So...you think you want a cutting machine?
I've seen many crafters and hobbyists absolutely stumped when it comes to getting a cutting machine - there are SO many out there and they all seem to offer something different.... or they make them look so pretty that you want them just because they are aesthetically pleasing and will look great sat in your craft room!
I don't profess to be a know it all about machines- I've had some sort of cutting machine since early 2013 , and I still don't know all there is to know about it- but I have a good idea!
I now have THREE cutting machines- I could easily cut it down to two, or even one, but there are reasons why in my particular case I have three.
First off- financially speaking: some of you may be able to afford a variety of brand spanking new pieces of kit until you find the one that gels with you. Some of you, like me, will end up picking them up 'preloved' at a cheaper price (though of course in these cases you are taking a gamble, as the machine has wear and tear and usually no manufacturers warranty)
Secondly : I ended up with all these machines because my needs as a crafter grew ... they all do something different, and yes, I could get one that did at least what two of them do, but it would be too big for my craft area!
enough of the waffle into why I have what I do... and on to telling you a bit more about the three of them and hopefully it will give you a bit of insight.
Sizzix Big Shot
Specs:
can cut /emboss dies and folders up to 6" wide
and just under 9" long -
capability of cutting longer dies when you buy an extended platform
Cuts and embosses a variety of different size folders and dies
you can use this machine to cut or emboss different materials (but check in the instructions for what is ok to put through your machine!)
Sturdy- the long length of it I find easier for holding the 'sandwich' of the platform, cutting plates, die /embossing folder and the material you are using .
I have this machine because: it will cut my larger thicker dies such as the tim holtz alterations dies, my Tim Holtz movers and shapers dies in their magnetic tray , and also the chunky sizzix originals dies.
Drawbacks- It will only cut or emboss up to 6" wide- so for larger cards this is not much good unless you wish for a smaller embossed element
It can't cut the spellbinder grande dies- they are simply too big for the platform- same goes for any other A4 die set
you will need to replace cutting plates occasionally - depending on how much you use them...
they warp over time and the one you use to cut (where the sharp edge of the die goes through the material) will eventually crack in two... YES MARKING YOUR PLATE IS NORMAL AND TO BE EXPECTED!
if you keep one solely for the purposes of cutting, you will be able to get a longer life out of them- when you buy a new set, once the designated cutting plate breaks, just swap it out - and I suggest turning the previous unmarked plate into the new cutting plate...
You may need to buy extras depending on the dies you buy and personal preferences - extras include and are not limited to extended platform, movers and shapers magnetic base tray, magnetic platform, embossing mat, crease mat for dies that have a crease rule.
Spellbinders- Grand Calibur
This is my second machine- the spellbinders grand calibur
specs- cuts wafer thin dies and embosses folders up to UK A4 size
does not cut thick dies
suctions onto the table
has a variety of different plates that you need to sandwich depending on the instructions with your dies or embossing folder
so we've already seen the 'Pro's' for this machine- it cuts bigger stuff...
in my personal opinion though there are a few negatives with this machine -
the suction pad at the bottom does not always suction to the surface you need it to- this means you end up exerting a lot of your body weight on the handle at the top to keep it in place as you are winding the handle with your other hand!
sometimes the cutting/embossing sandwich will not go through smoothly, and you need to take it out and attempt it again (it goes without saying if something will not go through a machine do not force it through!)
I have also seen a lot of people say that parts have broken including the inside mechanism or the handle aftr not very long... there are however several versions of this machine around and the new one may be better.. I do not know. all i know is, on the few occasions that I need to use this machine, I can get along with it ok, but if it were my full time machine I would be looking for something else.
Brother Scan 'N'Cut
This is my third (and for now Last machine)
this is different to the other two as it is not a manual cutting machine and you do not use dies or embossing folders with it- in fact it cannot emboss.
This machine uses thin sticky mats which load into and through the front and then out the back of the machine , held in place by rollers. there is a replaceable blade that moves along the rod at the front of the machine cutting the pattern onto your material
the files you use are called .FCM files and there are some already inbuilt into the machine. for more files or to make your own specialised files you need to either look for files online (from SVG sites or independent cut file creators)
if they are in a different format you will need to use the Brother online 'Canvas' software or think about purchasing other software- this is not a task for the faint hearted and a main reason for me setting up my group 'Brother Scan 'N' Cut users'
where there is help and tutorials aplenty for help using this machine
you are welcome to join wherever you are from!
pros-
you can make your own specific cut files for your project
it will cut certain fabrics, vinyls, doeflex and papers cards and chipboard
it has a 12x12 cutting area
you can scan your own artwork in to be turned into cut files
you can (if it is within the terms of use of the artists) scan digital stamps in and cut around them
as an aside, you need to CHECK the individual artists, and under no circumstances resize and have your machine draw (using the scan n cut pens) rubber stamps, or scan them in and use them as digital stamps
you can use the software provided or programs such as inkscape or sure cuts a lot to create your own cut files.
there are groups and tutorials that you can use to understand your machine and what it can do
not just for card making- quilters and vinyl artists can also use this machine to great effect
(did I say you could create your own files? this is one of mine)
CONS-
unlike some of the early demonstrators of this machine said , it is not plug in and play. it is a complex machine and you do need to get to know it.
Blades- are still fairly expensive especially in the U.K , and they do not last for long periods of time
Mats- these also lose their stick over time and need re sticking. if you do not know what you are doing or make a mistake you can cut through your mat, and if you can't fix it on the underside with tape, you will need a new one
you will need to tinker with the settings until you know exactly the pressure, speed and depth you need the blade to go for different materials- the settings will not be the same for papers as it would be vinyl or chipboard
it will not pick up faint lines... it only likes clear black lines
in summary though it is a great machine and capable of so much... you just have to be patient and willing to learn!
I hope this has helped you decide what you want and don't forget there are other brands of machine similar out there ..you just have to do the research... and I wasn't talking about them today as I have noooo experience with them whatsoever!
Have a good day, Rachel
x
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