Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) Keywords and Specifications Shred Size: The size of the shredded pieces after the document has been shredded. Sheet Capacity: The maximum sheets of paper the shredder can handle at a time. Speed (ft./min. or FPM): The speed at which the shredder shreds measured in feet per minute. Output (lbs./hr.): The weight of the shredded pieces measured in pounds per hour. Feed Opening or Throat width: The width of the mouth (entry point) of the shredder.this is where you insert the paper to be shredded. Cutting Heads: The physical blades that cut the paper into pieces. Continous duty motor: This is a motor that can run continuously without overheating. Electrical (V AC): The electrical power the shredder needs to operate. Ship Weight (lbs.): The weight of the shredding machine along with the weight of the packaging. Personal Shredder: Smaller, lighter shredder made for low volume shredding. Mid-Size Shredder: Mid-size shredder ideal for a small office, medium volume shredding. High Volume Shredder: Bigger more powerful shredder that can even handle CD's and file folders and high volume paper shredding. Ideal for a bigger office in a centralized position with higher volume shredding. How do I determine which model is best for my needs? All of the Shredmaster®'s produce a similar finished product. They all shred paper into long, thin strips (straight-cut) or small particals (confetti-cut). As you go up in price, the shredders become larger, more powerful, and shred more paper at a faster rate. The important thing is to buy a shredder that is powerful enough to easily handle the volume you need to shred and provide many years of trouble free performance. To the left is an index of all the Shredmasters. The top half are the confetti-cut models (the model numbers end with the letter 'X'). The lower half are the straight-cut models (the model numbers end with the letter 'S'). Click on the tabs to read more about the specific models. And please call us if we can help in any way! Straight Cut vs. Confetti Cut Shredders The benefits of confetti cut shredding are increased security (it is virtually impossible to reassemble cross cut documents) and bulk reduction. The small particals 'bulk down' in a way that dramatically reduces the volume of paper. This is an important benefit because changing bags can be very time consuming. Straight-cut shredding machines do cost a little less and shred more paper at a faster rate. Most people do prefer the confetti cut shredders. Please call if we can answer any questions or help in any way! Throat width: Standard 8-1/2" X 11" sheets will easily fit into any of the Shredmasters, Even the least expensive models. If you want to shred wider sheets (like 14-7/8" wide continuous form computer reports), you need a model that has a wide enough throat width. Q: If I were to purchase a Shredmaster, how soon would I receive it? All Shredmasters are in stock to ship within 24 hours from the Shredmaster distribution center closest to you (Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas. You would receive it within 4 - 5 working days. Q: How do you provide technical service and support? That is one of the main benefits of buying Shredmaster. We have over 100 technical service centers located in throughout the United States. If you are located in a metropolitan area, service is performed right at your facility. If you are not in a metro area, that’s fine - we just ship you a replacement machine and pick up your ailing shredder. Q: What is the difference between “intermittent-duty” and “continuous-duty” motor? The intermittent-duty motor will shut itself off after 10 minutes of shredding in order for the motor to cool down. The continuous-duty motor never needs a “cool-down” period and will run continuously without ever overheating. Further, the continuous-duty motor is a motor type that will hold up well doing a large volume of shredding. Q: Which machines take staples and paper clips? All Shredmasters take staples. You should not bother to remove staples for any Shredmaster. The 950S and 960X will not take paper clips. Paper clips do need to be removed for the 950S and 960X. All of the larger Shredmasters with continuous-duty motor, beginning with the 2240S, have no problem with paper clips. Paper clips will not damage these larger Shredmasters. Q: How do I know which model is best for my needs? All of the Shredmaster models produce a similar finished product. They all destroy paper into long thin strips (straight-cut) or small particles (confetti-cut). The benefits of the higher capacity shredders are that they shred more paper at a faster rate and will hold up better doing a larger volume. The lighter-duty shredders will not hold up as well doing a large volume of shredding. So, you want to consider whether you want a straight-cut or confetti-cut shredder, how wide a throat opening you need (do you have wide format computer reports), and what kind of volume you need to shred. Of course, please feel free to call us at 800-554-0463 if we can assist you in any way. Q: What is a “jam-stopper”? All shredders will stop when they are overloaded. However, when the shredder is overloaded and the circuit breaker is tripped, the motor is stressed and continual overloading will shorten the life of the shredder. The larger Shredmasters, model 2230S and larger, avoid that problem by installing a microswitch at the throat opening that detects the overload before the circuit breaker is tripped and before the motor is stressed. We call that patented microswitch technology our “jam-stoppers”. It is these “jam-stoppers” that contribute to the long life and service-free performance of the Shredmasters. That’s why we can have the extended three-year comprehensive warranty covering all parts, labor, and travel time. Q: What is “Auto-on/Auto-off”? The Shredmaster has an “on”, “off”, and “reverse” toggle switch. In the “on” mode, the shredder will stop automatically after 5 seconds of not receiving any paper to shred. Then, when you come back later to shred, it will automatically switch on when you insert paper to shred. Q: What is “EZ-Feed Throat”? The throat opening of the Shredmaster is funneled so that it will easily take paper that is slightly wider than the throat opening. Q: Are these all brand new machines (not refurbished)? Yes. These are all brand new Shredmasters and ship directly from the Shredmaster distribution center closest to you. Q: Is there any preventive maintenance that should be done? Yes. Oil the cutting heads by squirting a line of shredder oil on a sheet of paper and shred it. This lubricates the cutting heads increasing shredder performance. Do not use motor oil. Only use shredder oil (which is similar to light weight machine oil). Q: What is the name of your company. Are you GBC, General Binding Corporation, Shredmaster? GBC is an acronym for General Binding Corporation and Shredmaster is the shredder division of GBC. The name of our company is Factory Direct. We are a partner with GBC Shredmaster, selling GBC Shredmaster across the country at the lowest discount prices. Call 800-554-0463 for complete specifications and price list. 40% Off today! Call 800-554-0463 Fax 800-657-9340 sales@factoryd.com