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Shredder recommendations

hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 114
in Tools and techniques
My Freecycle shredder has let me down, and my Screwfix purchase (McAlister) is terrible. Any recommendations? Must be able to deal with dead and green wood, thick and thin.
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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,915
    I've had this Bosch now since 2016.
    It's quiet, self-feeds and deals with branches up to 45mm.
    It's never jammed and the output is really good for compost making.
    I'm not sure if it will deal with substantial branches of dead wood though - I've never tried.
    https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Shredder-collection-cardboard-throughput/dp/B00D43EF06/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=bosch+shredder&qid=1663499082&sr=8-3

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • B3B3 Posts: 26,455
    The ones with auger- type blades are best. We had a Bosch which was great but we lent it out too much. We replaced it with one with The other type of blade. It's rotting in the garage. Only used it a few times. Kept getting blocked . Can't remember the name.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 114
    B3 said:
    The ones with auger- type blades are best. We had a Bosch which was great but we lent it out too much. We replaced it with one with The other type of blade. It's rotting in the garage. Only used it a few times. Kept getting blocked . Can't remember the name.
    Is the Bosch one linked above an auger type? If not please can you provide an example? I did use an Al-ko which had a spinning circular blade, and the waste hit the centre of the circle (approx) which worked very well. My new mcAlister has a cylindrical blade which spins very slowly.
  • B3B3 Posts: 26,455
    I don't know .I had mine a long time ago and it didn't look at all like that one. I'll have a look and see if I can find something similar
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,247
    The bosch one has a big spiral cutter.  It chunks tougher stuff like buddleja and brambles, pulling them in as it goes.  It doesn't like smaller stuff, not pulling it down.  Suitable for producing mulch.   If you want it finer then an impact shredder like alko  takes  anything in and chops it fine.  I have been known to use both , making chunks first quickly , then chopping it finer  which will compost faster.  If stuff is too wet, the alko one clogs.  I mix kitchen waste in bit by bit with dryer stuff to balance it.
  • hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 114
    B3 said:
    I don't know .I had mine a long time ago and it didn't look at all like that one. I'll have a look and see if I can find something similar
    Thank you. Just wanted to check I know what an auger type blade looks like.
  • hiacedrifterhiacedrifter Posts: 114
    edited September 2022
    My mcalister blade looks like this, the waste comes in from the top:


    Interesting that the Makita looks very similar despite being twice the price.
  • B3B3 Posts: 26,455
    This is the only thing I can find with a picture of what I'm talking about. It might help you to find it if they still make them.
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s_HQKEHZh9I
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,297
    That is a wonderful video, B3. One of the best instructive videos that I’ve seen.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • B3B3 Posts: 26,455
    This thread inspired me to have a look for a new shredder. It's a nightmare. Isn't it? Some of the high end ones don't even come with a power cable!
    Best of luck. I think I'll continue to add to my fat stick pile down the side of the garage😒
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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