Getting started with butchering- equipment and instruction

[muddydogs]

Problem with those little grinders is time. When doing large batches, or grinding more than one time, it can take painfully long time and the meat can start to warm.

I'll also add that learning to make things like hotdogs and ground and formed bacon can save trim time on some meat pieces. When I butcher I have a hotdog pile and a burger pile of meat.

Like I stated in my other post the grinder will grind faster then I can stuff meat down the throat. I have no problems doing 50 pound batches of burger and considering I purchased some rubber insulated gloves to keep my fingers from going numb from the cold meat I don't have a problem with it warming.

 

[archer wapiti]

Buy the best spices you can afford within reason. The sausages you make will be good anyways, but even better with good quality spices. I tend to use Penzey's. Great value and usually over $30 for an order is free shipping. They have become outspokenly political since October, which might be a deal breaker for some. I've never tasted a better bratwurst than ones I have made from Penzey's Spices bratwurst seasoning.

 

[archer wapiti]

Like I stated in my other post the grinder will grind faster then I can stuff meat down the throat. I have no problems doing 50 pound batches of burger and considering I purchased some rubber insulated gloves to keep my fingers from going numb from the cold meat I don't have a problem with it warming.

Those rubber gloves are a great idea muddy! I've never had a problem with the meat warming up either, even on a warm September day, but then the meat isn't out any longer than it takes to slice, grind, and mix spices into it.
Numb hands and condensation forming on the outside of the grinding mechanism because the meat is keeping it that cold are the norm.

 

[VernAK]

Lotsa good advice above!

We do 4-6 moose every fall and the 1hp Cabela's grinder is very adequate. We use a saw for nothing other than antler removal or ribs sometimes.
Poly wrap then butcher wrap. We add no fat.....a bit of olive oil when making burgers. The beauty of doing your own butchering is quality. Don't grind that bloodshot and sinew.

Buy a couple commercial boning knives. I don't slice steaks but wrap the entire muscle group and slice into steaks prior to cooking.

After a bit of experience, you'll add a few items to your butchering equipment i.e. meat tubs, tape dispensers, paper dispensers, cutting boards.

 

[robtattoo]

Here's an idea (well, it's what I did anyway)
I only ever had 2 animals processed before I decided I'd rather do it myself. Bought a #12 hand grinder, a plastic table & a bunch of Victorinox boning knives. I also grabbed a cheap vacuum sealer.

I taught myself the basics & then offered to do a deer for a friend, who was also sick of paying for processing. Well, that snowballed into doing all his deer, then his brother's, then his cousin's.
I never charged them a cent, other than asking them to buy their own vac bags.

Well, a couple of years ago I came up with a suggestion. The 4 of us chip in & buy a 1hp grinder, stainless table, good dehydrator, stuffer & good vac sealer. I get to keep all the equipment, they get their meat processed free of charge.

It cut my expenditure down by 75% & I'm not doing anything I wasn't before. Only now I get to do it in a quarter the time!

 

[tlowell02]

Buy the best spices you can afford within reason. The sausages you make will be good anyways, but even better with good quality spices. I tend to use Penzey's. Great value and usually over $30 for an order is free shipping. They have become outspokenly political since October, which might be a deal breaker for some. I've never tasted a better bratwurst than ones I have made from Penzey's Spices bratwurst seasoning.

I used to order most spices from Penzey's until, just as you pointed out, they began their political rants. I since switched to ordering completely from The Spice House. I'm sure they have the same political views (there is some connection between the two companies) but at least they don't beat you over the head with their views. I don't care what political stance most people hold, just don't get all high and mighty on me.