collagen vs. sheep

[lnmnmarty]

Hi all, Instead of hijacking a recent thread, I thought I would start a new one. I have been using 19mm collagens for snack sticks and  was thinking of ordering some 18/20mm sheep casings from syracuse casing. The pre tubed ones. I have the Cabelas 1/2" SS stuffing tube. 

Anyone who has used these (sheep casings in general) for snack sticks, I would like to know what they thought. Any pointers would be appreciated.  Thanks, Marty

 

[hoity toit]

Hi all, Instead of hijacking a recent thread, I thought I would start a new one. I have been using 19mm collagens for snack sticks and  was thinking of ordering some 18/20mm sheep casings from syracuse casing. The pre tubed ones. I have the Cabelas 1/2" SS stuffing tube. 

Anyone who has used these (sheep casings in general) for snack sticks, I would like to know what they thought. Any pointers would be appreciated.  Thanks, Marty

Sheep casings are my preference...I only use collagen on summer sausage and salami..I always had issues with the collagen casings beacause they dont shrink and get tight like natural ones do. If you stuff the collagen casings tight they work out ok if yo can keep from busting them. Just my opinion to your question..

 

[lnmnmarty]

Thanks, Hoity Toit.                                                                                                

I've stuffed alot of collagen snack sticks. Usually get them pretty tight. I actually have no problem with them, just wanted to try natural casings. I am sure the sheep casings are gonna be somewhat harder to deal with. Does anybody think the sheep casings break easier? I think they are going to be harder to load on the stuffing tube. Anybody used 18/20mm casings on 1/2' tube?

 

[woodcutter]

I prefer the sheep casings as well. I've been buying them from my butcher so I don't know what brand they are but are of good quality. I don't think they are hard to use in fact I think they are easier to use. Just soak them in cold water and keep sprinkling water on them while stuffing.  They are easier to twist into links and have a nice texture when finished. My $.02 worth of opinion.

 

[lnmnmarty]

Thanks Woodcutter

Glad to get positive feedback on the sheep casings. I was gonna try it anyway 

Keep the thoughts coming

 

[boykjo]

Natural sheep casings are very durable. If you are going to use 19/20mm casings they will not fit on the 1/2 inch tube. you will need to get a 3/8 inch tube.
 

 

[diggingdogfarm]

Definitely sheep casings!


~Martin

 

[lnmnmarty]

Natural sheep casings are very durable. If you are going to use 19/20mm casings they will not fit on the 1/2 inch tube. you will need to get a 3/8 inch tube.
 

Bummer

.How in the Heck do you guys get the meat to flow through a 3/8ths tube? I have a hard enough time running it through the 1/2" tube. Now I am talking 1/2" OD. I usually use 19mm collagen and have used 17mm. Wondering why same size naturals wont work. Guess I"ll find out, I just ordered them

. Spendy little buggers! 

Thanks though

 

[diggingdogfarm]

I have the LEM 3/8" SS tube.
3/8" ID and 1/2" OD
18/20mm casings will fit it just fine.

~Martin

 

[lnmnmarty]

I have the LEM 3/8" SS tube.
3/8" ID and 1/2" OD
18/20mm casings will fit it just fine.

~Martin

 You made my day. Thanks, pal

 

[woodcutter]

Bummer

.How in the Heck do you guys get the meat to flow through a 3/8ths tube? I have a hard enough time running it through the 1/2" tube. Now I am talking 1/2" OD. I usually use 19mm collagen and have used 17mm. Wondering why same size naturals wont work. Guess I"ll find out, I just ordered them

. Spendy little buggers! 

Thanks though

Sticks are one of the sausages where I end up adding a little water sometimes to make stuffing a little easier.

 

[lnmnmarty]

Thanks Woodcutter, I have found that trick out too. I use the Cabelas motor on my stuffer and it has a clutch in it to keep from burning out the motor. Not enough moisture and it just keeps kicking out. The first sticks I did, before the motor, I didnt add very much water at all. I thought I was gonna break the stuffer or my arm 

. And I weigh 225lbs. I grind through a medium plate (4.5mm),I like that for consistency, but a fine grind would help the meat flow better also. Gonna have to try it some day. 

Thanks all for the Help. Will try to post pics of my snack sticks with sheep casings when I get it done.

 

[boykjo]

I have the older model with some factory mods with the gears The way it came in the box the directions said not to run the motor and install the hand crank for stix... do you have the newer model and does it say the same thing?

Joe
 

 

[lnmnmarty]

I have the older model with some factory mods with the gears The way it came in the box the directions said not to run the motor and install the hand crank for stix... do you have the newer model and does it say the same thing?

Joe
 

Funny you should ask.........I had to dig out the instructions and read them (for the first time) 

. 

Yes, I have the newer model.

It does not say you cant use it on sticks. It does say if the clutch engages: 1) add more water. 2) re chill meat, cold meat flows better. 3) Slow down the motor speed.

Adding water makes since and #2 should be done anyway. Slowing down the speed is the only way to get the meat to flow through my stuffer, especially towards the bottom of the canister when the sausage is starting to set up. I really like the stuffer motor. I do sausages by myself and having two hands makes it a much more pleasant experience. Marty

 

[boykjo]

Tell me about it........ With my older model motor it had a small plastic knurled gear pressed into a larger metal gear and when the stuffer was stressed the plastic knurled gear would slip and the motor was finished..... I failed me twice under warranty but when the warranty ran out I took it apart and found what the problem was. By that time cabals had figured out a solution to the problem with a all new solid metal gear. The only problem is there is no protection with a clutch so I have to be careful. My motor is loud with the new gear. I check it frequently and keep it well lubed with a spare just in case

You can listen to my stuffer. i have the 30 lb er