Business Tips Guides

The stack cutter of today has become a highly refined and accurate tool. Whether for use by artists, schools, printers, or other businesses, the options currently available create a truly professional finished product. Long gone are the days when you would expect crooked cuts and burrs from your stack cutter.

One of the first questions asked about a stack cutter is how many sheets it can cut in one pass. Technology is continually increasing that number as equipment gets more precise and more can be done with fewer manual parts. It’s not unreasonable for a stack cutter to be able to cut a few hundred sheets at once.

The precision of the cuts is another area in which the field has grown. One simple yet incredibly effective tool for getting this precision is the inclusion of a clamp that holds the paper in place. In addition to simply securing the paper, this clamp can also help ensure that even pressure is applied by the blade. These two features together keep the paper from slipping or skewing during the cut.

Just as tools for the woodshop and auto shop have improved, so too have tools for the print shop. Today’s stack cutter might employ the use of a laser guide to ensure a straight, even cut. For these high tech cutters, there are even electronic consoles in place that allow the user to accurately control the machine.

The modern stack cutter also benefits from advances in safety. While the laser guide and computerized system is useful in tracking and controlling the cut, there are other safety features that are often included. For example, blades can be safely tucked away and include special guards that keep the operator out of harm’s way.

For the smaller budget or the organization that doesn’t rely as heavily on its stack cutter, a manual version might be more than adequate. These machines have also benefited from major advancements, and safety is just one area that has improved. Most stack cutters will now include lock mechanisms that hold the blade in an open position. There are also safety covers available.

Because you can’t just program cuts into a manual stack cutter, you will find that most of these come with some sort of measuring gauge. There are several methods for this type of option, including a marked cutting surface, guides, and even calibrated cranks.

When purchasing a stack cutter, you may want to consider buying a stand, as well. If you can not sacrifice the surface area necessary to safely use the stack cutter, then this purchase is going to prove necessary. If you don’t mind losing counter space or having a cutter residing on your table top, then you might be able to save a little money by not purchasing one. Keep in mind, though, that many of these stands are on wheels, which can be very helpful for storage, portability, and use of the stack cutter.

In addition, cutters are generally quite heavy and awkward to move. If you have a permanent home for it, then you may not need a stand. If not, however, you are likely to save yourself a fair amount of difficulty. Some stands can even double as a storage area.

Whether you’re running a classroom or a business, you might find that you have a regular need for a stack cutter. Take the time to look over all of your options to get the tool that is going to give you the best results. Fortunately, modern products are of such high quality that you can nearly be assured of a professional-looking finish, no matter how large or small the project is.

Andy West is a writer for iShopPaperCutters, which offers many name brand paper cutters including the stack cutter. Visit http://www.iShopPaperCutters.com to learn more about their products.

A high security shredder is an important and necessary addition to any business or home office. Since the first patented model, paper shredders have evolved drastically and are now integral pieces of office equipment. Government regulations and common privacy concerns have fueled the demand for high security shredders, and companies are utilizing them in every way possible. Paper shredders are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles, capabilities, and pricing. When purchasing one for home or business use, it is essential to understand the basics and purchase a piece of equipment that appropriately fits the needs.

The first patented idea for a paper shredder was presented in 1909. Although the “waste paper receptacle” was never produced, it set forth the motions for the current models. In 1935, a German anti-Nazi propagandist created a hand-cranked model paper shredder, based on the design of a pasta maker. He used this to dispose of anti-Nazi documentation and keep authoritative inquiries at bay. His shredder was later marketed to government groups and financial institutions. Over time, he converted his hand-crank model into an electric model, and sales escalated. In 1979, a strip paper cutter was employed by the US embassy in Iran, but the shredding was not completely successful. Colonel Oliver North then told Congress he used a particular cross-cut shredder and sales for that particular brand escalated exponentially.

Typical paper shredders are usually small electrically powered pieces of equipment. Though, there are special shredders such as hand-cranked shredders, shredder trucks, and even multiple blade shredder scissors. The typical machine shredders are classified according to size and capabilities. Strip-cut shredders are the least secure of all shredders and generate long narrow strips of paper. Cross-cut shredders cut rectangular shreds and use two blades to do the cutting. Particle-cut shredders produce small squares or circles. Disintegrators continuously cut the paper at random points until the pieces are small enough to pass through a screen. Hammermills hammer the paper through a small screen while Grinders grind the paper until it can pass. Finally, the pierce and tear shredders pierce the paper and tear it apart.

Additionally, paper shredders are classified based on the size of particles or strips that they produce. These security levels range from Level 1, with twelve millimeter strips, to Level 6, with .8 x 4 millimeter particles. Some government agencies have special shredders that are not typically commercially available. Generally, a high security shredder will be one that is approved by the United States Department of Defense or by the National Security Agency. In the past, the US General Services Administration set the guidelines for shredding classified materials and security levels. However, the administration ceased to issue any more guidance after 2000. In some government situations, the shredded particles will then undergo another process that will destroy the paper further. The extra process usually entails burning, decomposition, or composting.

While the government certainly has a huge need for high security shredders, companies and small businesses do as well. Identity theft and corporate spying are huge threats in the corporate world. It is not uncommon to hear of identity theft because a company did not properly dispose of customer information. Thankfully, vigorous government regulations are safeguarding this private information and forcing companies to properly dispose of it. Even small businesses will find high security shredders to be increasingly important. Monthly bank statements, financial information, credit card applications, and anything with relevant client information should be properly disposed of.

Andy West is a writer for iShopShredders.com which offers a variety of high security shredder products.

When seen for the first time, quality industrial shredders can take your breath away. These high-caliber pieces of machinery are meant to take the simple act of shredding paper and amp it up to incredible heights of power and volume.

Designed for continual use and materials that the ordinary office or personal shredder couldn’t even dream of taking on, an industrial shredder is meant to perform the tough shredding work that large corporations, big businesses, and outsource shredding organizations need.

Industrial shredders are able to take on much larger quantities of paper than even the highest-end office shredders. Unlike machines that require you to feed a few sheets of paper at a time or those that need constant supervision due to jamming or other errors, industrial shredders get the job done quickly and efficiently the first time, enabling your employees to spend their efforts on other important matters.

This is especially beneficial when you have large quantities of paper to shred, even up to 650 pages at a time. Many industrial shredders have feeding mechanisms that are extra large to accommodate entire stacks of paper, and often come with dust extracting systems to keep the machine running smoothly and without needing regular cleaning.

Industrial shredders that come with attached balers turn the shredded paper into compact blocks that can easily be recycled or disposed of in the manner of your choosing. With capabilities to compress up to 132 pounds of paper materials, this is no small feat!

In addition to the standard paper shredding capabilities, higher-end industrial shredders can also tackle extra-thick card stock, cardboard, books, and even pieces of metal. Shredders with metal sorters are ideal for companies working with traditional office materials in their papers. Things like staples, paper clips, brads, or other paper fastenings are typically not removed from each sheet of paper before they make their way to the shredding pile. By combining the ability to shred and separate metal with the basic paper shredding capabilities, the entire process is streamlined.

Cardboard shredders are also valuable for businesses that work with shipping. These machines are exclusively designed to turn cardboard into materials for packing.

Many industrial shredders have the additional bonus of working at variable speeds, motor power levels, and shredding quality designations. Different speeds and motor power levels are ideal when you are working with different types and quantities of shredding. Depending on how many pounds of paper you are looking to shred, you can adjust the speed to keep up. When quantities are low, you can save power and your shredder’s motor by using only as much speed as you need.

Shredding quality is also important. Highly confidential documents typically require a smaller cross cut than ordinary paper. By offering different settings for paper cuts, your industrial shredder becomes an efficient and economical machine.

Although it might be fun to have an industrial paper shredder in your personal home or office, simply as a means to watch some of the amazing things these machines can do, they are certainly not toys and are not for everyone. These pieces of equipment are designed for companies that need paper shredding on a much higher level than the ordinary layperson could ever even imagine.

If you’re the type of business that needs an industrial shredder, you already know how important it is to get the job done efficiently. Choose a shredder that can handle your tough jobs on a daily basis, just like you do.

Andy West is a writer for iShopShredders.com, which offers many Industrial shredder products.

Whether you work in a large or small business, you probably come across reasons to use an office shredder every day. Perhaps you work in an accounting firm that handles important tax documents that you are legally required to keep confidential. Maybe you work for a school that goes through mountains of paper waste every day. You could possibly even work from a home office, where the only thing keeping your files from taking over your living room is your ability to reduce your unused papers to an easily managed lump.

Although electronics and technology have made paperless communication easier than ever, most businesses still rely heavily on paper products. Printers, fax machines, copiers, and even handwritten notes get passed around and used each and every day. Some of these materials must be destroyed for reasons of confidentiality and to prevent identity theft, while others simply need to be disposed of in a convenient manner. Either way, one of the most important things you can do is choose an office shredder with the right capabilities for your paper output.

Office shredders differ from traditional shredders in the amount of paper they can handle at a time, the amount of paper they can handle overall, and the types of materials you can actually shred. They are designed to be used by more than one person (as opposed to one designed solely for personal use) and typically come in larger and faster models.

Some of the unique features you can find when you shop around for this type of equipment includes motors that are constructed to run for long periods of time. This is great for businesses with large quantities of paper to shred, since you never have to worry about a motor overheating. You’ll also never be required to “rest” your shredder several times throughout the day.

Office shredders also typically feature sharper blades and stronger motors that can shred everything from papers with staples and paper clips on them to cardboard or even computer disks. This can save quite a bit of time, since the removal of objects lodged in the paper or sorting through a wastebasket’s contents doesn’t have to be performed by hand.

When you use a quality brand, you can typically shred between 7 and 100 sheets of paper at a time, depending on the exact model you choose. Those on the higher end of the quality spectrum have additional benefits of not jamming when used on a regular basis (or when the materials include some of the hardware mentioned earlier).

Most are also designed to fit in with the typical office aesthetic. Although beauty probably isn’t high on your list of priorities for a paper shredder, today’s top models are more compact and offer better feed placement than most of the older, bulkier versions.

The better models have the additional bonus of conforming to the current standards of shredding quality. You can get smaller, thinner strip cuts that make your paper output more compact or higher-security cross cuts that reduce your paper and cardboard to small, confetti-like bits. If you have especially important documents to shred, these types of options can make quite a bit of difference.

Although you may not consider the purchase of an office shredder to be the most important business decision of your day, there are numerous options and benefits to today’s shredders. When making your purchase, always bear in mind how and why your shredder will be used. When chosen well, an office shredder can save you time, money, and legal problems down the road.

Andy West is a writer for iShopShredders.com, which offers many office shredder products.

Unlabeled cds can clutter a home and office. As long as they remain unlabeled, they tend to remain out of place. It is incredibly simple to fill a desk with unlabeled disks: download a file or two, use it appropriately, toss the disk aside, and never look at it again. Some of us have stacks, baskets, and even drawers full. It seems as though we can never really get around to labeling them all. While this system is fine for home and personal use, businesses and professionals should really avoid the unlabeled disk system. Purchasing a cd labeler is a great way to appear more professional and to help with office organization.

For home organization, labelers are a great way to sort through the mess and keep cds neatly where they belong. They come in a variety of designs and prices that can be suited to fit any need and budget. Alternatively, for the simple at home disks that require no professional attendance; a better solution could be to write on it with a Sharpie. However, this can be risky since markers can possibly damage the disk. Always check the packaging to see the warnings. Sometimes, the packaging will include small labels with ample space to handwrite the description.

For professional use, forgo the handwritten option in favor of a labeler. Many of the cd labelers have advanced over the years with unique and innovative software. This software can produce very professional labels and designs that can be eye catching and work appropriate. The professional appearance will attract attention and help keep other offices organized as well, especially in situations where the disk is shared or for others to keep. Without a professional notation, it will probably be thrown into the piles and stacks with the other dozen unlabeled ones and will not be seen again. These labeling products are also a great way to help anyone stand out from the crowd. The professional appearance of material will show fellow employees and superiors that details are important.

There are many different labeling products and many different prices. The most simple is one that just prints a label. The label is adhesive on one side and sticks to the disc. This is not the most professional of appearances, but it is certainly agreeable for organizational purposes. Another type prints the information directly onto the disk. This can be done in one of two ways: with an actual cd label, or with the information printed directly onto the disk surface. Both of these options are great for projects, presentations, and handouts. What better way to make a memorable presentation than to send the audience home with a copied disk of information.

Finally, interested buyers should select a labeler that is the appropriate size. Some are small enough to fit onto a desk surface. Some are free standing and require ample space. Depending on the task to be completed, buyers should examine the volume capabilities. For example, a small desktop model would be insufficient for someone wishing to print a thousand each month.

A cd labeler is the best way to present a professional appearance for an economical price. Whether the task is a simple disc full of family photos or an important presentation, it’s a great start to keeping an office organized and to show attention to detail. With the numerous styles, sizes, and pricing, a model is available to fit any business or personal needs.

Andy West is a writer for DYMO, which offers innovative labeling solutions including CD labelers.

Disk printers are great pieces of office equipment that can help keep cds, dvds, and computer disks properly labeled and organized. They can come in many different models with many different capabilities. These cost friendly printers can generate creative and impressive labels for home or office use.

Many homes and offices have plenty of unlabeled cds lingering around the desk. With the advent of music pirating software, we saw an explosion of home cd burning. With that, many offices and personal spaces began filling with unlabeled cds. Eventually, the invention of mp3 players and digital recorders rendered even these discs obsolete. Many of us have yet to part with the abundance, waiting for an opportunity to use them again. Unfortunately, many of these are unlabeled and unknown. With a disk printer, homes and offices can begin organizing and labeling appropriately and putting them away.

The disk printer can also help to organize the home and office. Many home offices are flowing with home videos and their favorite movies. Thanks to the new compact disk technology, home video cassettes are becoming obsolete and home offices are updating with the new technology. A disk printer is a great way to sort through the mounting piles of family memorabilia and cinematic favorites. It can date stamp and tag a dvd of a family vacation or a family favorite. Additionally, it can professionally identify discs and video around the office. Recorded presentations that are designed for distribution will greatly benefit from a proper printer. These can create professional looking tags or adhesives for office use as well as home entertainment.

Homes and offices are also rife with an abundance of unlabeled computer disks. These disks can be important backup copies of documents, photos, or videos. They can also be obsolete records or reports. Either way, they tend to clutter desks and remain unlabeled when a disk printer is not available. Many of these computer discs are important and need to be kept. However, they remain unlabeled, unorganized, and basically unused because of this. A disk printer is an efficient tool to be used in this instance. Many have great effects and templates. They can create very appealing labels that clearly indicate dates and the proper functions of the disk.

Much like other printers, these are available in a variety of models and prices. From desktop models to floor-standing printers, there are many sizes in between. Additionally, it is important to know the disk capacity of a disk printer before purchasing one. Some can label disks one at a time, while others have multi-disk functions that allow more efficient labeling for large volumes of disks. Many of these have various settings that can allow for quicker yet less clear labels, or slower but pristine label making functions. There are also several different methods for creating the labels. Some print labels onto adhesive paper which is then manually placed on the disk. Others print labels onto adhesives and place the adhesive directly on the disk through the printers. Finally, some of the more expensive models can print the labels onto the disk instead of the adhesive paper. These disks appear the same as they would if they were bought already labeled from a store. However, it can only work for disks that are completely blank on both sides.

Having a disk printer can increase productivity and result in professional appearing disks. It can also help keep a home or office free from the disk clutter that tends to congregate in drawers or on desktops. Whether the task is the appropriate labeling of various home or office informational storage discs, a disk printer can effectively and efficiently handle the task.

Andy West is a writer for DYMO, which offers innovative labeling solutions including disk printers.