Tips and Tricks for Precise Cuts with Hobart Meat Saws

The cutting of a piece of meat can affect not only its appearance, but also the texture of the meat. There are various ways to cut meat, such as using a hand saw or a knife, but few options are as efficient as using the Hobart meat saw. Here are several tips and tricks for precise cuts with Hobart meat saws.

Use a Sharp Saw Blade

When you are striving for accurate cuts, one of the foremost things to consider is the sharpness of the saw blade. If you have ever tried to make a cut with a dull blade, whether the material is wood, tile or meat, you are probably aware of the problems that can arise from this. Dull blades make it difficult to cut through the material, and they can lead to rough, frayed edges. One of the primary methods to ensure the Hobart meat saw blade is in proper condition is to visually inspect it. To accomplish this, turn off the power to the saw and unplug it from the outlet. Unplugging the meat saw will help to prevent the unit from accidentally powering up. Once the saw is in a safe position for inspection, look closely at the teeth on the blade and make sure there are not any that are bent or misshapen. Teeth can become damaged if they hit obstructions in the meat, such as metal bands. Also, note if the teeth appear to be worn or rounded, as this can signify the blade needs replacing. In the end, the easiest way to tell if a blade is dull is if it feels like it is not cutting smoothly and appears to be getting hung up on the tougher parts of the meat.

Controlled Speed

As with cutting anything, you need to maintain a controlled cutting speed, in regards to pushing the object through the saw blade. Similar to cutting along a line on a piece of wood, meat cuts also need to be made with precision. Forcing the piece through could cause you to cut into other areas of the meat, and even into bone. To get the most precise cut, push the meat through at a slow and steady pace. Not only will this make for a crisper line, but it will also ensure you do not ruin the piece of meat.

Use a Pusher Plate

A pusher plate is a piece of metal that acts as a means of protecting your hands from encountering the saw blade while cutting meat. It is particularly useful when you are cutting thin strips and small chunks. In addition to increasing the safety level while using the meat saw, a pusher plate can help you achieve a more precise cut. When you are forcing your hands close to the saw, it can lead to apprehension, and you may tend to stay farther from the blade, regardless of the cut you are trying to achieve. There is no doubt that making use of a pusher plate is highly recommended to maintain safety standards, but it is also integral in slicing meat to specifications.

Use the Backstop

A backstop provides a permanent fixture to align the meat while you are cutting. You can use this as a guide to move the meat along as you are running the saw, and it will lead to a more even cut. When using the backstop, it is possible to cut meat to any desired thickness. For instance, if you are trying to trim a steak to 1” in thickness, running it along the backstop, combined with a pusher plate, will allow you to do so. As with the pusher plate, the backstop increases the level of safety, too.

In Conclusion

When you are going for precise cuts for your meat, there is no better choice than the Hobart meat saw. With its direct gear drive transmission, it can efficiently slice meat and create any cut you are trying to achieve. However, when you seek to attain a precise cut, there are some important aspects to keep in mind. A key factor in making a clean cut it to always make sure the blade is sharp. Check the condition of the teeth to make sure they are not worn down, as this will hinder cutting. Maintain your cutting speed so you do not cut into other parts of the meat or bone. Furthermore, make use of both the backstop and the pusher plate to help guide the meat evenly through the saw blade.