The Formax FD 8802SC is a powerful, high-volumeshredder that can handle a lot of different materials (such as compactdiscs) and is made for heavy daily use. Here is a quick look at some ofthe strengths and weaknesses of the FD 8802SC. The FD 8802SC has to be considered one of the highestcapacity shredders available anywhere. This machine is designed toshred a large amount of paper and other materials as well. The FD8802SC,12v ice maker for instance, can shred entire files and folders (companyliterature states a capacity of up to 125 sheets per pass) as well asCDs and DVDs, ZIP and/or floppy discs, larger stacks of "green bar"computer sheets, and even audio and DV magnetic tapes. The cuttingheads that make this all possible are made, of course, of a highquality, heat-tempered steel, and the geared motor operates theconveyor belt at fifty feet per minute. A powerful machinelike this needs to take safety seriously, and we found the safetyfeatures of the FD 8802SC to be impressively well thought-out.
First ofall, right at the front of the conveyor belt, the FD 8802SC has a large(18 inch), orange safety bar that stops the mechanism instantly whenpressed. There is also a lock and key operation in order to preventuntrained or unauthorized personnel from even turning the machine on.The FD 8802SC's motor will halt automatically when the bin door isopened, and when it's full and needs attention. This shredder alsoemploys its own circuit breaker to prevent any danger related toelectrical overload. Also, If there should be a paper jam, the machineswitches into automatic reverse until it is cleared.Thoughsome training would probably be recommended before using, in truth, theFD 8802SC is a very simple machine to operate. For starters, there isthe large and easy to understand control panel. Using this LED, softbutton panel, the user is able to set the shredder to automatic on andoff operation (using optical sensors) or there is a manual mode for usewhen the items you intend to shred are too light for the sensors todetect.
There's also a handy load indicator that helps you to preventaccidental overfeeds and/or paper jams. The FD 8802SC hasa very convenient automatic cleaning system, which will run the machinein reverse for a minute or so in order to clear the cutting blades(which, it should be noted are under lifetime warranty from Formax) ofparticles that may have collected over time. If you choose to go withthe optional oiling system, you can always be assured that the cuttingheads are well lubricated and operating at peak efficiency and power.Wefound the placement of the cabinet door at the front of the machine(under the conveyor belt) to be a nice touch, as it meant we couldplace the machine against the wall, saving space. Weaknesses: The FD 8802SC is a powerful, high-capacity machine witha lot of capabilities that you won't find in most other shredders.However, it does only shred paper into a strip cut pattern, and thusmay not offer the highest security shredding for your most confidentialpaper documents. The Formax 8802CC offers a cross cut pattern with avery similar capacity.
