# Rheninghaus Gravity Slicers: Setup, Cleaning and Sharpening > How to set up, run, clean and sharpen Rheninghaus gravity slicers (SUPER START, START AUTO, 250 T SUPER, RTS12 300 T SUPER, MONDIAL) from their manuals. How-to by Norpex. Published 2026-10-15, updated 2026-10-15. Canonical: https://norpex.ca/guides/rheninghaus-gravity-slicers-guide ![Gravity slicer with a round blade and product carriage](https://norpex.ca/m/65/d1/65d1740cefb18608a425898ab2a1ddd621a296d51e5ef722b059c162339bb02b.jpg) Pictured: [Rheninghaus – RTS12 300 T SUPER Gravity Slicer – RTS12 300 SUPER](https://norpex.ca/product/rheninghaus-rts12-300-t-super-gravity-slicer-rts12-300-super) This guide walks you through the correct setup, daily cleaning, and built-in sharpening procedures for Rheninghaus gravity slicers, using the manufacturer's own manuals to keep your slicer safe and productive. ## Key takeaways - Always turn the slicer off, close the gauge plate, and unplug the power cord before cleaning, sharpening, or servicing. - Clean and sanitize all food-contact surfaces at least every 4 hours, following the manual's disassembly steps and using a quaternary sanitizer. - Sharpen the blade lightly every few days rather than heavily at long intervals; a dull blade causes excess waste and a 'tail' on the unsliced portion. - Never use vegetable oil for lubrication; use only the oil supplied with the slicer or a food-safe lubricant. - Have an authorized service agent inspect the entire slicer at least every 6 months, including all seals and gaskets. ## Which manual covers your Rheninghaus slicer Rheninghaus gravity slicers are made by Essedue Srl in Italy. The model you have determines which instruction manual applies. The RTS10 (250 T SUPER) and RTS12 300 T SUPER are covered by the manual for models RTBS9, RTBS10, RTS10, and RTS12. The SUPER START 300 (SST12) and SUPER START 350 (SST14) share a dedicated manual. The MONDIAL (MO12) and MONDIAL 350 (MO14) share one manual. The START AUTO 300 (STA12) has its own manual that includes automatic operation instructions. While the core safety and operating principles are the same across all series, the terminology and some disassembly steps differ. The RTS10/RTS12 manual uses terms like food chute, end weight, and index knob. The SST, MO, and STA manuals refer to the product holder, food pusher, and regulator knob. This guide highlights those differences so you can follow the correct procedure for your machine. ## Installation and electrical connection Every Rheninghaus manual stresses that the slicer must be installed on a solid, level, nonskid surface that is nonflammable, in a well-lit work area away from children and visitors. The rubber feet are fixed and must never be unscrewed or removed. Use at least two people to lift the slicer onto the counter; never attempt to lift it alone. Seize the slicer by its base. The slicer comes with a three-prong grounding plug. The outlet must be properly grounded. The manuals explicitly warn: do not cut or remove the third ground prong, and never use an adapter plug. If the receptacle is not the proper grounding type, contact a licensed electrician. Do not operate the slicer with a damaged power cord or plug, and never use an extension cord. Before first use, inspect that the blade cover and sharpener are in place, the warning label is legible, and the manual is kept near the machine. Clean the slicer according to the cleaning section of the manual before operating it. For the MONDIAL series, the manual adds a step: unscrew the product holder handle, tilt the product holder, and remove the carriage bearing transport protection before first use. ## Operation: thickness control, carriage, and safety guards All Rheninghaus gravity slicers share the same basic operating sequence. With the slicer turned off, pull the carriage (food chute or product holder) completely toward you. Place only boneless, unfrozen product on the carriage and secure it with the end weight or food pusher. Never hold the product with your hand. Rotate the thickness control dial counterclockwise to set the desired slice thickness. On RTS10/RTS12 models this is the index knob; on SST, MO, and STA models it is the regulator knob. Turn the slicer on using the green button (RTS10/RTS12) or by switching to the ON position (SST/MO/STA). Use only the end weight handle or food pusher handle to move the carriage back and forth. Do not catch slices with your hand; let them drop onto the aluminium base. If you need to adjust the product during slicing, pull the carriage all the way toward you, turn the slicer off, and close the gauge plate before touching anything. After the last stroke, pull the carriage fully toward you, turn the slicer off, and turn the thickness dial clockwise until it stops to close the gauge plate over the blade edge. The START AUTO 300 (STA12) adds an automatic mode: after loading the product, lock the carriage lever, turn on the main switch, then the automatic operation switch at low speed until the carriage locks, and select the desired speed. The NVR breaker prevents unintentional restart after a power interruption. The SUPER START, MONDIAL and START AUTO slicers have a reset switch on the bottom that protects the motor from mechanical overload. If the slicer stops, turn it off, remove the cause of the overload, press the reset button, and resume operation. If the reset trips frequently during normal use, contact a repair service centre. ## Cleaning the blade, guards, and carriage The manuals require that the entire slicer, including all removable parts, be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized at least every 4 hours whenever it contacts food. Before any cleaning, always turn the slicer off, turn the thickness dial clockwise until it stops so the gauge plate covers the blade edge, and unplug the power cord. Wearing non-cutting safety gloves is recommended. Disassembly steps vary by series. For RTS10/RTS12 models, remove the food chute by rotating its knob counterclockwise, then remove the slice deflector by loosening its screw knobs. Remove the knife cover by turning the cover release knob counterclockwise and lifting upward. For SST, MO, and STA models, remove the blade cover by unscrewing and pushing the blade cover knob, then unscrew and remove the food pusher handle, the product holder shaft, and the food pusher. On all models, lift the sharpener, rotate it 90 degrees, and lift it off. Take all removable parts to a three-compartment sink. Soak, clean, and scrub them with a mild detergent and warm water solution. Rinse with fresh water, then soak in a quaternary sanitizer solution for at least two minutes, following the sanitizer label instructions. Allow all parts to air dry before reassembly—this is an important step to kill bacteria. To clean the blade, soak a clean cloth in mild detergent and warm water, wring it out, and wipe from the centre of the blade outward. Never allow moisture to get into the blade hub. For SST, MO, and STA models, also insert the cloth between the blade and the blade ring guard, pull outward, and rotate to clean the internal side of the guard. Clean the gauge plate by wiping from the blade toward you, never toward the blade. After cleaning, spray both sides of the blade, the gauge plate, and the entire slicer base with a non-bleach, non-chlorine sanitizer and allow to air dry. Reassembly: reinstall the blade cover, aligning the centre screw over the blade centre, and tighten the release knob. Reinstall the sharpener, then the food chute or product holder components. For RTS10/RTS12, reconnect the support arm and tighten the screw pin. For SST/MO/STA, reassemble the food pusher, product holder shaft, and handle. After reassembly, inspect all seals and gaskets. If any seal or gasket does not properly seal, is damaged, or is missing, the slicer must be removed from service until repaired by an authorized servicer. ## Blade sharpening with the built-in sharpener A dull blade causes excess waste or a 'tail' on the unsliced portion. The manuals recommend sharpening lightly every few days rather than heavy sharpening at long intervals. Before sharpening, turn the slicer off, close the gauge plate, and clean and dry both sides of the blade. The sharpening procedure differs between the RTS10/RTS12 series and the SST/MO/STA series. For RTS10/RTS12: loosen the sharpener release knob, lift the sharpener cover, rotate it clockwise, and lower it so the blade fits between the two stones. Tighten the release knob. Start the slicer, push the sharpening stone button for 3 to 4 seconds (repeat up to 3 times if needed), then push the truing stone button for 2 to 3 seconds to remove the burr. Turn the slicer off, unplug, and return the sharpener to its stored position. For SST, MO, and STA models: lift the sharpener, rotate it 180 degrees clockwise, and push downward until the sharpening stone contacts the blade. Turn the slicer on and let it run for approximately 20 seconds. Then push the deburring stone for approximately 2 seconds. Turn the slicer off, return the sharpener to its original position, and unplug. After any sharpening, clean the entire slicer as described in the cleaning section before use. ## Troubleshooting common issues Each manual ends with a troubleshooting table. If the slicer will not start, check that it is plugged in and switched on; on the SUPER START, MONDIAL and START AUTO, also check the reset switch and follow the reset steps above. Ragged cuts or poor yield point to a dull or chipped blade, a blade-to-gauge plate gap that is too wide, or a blade worn too small. Sharpen the blade with clean blade and stones, have a new blade installed when it is chipped or too small, and call for service to adjust the gauge plate (the RTS10/RTS12 manual calls it the slicer table). Metal rubbing the blade comes from the blade cover (tighten its release knob), the food chute or product holder (tighten or adjust its knob), the end weight or food pusher (have a defective one replaced) or the gauge plate (call for service). A slicer that is hard to sharpen has stones that are dirty, wet or clogged with grease (clean them with warm water and a brush and let them air dry), a dirty blade, or worn or misaligned stones, which need replacing or adjusting by service. On the RTS10/RTS12, a food chute that is hard to push needs its slide rod lubricated with oil, never vegetable oil, with the slicer off and unplugged. On the SUPER START, MONDIAL and START AUTO, a product holder that is hard to push is a service call to adjust the carriage. ## Service, maintenance, and lubrication Routine lubrication keeps the carriage moving smoothly. The manuals warn never to use vegetable oil; use only the oil supplied with the slicer or a food-safe lubricant. For RTS10/RTS12, lubricate the food chute slide rod if the chute becomes difficult to push, and lubricate the sharpener shafts weekly. For SST, MO, and STA models, lubricate the food pusher shaft periodically with a few drops of oil and slide it up and down to distribute. All adjustments and major maintenance should be performed by an authorized service company. The manufacturer recommends that an authorized service agent inspect the entire slicer at least every 6 months, including all detachable parts, seals, and gaskets. If you need service, contact the manufacturer's authorized service network. For questions about a specific model, ask Norpex. ## Common questions ### How often must I clean and sanitize my Rheninghaus gravity slicer? The manuals state that the entire slicer, including all removable parts, must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized at least every 4 hours whenever it has been in contact with food. Always follow your local health department regulations as well. ### Can I put the removable parts in a dishwasher? No. The manuals explicitly say not to put components in a dishwasher, and never to hose down, pressure wash, or pour water on the slicer. All parts must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized by hand in a three-compartment sink. ### What kind of oil should I use to lubricate the slide rod or food pusher shaft? Use only the oil supplied with the slicer or a food-safe lubricant. Never use vegetable oil, as it will damage the slicer. ### How do I know when the blade needs sharpening? Symptoms of a dull blade include excess waste or a 'tail' on the unsliced portion remaining in the carriage. The manuals recommend sharpening lightly every few days for consistent slices and maximum yield. ### What should I do if the slicer stops during use and won't restart? First, turn the slicer off and unplug it. Remove any item that may have caused an overload. On the SUPER START, MONDIAL and START AUTO, press the reset push-button on the bottom of the slicer, then plug it in and turn it on. If the reset trips frequently, contact a repair service centre. ## Related guides - [Meat Slicer Buying Guide: Blade Size, Duty Class and Safe Cleaning](https://norpex.ca/guides/meat-slicer-buying-guide) - [Butcher Equipment Guide: Grinders, Band Saws, Stuffers and More](https://norpex.ca/guides/butcher-equipment-guide) ## Shop the catalogue - [Meat Slicer](https://norpex.ca/products/meat-slicer)