Tell me Steve, did your mum's chippie have a chipping machine as well?
The canteen did, and one had to select a 'thickness of chip' using a dial. I used to muck about for fun, and made chips as big as Mars bars, then weeny little matchstick ones. But the tiny ones used to fry as hard as needles, and I got complaints from the workers.

Honestly, I wreaked havoc in that kitchen, but they should never have employed a completely unqualified little girl!