It doesn’t matter if you are adding to your scrapbook or want a machine that can make crafting more fun, a die cutting machine is a great product for making new creations. Most are pretty easy to use and it is the sort of hobby that once someone starts, they find plenty of uses for the machine.
Although every brand out there promises that their makes perfect cutouts and designs, this is not always the case. Beyond having a wide machine, there is a lot to learn about what makes better products so good. Because of this, we have created the following list of the best die-cutting machines available. With something for every budget, each one can make quality cuts of all shapes and sizes.
The 7 Best Die Cutting Machines
#7 Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Machine, 14.4 by 12-Inch, Green
Compact and user friendly, this is a great die cutting machine for simple crafts and anyone who considers themselves a beginner. The hand crank system is easy to use and the machine itself accepts the dies a user already has. It can be used to cut or emboss a wide range of materials and folds up small to make it easier to store away.
To help get you going it comes with cutting pads and an embossing mat among other accessories. With strong suction and professional-looking results, it is a popular die cutting machine for a reason.
#6 Sizzix 660550 Industrial Strength Die Cutting & Embossing Machine for Arts & Crafts
Another quality product from Sissix is a die cutting machine that can also be used for embossing. It is made from metal parts in the important places and includes the likes of steel, aluminum, as well as a metal alloy to add to its strength. This is how it manages to power the strong roller that is labeled as ‘industrial strength’. The 33 cm opening is generous compared to a lot of the competition and makes for some larger cutting designs.
It is compatible with the entire Sissix library which will be music to a lot of people’s ears, especially since this includes Pro and Plus dies. The hand crank action makes it fun to use but it is easy to set up and produces accurate cuts for a variety of crafting projects.
#5 Gemini Twin-Function Cutter & Embosser Crafter’s Companion Junior
With every included to get off to a quick start, the Gemini Twin-Function Cutter is one of the best die-cutting machines for kids and beginners since it is so easy to use. With a plate size of 6.02 x 8.9 inches, there is plenty of room for some sizeable cuts and it works to deliver clean cuts thanks to the high pressure from its automatic motor.
We like it because despite its compact size it still manages to get through some of the thicker craft materials and can be used on the likes of leather, foil, vinyl, and multiple layers of fabric among others. This is a metal die pack that comes with everything needed to make unique designs including plastic shim, metal cutting plate, magnetic shim, and more. With edge to edge cutting, it is one of the more efficient machines and comes with a reasonable price tag.
#4 Brother CM350E ScanNCut 2 Cutting Machine with Scanner
A versatile machine that can be put to work on a variety of projects outside of the die-cutting space. It works best with paper but comes with 631 built-in designs that are easy to navigate. This is because of the large 4.85-inch touchscreen display which also eliminates the need for a mobile or PC connection.
What makes it stand out is that it will scan any drawing to create a unique design so it can die-cut kids’ drawings or any other special memory. There are also 100 quilt designs, and 7 lettering fonts for adding some personalization. It can cut up to a thickness of 2 mm and is fine for the likes of vinyl and foam. what a lot of people like is that it reduces the cost of counting blocks and with the included pens it allows the user to write and draw designs for it to create.
#3 Cricut Maker, Champagne
A leading die-cutting machine that is ideal for use on thicker materials such as leather or multiple layers. There are plenty of advanced features and everything from the cutting blade to the scoring tool feels like it is well made. It features a rotary blade that makes it able to cut fabrics quickly as it glides and rolls without the need for backing material.
After gaining access to the hundreds of quilting and sewing designs, it opens up lots of potential ideas as it cuts and marks everything making it easier for the user to complete the design with accurate stitching. The USB docking slot allows you to charge your mobile as you upload designs, otherwise, it can connect to a PC.
#2 Sizzix Big Shot Machine, 6 In (15.24 Cm) Opening, White/Gray
An incredibly popular die-cutting machine that is easy to use and ideal for a beginner. There is enough about it to make an experienced user happy and can be used for a variety of materials that are up to 6 inches wide. It is compatible with the different Sizzix libraries and comes with all the tools needed to get things going.
A hand-crank machine, it is a great way of saving money and because of its conveniently small size, it is easily portable. This means there is no need to have to stop scrapbooking when away and can be taken to a friend’s house to continue the fun. It can die-cut and emboss and will work on materials as light as paper and thick as leather.
#1 Silhouette SILHOUETTE-CAMEO-3-4T Wireless Cutting Machine
A lot of people consider this to be the best die cutting machine available and it is hard to argue against that since it is so advanced. Because it is so strong it can cut a variety of materials including vinyl, fabric, card, paper, and more. This is made more impressive by the fact that it can cut any of these materials up to 12 inches wide and 10 feet long!
It comes with studio software (with 100,000 designs available) to make things easier and is Bluetooth compatible or can be plugged directly into a PC or laptop. The extra 2mm of clearance it offers ensures that thicker materials can be cut and it even senses the blade depth required for every project. It comes with a 12 x 12-inch cutting mat, 100 digital designs to get started with, vinyl cross cutter, software, and a lot more.
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Die Cutting Machine Buyer’s Guide
Although the temptation is to make your own cuts using scissors, any serious scrapbooker or crafter will have heard about how useful a die cutting machine can be. Not only do they produce pro results and accurate cuts that going manual cannot, but they save a lot of time along the way.
Using a quality machine also makes life easier, but it can be hard to tell apart from the sub-par products when you aren’t sure what they should be capable of. Because of this, we have created the following buyer’s guide.
What Is Die Cutting?
Although this covers a lot of general ground, die-cutting is the process of how a machine cuts numerous shapes and makes consistent cuts. This can be done time and again, with amended dimensions and unlimited designs. The main benefit is in the consistency and speed as using scissors can make it hard to be accurate, not to mention time-consuming.
Different Types Of Die Cutting Machines
Manual
Using different metallic shapes to make imprints and cuts, combined with a hand crank mechanism, these machines are easy to use but take a small amount of graft hence the name. As the material moves through the rollers, the pressure that creates the cuts is applied. In terms of portability, these are the better option.
Digital
This type of die cutting machine usually operates using online software to create designs that are cut via a blade. Most of the time they can be connected via Bluetooth or USB to a mobile or computer and can create a variety of shapes. Some have extra features such as an LCD display to create designs and tend to be able to cut a variety of materials.
Some brands have cartridges that have designs pre-loaded to choose from.
What To Look For In A Die Cutting Machine
Wide Mouth
Being able to accommodate wider materials opens up more possibilities. The high-end die-cutting machines are going to be more versatile and part of this is down to the size of the cuts they can make. If you are thinking about taking on larger projects, make sure the machine you are considering has a wide mouth.
Compatability
Some machines are made to work with thicker materials than others and this will impact how you can use it. If you are looking to emboss or die-cut leather, the machine needs to be strong enough to make such a cut, but also be able to accept the thicker materials.
Connectivity
Being able to upload new designs to a digital die cutting machine is going to open up a tonne of possibilities. This is something that is not possible with a manual machine but makes sure it can either connect via USB or is Bluetooth compatible so it can connect directly to a PC or mobile.
Portability
Because a lot of die-cutting machines are operated via a hand crank, they tend to be smaller. This is, combined with a lighter feel can make them more portable than the digital machines. These are ideal for anyone who likes to scrapbook with others, or wants to be able to make cuts wherever they are.
Accessories
There can be quite a bit to purchase before a die cutting machine is ready to be used which is why it is always good to look for a product with included accessories. With a variety of items that would otherwise need to be purchased such as cutting mats, software, user guides, cardstock sheets, embossing plates, and more, it is always good to have as much as possible.
Pre Loaded Designs
This is only going to be available to a digital die cutting machine and usually those that use cartridges to store and make designs. The more that are included the better but without them, it is usually possible to download and amend a variety of designs when using a digital machine.
Plate Size
Being able to die cut involves having a large plate area to do so. The more generous the better although some digital die-cutting machines are capable of cutting designs that are several feet long.
Scanner
This is only available with certain brands and models so it is less something to expect, but something to consider. The scanner types make it possible for the user to make their own designs for them to be cut. This can be via a pen and some brands come with an LCD touchscreen to make it easy to navigate.
What Are Die Cutting Machines Used For?
Because they cut different shapes and designs, there are lots of ways a die cutting machine can be used. The most common tends to be for scrapbooking, crafting, making gift tags, stickers, cards, and can also be used to map out stitch patterns and for quilting.
All machines can get through paper so any project that involves cutting this. material and the likes are common ways for them to be used. Otherwise, they can sometimes be used to emboss the likes of leather and other thick materials should the machine be capable.
How Much Does A Die Cutting Machine Cost?
Although they may not be able to offer a lot of the useful features of a digital product, some of the best manual die-cutting machines are available fr around $100. These can still include everything needed to get started and make quality and consistent cuts.
For a digital machine, it is still possible to buy one that is reliable and. has a tonne of features to make life simple for under $300. Anything around this price should land the buyer a high-end product that can accommodate thick materials and make fast cuts.
