Die Cut Machines – A Public Review
There is no doubt that die-cutting is really cool. Especially considering it can now be done at home with a desktop machine that costs anywhere from $50.00 – $500.00+.
Before die cutting was ONLY exclusive to print shops. And it was expensive! I know because I used to work at one. The dies alone would cost anywhere from $100 – $2000 to make as they needed to be hand crafted more often than not. AND they were almost always exclusive to the buyer of that die. Therefore that buyer needed to know that it was worth his / her companies interest to take that route before even doing so.
Granted some dies were available to everyone – but more or less this is an expensive trade. Not any longer.
At least not for scrapbookers. So today instead of Scrapbooking Directions putting its opinion out there on Die Cutters, we want to ask the public for theirs.
We want YOUR feedback if you have a die machine. Esp. if you have many die cut machines.
We want to know why you chose the machine you did. 
Your opion (comments) will help others make the decision for themselves. It’s not a low cost invesment so it’s one that many scrapbookers would REALLY appreciate honest feedback on.
So please leave your comments.
Tell us which die cutting machine you have and why you chose it? Was it price, was it the library of dies, was it the ability to work with OTHER dies (being a universal die cutter), does it emboss also? Is it one of the only die cutters that can work with heavy duty double sided adhesives without wearing down the machine? [These are all of the reasons we chose the cuttlebug diecutter].
But what’s your story.
Please share.
I just purchased the Sizzix Big Shot after using it at a STAMPING UP! cardmaking demo and for what it does I think I am going to enjoy it a lot. Since I am new to both cardmaking and scrapbooking, I am finding out the little doodads or embellishments are quite expensive, even with the 40% coupons for Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Joann’s Craft Stores. Yes, the dies are expensive but I have been researching on the internet (Amazon.com, Scrapbooking.com, HSN.com, Ebay.com, etc) for the best prices to get some of the dies I would like to have in my collection. I foresee using the Big Shot for a good while and like the fact that many of the products out on the market are/look compatible with the machine. The only drawback I can see is that the largest width I can make accent pieces, embellishments, etc is no more than 5 3/4″ – 6″.
hi i have a cricut i have a slice i have a small bigkick and a big bigkick i lke them all.
Ladies, ladies, ladies…I have just stumbled upon something that I thought everyone might appreciate having in their stash of how to’s and what to remembers of scrapbooking. Esp. when it comes to purchasing a die cutting machine.
Here http://www.indigojay.com/crafting/diecutter_compatibilitychart.pdf is a link to a die cutter compatibility chart that covers the types of dies and embossing folders on the market and how compatible they are with OTHERS like them.
I have reviewed it and found it a GREAT RESOURCE! Hope you do to.
Sincerely – Cijaye.
I do use a cutting machine..”cricut”..great little gadget to have around.
I also have the “sure cuts alot” both make an incredible match..this stuff is expensive to just have around..but ..my sister and I partnered together to do a “crop class” in the basement of her home..people come and go on a certain day of the month..its quite fun and we have learned alot about some people we thought we new..there are so many things you can do..a bit of imagination and a group of people..magic..pure magic..
Hello,
I’ve had a Silhouette for over a year and like it very much because of the freedom it offers by allowing you to cut any true fonts you have on your computer, and the amount of free files you can get.
I believe there are two downfalls to this system. First, the inability to emboss and second, the amount of wasted paper. I found it difficult to learn how to gauge where the machine will do the cutting if I was working with a scrap of paper versus the whole sheet.
A couple of months ago I bought the new Elite made by Quickutz. I’m thrilled with the embossing capabilities and if used to cut with the dies, the cuts are very clean.
Hope you find this helpful!
Eydie
Cjaye.
I have both the Cricut original and the Expression. They don’t emboss but that is the only drawback I can see. Yes I also have Sure Cuts A Lot and they do give you many free cut files plus those you find on peolpe’s websites. The free fonts are also great. The cartridges can mount up your spending but well worth it when you catch the sales. Card making and scrap booking are so much easier.I would like to have an embosser but haven’t wanted to invest the money yet.
Hi Cijaye,
My first die cut machine I bought was the Slice and now I also own a Big Shot. At that time the Slice was the best option as I just started into cardmaking and this machine was the best option at that moment. It didn’t have all the features is has now, like embossing but it worked well. But as I got more and more into card making and selling them at fairs and bazaars the need was there for another die cutter.
I am in the same situation as Marie Eduoard, I live in Curacao-Netherlands Antilles and have to buy all the good stuff in the US witch can be quit expensive.
After a lot of research I choose the Big Shot. The price was affordable at that moment, it’s sturdy, easy to use. Can be used with almost all other brands of dies, and embossing folders like Cuttlebug, Fiskars, Spellbinders and brass stencils. I have embossing folders and texture plates from all those brands and they work perfect with the Big Shot.The advantage of the Slice that it is portable, all shapes comes in one small cartridge,so no storage problems and I agree with Jackie’s disadvantages about the Slice. I find my self using the Big Shot more often then the Slice.
To conclude, I do like my Slice but love my Big shot.
Remigia
Thank you Remigia.
I appreciate your input. Especially on the Big Shot. Not too many people mention the big shot. It’s welcoming to know that you find it a great investment. I also like that it’s universal. That’s great.
Your feedback is appreciated.
hi soory 4 the late replied i was away…
regarding abt the die cut machine ,, yes is costly n the plate sr nt cheap too.. anyway i do have 1 with me but abt the plate i have very limited pcs like around 10pcs in difference desighn base on wat i 1 2 do… recently the regular shop i use to patol offer me a good deal n i still thinking … as i dont really use much on the die cut unlike wat i thot i shld….
thanks formthe concern u have sent me … godbless
Hi Cijaye,
I will help you as much as i can and i will have questions at the end about other die cut machines.
I had bought the Cricut machine – the first one that came out and i loved it. it wqs not as expensive as the cricut expression that i had also bought after seen the advertisement for it and all the extra things that it did. Now the good thing about the Cricut is that you can pay it per month instead of the full amount which i think was close to five hundred dollars. and to tell you the truth it was worth it because after purchasing the first one and getting the cartridges for it the second one was even better. it came with more stuff and did more. Go to http://www.crucutexpression.com and you will get all the information on it.
yes the cartridges are a bit expensive but i like what it does. it has a lot of designs – and i have not seen any other like it – or maybe i just dont know of any other like it. I also like the fact that it does glass etching. I have not tried it yet but it is something that i find very interesting when i watch the ad. I love my expression and if there is anything else that i can try let me know. tell me about the one’s that you have and what they do.
Not sure if you remember but i live in Jamaica and eberything that i buy cost a lot because i can only buy them in the states and the dollar is 1 for 89. When i am buying anything i try to do my research to see if it will be worth it and the Cricut is doing good for the money.
Let me know of the other types so i can try them out, the one’s that i will get my money’s worth for.
I saw an ad. on TV the other morning at around 4 am. and yes that is how i got to love the Cricut – those ads only come on at that time. Anyway, i saw an ad. for this machine called your story. looks good and i might try it too. Mostly because it laminates. The other thing that it does is that in binds books. Go to http://www.yourstory.com and see all the things it does. Looks interesting too.
Anyway, i would love to know about the other die cut machines but i still love my Cricut.
I will be visiting the page that you sent me and will let you know what i found interesting.
Take care
Marie Edouard
Hi,
In response to your e-mail regarding what type of die cutting machine I have. The first machine I bought was the revoluation die cutting machine, then I bought the cuttlebug, because you can use a c6 size card through the machine. If the revoluation had been the same width as the cuttlebug I would not have changed. But knowing the manufactures they will come up with something better.
Brenda
Hi there, I don’t yet OWN a die cut, however, I have used one. The one I used is called the Big Shot from stampin up! I really actually thought it was quite neat and very durable. You can cut through alot of papers at once, or only one if you wanted. It was super excellent to handle, very user friendly. Anyways, that is the only one I have an oppinion about thus far! Sorry for not having more!
Hi I do not have and die cutting machines and unfortunatly i am not experiences enough as to how they are used. I am still trying to get my feel of scrapbooking but would love to start a little business of my own through it. if anyone has idea’s that could help i would appreciate it.
thank you
Hi Cijaye
I have a Sizzix machine which I have had for a few years which is Ok but I have access to a cuttlebug which I much prefer and love using manly for its ease compared to the orignal sizzix machine, and there is a great selection of products to go with it.
I spent a weekend away last week with a friend making cards and we had her cuttlebug with us I must say how impressed I was with the quality of the cards we made using the dies and embossing folders..
I havent used any other machine,s so can only comment on the 2 above.
Good luck in your search for the right machine..
Janine
Thank you for your feedback Janine. Its starting to look a lot like the Cuttlebug is a big winner for people.
For anyone that is interested to know also – the Cuttlebug is NOT exempt from the Michael’s 40% off coupon. At least it wasn’t when I purcahsed it. This means that the $100.00 price point (in Canada) can drop to $60.00 if you take that coupon in!
It’s a fantastic savings.
Sincerely Cijaye.
Well, I must say…I have both the cricut expression, a slice maching and a cuttlebug. I LOVE the cricut for it’s awesome abilities. Now you really don’t even need to buy any cartidges for it, but can use the sure cuts a lot software to basically cut svg file you want and any font you want. Well, worth the money.
I just recently got the slice and I’m not really satisfied with it. Yes, it’s portable, yes, it’s cool looking, but what I have found is that it is a bit of a pain to keep having to spread adhesive on the glass each time I cut and the tubes that come with the machine are very tiny, plus even though I hold on to it, it seems to move out of place when cutting and messes up the die cut. I also have to keep fiddling with the depth of the blade each time I use a different paper or piece of cardstock. So… I can’t really recommend it.
The cuttlebug was the one I had first and I still love it! The shapes and embossing folders are awesome and it’s really great to use. The only disadvantage is the size of paper that you can emboss… only card size. But it is really super for cards and accents.
I must say…. if you want a die-cut machine, my recommendation would be a cricut expression. There are just so many amazing things you can do with it. If you like cards and embossing, I would suggest adding the cuttlebug for your next birthday present!
Hope that helps!
Jackie
Thank you so much Jackie! Your input will no doubt be very helpful for many. I do agree with you about that cuttlebug disadvantage though. It is definitely size limited.
Do you know if you can cut heavy duty double sided adhesive with the Cricut Expression?
Not sure about the adhesive, but I know it cuts thin chipboard and thin acrylic, thin canvas, vinyl, and I think I’ve even seen somebody cut a piece of fabric with it. The great thing is that you can cut out one embellishment as many times as it will fit onto a 12×12 page, which is pretty cool for invitations and things like that.
Lots of crafters like the big shot as well, which also has an electric version and it’s quite a bit bigger than the cuttlebug. But then you got the thing about needing the dies again, which are pretty expensive.
The sure cuts a lot software is only like $80 and there are so many free svg files to be found on the internet or you can make your own and would never need to buy another cartridge for it, so that is really where you can save money.
Thanx again Jackie.
Hi Chris D.
I appreciate your needs and hope that more people come to comment. And yes, people can add up to 2 active links RELEVANT to this topic. (Any irrelevant links or even comments will be removed as always).
Regards. Cijaye.
Good idea for this article. I want to know more about die cut machines too. Thanx. I will come back when more people comment. If they can add links to their favorite sites with the best prices on these die machines too that would be a good thing. Can people leave links here?
Hi. I would really like to know this information also. I have been told by my friends that I have to get a die cutting machine, but I just don’t know enough about them to know why or to know which one. I know they can cut shapes but they seem really expensive when you think about the die cut machine and all of the extra dies you need to cut the shapes. Am I wrong. Is there an inexpensive solution.
FYI, I was thinking about the new Silhouette by http://www.QuickCutz.com . Is this one the best one? It seems to be the only one that you can control by your computer, without the need to buy cartridges. Isn’t that better?
Hello Olivia,
Yes the expense can get up there. But one thing I love about the cuttlebug is that it is universal and it can accept some of the less expensive dies made by other companies. It doesn’t obsolve the need for extra expenses but it does cut it down.
As for the Silhouette, I have not tried it myself. Perhaps one of the other subscribers has? Fingers crossed.
Cijaye.