HS8N

Overview

The Hobart HS8N is a manual heavy-duty slicer in the HS Series, specified with a non-removable knife. Its 13-inch CleanCut knife and 1/2 HP knife-drive motor are intended for commercial slicing work, including meat and cheese preparation in butcher shops and grocery market delicatessens. The slicer can produce thin sandwich slices, and its adjustable gauge plate can be set for slices up to 1 inch thick.

The HS8N combines a sanitary, one-piece anodized-aluminum base with anodized-aluminum product tray and gauge plate components and a stainless steel top cover. The carriage tilts and can be removed to provide access for cleaning. Hobart lists six interlocks, a top-mounted Borazon sharpening system, a removable ring guard cover and a removable meat grip assembly among the machine’s features.

Key Features

• Manual operation: The operator moves the product carriage across the knife.
• 13-inch CleanCut knife: The knife has a cobalt alloy edge. Hobart’s specification sheet states that its super-alloy edge stays sharp longer and lasts 2 to 3 times longer than carbon-coated or stainless steel knives.
• Non-removable knife: HS8N identifies the non-removable-knife model. The ring guard cover is removable; it is not the knife.
• 1/2 HP knife-drive motor: The motor drives the knife through a Hobart Poly V-Belt. The knife runs at 430 RPM.
• Six safety interlocks: No-volt release prevents automatic restart after a power loss; the gauge plate interlock requires the gauge plate to be closed and the product tray at home before the carriage arm can be removed; the 30-second shut-off stops the slicer after 30 seconds of non-use; close-to-stop switches the slicer off when the gauge plate is closed; home-to-start prevents startup unless the carriage is in its home position; and the carriage system interlock prevents tilting or removal when the gauge plate is not closed.
• Top-mounted Borazon sharpening system: This single-action system uses Borazon stones to sharpen and hone the knife. Hobart specifies a lifetime guarantee on the stones. The sharpening system is removable for cleaning.
• Adjustable gauge plate: The double-action indexing cam provides control for shaving, chipping and thin slicing, then opens the gauge plate for thicker slices. The gauge plate holds its setting for consistent slicing. Hobart states that the motor provides the power needed to slice meat and cheese without shredding.
• Cleaning access: The carriage tilts and is removable; the meat grip assembly and ring guard cover are removable. The ring guard cover helps prevent debris build-up around the blade.
• Construction: The one-piece sanitary anodized-aluminum base has fewer crevices where debris can collect. The knife cover is stainless steel and magnetically secured. Machined grooves on the gauge plate and knife cover reduce drag during slicing.

Specifications

• Model: Hobart HS8N, manual heavy-duty slicer with non-removable knife.
• Knife: Approximately 13 inches; CleanCut design with cobalt alloy edge. The knife is constructed of 304L stainless steel and high-performance Stellite alloy.
• Knife exposure: Zero knife exposure.
• Motor: 1/2 HP knife-drive motor.
• Knife speed: 430 RPM.
• Drive: Hobart Poly V-Belt.
• Electrical: 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase; 5.4 amps. The supplier specification also lists 648 watts.
• Plug and cord: NEMA 5-15P; 6-foot, three-wire power cord and plug.
• Controls: Moisture-protected push-button switch.
• Dimensions: 24-5/8 inches wide x 30-5/16 inches deep x 25-1/2 inches high.
• Shipping weight: 132 lb.
• Carriage capacity: Food up to 5.75 x 10.75 inches rectangular or 7.5 inches in diameter.
• Slice thickness: Gauge plate adjusts to cut slices up to 1 inch thick.
• Base and food-contact components: One-piece sanitary anodized-aluminum base; product tray and gauge plate are anodized aluminum.
• Cover: Stainless steel top cover; the knife cover is magnetically retained.
• Certifications: NSF and cETLus are listed for the product.
• Warranty stated in Hobart’s specification sheet: One year of parts and service coverage, including the knife; lifetime guarantee on the Borazon sharpening stones.

Installation & Requirements

Before installation, the HS Series installation guide instructs the installer to check the machine data plate and verify that the electrical service agrees with its specifications. The data plate is on the left side of the slicer base. The HS8N specification is 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase and 5.4 amps, with a three-pronged grounding plug and NEMA 5-15P connection. The guide says to connect the cord to a properly grounded receptacle, not to remove the grounding prong and to contact an electrician if the receptacle is not the proper grounding type.

Place the slicer on a suitable counter or tabletop. To install the product tray, lower the bottom of its support arm onto the carriage hinge pins, tilt the tray toward the gauge plate, and turn the support-arm knob until it is tight against the support arm. Check the machine’s own data plate before connecting power.

Operation

The HS8N is a manual slicer with a carriage and an adjustable gauge plate. The double-action indexing cam gives the operator control for shaving, chipping and thin slices on its first full revolution; a second revolution opens the gauge plate quickly for thicker slices. The gauge plate holds its position to support consistent slice thickness. Set the gauge plate for the desired cut, load product using the carriage and meat grip assembly, and move the carriage manually. The source material specifies a maximum slice thickness of 1 inch and carriage capacity for food up to 5.75 x 10.75 inches rectangular or 7.5 inches in diameter.

The top-mounted, single-action Borazon sharpening system is provided to maintain the knife edge. Safety interlocks govern conditions such as restart after power loss, carriage home position, the closed gauge plate, and the 30-second inactivity shut-off. Follow the slicer’s operation instructions for the model when operating or adjusting it.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The HS Series installation guide says to unplug the power cord and turn the index knob fully clockwise to close the gauge plate before cleaning. It warns operators to exercise extreme caution near the knife. The slicer must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before first use. For cleaning, remove the removable parts and follow the model’s operation manual for removal and reinstallation procedures; the HS8N knife itself is non-removable.

After removing the applicable parts, wipe the slicer’s surfaces with a cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Rinse with a fresh cloth and clean water, then apply sanitizing solution. Use only products formulated to be safe on stainless steel or aluminum. Allow removed parts to dry fully before reassembling the slicer. The HS8N’s tilting, removable carriage, removable meat grip assembly, removable ring guard cover and removable sharpening system provide cleaning access. Hobart states that the removable meat grip assembly is dishwasher safe; the ring guard cover and sharpening system can be washed in a warewasher or three-compartment sink.

Applications

The HS8N is suitable for commercial meat and cheese slicing in butcher shops and grocery market delicatessens. Its 13-inch knife, manual carriage and adjustable gauge plate support preparing thin slices for sandwiches as well as other cuts within the stated carriage capacity and slice-thickness range.