How to Sharpen a Hobart Meat Slicer
From delis to sandwich shops, Hobart meat slicers are some of the best in the business. They make preparing food easy and are manufactured to withstand daily use.
When you notice poorly sliced meat or have trouble using your machine, it can make prep a pain. Before you start troubleshooting your unit to find the problem, see if the knife blade is dull. Sharpening not only makes slicing simple again, but it also gets the most out of your unit. However, try to avoid doing it too frequently. That can actual wear out the slicer blade quicker.
Not sure how to sharpen a Hobart meat slicer blade? The instructions below apply the EDGE and HS Series as well as 1612E, 1712E, 1712RE, 1812 and 1912 models.
What You'll Need:
- Warm Water
- Mild Detergent
- Soft-Bristle Scrub Brush or Non-Abrasive Scrub Pad
- Work Gloves
- Hobart Lubrication Kit
Step 1. Prepare and Disassemble
Before you start sharpening the blade on your Hobart slicer, put on a pair of work gloves and unplug the machine's power cord. Turn the index knob fully clockwise to close the gauge plate. Then, rotate the latch knob to remove the top knife cover on you unit. On HS models, lift and remove the plastic ring guard cover.
Step 2. Clean the Area
You don't want any food debris to transfer from the blade to sharpener. Make sure to thoroughly clean the surrounding area as well as the knife surfaces and edges. Using a scrub brush or pad, scrub the section with warm water and a proper cleaning solution. After cleaning, rinse and dry off with a cloth.
Step 3. Sharpen the Slicer Blade
Once the knife area is clean and dry, you can start sharpening the blade. Different models have specific instructions.
Hobart 1612E, 1712E and 1712RE Slicers
- Start by positioning the sharpener above the knife blade, and make sure the upper guide pins are positioned in the front slots.
- Plug in the machine, and turn it on by pulling the lighted switch knob.
- Then, press the grind button on the sharpener, which is located above the upper guide pin.
- Grind the slicer blade until a burr forms on the knife's front edge.
- Turn off the slicer and check for a burr on the top edge of the knife blade. If it's not burred, repeat the grinding process.
- If the top edge is burred, start the slicer and hold the truing button for about three seconds and release.
- Turn the slicer off, and unplug the machine. Remove the sharpener, and clean off any particles left from grinding.
- Reattach the top knife cover, deflector and sharpener accordingly.
Hobart 1812PS, 1812 and 1912 Slicers
- Plug in the power cord, and start the slicer by pulling the lighted switch knob. On 1812PS models, push the "On" button to start the unit.
- Lift the sharpening handle so that it's in a horizontal position. Pull the handle toward you, and apply pressure until the handle can no longer is able to move.
- Sharpen the knife blade for about five seconds, and release the handle.
- See if the edges are burred. If not, try repeating the process for another five seconds.
- Turn the slicer off, and unplug the machine. Clean off any particles left from grinding.
- Reattach the top knife cover accordingly.
Hobart HS Series Slicers
- Plug in the machine. Hold down the "KNIFE ON" button for about 15 seconds as you pull the sharpener lever forward.
- Release the sharpener lever and press the "OFF" button, and unplug the machine.
- See if the edges are burred. If not, repeat the sharpening process.
- Once the slicer is off and unplugged, clean off any particles left from sharpening.
- Reattach the top knife cover and ring guard cover accordingly.
Hobart Edge Series Slicers
- Plug in the machine, and turn the slicer on.
- Pull the sharpener handle forward, and release after five seconds.
- Release the sharpener lever and press the "OFF" button. Then, unplug the machine.
- Check if the knife's edges are burred. If not, repeat the sharpening process.
- With the machine off and unplugged, clean any particles left from sharpening.
- Reattach the knife cover accordingly.
Step 4. Lubricate Your Machine between Sharpening
In between sharpening cycles, you should try to lubricate your Hobart slicer. Lubricating slide rods, meat grips and other parts of the slicer not only extends the life of your machine, but it also helps put less stress on your slicer blade.
Need more help sharpening your slicer blade? Check out our collection of Hobart manuals for additional steps and maintenance tips.