How to Fix an Electric Food Slicer

Electric food slicers are meant for fast repetitive slicing of cheese and meats. It works by you holding the food in a sliding tray, pushing the food closer to a circular blade that is powered by a universal motor. The main problems that occur with an electric food slicer are related to a dull or damaged blade gear. Read on to learn how to fix an electric food slicer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Volt-ohm meter
• Petroleum jelly

1. Unplug your electric food slicer, loosen the blade retaining screw and tap the blade lightly from behind to loosen it. Remove the screw and lift the blade away carefully.

2. Remove the tray on the electric food slicer by tipping the slicer over onto its motor and gently prying the tray guide off its rails.

3. Test the switch on the slicer by disconnecting one switch lead. Turn the switch on and probe both leads with a volt-ohm meter set on RX1. A reading of zero ohms means the switch on your food slicer is fine. If it reads anything other than zero, replace the switch.

4. Loosen the control knob of the thickness guide on your electric food slicer until the guide is threaded shaft pulls free. Wash and dry the guide. Lubricate the shaft with petroleum jelly and reinstall the guide.

5. Lubricate the blade gear by removing the blade and applying petroleum jelly to the gear itself. If the gear is damaged, your blade and gear must be replaced.

6. Check the idler gear by remove the screw that is retaining the idler gear with a screwdriver. Check it for wear. Replace the gear if its damaged and lubricate it.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your electric food slicer after every use with a mild soap and a cloth in order to keep your slicer free of dirt and debris.
• Always allow the motor on your food slicer to warm up for about 30 seconds before you use your slicer to reduce the stress on the slicer gears.