1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use, installation, and maintenance of your ALFA 808 SG Replacement Coarse Gray Sharpening Stone. This product is designed as a direct replacement for the Berkel 3675-00076 sharpening stone, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance with specified Berkel meat slicer models.
The ALFA 808 SG sharpening stone is crafted from durable, coarse-grit material to efficiently restore the cutting precision of dull slicer blades, making it suitable for commercial kitchen and butcher shop environments.
Figure 1.1: ALFA 808 SG Coarse Gray Sharpening Stone, side view.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when working with meat slicers and sharpening equipment. Failure to follow safety guidelines can result in serious injury.
- Disconnect Power: Always unplug the meat slicer from its power source before attempting any installation, maintenance, or cleaning procedures.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use cut-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling slicer blades and sharpening stones.
- Handle Blades Carefully: Slicer blades are extremely sharp. Avoid direct contact with the blade edge.
- Secure Components: Ensure all parts, including the sharpening stone, are correctly installed and secured before operating the slicer.
- Read Slicer Manual: Refer to your specific Berkel meat slicer's instruction manual for additional safety precautions and operating procedures.
3. Product Overview
The ALFA 808 SG is a coarse gray sharpening stone designed for precision blade maintenance. It is engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications for the Berkel 3675-00076 sharpening stone.
3.1 Compatibility
This sharpening stone is compatible with the following Berkel meat slicer models:
- Berkel 807
- Berkel 817
- Berkel 808
- Berkel 818
- Berkel 834
- Berkel 909
- Berkel 919
- Berkel 2340
- Berkel 2350
Figure 3.1: Angled view of the ALFA 808 SG Sharpening Stone, highlighting its circular shape and central mounting hole.
4. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to install or replace the sharpening stone in your compatible Berkel meat slicer. Always refer to your slicer's specific manual for detailed instructions on accessing the sharpening mechanism.
- Power Disconnection: Ensure the meat slicer is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet.
- Access Sharpening Mechanism: Locate the sharpening mechanism on your Berkel slicer. This typically involves opening a cover or rotating a component to expose the sharpening stones.
- Remove Old Stone (if applicable): Carefully remove the existing coarse sharpening stone. Note its orientation for correct installation of the new stone.
- Install New Stone: Position the ALFA 808 SG sharpening stone into the designated slot within the sharpening mechanism. Ensure it sits securely and is properly aligned with the blade. The central hole of the stone should align with the mounting pin or shaft.
- Secure Components: Close any covers or rotate components back into their original position, ensuring the sharpening mechanism is fully secured.
- Verify Installation: Gently attempt to move the stone to confirm it is firmly in place and does not wobble.
Figure 4.1: Top-down angled view of the ALFA 808 SG Sharpening Stone, showing its flat surface and central hole for mounting.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the ALFA 808 SG sharpening stone is installed, follow these general steps to sharpen your slicer blade. Always consult your Berkel slicer's manual for precise sharpening procedures, as steps may vary slightly by model.
- Clean Blade: Before sharpening, ensure the slicer blade is clean and free of food debris.
- Position Sharpening Mechanism: Engage the sharpening mechanism according to your slicer's instructions. This typically involves moving the stone into contact with the blade.
- Power On: Plug in the slicer and turn it on. The blade should begin to rotate.
- Sharpening Process: Allow the blade to rotate against the coarse sharpening stone for a short duration, typically 15-30 seconds, or as recommended by your slicer's manual. This coarse stone is for initial sharpening and restoring the blade edge.
- Honing (if applicable): If your slicer has a separate honing stone, disengage the coarse stone and engage the honing stone for a shorter period (e.g., 5-10 seconds) to refine the blade edge.
- Power Off and Clean: Turn off and unplug the slicer. Carefully clean any metal filings or residue from the blade and sharpening stones.
Figure 5.1: Top-down view of the ALFA 808 SG Sharpening Stone, showing its uniform coarse surface.
6. Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your ALFA 808 SG sharpening stone will ensure its longevity and continued effectiveness.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean the sharpening stone to remove metal particles and debris. Use a stiff brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely before storage or next use.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the stone for signs of wear, such as uneven surfaces or significant grooves. A worn stone may not sharpen effectively and should be replaced.
- Storage: Store the sharpening stone in a clean, dry place away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
Figure 6.1: Side view of the ALFA 808 SG Sharpening Stone, illustrating its thickness and uniform texture.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with sharpening, refer to the table below for common problems and potential solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blade not sharpening effectively | Stone is worn or clogged with debris. Incorrect sharpening duration. | Clean the stone thoroughly. If worn, replace it. Increase sharpening time slightly, adhering to slicer manual recommendations. |
| Excessive sparks during sharpening | Blade is severely dull or stone is misaligned. | Ensure the stone is correctly aligned and securely mounted. If blade is very dull, a longer initial sharpening may be needed. |
| Stone not engaging blade | Sharpening mechanism not fully engaged. Stone incorrectly installed. | Refer to your slicer manual to ensure the sharpening mechanism is properly activated. Re-install the stone, verifying correct placement. |
8. Specifications
Key specifications for the ALFA 808 SG Replacement Coarse Gray Sharpening Stone:
- Model Number: 808 SG
- Material: Stone
- Grit Type: Coarse
- Item Weight: Approximately 0.2 Pounds (3.2 ounces)
- Package Dimensions: Approximately 1 x 1 x 1 inches
- Replacement For: Berkel 3675-00076
Figure 8.1: Side profile of the ALFA 808 SG Sharpening Stone, illustrating its compact design.
9. Warranty and Support
ALFA International stands by the quality of its products. The ALFA 808 SG Sharpening Stone is backed by an industry-leading warranty, ensuring confidence in your purchase. For specific warranty details, claims, or technical support, please refer to the official ALFA International website or contact their customer service department.
For further assistance, please visit the ALFA Store on Amazon or consult your product packaging for contact information.
