[Vodkaman]

I am reading this thread with great interest. Unfortunately, my service provider is over subscribed and my system is pitiful, five minutes to load a TU page. Also, I cannot view the video.

I think that I am getting the idea though. The non-return ratchet sounds good, but if the feed finished in between ratchet stops, would this introduce slop in the feed direction.

The play in the bearings sounds huge, OK for playing with food though. The 1/16 'slop' will not double because of the presence of two bearings. The resulting play would depend on the geometry. By locating one bearing close as possible to the business end and the second as far away as possible, the play will be minimised.

I could be way off track not having seen the machine in question. If this is the case, I apologise and you can all have a laugh. Maybe you could e-mail the vid or pic to me.