On Thu, 13 May 2010 21:58:43 +0000, Doug Miller wrote:

SWMBO bought a hamburger press at Harbor Freight last weekend. So I'm
getting ready to use it... unpack it... to find "Assembly and Operating
Instructions". (WTF?? It's a hamburger press, for Pete's sake!)

The following is directly quoted from that document:

Safety Warnings and Precautions

WARNING: When using Hamburger Press, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to
equipment. Read all instructions before using this product!

1. Avoid working alone. If an accident happens, an assistant can bring
help. [...]
[snip items 4, 5, 7, 8, 9]
11. Do not operate Hamburger Press if under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your
judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there is any
doubt, do not operate Hamburger Press.

Do you have an SKU # for it? The only HF hamburger press that shows
up in a search for "hamburger" is SKU 96196. It and its manual are at
http://www.harborfreight.com/dishwasher-safe-hamburger-press-96196.html
and http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/96000-96999/96196.pdf and
don't show the over-the-top warnings from your message, and the
instructions shown seem mostly reasonable and relevant, to wit:

HAMBURGER PRESS
....
WARNING
To prevent health hazards:
1. Clean thoroughly. Always clean before and after each
use. Wash in dishwasher (top rack only) using hot water
and antibacterial soap.
2. After cleaning, dry all components with a clean rag.
Store in a dry location.
3. Always follow cleaning procedures after each use.
Failure to do so may result in serious injury due to food
poisoning.
4. Do not use if cracked or damaged.
5. Use for ground beef only. Do not use for other foods
or any beverages.
....
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Weigh out approximately 1/4 to 1/3 lb. of ground meat.
2. Remove the base from the bottom of the Hamburger Press
and hold the Press handle down.
3. Spoon the ground beef into the open cup, being careful
not to overfill cup.
4. Slide base lid back into place.
5. Set the Press down with the handle now up.
6. Press down once on the handle.
7. Remove the base lid. A round hamburger patty is now
formed in the cup and ready for cooking.
Note: The meat may stick to the Hamburger Press, depending
on the fat content in the meat. Spray the lid and cup with a
light coat of vegetable oil before pressing
When not in use, store in dry location out of reach of children.

--
jiw