Porcelain manual meat slicer11/18/2023 Hand decoration of a Van Berkel slicer flywheel The painting phase proceeds with manual decoration. Decals faithful to the original decorations are used on the oldest models, and are applied on the matte hydropaint base, by spraying it with an airbrush. In the Van Berkel tradition, red slicers were used to cut beef, the black ones were used for cold cuts and the cream-colored slicers were used in dairy shops for cutting cheese. The main paint colors used are red, the traditional color that has become well known and associated to the Van Berkel brand, as well as black or cream. The external part of the machine is painted using matt-based hydro paints, which allow, under careful observation, to detect and correct any imperfection such as porosity or lack of paint, in order to obtain the best result. Careful painting of a restored Van Berkel meat slicer The base varnish has a thickness of a few microns and its smoothness contributes to even out the surface of the Berkel slicer. The polyester base is the surface where the first coat of paint is applied, which is key for the adhesion of all subsequent coats of painting. Manual grouting allows to standardize these old castings, which at the time of their production, in some cases more than 100 years ago, were handmade and not as perfect as modern castings. It is important to know that one of the major components of these machines is cast iron, an extremely porous material, which is treated with care to prepare the basis on which the paint will adhere. In order to perform a good painting operation, all components need to be sandblasted and thus brought as close as possible to their original state. It is necessary to repaint each component (case, body, shoulder, support for adjustment of the cut, connecting rods). Disassembly phase whilst restoring a Van Berkel original meat slicer Each slicing machine has hundreds of pieces and every single piece is removed, carefully checked, and then repaired, or in case of severe damage replaced, so that each and every part of the machine works properly. When starting the restoration of a Berkel slicer, the machine is completely disassembled with the greatest attention. Every phase is essential for the success of the restoration and for the long-life span of a Van Berkel slicing machine, regardless of the type of use. The restoration process of the slicing machines involves several stages, plus a final stage of assembly. Restoring whilst maintaining an exclusive quality process It requires deep experience and outstanding manual skills. It is necessary to know in great detail the mechanics of these machines, and how to disassemble them with care. Van Berkel slicing machines restoration is not an easy task. They are fascinating objects, able to combine aesthetics with extreme precision in cutting, even when subject to an intense use. They aren’t just working tools, they are furnishing and functional art objects that take us back to that unique atmosphere of vintage food specialty shops, often associated with Italian quality food tradition. In many cases these are unique and rare pieces. Restoring a Van Berkel flywheel slicer means bringing authentic vintage meat slicers, some made more than 100 years ago, back to their original characteristics. Know-how, expertise and qualified teamwork
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