hand and fill the casings with your left hand. For a right-handed person, it probably feels awkward the first time to use your left hand for filling. I seem to have adapted to it OK, but it is certainly slower than working with a partner.

[marzig20]

processhead that’s the way I stuff now and I’m comfortable with it. Wasn’t sure if my right hand cranking would interfere with my left hand.

[processhead]

Everyone is different, what works for you might not work for me and vice-versa.
Best bet would be to find someone with a side crank model you could test drive.

[marzig20]

processhead I agree. While you’re cranking do you have to move your left arm so much that you lose control of left hand stuffing? Don’t know anyone locally that makes sausage.

[marzig20]

This post is deleted!

[glen]

While I agree a ratchet would eliminate kickback and may give your arm a rest while straightening, (or curling) the rope
However there are times when the instant pressure release is desirable As at the end of the casing and especially with the all around jerky attachment
Also I could see a release problem if you bottom out the piston

[bocephus]

marzig20 I don’t think so, it might take a little getting used to. I have used stuffers with side and back handles and didn’t find it to hard to adjust.

[marzig20]

I think I might order one. The last question I had was if I can attach suction cups to the base. My old stuffer has a hole on each corner. I asked about it on Walton’s website and am waiting for an answer.

[processhead]

marzig20 I am pretty sure this has been done successfully.
Someone here found suction cups on Amazon that they put on their Walton stuffer and they said it worked pretty well.

[marzig20]

processhead that’s where I got the ones that I use on my stuffer and mixer. I have limited space and they work well for attachment to my kitchen counter without having to use clamps.

[marzig20]

I pulled the trigger and ordered the 11 lb stuffer this morning. Was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Walton’s had dropped the price to $169. Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions!

[marzig20]

Just got an email back from Walton’s notifying that my stuffer has shipped. They answered my question about attaching suction cups to the stuffer quickly. Great customer service!

[samspade]

marzig20 you will love it

[calldoctoday]

processhead I wish I could find one like that to fabricate. That looks ingenious!

[processhead]

calldoctoday said in Waltons 11 lb stuffer question:

processhead I wish I could find one like that to fabricate. That looks ingenious!

calldoctoday Are you looking for an old stuffer? Or do you have an old stuffer already and want to put an extended handle on it?

[bocephus]

marzig20 Ordered mine today also, but will definitely be tuning in Monday.

[ND Mike]

marzig20 you will find that Waltons is awesome to deal with. I proudly wear my Walton’s gear out and about. I steer people their way all the time because of their customer service and Meatgistics.

[calldoctoday]

processhead I am looking for a good stuffer & manual mixer, period. I have been doing all mine manually & with the grinder all these years & really need to get with the program. I like the idea of the old ones & think that they are made to last forever pretty much, like a lot of other older things, that you can still work on, as long as parts are available. However, I also like the idea & have been thinking about the Walton’s 11 pounder a lot. The idea of you putting those levers on your old stuffers is terrific & solves the issues I am hearing about with some of them being a little more difficult to operate, especially with smaller casings. That is true American Ingenuity.

[marzig20]

I received my 11 lb stuffer and I’m very, very impressed! It’s like a Cadillac compared to my clunky old 5 lb from Sausage Maker. I don’t think I’ll have any trouble adapting to the side crank. Looks like my suction cups will fit once I shorten the threaded studs as there is very little room underneath. I can’t wait to give it a try!