Shule "Pasta Maker"

[smokesec]

Was browsing around the interwebs today and came across this video: (forum won't let me insert it for some reason)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvCiGLZ4M5o


Looks to do a good job. Uploader says he has put 120 lbs through it thus far. They range in price from $24.99 to $29.99 in a quick google search. I bought one off of ebay for $21.99. I should have it in 2-3 days and will post a review.

Side note - apparently there is an electric version of it as well.

 

[Michibacy]

I have the same thing (different maker). Review is here

http://fairtradetobacco.com/showthr...s-a-shredder-(a-review)&highlight=pasta+maker

I like it a lot, just make sure it isn't too dry and brittle.

 

[Boboro]

I got one hooked up to a ice shaver motor With a toe switch. pics. on album. And they are decused in leanth somewhere in the arcives.

 

[smokesec]

I have the same thing (different maker). Review is here

http://fairtradetobacco.com/showthread.php?1476-Weston-quot-Pasta-Maker-quot-as-a-shredder-%28a-review%29&highlight=pasta+maker

I like it a lot, just make sure it isn't too dry and brittle.

Oops... guess I should've reviewed this section a little more thoroughly!

 

[smokesec]

Well it came in today and I've been playing with it in between customers. Works pretty good, but my leaf is a little damp. I've been testing with a moisture meter to find the optimal moisture content for a good shred - not too wet so that it slides thru, not too dry so that it turns to powder. Right now I'm guesstimating 12% moisture content would be ideal for this shredder but don't hold me to that yet.

I also found that scoring the "teeth" with a knife a bit helps pull the leaf through.

 

[Lakota]

Smokesec I used a dremel on mine to add a grabbing effect. I also had my gears welded on to the shaft. I had a problem with them stripping and the weld fixed that problem. No other problems to speak of and this will be my 4th year

 

[wazzappenning]

i have had to put the gears back on a few times, but still good. the only other issue i have is those flimsy rakes. i usually use a steak knife to push them back in while turning the handle with the unit upside down. that causes the rake to get under the jammed tobacco and set it in the right spot. i know it seems to bend those rakes out more if the baccy is too moist. it kind of bunches up into a clump and brings a rake tooth with it.

as for a fix to this, i had an idea i may try on this one, or if i end up buying another (a few of the rake teeth have snapped off from being bent back and forth so often)

so what i see as the main issue is that the teeth are too long for the thickness they have. what i could see adding much more rigidity to them is cutting them back to about 1/8" with a zip disc? maybe just sheet metal shears? this would be with unit disassembled of course. then im not sure if this should be done with the unit apart or re assembled? bend the teeth back to where they make contact to the rear of the groove. this would give them more of an angle while being more rigid. it may help them "cut" the tobacco out of the groove better instead of it just grabbing the tooth and bending it back.

at some point ill try it and report back, so if you try it, please dont blame me if it ruins the machine. this is not tested or proven, but i think it probably should work.