Cardboard perforator for packing material and shipping

$800.00

Shipping to United States: Free

This unit processes 8 to 9 inches wide material at any length.

This is a heavy duty paper and plastic (cds, credit cards, etc) shredder that I modify. I modify the cutting wheels so that it does not shred, but only partially cuts through the material. This turns it into a perforator. This allows you to create your own shipping material for cushioning and void fill on demand for a fraction of the cost of an industrial cardboard perforator. This will process folded paper grocery sacks, paper board (like cereal boxes), thin Amazon boxes, and heavy duty single wall cardboard boxes with ease. Perforating the cardboard is easier for the machine than the maximum paper shredding capacity, so it has no issues eating various materials for hours.
This packaging material is wonderful for wrapping fragile objects or for void fill. I have been using it to void fill 4" of space around 25 to 40 pound table legs for years. This allowed me to reduce my single-use plastic, save money, and the material is much stronger than bubble void fill. I highly recommend this machine for any artist or crafts person.

I can create a unit for you or teach you how to make one yourself. Note that I do not have any in stock and these are made to order.


It will process double wall boxes (the ones that almost 1/4" thick), but it is more work and I don't recommend that for full time use. The units have a thermal protector on them, so if you do try to work it too hard, you will not tear it up, but I like to process materials quickly. All your boxes for standard shipping and at stores work really well. It's only large boxes for really heavy objects like trailer hitches or furniture that are too thick so the materials are abundant and flexible. Paper grocery sacks folded up to 8" wide create a surprising fluffy but strong material for wrapping ceramic objects.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1-3 business days

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aluminum as strong as steel?

Yes. These legs are VERY STRONG. They are made from architectural grade tubing with a wall thickness of 1/8". There is not any flex along the length of the metal. I have stood on tables made from these legs and they do not wobble or bend in any way. A comparable leg in steel would be much thinner in wall thickness, but would have very similar strength. The best part is aluminum will never rust!

Are these legs welded?

No. Welding is against my philosophy as a designer and maker. I think welding is too energy intensive and I don't care for the look of welds, especially on the inside corners of legs where it looks like hot glue. My legs are constructed with industry-standard furniture fasteners, which are just as strong as welding, but easier on the environment.

What is the foot on the leg?

My standard legs include black, abs, load-bearing end caps to protect your floors. My end caps are designed to take the weight of table legs so the plastic will not get smashed.

I also have a leveler feet add on, which allows up to 1/2" variation in leg height, here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/260727742/
https://www.etsy.com/listing/287323147/

I also have a caster feet upgrade here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/928473921/

How do I attach my new legs to my table top?

Each leg has a 4" wide mounting plate with four (4), 5/16 diameter holes (one in each corner) (wider legs have 6 holes with 2 of them at the half-way point).
The leg is centered on the long axis of the mounting plate and is flush with each short side.

Screws are not included because each table top varies in material and thickness.

I offer an heirloom-quality install kit here (for wooden tops):
https://www.etsy.com/listing/544512521/

How do you finish your table legs?

All of my leg styles come in a natural aluminum finish (which you can paint yourself or leave as is), or are expertly finished in my studio. Most are expertly coated with a smooth, baked-on powder-coated finish that is scratch resistant and very durable. When compared to other leg makers, who use spray-painted enamel with harmful chemicals, my powder coating is thicker and tougher than spray paint, doesn't smell when you open the box, and powder coating is VOC-free, which is very important for keeping the air clean.

I also offer a hand-brushed finish, offering a soft, natural look. Each leg is sealed with a specially formulated, solvent-free bees' wax polish; I make the polish myself so I know it is 100% free from chemicals.

I see lots of steel legs for sale. Why do you use aluminum?

I think these are much more beautiful than welded-steel legs because they have very nice, crisp edges. Steel tubing has rounded edges, which gives more of an unfinished look (in fact many are sold unfinished because they're hard to clean and prep for painting!!). I use aluminum because of the perfectly square, contemporary look. Another big reason: Aluminum will never rust! Finally, aluminum is lighter to ship and I believe it is more environmentally friendly, being cleaner to produce and work with. My aluminum is produced using electricity sourced from sustainable sources, while all steel is melted and produced using coal.

How does the tree planting program work?

I plant 1 tree for each order. I also pay the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 1 additional tree for each order in a national forest of need. Tress are planted the following spring after each calendar year. My studio is built from a reclaimed barn, and is located on 30 acres of forest. I also own a protected 43 acre parcel in the boundary waters canoe area. Trees are planted both in Indiana and in Minnesota.

A typical set of table-height legs produces about 20 lbs of CO2 in production. My forest absorbs about 400 lbs. of CO2 per acre, per year, or 12,000 lbs per year. The tree planting program will ensure that this not only continues, but increases every year.

I also purchase 200% of my electricity consumption from sustainable sources.

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