New problem with my powermatic shredder

[Rickey60]

I would buy another one also. I like the idea of a lift up top.

 

[Freeotatv]

Jitter..i was thinking the same thing..

The only way for longevity on cutters is an easy access to remove cutters...so they can be cleaned and then dried with an air compressor. Stainless steel cutters would also be a bonus.

Its just the nature of the materials bek g shredded which have residue....

 

[FmGrowit]

By the time the improved Powermatic model comes out (there are currently no plans to correct any of these issues), my manual shredder will be available. I've given instructions to build in a chuck on the drive mechanism that would accommodate a drill motor.

When I got the prototype back, I told them it was over-engineered and thought scaling it down a bit would save on cost. I was told the shredder was designed for 10 year warranty and that it could shred copper pennies.

We'll see what happens soon.

 

[Freeotatv]

Knucks...thanms for the usage tips...

I followed your usage from day one...with slight variation.

Derib a lb.

Then shred about 1lb...only feedi g one leaf at a time.

I time usage and stop at about 20 mi s and then let it sit for at least a half day and then run another 20 mins.

I used your tip about running forward and reverse before and after usage.

I called fellowes and powermatic about usage time.

Fellowes recommends 10 mins of usage and then shut down and cool down period.

Powermatic said the same...but i thik chris mentioned 20 mins or so.

I just go by the smell...when i start smellinv the motor and the chassis starts getting hot...i shut her down .

That usually is about 20 mins i to usage

 

[Freeotatv]

Don...thats great to hear...will the teeth have access for user cleaning of the residue.

Ideally ...a user would be able to dip the teeth into a warm soapy solution or beer...

And then be able to scrub the teeth with a nylon brush and then use compressed air to dry it to avoid rust.

Any eta on when your model will be available to purchase?

 

[BarG]

I've had my shredder for two years. It's the second generation with the cooling fan. A couple of members had posted problems with the gear retaining screws coming loose and they didn't realize the problem until their gears had stripped. After reading those posts, I checked my screws, found them slightly loose and reinstalled them with blue loctite. Other than that, zero problems. I baby my machine. It was never meant to be a commercial unit. I shred about a pound at a time, running the machine in reverse before and after use, which gets rid of alot of the sticky stuff. Shredding a pound at a time prevents a massive build up of sticky stuff. Most of it dries between uses and comes out when I run it backwards. I derib as I shred. I set the bag of leaf on my lap and I pull the main rib from a leaf and stick it into the machine while I derib the next leaf. The first leaf is shredded and the machine shuts off before I can derib the next leaf, so the machine is not running continuously. The motor is not being bogged down by massive amounts of leaf. It's only shredding one or two leaves at a time and there is zero bog down to the motor. This method is just as fast as deribbing first, and night and day difference in the amount of wear and tear on the machine. I've read posts on here where members derib all their leaf first, then shove it through the machine as fast as the machine can handle it. Several pounds at a sitting. (I think I've read 16 lbs. by one member at a single sitting) No offense to anyone, but some of these problems are brought on by misuse of the machine. In my opinion, the biggest drawback to the Powermatic is the absence of a comprehensive owners manual.

The machines aren't perfect , but they are perfect for my use. I have minor issues with the sensors but when I get it running[fails to start during initial feed] I can shred as much as I want. I reckon like any tool it requires some maintenance. It beats the hell out anything I used homeade. This is the first tool I bought for this purpose and still going strong.

 

[Freeotatv]

I agree...there is nothing to be missed about hand shredding...

so far the powermatic is doing what it should..which is saving time and labour.

 

[Chicken]

allthough i dont..... i need to clean the blades with compressed air after each usage,

ive found that you can try to '' clean '' it out as good as you can after each use. theres allways some bacca that gets hung in there.... then dries..... and binds up the cutters, if you try to run it. again after weeks of non-use,

i allways drown my blades in wd-40.. before i run it after a long sit,,,

mine makes a hell of a noise while its running, but it's still cutting good,

it could die tomorrow and i'd feel as if it has paid for itself,

 

[DrBob]

I do not like the idea of wd40 on the cutter blades at all. nope nope nope not for me. Bad idea. Bad bad bad

 

[Jitterbugdude]

I do not like the idea of wd40 on the cutter blades at all. nope nope nope not for me. Bad idea. Bad bad bad

Ditto

 

[Brown Thumb]

Double Ditto.
Pull your side cover off and check your screws before one takes out the gears if it is loose.

 

[Freeotatv]

Like bt says...try beer...i wouldnt want to smoke wd40....

Tho wd40 works great on garage door hinges...

 

[Freeotatv]

Unless the warranty card states that you must send it to them, in order to receive the benefits of the limited warranty, then you don't need to (and probably should not) send in the card for any consumer device in advance.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/12/do-you-need-to-register-new-products-you-buy/index.htm

Bob

just read the link you provided...thanks...that is really helpful in general....

 

[bryonlr]

Wow, WD 40 flavored baccy?

 

[BarG]

Wow, WD 40 flavored baccy?

Exactly what were trying to avoid. lets try that

 

[DrBob]

To update the issue I finally did fix my shredder by repairing the wire and it works just fine now. Problem solved

 

[BarG]

Does anyone know how to by pass the sensor for the forward position when you switch it on.

 

[Brown Thumb]

Just remove the sensors and wires. I cut them off the connector and it will work by the on off switch.

 

[DrBob]

cover it with black tape?

 

[BarG]

Will that eliminate a false start? It tries to kick on and quits.