deboning machines and methods of operating deboning machines are provided . in one aspect , a deboning machine includes a housing , a bearing supported by the housing , a separation chamber supported by the housing and including perforations defined through the separation chamber from an interior surface to an exterior surface , an auger including a shaft and a flute formed about the shaft with the auger extending through the separation chamber and the flute adapted to be positioned a working distance from the interior surface of the separation chamber . the deboning machine also includes a retainer rotatably supported by the bearing with the auger extending through the retainer , a nut rotatably coupled to a threaded portion of the auger and rotation of the moves the flute relative to the separation chamber to establish the working distance between the flute and the interior surface of the separation chamber .