This guide walks you through the proper installation, daily use, cleaning and basic troubleshooting of Omcan meat-room equipment, drawing directly from the manufacturer's instruction manuals and set-up videos.
Key takeaways
- Always unplug the machine and ensure all safety guards are in place before cleaning or maintenance.
- Assemble grinder worm, knife and plate exactly as the manual shows; use the reverse function to clear jams.
- Band saw blade tension must be set with the top handle and the door interlock must be engaged for the saw to run.
- Electric meat mixers and tenderizers have safety switches that stop the motor when the cover is lifted.
- For any repair beyond basic cleaning or blade replacement, contact the manufacturer's authorized service network.
Which manual covers which machine
Omcan provides a dedicated instruction manual with each machine. The manual for the MG-CN-0012-S and MG-CN-0022-S stainless steel meat grinders (items 23580 and 23626) covers assembly, grinding, reverse operation and cleaning. The band saw manuals cover the BS-CN-1651-T, BS-CN-2020 and BS-CN-2400 tabletop and floor models (items 46785, 46786, 46787) as well as the larger BS-BR-3150-SS and BS-BR-2820-SS floor saws (items 20236 and 20237).
The meat mixer manual applies to the MM-IT-0030, MM-IT-0050 and MM-IT-0050-110V models (items 37459, 13159 and 47094). The MT-BR-0400 electric meat tenderizer (item 17847) has its own manual, and the economy patty makers (items 21572 and 21573) share a separate booklet. This guide consolidates the key steps from those documents; always keep the printed manual for your specific model on hand.
Installation and electrical connection
Every Omcan meat-room machine must be placed on a firm, level surface. The band saw manual for the BS-BR-3150-SS and BS-BR-2820-SS states that the saw needs a recommended area of 53.1 inches by 53.1 inches. The meat tenderizer manual says the unit should sit on a level working surface about 850 mm (33.46 inches) above the floor. For the MG-CN-0012-S and MG-CN-0022-S grinders, the manual instructs you to keep a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) of free space around the motor housing so the air passages are not blocked.
All electrical connections must be made by a qualified, licensed installer in accordance with local code. The manuals list the voltage, phase and amperage for each model: for example, the MG-CN-0012-S grinder runs on 110V/60Hz/1Ph, while the BS-BR-3150-SS band saw requires 230V/60Hz/1Ph. The machine must be properly grounded. Omcan's instruction manual for the meat grinders warns never to operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug, and to unplug by grasping the plug, not the cord.
The video 'Floor Band Saws - How to set-up and assemble' demonstrates the assembly process for floor-standing models. Once the machine is positioned and connected, check that all safety guards and doors are closed; the band saws and tenderizer will not start unless the doors and protection lids are properly in place.
Grinding: assembly, feeding and reverse
The Omcan instruction manual for the MG-CN-0012-S and MG-CN-0022-S grinders gives a step-by-step assembly sequence. Place the auger tube tightly onto the motor housing opening and tighten the locking knob clockwise. Insert the auger long end first, turning it slightly until it seats into the motor housing. Place the cutting blade onto the auger with the blade facing forward. Next, place the desired cutting plate against the blade, aligning the pin with the plate, and screw the locking ring onto the auger tube without over-tightening. Finally, fix the hopper plate onto the head.
Cut all boneless meat into pieces that fit easily into the hopper opening. Plug in the machine, switch it on, and use the pusher to feed the meat — never feed by hand. Omcan's video 'Model ERT12 Electric Meat Grinder' introduces another of its electric grinders. If the minced meat comes out as a paste or does not discharge smoothly, the manual says the screw cap may be too tight, the cutting plate may be blocked, or the blade edges may be dull and need sharpening or replacement.
When the circuit breaker trips or the motor runs but no meat exits, a jam has occurred. Switch the machine off immediately. Press the circuit breaker to reset, then turn the switch to REVERSE and hold it to clear the jam. The manual states that reverse operation continues only as long as the REVERSE position is held. After clearing the jam, clean the unit before resuming grinding.
Band saw set-up, blade tension and guards
The band saw manuals for the BS-CN-1651-T, BS-CN-2020 and BS-CN-2400 models explain that the saw blade must be installed with the correct direction. The scraper must be properly seated against the blade; if it is misaligned, the machine will make more noise than normal and blade life will decrease. The video 'Floor Band Saws - How to set-up and assemble' illustrates the entire set-up.
Blade tension is adjusted with the handle on top of the saw. The manual says that if the blade is loose, turn the handle until it is tight. When properly tensioned, the saw will cut correctly and can be operated safely. The BS-BR-3150-SS and BS-BR-2820-SS manual adds that the saw is equipped with a safety system that prevents activation if the upper door, lower door or blade guard are not properly in place. An emergency stop button is located on the control panel; to restart, push the green ON button.
To replace the blade, loosen the tightener by turning it counter-clockwise, remove the old blade and fit the new one, paying attention to the cutting direction. The blade must pass through the top wheel, bottom pulley, middle plate and guide groove. The manual notes that different blades are needed for different types of meat. Always wear cut-resistant safety gloves when handling the blade or operating the saw.
Mixers, tenderizers and patty makers
The meat mixer manual for the MM-IT-0030, MM-IT-0050 and MM-IT-0050-110V models describes how to disassemble the kneading paddle. The paddle can only be removed when the first scraper is in the vertical, lower position; if it stopped elsewhere, press the INDIETRO (reverse) button to jog it into place. The tank has a safety cover that immediately stops the paddle if lifted during operation. To restart, close the cover and press the AVANTI (forward) button. The video 'Omcan Heavy-Duty Electrical Meat Mixer' shows the machine's features, including the 90-degree tank rotation for emptying.
The MT-BR-0400 electric meat tenderizer manual states that the machine has a safety switch that turns the motor off as soon as the protection lid is raised. The maximum continuous runtime is 1 hour; after that, allow the unit to cool for 10 minutes. Meat pieces can be up to 8 inches (200 mm) long and 0.8 inch (20 mm) thick. Never use frozen meat or meat with bones. The video 'How to Use, Clean and Set up the OMCAN Electric Meat Tenderizer' demonstrates the complete process.
The economy patty makers (items 21572 and 21573) operate by pulling the lever to compress the meat; as the lever returns, the press opens automatically and removes the patty. The manual says the parts that contact meat are stainless steel and are easily removable for cleaning. The video 'Omcan Meat Grinder, Meat Mixer, and Sausage Stuffer' provides a brief overview of using the grinder, mixer and stuffer together.
Cleaning and lubrication
Always unplug the machine before any cleaning. For the MG-CN-0012-S and MG-CN-0022-S grinders, the manual instructs you to disassemble the auger tube, cutting plate, blade and feed screw, then wash each part in warm soapy water. Do not immerse the motor housing; wipe it with a damp cloth only. After washing and drying, apply a little salad oil to the plate and knife to keep them lubricated. The gearbox uses 80/90 weight gear oil, available at any auto store.
Band saw cleaning requires opening the door, loosening and removing the blade, and taking off the scraper. The manual says to clean with hot water and a stiff brush, or use a hot damp towel on the main parts, then wipe dry with a cloth. Do not use water jets or sprays, and never immerse any part of the saw. After every 200 working hours, apply food-safe machine lubricant to the guide apparatus of the tightening device. The manual recommends replacing the wheel bearings after 5000 working hours.
For the meat mixer, wash the removable paddle and tank with water and a neutral detergent; do not use acid or caustic products. The tenderizer manual says to wash removable parts with hot water and neutral soap, rinse and dry before reassembly. Check the oil level regularly and top up with Omcan Food Grade Mineral Oil (item 27336) or an equivalent. The patty maker manual advises cleaning the stainless steel plate and all contact parts with mild water, soap and disinfectant at least once a day.
Troubleshooting steps an operator can take
If the grinder produces paste-like meat or does not discharge properly, the manual lists three checks: the screw cap may be over-tightened, the cutting plate may be blocked, or the blade may be dull. For a jam, switch off, press the circuit breaker to reset, and use the REVERSE function to clear the obstruction. If the band saw blade is loose, tighten the top handle until the blade runs true. The BS-BR-3150-SS and BS-BR-2820-SS manual notes that the saw has a thermal protector for the motor.
On the tenderizer, if the machine will not start, verify that the protection lid is fully closed and the safety switch is engaged. The manual also warns that a damaged power cable can cause the unit to malfunction; inspect the cord before each use. For any issue that cannot be resolved with these steps, stop using the machine and contact the manufacturer's authorized service network. Do not attempt electrical or mechanical repairs yourself.
Videos from the maker
Common questions
Can I grind bones or frozen meat in an Omcan electric grinder?
- No. The instruction manual for the MG-CN-0012-S and MG-CN-0022-S grinders explicitly states: do not grind hard foods such as bones, frozen meat, nuts, or vegetables. Doing so can damage the blade, plate and motor.
How do I clear a jam in the meat grinder?
- Switch the machine off immediately. Press the circuit breaker to reset it, then turn the switch to REVERSE and hold it. The auger will run backwards only while REVERSE is held. After the jam clears, clean the unit before resuming normal operation.
What type of oil should I use in the meat tenderizer?
- The MT-BR-0400 tenderizer manual specifies Omcan Food Grade Mineral Oil (item 27336) or a similar food-grade oil with the same characteristics. The oil capacity is 250 ml. Check the level regularly and top up as needed.
Why won't my band saw start even though it is plugged in?
- Omcan band saws have a safety interlock system. The upper door, lower door and blade guard must all be properly closed. If any of these is open, the saw will not run. Also check that the emergency stop button is not engaged; push the green ON button to restart.
How often should I replace the band saw blade?
- The manual states that blade life depends on the product being cut and the pressure used. Typically a blade lasts between 1000 kg and 2000 kg of product. If you cut only fresh boneless meat, the blade may last longer. Always use the correct blade type for the meat you are cutting.