Staples SPL QW1200 shredder - how to disassemble it to get full access to blades?

Question edited for a lot more clarity.
Question moved from Cars and Trucks.

If you lift the top off there should be a safety interlock that makes sure the blades can operate unless it is firmly and correctly place on top of the bin. It is normally a small dowel that goes into a socket with a microswitch button in the bottom.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Staples+SPL-NXC12HS2A+not+working

This appears to be a shredder rather than a Car and Trucks issue. I have moved you to the correct category and edited your question for clarity.

Remove the head and vacuum all the dust and paper bits, top and bottom. There is a sensor in there that is looking for a sheet of paper. When you turn it on, it thinks it has found it. While you are at it, oil the blades.

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Aurora no longer offers parts for this shredder.

In order to maintain a functional paper shredder, you should clean it out and oil it at least once a month(depending on usage) if not every time you fill it.
I would advise against trying to disassemble the actual blades to clean them out if that's what you mean by "take it apart."
What you can do is unplug the machine, lay the blades up and get a pair of tweezers and remove any large pieces of paper/shredding that might be caught in there.
After doing that you should oil the blades with any lubricant that your owner's manual recommends.
Most shredders suggest a non-aerosol/biodegradable oil such as vegetable oil.
Do not use WD-40 or other canned spray lubricants.
I've found that dripping the oil straight into the blades can be very messy so a good alternative is to lay out a piece or two of scrap paper and soak it in the oil. Then run the paper through the blades as normal.
They also sell varieties of this here: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Shredder-Lubricant-Sheets-12-pk-Shredder-Sheets/product_602400


It doesn't have to be a headache to maintain but proper care can make your shredder last a long time.

Yes you do need to oil the blades, but it is important to get the right oil. Most stores that sell shredders, like Staples Office Supply, also sell shredder oil. J.

I just pulled one from being thrown out - I could dismantle it for you...

Have you looked for hidden staples in the machine. Sometimes they can be hard to spot.

Well, despite the manufacters warning label I choose to take the shredder apart and found that one of the plastic gears was broken. Hence the motor runs, but the blades do not turn. The thing I didn't understand, the there are metal gears and plasic gears...I can only imagine that the plastic gears at one point or another are going to give. I would suggest not to void the manufacters warrenty, take the shredder back, and get one that is built a little stronger. Hope that helps.