Die Cutting Machines

Hi,

I have been researching Die Cutting Machines. I've never owned one, but would love to purchase one. I think I have "Information Over-Load" because I'm now so confused that I don't know which one to get. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. My budget is $200 - $250 tops.

Brenda

The Big Shot or Big Kick by Sizzix is a durable machine that will cut any die on the market. And it will do embossing folders of any size.

my hubby just bought me the eBosser die cut machine. I really like it so far. It does die cuts and embossing folders. It to can use any die cuts and embossing folders. I am having lots of fun so far.

Save a bit more money and get an electronic cutter. Silhouette or black cat cutters will work with a computer to cut digital files.

If you get a low tech machine (I have 3), you will have to buy dies and are limited in what you can cut to what you can get in dies.

Computer based machines (including the cricut) can cut different sizes from one file. The cricut requires the purchase of cartridges (limited to what images you can get) or individual images from Provo craft.
The silhouette and black cat cutters can cut ANYTHING on your computer,

I have a cricut and run it with sure cuts a lot (SCAL). Provocraft has since changed their cutter firmware so you can't run 3rd party software. When my cricut dies,I will be selling all of my cartridges and gypsy and getting a silhouette or black cat. I use my cricut with SCAL far more often than with my cartridges/gypsy.

I think you need to decide whether you want a manual cutting machine that does not need electricity but you have to buy separate dies for (Cuttlebug, Sizzix Big Shot, Grand Calibur etc.) or an electronic one (Cricut, Silhouette Cameo etc.)

You could get either with your budget. Once you decide that, we can discuss the various options. How exciting!

I like my Big Shot for use with the dies I already own, and I still buy the occasional really beautiful dies. In fact I just bought the new Prima set of skeletal leaves.

But for everything else I use my Silhouette Cameo. The quality of its intricate cuts is great, and as noted here earlier, you can size the image to your needs. The choice of fonts and images is endless, so much fun to work with.

I, too, have a Cricut with lots and lots of cartridges that I'm going to get rid of. Thinking of donating to the local Senior Center. Nice tax credit, lol.

Oh I was thinking it was manual die cutter you were talking about. I would do LOADS of investigation before buying. I have a Cricut. But if I have to buy again it MIGHT be a Scan N Cut. But I just can't stand the thought of having to connect to my computer to create anything.

Silhouette Cameo for me. I have a Cuttlebug but hardly emboss. I needed a machine to cut letters, titles, and shapes..pretty much anything. Love the cameo!

Another thought..... Do you want to cut materials other than paper?

I have had VERY limited success cutting fabric with my cricut but my big kick cuts it like butter. In fact, I have started buying quilting shapes! It's WONDERFUL! I have consistent shapes and can do loads on shapes in a really short amount of time.

Hi,

Saw this and thought you might want to see our die cut machine comparison chart:

Die Cut Machine Comparison Chart

Hope that helps!

I recommend the Silhouette. More than anything. Love this machine.

I've not purchased many cuts from the Silhouette store- tho there are tons of great cuts available there- but I have way too much fun designing my own AND using fonts on my computer. I've 'made' hundreds of my own cutting files using Dingbat fonts I've downloaded. Too much fun!

-k

I have a Big Shot that I LOVE!!! I also have an insane obsession with spellbinders dies though......

I have a cricut expression as well that I have hooked up to the Cricut Craft Room (CCR). I have never used the Silhouette - but I love the Cricut. I can purchase digital images and cartridges directly through the CCR or use the cartridges I already own. The newsest cricut machine - the Explore - works with the cartridges or can cut any font or svg file like the Silhouette Cameo. Unlike past cricuts though - it HAS to be used withe the computer.

If you do a lot of crops, the Big Shot is awesome to have even if electricity isn't handy. Even though I have the electric cutter - I seem to use the Big Shot a lot because it is convenient. It will also cut fabric, burlap, and even metal.

Good luck with your choice! There is something out there for everyone.

Newbie here, and am grateful for this thread! I have a Silhouette Cameo that I adore but am now also looking for a manual machine for the purpose of letterpress and embossing and with the embossing it'll be specifically on metal.

I'm at cross roads as I want a Sizzix unit but don't know which one to get, would love to have the Big Shot Pro but don't know if that's overkill or not. Suggestions?