Online Workshop: Project B (August 2012)

[Jarhead]

Sheep Casing questions.
I have looked and found them ranging from $13 to $50. Where are you getting yours?
From my checking different sites, I have found that sheep casings come in different grades/ratings. "E" is for emulsified like hot dogs and "C" is for a course grind, like we are making here.
I've also seen a cheap home pack ($13) that contains 142 pieces I don't think so!!!
So I settled on a place that I have never ordered from before. It's called Spice Line
1 hank of 22-24 "C" Tubed Sheep Casing for $28.95 (ouch)
What do you think?

[el Ducko]

As a family, we have worked to reduce salt intake in our foods for the past 15 years or so. There's a history of salt sensitivity due to high blood pressure concerns, and one of us even suffers from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and other side effects. As a result, we all prefer less salt, and don't like most restaurant fare because it tastes over-salted.

In my sausage, we find that salt levels of 0.5% to 1.0% work best, generally on the low side. I know that several (that means you, Ross!) have questioned the salt level in my recipes. Now you know why.

The 1.5% suggested target is a good one. However, salt to your own preference. You can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in there. (I'll start adding a note to all of my recipes if they get published).

[Cabonaia]

1 hank of 22-24 "C" Tubed Sheep Casing for $28.95

I looked at the site, but it seems you have to buy a whole bucket of hanks to get that price. Am I getting it wrong?

[Jarhead]

Cabonaia, I don't know. I just called and left a voice message about it. I'll let y'all know.

[two_MN_kids]

For what it's worth, today I visited a local Gander Mountain and a not-too-far-away Bass Pro. Both carry a small amount of sausage making supplies. Both were out of everything on our list.

So, for most of us, save time and gasoline- - Go to town for meat (and extra beer, maybe), but go to the internet for mail order sausage making supplies.

Hey el Ducko,

Same thing here in MN. I even checked with local butcher supply and discovered they had recently closed shop. I already had most supplies needed, but just ordered remainder from Sausage Maker, Inc. Bonus, as they are offering free shipping right now.

[el Ducko]

Ouch! I shoulda ordered from there instead of LEM. Oh well...

Has anybody found a cheap price on T-SPX yet? Butcher-Packer (at $15.00) is the best that I've seen so far. I thought I'd check it out a bit, then wait until closer to when we need it, per CW's instructions.

[el Ducko]

...anybody else succumb to the temptation to buy some new equipment, books, etc? What did you buy? (Not that I would, of course, but... )

[Jarhead]

Ouch! I shoulda ordered from there instead of LEM. Oh well...

Has anybody found a cheap price on T-SPX yet? Butcher-Packer (at $15.00) is the best that I've seen so far. I thought I'd check it out a bit, then wait until closer to when we need it, per CW's instructions.

Only other one that I found was from Allied Kenco

[two_MN_kids]

Has anybody found a cheap price on T-SPX yet? Butcher-Packer (at $15.00) is the best that I've seen so far. I thought I'd check it out a bit, then wait until closer to when we need it, per CW's instructions.

Sausage Maker, Inc. has it for $18. It may be cheaper there, taking the free shipping into account.

Jim

[two_MN_kids]

...anybody else succumb to the temptation to buy some new equipment, books, etc? What did you buy? (Not that I would, of course, but... )

I have been, and still am looking for a suitable freezer to convert. Found a great one not too long ago, but it works too good as a freezer to gut it!

[Jarhead]

...anybody else succumb to the temptation to buy some new equipment, books, etc? What did you buy? (Not that I would, of course, but... )

Grizzley has a 5# stuffer on sale for $79.00
Grizzley Stuffer
Northern Tool has a #12 electric grinder for $99.00 I've had mine for over 3 years and love it. It's seen a whole bunch of meat in it's day.
Grinder

I don't have the 5# vertical. Mine is an 8# horizontal from Northern Tool (discontinued)

Don't worry about the non-metal gears. As long as you don't get stupid and try to run the plunger through the horn you are ok.

[Jarhead]

I have been, and still am looking for a suitable freezer to convert. Found a great one not too long ago, but it works too good as a freezer to gut it!

Build one out of OSB or T-1-11 siding. This one is propane, but you get the idea. AND you don't need all that fancy stuff that went into this build.
HTH

[Gulyás]

Yes el Ducko I bought some new equipment, but I did it before I registered here, so the reason isn't this project. I bought a new all stainless steel grinder size 22, 1.5 hp. I got very surprised......it's polished very nice on the outside, but maaaaaaaaan, on inside, it's well, made in China.......gar****....upppssss........ ...so not very nice.....
Luckily I'm a tool & die maker, so I'm rebuilding it, still in cardboard box.
I got a new 7 liter upright stuffer too.

[Cabonaia]

Recently got:

Amaz'n smoker
Kirby bucket mixer
LEM 5 lb vertical stuffer

Very pleased with all of them. Needless to say, I am now broke!

Next will be a remote thermometer with an alarm.

Someday, a deli slicer. But I don't really need one, so it can wait.

[two_MN_kids]

[Build one out of OSB or T-1-11 siding. This one is propane, but you get the idea. AND you don't need all that fancy stuff that went into this build.
HTH

Sorry Gunny,

I didn`t completely explain that what I want is fermentation and curing cabinet. See this link to posting: http://wedlinydomowe.pl/en/viewtopic.php?t=5317

By winter I hope to try some fermented types.

I have two electric smokers (Bradley and Cookshack), and although I am limited to 10 lbs. of hanging links, (haven't figured out how to hang them without touching) I find the Bradley works well enough. Of course, the drawback is purchasing the expensive pucks. But there are work-a-rounds for that, too. (Amaz'n smoker might be one idea!)

Jim