Aurora AS890C 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper/Credit Card Shredder with Basket
by Aurora
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List Price: Our Price: $32.99 You Save: $7.00 (18%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $25.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Aurora AS890C 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper/Credit Card Shredder with Basket
Customer Review: Nice Unit
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the third shredder I have purchased. I still have the second one but that's elsewhere right now and we needed a new one. I am a normal security-conscious individual so my shredding requirements aren't large.
The unit is heavier than I would have thought. Seems Aurora didn't cheat on quality when they made this unit. The shredding unit is very solid. When I tested it for the first time I was very impressed in the surprising lack of effort it took to shred multiple pages. The noise level and speed were about the same for a single sheet as for three or four. I put eight sheets in for this review, although as a conservative engineer, I recommend using no more than half the rated capacity. If you have a high volume for shredding documents, get an office-quality shredder. For me, the shredder did just fine. With eight pages, it slowed down and labored a little, but then just shredded the stack of papers without complaint.
This unit is better than the diamond-cut unit I also own. I purchased the diamond-cut unit at Stapes three years ago. The display in the store claimed that the diamond cut was the more secure type of shredding. Now that I've used that one I doubt it's as secure as the 1/8" cross cut. I believe it would be easier to reconstruct a document from the diamond shred than from 1/8" cross cut type. It's probably on par with the 1/4" cross cut that this unit is.
Why did I buy a 1/4" cross cut rather than a 1/8" cross cut? Cost certainly, but more importantly, I believe the types that would try to reconstruct a document from me wouldn't be able to do it -- short attention span. There are easier targets than me. If I were worried about professionals, I would:
1) Burn my sensitive documents and mix the ashes, or
2) Mince them, mix them with water and puree them.
Customer Review: Works as advertised; I'm pleased
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this five months ago (in July 2010) and have used it regularly since. It replaced a smaller desktop-sized shredder that I used (and abused) regularly for nearly ten years. I use this for shredding in my home office: financial solicitations, junk mail and anything else having sensitive information on it that I want to discard. I never need to feed more than six sheets at a time. This shredder handles that easily without jamming. I've fed credit cards through it, too.
I compared several shredders on Amazon before buying this one. I'm very happy and haven't experienced any of the problems other reviewers cite. The basket is plenty large for my use (the usable portion below the shredding teeth is ~ 12 inches high, 5 inches deep and 11 inches wide).
As with any shredder you need to use common sense. This isn't an industrial-strength shredder; feed no more than a half dozen sheets at a time. Empty the basket before the shredded paper accumulates to the point at which the rotating teeth can pull the pieces back into the shredder. This is one way to avoid paper jams. The basket is plenty large enough to handle a steady stream of shredding before emptying.
Finally, lubricate the shredding teeth monthly according to the directions. This model discourages use of conventional lubricant or anything flammable (such as the Fellowes lubricant that shoppers seem to be buying with it.) The directions recommend using vegetable or cooking oil drizzled on several sheets fed through the shredder. I've done this monthly and notice no residual odor or any problems. And the shredder keeps humming.
If you're seeking a shredder for home use or light office use I recommend this one. I'm happy with the machine and the value.
Customer Review: Likes to shred!
Summary: 4 Stars
Solid shredder so far. I've gone through a few basket changes already, and have been using the Fellowes Powershred Shredder Oil & Lubricant, 12 oz. Bottle with Extension Nozzle (35250) also sold on Amazon after every few changes. Everything's running smoothly for now.
Probably not for the ultra-paranoid shredding individual as the cut size is not as small as some other shredders on the market (my shreds measure out at roughly 1/5 inch by 1 3/4 inches), but very good for everyday shredding. If you have ultra-sensitive material that needs to be shredded, opt for one of the finer cut shredders. But this one is great for everyday / home / home office use.
Basket is a tad on the small size, but that was expected based on other reviews. Not a big deal, just means you might have to empty it more often.
I really like how the paper feed area (throat) is hard to get your fingers in...which sounds really stupid, unless you have kids who love to touch everything in your home office (and I mean EVERYTHING). I still swat their hands away when they get close to it, but I don't have to worry as much as I did with my last shredder where the throat was wide open and I could pretty much touch the blades as they were spinning.
The unit is fairly quiet under normal operation, no noise complaints here.
So to recap, good shredder for home / home office use. If you need larger capacity, capability to shred optical media, or finer cut shredding, pony up the cash and get a better unit. But for 40 bucks plus free shipping, this is a great buy.
Customer Review: Saved me from my WALL of mail!
Summary: 5 Stars
I personally love this shredder! It does what it is supposed to do... shreds into small pieces. This is a crosscut shredder, not a confetti. I was moving and needed to get a lot of old mail (boxes worth) shredded before my move date. This little machine more than delivered on its' promise.
Do not overload the slot... 8 sheets is the limit and that is true. I try to keep it under that. It loves to groan along when you stuff too much in there. The shredding mechanism is very sharp and have nicked my fingers a couple of times when removing a jam. Does it jam often? NO... but it does happen. The reverse/unjam feature is a MUST! It does shred credit cards, paper clips and staples as it advertises. Again, it makes a very loud noise but accomplishes the feat. If you just have a normal mail load, you could probably go a month without changing the bin. I find it convenient to just keep on smooshing down the shreds. If you do not, your machine will jam!
Highly recommend the machine; do not know the longevity as of now. Does what it needs to do at a wonderful price.
One caveat... the darn thing tips too easily because the mechanism is on the top. In my home, that is a pain with 3 kids and 2 dogs running around. Shavings everywhere!! It also states in the manual that you should not shred labels or stamps of any kind. I have done it and it is functioning fine.
Customer Review: WORKHORSE OF A SHREDDER
Summary: 4 Stars
I am pleased with this paper shredder - it does what I need it to do but not quite as advertised. This shredder touts it can shred 8 pages at a time when half that amount is closer to the mark. Overall, I am very happy with it.
For $40 bucks you really cannot beat this shredder. It shreds credit cards and stapled paper easily. It shreds 4 pages or less quite nicely. If you go over 4 pages or use thicker paper you might run into trouble. This shredder has a reverse button that helps fix stuck paper. I have had a few paper jams that stop the shredder but the reverse button and/or turning the machine off (IMPORTANT) and using a letter opener to get rid of any stuck paper has fixed any jams. The end results are thin strips of paper that fills the attached basket quickly. I use a plastic grocery bag to line the basket for easy dumping into our recycling bin when filled. This machine is noisy while working but I think all paper shredders are noisy.
I think this machines does a great job for the price. Just note that it does not work well when using over 4 sheets of paper. It might take a little more effort then the more expensive ones but saving money is always nice. I have used this machine on a daily basis for a couple of months with no problems.