If your priority is a low initial investment, select a machine such as the Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinders Platinum 6, or We R Memory Keepers Evolution, and then add accessories to it over time. If operating cost over time is your concern, then digital may be the way to go. The initial price for a machine like the Cricut Explore Airor the Silhouette Cameocan be prohibitive, but over time, the lower cost of dies/shapes will help offset those costs, especially for users who like to cut a lot of different designs. Procedures for using digital cutters can vary immensely because of the complexities of software design, but the general concept is the same for most currently popular models. There’s even more variety in digital die cutting machines than there is in manual machines. Thanks to the ability to customize computer software, each digital die cut machine has a distinct set of features and strengths. There really is a machine for everyone! Silhouette Cameo

Plastic shims – this is a durable plate that adds an extra layer to your die-cutting sandwich, creating a better fit in the machine and a level surface. You probably already know what materials you plan to cut with your machine, but you should consider other materials you may want to work with and whether the machine you select is capable of cutting those materials. The most obvious materials are paper and card, and these are what you would usually find on the front of most papercraft projects. But there are actually a whole host of other materials that you can cut, including: Once completed, the cutting mat and material can be ejected from the machine and removed from the mat to prepare the mat for another use. Which die cutting machine should I buy?

Tips

Yes, this is completely normal! It might sound like your die-cutting plates are snapping or the machine is breaking, but we promise, everything will be perfectly fine. You definitely haven't done anything wrong if this happens! How to care for your die-cutting machine Manual and electronic models are a good option for those just getting started, and they don’t require an internet or computer connection. For cutting fabric, traditional die cutting machines tend to perform better than digital machines. Digital Different manufacturers have licenses with different designers to produce content for their machines. Although metal and steel rule dies from most brands can be used with any of the manual machines, this is not the case with digital cutters that use proprietary files. So if you are a Tim Holtz super fan, you may want to consider the Sizzix eclips 2 over the Cricut Explorer Air. Have a kid that is all Disney all the time? Then the Cricut Explore Air is probably your machine. Each machine has its own licenses and its own aesthetic. Warranties for Die Cutting Machines A lot of factors go into considering whether a manual die cutter or digital die cutter (or a combination of both) is best for a scrapbooker. To get the best of both worlds, some crafters choose to invest in both types of die cut machine.

GET CREATIVE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX ★ This bundle kit also comes with everything needed for you to start your creations right out of the box. It includes the electronic die-cutting and embossing machine, 5 x plates, 2 x transparent plates (150 x 210 x 3,5mm), 1 x die release tool, 1 x PP plate (150 x 210 x 14mm), 1 x magnetic sheet (150 x 208 x 0,8mm), 1 x metal shim plate (150 x 208 x 0,3mm), 1 x cutting die, and 1 x embossing folder (100 x 150mm). However, if you would like the option to do more than cut materials, consider a machine with additional features and capabilities. Price Even though dies are mainly designed to cut shapes out from your chosen material, you can also use some dies for embossing! This is the technique of creating a raised impression in your material instead of cutting all the way through and this can achieved by using an embossing mat in your die-cutting sandwich. Make sure you clean your machine periodically. Removing small bits and dirt will help the performance of your die-cutting machine. Fast heat-up system - This machine is great for all your intricate vinyl and sublimation projects and can reach an impressive maximum heat of 200°C in a matter of seconds. 5 heat settings. The Extra insulation gives your worktop and your hands maximum protection while working.Heat-resistant insulating base - The heating plate is a heat-resistant insulating base so you can place it directly on the base after use. This enhances stability and safety while using the mini heat press.

If you’re running a cutting plate through your machine more than once, you’ll need to flip the plate each time to prevent bowing.Metal cutting plates – this is a type of shim that’s perfect for more intricate dies. Imagine a pair of scissors and the two metal blades coming together for a crisp cut – that’s how this shim works with metal dies! You’ll see a much more defined cut with this plate included in your sandwich.

Try to die cut away from the centre of your cutting plates, as this is where the weakest amount of pressure is. Rubber embossing mats – this nifty mat allows you to use dies as embossing tools as it creates a softer impact. Instead of applying enough pressure for the die to cut through the card or paper, it reduces the pressure to result in an embossed image or pattern. Make the Cut (MTC) is a piece of die cutting software that has been around for a very long time. It was first designed to work with Cricut machines, but has due to legal issues, it is no longer available for the Cricut. While we've done a couple of more focused beginner's guides, like the beginner's guide to Edge'able dies and the beginner's guide to multi media die-cutting for our needlecraft friends, so we thought it would be great to do a more papercraft-focused die-cutting guide. Even if you're a bit of a pro in die-cutting, it's definitely worth looking through this post to see if you can learn anything new! What is die-cutting?

Need a Few Alternatives?

If you want a machine that is easily portable, you'll likely want a manual cutter. Try the Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinders Platinum 6 or the We R Memory Keepers Evolution. These manual machines weigh between 6 and 7 pounds and fold for easy portability. Digital die cutters are not very portable and some of them need to be connected to a computer. Size of Output You all know how much we love die-cutting, here at Crafter's Companion. It's one of our favourite ways to embellish our papercraft projects, especially because there are so many different die designs available. It's a technique that can be used for absolutely any occasion, any kind of papercraft project, like cardmaking, scrapbooking and home decor, and with a huge variety of materials. Nothing can beat the ease of use of a simple manual roller die cut machine, which is simple enough that a child can use it with supervision. You can take most manual cutters out of the box and be creating within a few minutes with almost no reading or training. But recent advancements in the design of digital die cutting machines and software – including the introduction of iOS apps for the Silhouette Cameo and Cricut Explore Air - have greatly enhanced the ease of using those machines. If you are even a little technically inclined, you don't need to feel intimidated by the “computer” aspect of digital die cutting – for a small learning curve, the return in design possibilities can be absolutely worth it. Durability The two primary types of die cutting machines are manual/electronic and digital. While digital machines are generally smaller and more versatile, they are also more expensive, and they may be more difficult to use out of the box. Manual/Electronic Clear cutting plates – essentially, these are the slices of bread for your sandwich. You need two clear cutting plates, one for the top and one for the bottom, and these protect the contents of your sandwich and provide a surface for the die-cutting machine to press together.