Formax FD 8300CC Cross-Cut Paper Shredder Review

ormax FD 8300CC is a personal desk side shredder3. The FD 8300CC's components are of impressively
that offers high-security document shredding in ahigh quality. The motor is a powerful, AC geared unit
convenient, compact unit. Here is a closer look atthat easily met the stated capacity of 8 sheets per
some of the Formax FD 8300CC's strengths andpass. The FD 8300CC also ran impressively quietly
weaknesses.which should help keep office distractions to a
Strengths:minimum. The FD 8300CC's cutting heads are
1. These days, with identity theft, consumer fraud,constructed of solid heat-treated steel. They easily
and corporate espionage all on the rise, you and yourhandled paper clips and staples, and are under
business can't be too careful when it comes to themanufacturer's warranty for ten years after
security of your documents. As a shredder thatpurchase.
offers Level 4 Security, the FD 8300CC gives you a4. The FD 8300CC has some nice safety features,
machine that more than complies with the recentincluding automatic power shutoff whenever the door
federal regulations (FACTA) that concern theto the cabinet is open, and also whenever the waste
destruction of the personal and sensitive informationbag is full. The machine also has its own circuit
that your business handles on a daily basis. As abreaker to help prevent electrical problems.
powerful, high-security desk side shredder, the FD5. The FD 8300CC's waste bin is large enough at 9.5
8300CC gives such people as HR personnel, researchgallons, and is constructed of all metal and (something
teams, and high-level executives a handy tool toyou don't see a lot of) is guaranteed for the life of
ensure that crucial and sensitive information will neverthe shredder.
fall into the wrong hands.Weaknesses:
2. Our testers found that the FD 8300CC was very1. Though not bad for a Level 4 shredder, the sheet
simple machine to operate. The LED control panelcapacity of 7-8 is on the low end of the scale these
keeps the user well informed of the shredder'sdays. If you simply want FACTA compliant security
operational mode, and there are some nice options toand you would like a higher capacity, Formax offers a
choose from. For easiest operation, you can simplyfew shredders that will fit that bill.
utilize the FD 8300CC's optical sensors and set the2. Though the FD 8300CC touts its "thermal overload
machine for automatic start/stop ("walk away"protection," all this means is that the motor will shut
mode), or choose the manual function if your load isitself off when it is in danger of overheating. This is a
too light for the sensors to pick up. If you notice thenice function, but it would also be a good idea to get
machine's capacity diminishing after a lot of use, youto know the machine's limits before you attempt any
can choose an automatic cleaning function which setssort of high-volume shredding jobs, as this is a
the motor running in reverse for one minute to keepshredder that is probably best suited for periodic use
the cutting heads clear of collected paper particles.throughout the day.