Recently when I was out looking around in a second hand shop I found this great old Grinder.
I remember using one of these a long time ago when making mincemeat and pickles.
It was in good shape so I picked it up as I am on the search for things that I can use without electricity.
Two times lately a plastic part on my electric food processor has broke and I had to find some super adhesive to fix it, of course, it didn't hold... the food processor works fine but due to planned obsolescence, the company no longer makes parts for that machine...so I am not able to buy the plastic part that holds the cutter blades.. that really makes me mad. I'm on the look out for much better glue but till then I am going to try this old style grinder when it serves the purpose.
It came with all 3 original fine, medium and coarse cutters.
Harper is in raised letters on one side ...
... and Beatrice, Made in England on the other.
Looking down through the top opening you can see the spiral steel corkscrew device that when turned moves the vegetables or meat along towards the front cutter blades.
Here is what it looks like with the steel corkscrew removed.
I don't know if it is called a corkscrew but it reminds me of one.
You can see the raised grooves in the base section that starts the cutting process.
The steel was tinned when it was brand new, but it has worn away on some places that received the most use.
But not to worry, it can still be maintained with a little oil to keep it from rusting and it won't kill you if you use it.
It will just keep working every time you want it to.
Just think of all the times you won't have to get mad because it broke again...
because it won't... they used to make things that lasted.
Just make sure it is nice and dry before you put it away.
This is the front where the cutter blades are attached.
This is looking in from the back where the corkscrew grinder and handle slide in.
This is what it looks like with the big grinder put into place with the medium size cutter blade attached with the wing nut.
A look under the cutting board shows the heavy duty clamp that attaches the Grinder to the counter.
The wooden handle still has traces of its red paint.
The blurred numerals just above the word Harper reads No.3181
They made the front attaching screw long enough to hold all 3 cutter blades so they won't get lost in storage.
Everything about this is just simple and smart. I'd rather turn the handle than push a button anyway.
It feels like you are more involved in the process.... and there is absolutely No plastic on it anywhere!
Maybe I won't even bother fixing my electric food processor and instead, just use this great piece of vintage kitchen equipment, all the time....
after all at $5.99, it cost less than the glue.
I can't wait to start mincing and grinding things.
