Stuffing tube Size

[nickelmore]

Before I spend money on a stuffing tube that I can't use I figure I would get the input from the group.

I have a 15lb LEM clone from Gander Mountain. I bought it to use instead of my Hobart grinder. I want to make some snack sticks but need to know what size stuffing tube fits what size collagen cases.

Also what size do most folks use to make "slim Jim's"? Bass Pro sells 17mm, I have seen 19mm and butcher packer sells 21mm.

LEM use to sell a "snack stick" tube for the 15lb stuffer but it has been discontinued. I am not sure what size it really was, or why it was discontinued.

Are they measured inside diameter, or outside diameter?

Anyone have one they don't use and want to sell?

[erain]

depending on what you want to make, i use a 1/2 inch for sheep casings(snack stix,wieners,breakfast sausage), a 3/4 inch for hog(polish/kielbasa type sausages,brats,etc.), and the big gun, i think its 1 or 1.25 inch for filling larger sausage casings(summer,ring bologna,etc). i have never used collagen casings so if there is any difference with that i couldnt tell you.

[nickelmore]

casings

Maybe I will try some sheep's casing for slim Jim's, I was trying to get a smaller size.

I have always used my grinder with a foot switch for stuffing regular sausages/salami's, but bought a 15lb stuffer and found it did not have the same size tubes as the 5lb one.

I really don't want to buy a second stuffer just for Slim Jims, so I am trying to figure out the best setup.

[erain]

have one a those foot swiches too, man its the only way to go when you doing it by yourself... i bet you can find a smaller tube to fit your stuffer if you look around.

[nickelmore]

They are available

There are a few available, just a little different sizes available so i figured I would ask what folks use here.

I will probably continue to use the Grinder for salami's and use the 15lber for the brats and slim Jim's.

Or I may just sell the 15lb and buy a 5lb, or break down and spend $30 for a tube. Its a bummer LEM discontinued them, I think they were only $12.

[mulepackin]

What is the diameter of the flange on the tubes you have that fit your stuffer? Also post a picture or a link to your stuffer. I can't believe that there isn't one available to fit your machine. Did you check the links I posted in my snack stick thread? I think I've used 19mm and 21mm, not sure about the 17. I've been happy with all of them as far as size goes. Often times it comes down to what I can get. Some casings are tougher and I have fewer blowouts while stuffing. Be sure the casing you use is rated for smoking. Fresh rated collagen won't support the weight of sausage hanging in the smoker.

[erain]

Be sure the casing you use is rated for smoking. Fresh rated collagen won't support the weight of sausage hanging in the smoker.

something i never heard of before...... but good to know!!!
i guess even if some have used it, for me it isnt worth taking the chance.

[nickelmore]

thanks

The stuffer I have is a LEM clone that I picked up at Gander mountain, guide series lb size. It came with 3 tubes, 3/4, 7/8 and 1 1/4 the base of the flange is 2 inches.

I looked at the links and yes those may work, thats what prompted my original post. I have some 17MM casings that I used, but cannot find a tube to fit them.

I can ask a different way.

17mm collagen casing what size OD stuffing tube do i need?

19mm collagen casing what size OD stuffing tube do i need?

21mm collagen casing what size OD stuffing tube do i need?

At $30 plus shipping I just want to confirm I buy the correct one.

My other option is to buy a 5lb stuffer that I will just use for slim jims, it comes with a smaller tube that I think may work for slim jim collagen casings.

I did not know about the different ratings on casings, thanks.

[Meat Hunter]

I have the same stuffer, the 15# and the tubes that came with it. I know they make a small 3/8" tube for it. Just try some of the more well known sausage supply retailers like butcher packer, the sausage maker ect. One thing I did was I took one of the tubes from our kitchen. We bought the sausage stuffer many years ago before I knew what I was doing LOL. I took the small 3/8" that came with that and trimmed the base to the size of the tubes that came with the stuffer I got from Gander Mountain. Works like a champ. Just an idea. You can probably find those small stuffer tubes for the kitchen aid on ebay for a few bucks if you don't have any luck with the other places.

[nickelmore]

Doing a little trial and error

This time I don't have the smoker going, and meat setting up ready to be stuffed.

The small tubes that come with the Jerky Cannon (and kitchen aid) is 5/8 OD It will not work for 17mm it will work on 19mm only if you unravel them and load about 3 inches on the tube.

I suspect that a 1/2 tube may work on 19mm casings and a 3/8 OD tube will work for the 17mm casings.

I don't have any 21mm casings to try on the KA tube.

[mulepackin]

Okay, gotcha. Well I can tell you for sure that 19 mm casings will fit over a 1/2" outside diameter tube. It is snug, and you need to lube the tube with Pam or veg oil, as well as gently twist the casing on. I don't think 17 would fit a 1/2 in. tube unless you opened them and then slid them on. But the whole hank won't slide on. By open them I mean to pull them apart from the accordianed up way they come. 25.4 mm = 1 inch. so in theory 17 mm casing should fit, but when they are scrunched up they don't. The 21 mm will work on a 1/2" nicely. I've not found a tube smaller than 1/2". Even though F. Dick calls mine a 3/8", it's still 1/2" outside.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...ed=0CCkQ9QEwAg

[nickelmore]

Thanks Mulepackin

That is exactly the info I was looking for, some mfg's go by ID some OD and the casing folks seem to go by mm but that seems to be "finished size".


Still tossing about what I out to do, this 15lb stuffer is huge on the counter. I have been using my Hobart type grinder with a #22 plate for grinding and stuffing but I did not like the consistency of the product.

My dilemma is I alway do 5lb batches and the lb unit looks like there may be quite a bit of waste.

I am just wondering if I should return the 15lb and get the 5lb unit.

I can use my grinder for summer sausage size product and the 5lb unit has a 1/2 tube included. Or spend another $30 bucks and not worry about it.

Or usually what happens is I will buy the smaller unit and keep the bigger stuffer in case i ever need a backup.

Thanks

[mulepackin]

I'm kinda throwing around the idea of a 5#er as well for small batches. The big one is great for big batches, but way overkill for small ones, or trial size ones. When I've looked at the small LEM at the sporting goods stores, my wife just laughs at them and says "Yours is way bigger". I tell her "thanks for noticing" Then she smacks me.

[nickelmore]

Now thats funny

LOL......anyway thanks for the input.