Wood chipper: choice of wood and adhesive. Maintenance recommendations

Talking to people involved in the wood industry, I hear all sorts of stories and anecdotes about wood, its use and processing. This was the case the other day when I found out that at one time manufacturers of wood chippers were receiving a lot of complaints and product returns and they did not understand what was the cause. In time they discovered that the culprit was the dishwasher. It never crossed my mind that people would think of washing a wood chipper in the dishwasher. The problem is that it's not good for the wood chipper if they used D3 adhesives, i.e. adhesives resistant to moisture but not to boiling. A D4 adhesive is required for such conditions. Based on the story of the returned shredders, I started looking for more information on the subject.

photo source: zelembor.com

The chopper - present in every kitchen. Shredder types

Romania is one of the biggest manufacturers of food grinders in Europe. As it's hard to find a kitchen without at least one of these items, Romanian shredders are certainly to be found in many homes across Europe.

In the past, drums were made from a single piece of wood. To avoid bending, to make them stronger and to make more efficient use of the wood, they are now made from solid wood panels. From those panels made of pieces of lumber joined in the teeth to make them longer and then glued together to form a panel. To make them even stronger, several panels are glued on top of each other, just like the getting the plywood.

Different types of wood can be used to make the panels. If there is a big difference in color between them, the chopping boards will have very interesting designs.

One shredder that is highly prized for its appearance is one made from pieces of wood glued together in such a way that the front and back of the shredder have end grain. The appearance is very interesting and is emphasized if the wood is painted. However, unfinished is not recommended as a butcher's grinder or for cutting meat, because the absorption is higher than normal grinders. On the other hand, if the finish is done with oil and thus the absorption is blocked, it is more resistant because the knife does not cut the fibers but penetrates through them.

photo source: givui.com

Why a wooden shredder

If absorption, curling or peeling problems occur (if the adhesive is not well chosen) why choose a wood chipper? Aren't plastic ones better?

Studies have shown that wood is antibacterial and antimicrobialIt is very hygienic for kitchen use. It sounds strange, but bacteria and microbes thrive much better in the micro-cutters in plastic disposers.

A wooden shredder is easier to clean and maintain than a plastic one. If cleaned properly it can last a lifetime. In addition, it can be treated with substances (oils) that prevent water from absorbing deep down, and if the surface looks too badly cut, a simple sanding will bring the wood back to the surface clean.

Wood is a biodegradable material and a renewable source. So, other arguments in favor of choosing wood. In these times of, thankfully, increasing attention to the environment, these are arguments not to be neglected.

Choice of wood

The best wood to use for shredders is hard, high-density wood with small, as closed pores as possible. The hardness and high density make it durable over time, and the small pores prevent absorption.

Worldwide, the most widely used essences are bamboo and maple, tec and cherry. Because they're aesthetic, they also make shredders out of oak or nucbut choose species with the smallest pores.

In our very used for shredders is fagul. They are also used resinous because they smell nice, but are less resistant. Plopul it is used for carving spoons and spoon heads, but it is not used for making choppers because it is soft. When made from multi-layered panels the faces can be hardwood and the core softer.

What type of adhesive is best for gluing shredders

Matefy Csaba from Szolvegy Târgu Mureș, he told me about the problems experienced by manufacturers of wooden shredders and explained how they arose. In the past, D3 glue was recommended for joints, because it was sufficiently moisture resistant to prevent problems with delamination.

Over time technology has evolved and equipping kitchens with dishwashers has become commonplace. Now dishwashers are no longer seen as a luxury but a necessity, so many people can't imagine not having one in the kitchen.

Initially no one thought that dishwashers would be the cause of the increase in complaints. The packaging mentioned how to care for them and clearly stated that they should not be washed in the washing machine. Except that the packaging or label is immediately discarded, and the instructions for use are hardly read.

So the wooden choppers ended up in the washing machine with the plates, cutlery and saucepans. Sometimes this was done immediately after purchase and was considered sterilization before use. Washing technology involves boiling water and superheated steam, conditions that a D3 adhesive cannot withstand. The cutter was coming out of the machine in pieces and that's how complaints arose.

There was a period of trying to educate the public with articles such as "How to care for a kitchen grinder", but it was clear that this was not the answer. So more and more adhesive manufacturers steered their customers towards D4 adhesives, assuring them that the price difference would be covered by the lack of complaints. Solvegy decided to recommend only TISZABOND D4 adhesives manufacturers of wooden shredders, telling them that it's the only way a jointed wooden shredder can survive in a dishwasher.

Protect your shredders for easy maintenance and long life

Finishing shredders is not necessary, but a finished wood shredder is better maintained. The kitchen wood chipper is a heavily used wood, subject to moisture, abrasion (by cleaning) and therefore if a way can be found to protect it without being toxic it is fine to use.

The best option is oiling. Oil penetrates deep into the wood and protects it by preventing water absorption. At the same time it allows the wood to vary dimensionally without film cracks. The oil is applied lightly with a cotton cloth or a brush and the excess is wiped off. An oiled shredder is much easier to maintain, as it prevents deep absorption of the juices resulting from use.

The advantage of using oil for protection is that there is quite a wide range to choose from. Linseed oil and walnut are the most commonly used because they polymerize and provide better protection.

Another option is mineral oil, which is valued for being transparent, colorless, tasteless and odorless. However, it is not a polymerizing oil, so you have to wait longer for it to dry. Mixtures of oil (linseed, coconut) with beeswax can also be used. The important thing is that the products are natural, healthy, with no added chemicals.

Over time, due to use, the oil on the surface wears off being washed away by water. The chopper will look duller and drier when not in use (not wet). For further use, another coat of oil must be applied. But first it must be thoroughly cleaned:

• Wash thoroughly with water. If dishwashing detergent is used, keep under running water for a long time
• To remove odors, rub with lemon juice mixed with salt or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Then rinse thoroughly with a jet of water
• Cleaning is done on both sides even if only one side is used. Water absorption is even and the wood does not warp.
• After washing, allow to dry thoroughly before applying a coat of oil.

The recommendation not to wash the grinders in the washing machine is still valid.

Not all manufacturers use D4 adhesives so don't take any chances.