Yes, I do all that. I never had a problem with them sticking at all. I guess what I am having some trouble with is the amount. Last time all was well until I tried to link them, then blowouts galore. This time, less filling but a lot of more air. Maybe I didn't fill them enough? With the collagen you just filled them. They don't stretch much.Letting your wife crank the handle might be a big help as you learn to work the casings. Do you give the casings a nice long soak & keep them wet on the stuffer tube so they slide easily for you?
Yes, I have the LEM 5lb vertical with the stainless tubes. I didn't care for the plastic and they have the stainless now in the most popular sizes. I will put the casings near the end and might try Shoneyboy's suggestion of a bowl to catch the meat. I appreciate all the suggestion. BTW, the Kielbasa I made this past weekend came out excellant taste wise. Just had the ai rpockets and was able to rid most of those that I saw with a pin before smoking. Some I missed and when the smoke ended, they were plainly seen, but the taste is the same.Try putting the casings near the end of the tube next time and i think it will make stuffing easier for you. If you dont have a vertical stuffer is would suggest that as well. Reinhard
A couple other suggestions, when packing your stuffer pack it in small amounts and press it down in-between……that will help remove any air pockets. When stuffing I usually try to keep enough pressure on the casing so that if I do hit an air pocket the air will push back into the casing still hanging on the horn and not allow it to follow the meat out....if that makes sense…….SBYes, I have the LEM 5lb vertical with the stainless tubes. I didn't care for the plastic and they have the stainless now in the most popular sizes. I will put the casings near the end and might try Shoneyboy's suggestion of a bowl to catch the meat. I appreciate all the suggestion. BTW, the Kielbasa I made this past weekend came out excellant taste wise. Just had the ai rpockets and was able to rid most of those that I saw with a pin before smoking. Some I missed and when the smoke ended, they were plainly seen, but the taste is the same.
Just take your time. I do all the stuffing.
Air pockets can be from not packing the main canister right (air pockets between meat placement) Pulling the casing forward some then back to fill causing an air pocket. Try to keep the casing close to the end of the tube (some can be long i know) Natural twist will want to go to one side, keep the meat tight to the end and twist the casing on the tube.
Yes, I hand pack the stuffer really tight. I think you may have hit where the air comes from in your second sentence there. The casing does mpoth back and forth on the tube. Not on purpose but it slides on and off when I let go to adjust the coil. I will try and watch that the next time.Air pockets can be from not packing the main canister right (air pockets between meat placement) Pulling the casing forward some then back to fill causing an air pocket. Try to keep the casing close to the end of the tube (some can be long i know) Natural twist will want to go to one side, keep the meat tight to the end and twist the casing on the tube.
You make me sound pretty pathetic.I'm glad I got such "Expert" advice.Maybe you need 6 hands, one Person cranking and filling the top of the hopper with meat. One Person holding the casing on tube and also helping fill the hopper with meat. Then the third Person, coiling and twisting the sausage and a time helping hold the casing on the tube. It would help a Lot having that third person.
Recruit a son or daughter, neighbor or friend to help
I agree - once you get the hang of it things will go much smoother for you. I stuff alone as well & it's not bad. Don't get discouraged - you'll get itIt takes practice and I think it's easier to do it alone.
~Martin