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I want to buy a cutting machine, but am overwhelmed by all the options!
I don't scrapbook--only like to make greeting cards, and often find myself frustrated that I don't have "just what I need" to make my cards unique. Are word and phrases dies available on these machines?
Any suggestions on which machine would best suit my needs is greatly appreciated.
I have both a cuttlebug and a Cricut Expressions. I like them both. With the cuttlebug you can cut and emboss. Also I use other cutting folders such as Spellbinders, big shot and others with Cuttlebug. I use them both a lot. With both of them you will need to buy accessories.
I have had the original Sizzix from years ago, a Cuttlebug, and a Big Shot. By far my favorite and most used is the Big Shot. I have used it a ton over the years, and it's still going great.
__________________ Patter
Mom to Adult Identical Triplets--a police officer, 3rd year medical student, and special education teacher
I have the Big Kick, same as the Big Shot, and have used it for years. Easy and requires no electricity which I find very appealing. I do have the smaller cuttlebug, for single dies or the long edgers and never touch it. I also have the Grand Calibur (got it for so cheap) but always reach for my Big Kick.
By "cutting machine" are you talking about something like the Silhouette or Scan n Cut? I purchased a Silhouette Portrait for under $150 on Amazon. I felt like I didn't need the Cameo because I don't scrapbook. The Portrait is limited to 8.5 x 11" paper.
Although there is a learning curve, I like all the options available on the Silhouette and not being limited by the size of a die. I've seen dies from $10-$25 and figured I spent the equivalent of 7 or 8 dies. There are tons of cut files that are either free or very inexpensive.
If you're making multiples, it's also much more efficient to make several copies of the image on the Silhouette screen and cut them all at one time. You can also scan or take pictures of your own images and program the Silhouette to cut them out. Yes, words and phrases are available and the software comes with a variety of fonts. The software is extremely flexible (if not exactly user friendly).
If you're willing to put some time into learning how to use it, I would recommend an electronic cutter. I'm not affiliated with Silhouette or any other company that sells electronic cutters. JMHO.
__________________ Debbie "Make it work, people." - Tim Gunn My Gallery
I want to buy a cutting machine, but am overwhelmed by all the options!
I don't scrapbook--only like to make greeting cards, and often find myself frustrated that I don't have "just what I need" to make my cards unique. Are word and phrases dies available on these machines?
Any suggestions on which machine would best suit my needs is greatly appreciated.
I would think about your personal style and what you like to do the most. Do you find a lot of things that you like in online crafting stores? Or are you always left feeling that you wish they stocked something that isn't available? Do you do calligraphy or carve your own stamps?
If you want your cards to be one of a kind, and you feel confident about modifying or creating designs yourself, I would look into an electronic cutting machine.
But if you usually find things you love on the market —stamps and dies and stencils etc. — in the right scale and style that you like, then a hand-cranked die cutting/embossing machine like the Big Shot or the new Platinum might make you very happy. And it's a lot less expensive! I think the Platinum even allows you to add a motor later on, which is a really nice feature.
And you can use embossing folders with big kick/big shot. Even SU is cheaper than that sizzix site. I would love a scan n cut. Maybe some day
And keep your eyes open for sales. I bought a backup machine by sizzix called Vintaj but its the same as the big shot and big kick and I only paid $24.99!! Wish I'd bought the other two at the time!
I only spent $64 on my Big Shot on overstock.com. If I could find an electronic cutting machine for $64 I might consider one! Shopped around for the accessories and got great deals on most of them.
Reading the OP first post. I think she is looking for something more along the lines of the electronic cutters, such as the Cameo or Cricut. There are many more out there as well. The Best Die Cutting Machines of 2015 | Top Ten Reviews
One has to figure out what you will be using the machine for most. I have a Cameo, but really don't use it like I should. For some reason I seem to blow through blades and it has not been used much in the years I have owned it. I was hoping it would cut chip board but it doesn't really. I will not spend more money on an electric cutting machine as I am not crafting as much as I would like to be. Just do your research
__________________ 2 cats short of the Crazy Cat Lady (5 Ragdolls RIP Katie DSH, RIP little Merlot Flame Ragdoll & Sunna Torbie Ragdoll- we miss you! Damn FIP) http://rebecca-rebeccasemptynest.blogspot.com/
I've got the Cricut Expression 2, and I like it. I too am not a scrapbook person, so I have the cartridges that fit more for card backgrounds, or images I can use on my cards. When I need a word I don't have a die for, I use my numerous fonts, along with the Cricut Craft Room, and weld the letters together for the word I need. It meets my needs and I'm not very technical, but can manage using it!! I haven't had mat or blade issues, as a class I once took suggested cutting your glitter paper from the back side to save your blades, and it works!!
Overwhelmed
