Someone mentioned it would be helpful here. Currently it cuts at 3cm/just over an inche. Is there a preferred width that would work best for composting? Keeping in mind thinner strips means more cuts and dull blades.
Are there any other tools or methods you currently use that could help break down cardboard further?
azucarleta
I think your original application is a decent one. I’ve bought those scratch pads for my own cats. The problem I think is, my cats at least, don’t use them up very quickly at all, so a cardboard thingie I bought years ago for a few dollars is still going.
As for compost, shredding compost is an optional extra step, and the benefits of it aren’t clear to those of us who have done it, but no longer do, and see no difference in results at all. I’m not sure why folks can’t/don’t see that cardboard wicks moisture really well, and so in properly damp pile, cardboard isn’t a board for long, it’s biomush quickly.
horshack_test
It could be used as is. But sure – you could make one that cuts thinner strips, but increasing the time & work it would take to cut down a box would make it less attractive to potential buyers (if you plan on selling them).
mlouthain
Do you have the project files you can share? I’d love to print this out and give it a try. However, I prefer the method of getting cardboard soaking wet and then tearing it up – it’s easier to separate the individual layers. That being said, this might be a good option if I don’t want to soak the cardboard and still want it cut up small.
4 Comments
Someone mentioned it would be helpful here. Currently it cuts at 3cm/just over an inche. Is there a preferred width that would work best for composting? Keeping in mind thinner strips means more cuts and dull blades.
Are there any other tools or methods you currently use that could help break down cardboard further?
I think your original application is a decent one. I’ve bought those scratch pads for my own cats. The problem I think is, my cats at least, don’t use them up very quickly at all, so a cardboard thingie I bought years ago for a few dollars is still going.
As for compost, shredding compost is an optional extra step, and the benefits of it aren’t clear to those of us who have done it, but no longer do, and see no difference in results at all. I’m not sure why folks can’t/don’t see that cardboard wicks moisture really well, and so in properly damp pile, cardboard isn’t a board for long, it’s biomush quickly.
It could be used as is. But sure – you could make one that cuts thinner strips, but increasing the time & work it would take to cut down a box would make it less attractive to potential buyers (if you plan on selling them).
Do you have the project files you can share? I’d love to print this out and give it a try. However, I prefer the method of getting cardboard soaking wet and then tearing it up – it’s easier to separate the individual layers. That being said, this might be a good option if I don’t want to soak the cardboard and still want it cut up small.