There’s tons of die cutting machines and finding the right one for you is definitely a personal choice cause it depends on what you will be using it for. In my case, I’m a cardmaker and felt stitcher, so I picked the machines I thought would work best with the projects I make. Currently, I own 4 machines: 3 of them are manual and 1 electric.
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I own the Spellbinders Hot Glimmer Foil System that is designed to work with the Spellbinders Platinum 6 manual die cutting machine. The other manual machine I have is a baby one that I love it so much and that is the Sizzix Sidekick. The third machine I own is the Gemini Jr., an electric machine and I use this whenever I need to rest my shoulder. It cuts intricate dies very well. If you’re interested in more information about the Gemini Jr. Die Cutting and Embossing machine, read my post here!
About electric die cutting machines: keep in mind that the Gemini Jr., the Anna Griffin Empress are not an electronic machines. That is a different technology altogether, Cricut, Silhouette and Brother Scan ‘N Cut are electronic machines because they use software. The electric die cutters plug into a wall socket to use. The Scan ‘N Cut can also be used as a stand-alone machine but it has built-in technology to cut and scan.
I then added a 4th machine to the mix and it’s because I need a machine that specialized in cutting fabric material. This led me to Crafter’s Edge Crossover II. It’s a manual machine that has a dialing system to apply the proper amount of pressure to various materials. To learn more about this machine, check out my post, “Products I’m lovin’ with Felt Stitching.”
I’ll talk about all of my machines below, but you may also like to study up on others like the Sizzix Big Shot series, Tim Holtz Vagabond, Altenew’s mini manual machine or the Anna Griffin Empress which is another electric machine. And now, Gina K. Designs has just introduced her Intra-cut Die Cutting Machine!
Crafter’s Edge Crossover II Fabric/Paper Die Cutting Machine
This machine will cut fabric, wool, cork, paper, metal, cardboard, craft foam, faux leather and felt! It has been a workhorse in my craft space. Initially, I bought it to cut through faux leather which it did fine. Now I’m using it primarily for felt. And, I’ve tried different types of felt too and it cut through them perfectly!
Its dialing system allows you to add or reduce the pressure meant to cut through the different materials you can use.
Pros:
- Cuts a bunch of materials including paper, cardstock
- Dialing system to apply the correct pressure to get an even cut
- Platform and top plate are very strong
- Cuts fabrics and felt cleanly and professionally
- It folds so that you can store it away if you don’t have a lot of craft space
- It’s pretty quiet, so great if you want to craft at night and not disturb anyone in your home
Cons:
- It’s an investment, but well worth it if you work with fabric
- Metal plate will eventually warp and need to be replaced
- Keep in mind that it’s a manual machine, so it could be a struggle if you suffer from arthritis or pain in your shoulder/arm
- When using, it does take up quite a lot of space
More information and how to purchase here!
Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutter & Embossing Machine
This is a great machine that die cuts and embosses. It also handled 3D embossing folders wonderfully. It’s the companion to the hot glimmer foil system and Spellbinders BetterPress system. The machine comes with a pair of clear cutting plates, standard platform, embossing plate and embossing mat.
Pros:
- Good price point
- Cuts dies wonderfully
- Embosses as well as does 3D embossing
- It folds so easy to store to save room, the handle also can be removed
Cons:
- Keep in mind that it’s a manual machine, so it could be a struggle if you suffer from arthritis or pain in your shoulder/arm
To Use: The sandwich is pretty simple in order to use this machine, you typically put down in this order:
platform
cutting plate
your cardstock paper
die with the cutting side face down
cutting plate
Then send this sandwich through the machine.
The sandwich for embossing is:
platform
embossing folder with cardstock inside
blue embossing shim
NOTE: you may need to experiment when you get your machine if you have to adjust your sandwich when die cutting or embossing