Always check for levelness by laying the knife on the plate before inserting in the machine. Always use a coolant when sharpening plates. Always inspect the plates making sure all holes are clear - that there are no cracks. Never, never mix different knives to different plates. Never, never overtighten the main barrel nose retaining ring on the machine.
Product is the natural lubricant.
Heat can build up so fast that cold product could crack the plate. Never, never hit the plate against anything to clean the holes. Never, never throw the plates or knives. Safety Always inspect parts for cracks, heat fractures, discoloring. Never run on parts that have these defects.