Question on die-cutting

Feb '25 GlitterCat Studios
Hi, all,

I'm wondering about something to do with die-cut machines. Admittedly, I'm a die-cutting virgin so I don't even own one, but the more cards I make and the more videos on cardmaking I watch the more curious about them I get. I've been doing Cards for Kindness the last month and would really think dies would up my game.

Are the dies proprietary to the machine brand? In other words, can you use any dies with any machines? Mine would need to be dirt cheap, which brings me to
Would it be possible to use a dedicated paste machine on the widest setting in order to run a die-cutting folder through it? Or would it not get wide enough?
Thanks for reading!
http://glittercatstudios.etsy.com
Feb '25 Angel1dot0

Most dies will work on the same machine. I have a Sizzix Big Shot and I'm using dies from sizzix, spellbinders, elizabeth craft designs, and crafter's companion (just to name a few brands). I have also bought some no-name dies in the past which also worked fine on that machine.
I don't know how big the gap is on the pasta machine. If you're not using a 3d folder, it will be easier as they are a bit thinner.
Feb '25 Dawna.s Place

@GlitterCat StudiosÂ Since you are new to die cutting, I recommend the Spellbinders Platinum machine. I have this machine, and it's a great little workhorse in the craftroom. It's a manual, hand crank machine that is easy to use, it's light weight, easy to carry, easy to store, and has a relatively small footprint so it doesn't take up too much space on your crafting table or your storage area. The unit comes in a 6" std mouth, or an 8.5" wide mouth for larger dies. The 6" wide runs about $150, where as the 8.5" width runs about a hundred more. As a starter unit for you I would recommend the smaller 6" size as this will handle almost all average size dies. And, yes, dies from different mfg's can be used in the Platinum. AMZ has the 6" model for around $129.00, plus you will need the Spellbinders Weeding Tool so you can get your die cuts free from the die. SBC carry's the machine and weeder in a bundle and there are a couple of how to videos in the listing that you can watch to see how it's used.

Here's a link to the SBC bundle listing if you'd like to check it out:

https://www.scrapbook.com/store/sbc-platinum6bundleovals.html?g_acctid=420-528-6360&g_adgroupid=167181498122&g_adid=708043392404&g_adtype=pla&g_campaign=Shopping+%7C+All+Products&g_campaignid=21309873302&g_ifcreative=&g_ifproduct=product&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=pla-59492454975&g_merchantid=6116&g_network=g&g_partition=59492454975&g_productchannel=online&g_productid=sbc-platinum6bundleovals&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA74G9BhAEEiwA8kNfper6-9N9LCqQu7nmiHKbdHXlPSs-LBU5v0HgbJxskyJ_uCaHGYolARoCTn8QAvD_BwE

Here's a link to the AMZ Platinum listing:

https://www.amazon.com/Spellbinders-Platinum-Embossing-Platform-Universal/dp/B0C6RLDH5V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=169DYB2ULWZ0A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RKZh8SdbuEKoDo9_dRQibPM5pX2kzvJ4uDXB61rl1Yj6p-oTL2l_kAFB6Tg_uEawl1HV7aQKpPLuDeCIpQY90iueKwqUBUIWwavvjajpjnnRWC1Kfh5oq3H2VFmzAUpuub0TeL834jrvxMc7IdI1OwdTunBmFnkjo7yk2Gelu1D9SC8eaC2IypJ0nkNVEikerIjvPLwVK2YKMj2uTlXKEzLJxsoHC4GYIq2Ou8TBMbv1dHXQogXiq08IWa65vgUwDYin5jX_efRwgUAcKJrjJi-l1WYmhmO4vl7PgYR4nU8.x9088ICrMj7GUolOOtJQZoer3LD0ujrn2lVsDbLlom0&dib_tag=se&keywords=spellbinders%2Bplatinum%2B6%2Bdie%2Bcutting%2Bmachine&qid=1738602938&sprefix=spellbinders%2Bplatinum%2B%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Here's a separate link to a similar weeding tool you will need:

https://www.amazon.com/Nuhikap-Piercer-Scraper-Removing-Weeding/dp/B0D816HH5Z/ref=sr_1_12?crid=7Q3FPN7VV0M4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HAzV-pBswP-glHKbywHVVxP9-QamnfFkTgDoKYHOHkORERfYfBaoQi8FIkdYsxDa6OJRsbhhGeyBXpk6RYQ5DIJYBNTtn1OlSXhaPvjt9BXj-zfPsAKyzpD76KBfSiz7t-2pmCv2cHXUzUIzpOpVXCLwWCjoLWkKCmxS2nhHZKiYzw5Z2-Y_e2dy2gS2ErYHuaKIhmLOHTDSkIh2X9JSmk0_HWWjRZSnrNoy7ghcCTP0O6uS_k0yoBeqwlJP63rK1-M5rCn93eeel5d5Kf7EqnSnzByOrMu237pxvIncFAFTJs8FsMyQKfpOjrVf4OtlSx5uOBrOyeb6xgtXh0SLs4NXuMV5lVF_1TYviVtvV1muz_XcgYfjYRXgYYPvKdvLKC_qtFQ5o05lD0zM5sU2S0jvaNqFXoXTWQ5oFhqY57StcEB8-AyPeXkC665F2XXU.Zjny35yOS4nKpQOb0cUZoaFOGnuhjpvvZVGtnQu5HP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=weeding+brush+for+die+cuts&qid=1738603534&sprefix=die+weeding%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-12

I hope this info is helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Wishing you the best!
Feb '25 GlitterCat Studios

Thanks for your responses. I see no way to directly reply to each comment, which is a huge pain. (Not much of this site works the way it's supposed to, I've noticed.)

Dawna, that is EXPENSIVE! I looked the other night on Amazon and saw some off-brands that were around $40, which, for a budget, is much more doable.

Angel, I haven't purchased anything yet, but that made me wonder if perhaps my pasta machine may be wide enough so that I wouldn't have to invest in something more expensive.

GlitterCat Studios focuses on Victorian/vintage designs in my shop and would probably only need a good one that would allow me to do filigree edge or corner designs.

Thanks again!