game processing tools

[Mousehunter]

I used to (as of last year anyway) help make quite a bit of sausage (1-2k a year, we made a party of it). I have also done a little (less than 100lbs) on my own. At the party, we use an Enterprise/Chop rite (iirc) antique sausage stuffer/lard press (cast iron, crank model) Many a ton of pig has gone through it. I also have one at home, but they are a bit pricy now (you will never find one cheep at a garage sale anymore).

I also have a lever stuffer and a LEM crank. I have used the lever just enough to utterly hate it. Maybe it was worth the $20 I paid for it, but probably not. I have not needed to use the LEM, but think it will do the job well. Pretty sure there are 2 simular models - I think mine has metal gears.

Most of my home sausage was done with a hand crank (#22 I think) chop rite grinder. Since it is most likely I will no longer be making sausage with friends this year (and I have the pulley for the grinder), I will probably motorize it for personal use (we ground tons this way at the party a long time ago - before the party went to commerical grinders (which were too much work to haul arround), then to a cabelas grinder (one second one of those - really not made to grind 1-2k of meat strait).

At some point, you will also want your own smokehouse... But that is another world of equipment.

[egress81]

I suggest you specify what you want as far as final product. It can be as simple as steak and stew meat, or as fancy as sausage, jerky, sticks, etc.

We have always just done steaks, stew and burger because jerky and link sausage was usually to expensive at the butcher. We have made jerky ourselves a few times. Though I think I would like to try my hand at sausage making.

[Razorback01]

Steak and stew, sharp knife, cutting board (Walmart) and freezer paper/vacuum sealer. Sharp knife will also do jerky. Burger you will need a grinder. Sausage I can't help with, if it wasn't chicken fry with gravy, jerky or some ground I haven't put enough in the freezer to worry about it!

[navajo76]

I went with lem #8 GRINDER from bass pro. Made pork sausage lasr weekend for the first time. Great buy.

[Josh7099]

Anyone use the tenderizer attachment on their grinder, if so which one do you use?

[TallTexan]

All I have to add is:

Get a boning knife- victrinox, spelling?, is under $20 on Amazon
I also got a meat hook.

Cut the meat in a cool dry place, and partially freeze the piece you're working on. Partially frozen is much easier to work with.

Partially freeze the finished product before you vacuum seal if that's the route you go.

[egress81]

LEM seems to be the universal go to for equipment. I have added a good boning knife, trays and scales to my list as well.

Thanks to everyone for the info and keep em coming for those who may be looking as well!

[LemmeOut]

Since your down there in the Houston area, skip on going to Bass Pro and go to Allied Kenico (spelling?) for your grinding and stuffing needs. They will have some of the other items on your list as well. Also, look for a restaurant supply store that is open to the public, they will have a better selection of cutting boards, knives, trays, tubs and items like that. Their prices will likely be better too.

Making sausage isn't that hard but it is a lot easier with more than one person. Check with Jake (JTRichardson) and he might be able to help too.

[SwampRabbit]

Since your down there in the Houston area, skip on going to Bass Pro and go to Allied Kenico (spelling?) for your grinding and stuffing needs. They will have some of the other items on your list as well. Also, look for a restaurant supply store that is open to the public, they will have a better selection of cutting boards, knives, trays, tubs and items like that. Their prices will likely be better too.

Making sausage isn't that hard but it is a lot easier with more than one person. Check with Jake (JTRichardson) and he might be able to help too.

Well, if you are looking to get the best deal on a consumer grade grinder, and you decide on a LEM, Academy has really good prices on them vs other retailers. I got my 25# LEM stuffer on Amazon.

I shop Allied Kenco a lot for my hard to find purchases and my consumables. Their grinders and vacuum sealers are all commercial grade there and come with the appropriate price tag that goes with it. They cater to butcher shops, so they can work on that equipment there. Cabelas and LEM grinders, although they say "commercial quality" are not commercial grinders (evident when you see a real commercial grinder.)

But, if you are wanting to get into sausage making, Allied Kenco is your best friend in the whole world. They have all sorts of spices and spice mixes and all sorts of casing options. Their vacuum seal bags are also really awesomely priced. You can get your high temp cheese there, packaging, cures, everything.

And Cody is extremely knowledgeable. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask him.

[Sneaky]

1. Victorinox, model 40515 (6")
2. Swibo butcher knife (8")
3. 4-5 LEM "economy meat lug pan"
4. The most powerful grinder you can afford (do NOT go less than 1/4HP, and I prefer Cabelas brand to LEM)
5. Vacuum sealer (do not skimp - the pansy ones take FOREVER to seal a single bag)
6. Hand mixer
7. 2-3x 18x24 plastic cutting boards
8. Freezer paper, plastic wrap, ziploc bags and a sharpie

(Optional)

1. Dehydrator
2. Sausage stuffer
3. jerky blaster


Also, don't worry, it takes time to build up this supply. To start with, focus on the grinder, knives, meat trays, and cutting board.

[haley]

X3 on Allied Kenco! Also on the LEM stuff Academy has better pricing then BPS as well.

[salth2o]

I use a #8 LEM grinder, Cutco filet knife, totes, and my wife's bathroom scale.

I need a vacuum sealer. I would like to get a tenderize attachment for my grinder.

Making a run of sausage this weekend from a pig my son killed. It is a lot of fun once you get started.

[Skinny]

LEM grinder
LEM stuffer
Vacuum sealer
Meat lugs (totes)
Scale

I suggest getting quality equipment. Nothing worse than having game ready to process and have an equipment failure.

[bowhunterchris]

Looked at my grinder last night. It is a LEM #12

[MountainMan]

This is my list.

-Filet Knife. One good, sharp filet knife is worth it's weight in gold.
-Knife sharpener
-Grinder (spend the extra $ and get a good one!)
-Vacuum Sealer
-Sausage stuffer
-Scale
-Labels for meat. I got tired of trying to read sharpie on lumpy bags. Now, the day before I process, I print out some labels on the old printer (Don't use ink! It will run. Use a laser). Then I can write on the label what it is. Much better to find stuff.

Other things that I use occasionally

-Dehydrator
-Slicer
-Jerky Cannon
-Propane smoker

Small cost items

-Meat hook. I love mine. Use it all the time.
-Meat lugs (bus boy bins)
-BIG Cutting boards. I have biggen's that I can cover my whole butchering table with. Well worth the costs.

After doing my whole buffalo myself, I also learned that you need to bribe help however you can get it.