Are you a scrapbooker, craftsman, or designer hoping to make some extraordinary items for your customers? If the answer is yes, a great die cut machine can be very valuable to you. There are numerous brands and models available, so which one should you buy? This can be a hard choice, but you want to find one that meets your particular design needs and budget.
In this review, we will take a look at three of the best die cut machines on the market today. Hopefully, we have found one that will be able to meet your needs.
1. Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
- MACHINE COMES WITH: 1 pair of standard Cutting Pads and 1...
- DIE CUTTING AND EMBOSSING: The Big Shot is the perfect tool for a...
- THE A5 SIZED OPENING: Allows you to create an ever-growing...
- MULTITUDE OF MATERIALS: Cut and emboss anything from paper,...
- COMPATIBILITY: Our Big Shot machine is compatible with the full...
Our first die cut machine is an easily portable option that is a manual cutting and embossing machine. The Sizzix team has brought detailed attention to the things that really make a great machine. In turn, they have given us a high-performance option for all our DIY needs.
You may look at this die cut machine and think that the manual operation seems a bit technologically backward. Even with its manual hand crank, this model offers so many rich features. Having to put a little muscle into it will not even cause you to break a sweat.
Even with manual labor needed to work this model, it is comfortable and easy to use. Plus, it is lightweight and compact, which makes it perfect for those that are looking for a highly portable option. The versatility of the machine is also well worth the investment. If you have already owned a Sizzix machine, there is a good chance that the dies are compatible.
It does have its limits, though. You will have to stick to premade dies. This limits its customizability and creativity. Plus, if you have any type of injury or medical condition that limits the movement or grip of your hand, the hand crank may be a problem for you.
Even with these few minor drawbacks, you can see why this model had to be included on our list.
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2. Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit
At first glance, the Sizzix Sidekick looks almost too small to take seriously, but don’t be fooled—this little dynamo has changed the way we craft. It clings to the table like it’s got something to prove, thanks to its vacuum seal, keeping our cuts precise and frustration-free. The included tools give us enough creative freedom to whip up greeting cards, scrapbook pages, and whatever else our crafting whims demand.
Of course, no hero is without a flaw—anything over 2.5 inches wide? Not happening here. If you’re dreaming of big, sweeping designs, this Sidekick taps out early. But for smaller, detail-focused projects, it shines. And when craft night rolls around? This lightweight machine is the one we actually want to haul around, unlike some of the back-breaking behemoths we’ve seen. If you want simplicity without sacrificing quality, the Sidekick is ready to roll.
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3. Spellbinders Platinum 6.0 Cut & Emboss Machine
We gave the Spellbinders Platinum 6.0 a spin, and let’s just say—it doesn’t mess around. Straight out of the box, it’s ready to cut, emboss, and impress, thanks to the Universal Plate System that makes switching between materials a breeze. It chews through paper, cardstock, and more without a jagged edge in sight, giving our projects a crisp, professional look.
The real magic? Cutting and embossing at the same time. No extra steps, no wasted effort—just a beautifully finished design in one go. If we had to nitpick, we’d point out that the cutting plates wear down with heavy use, and cranking the handle isn’t for everyone (electronic machine lovers, you’ve been warned). But if you want precision, versatility, and a machine that means business, the Platinum 6.0 is a top-tier pick
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4. CraftGenes Electric Die Cut Machine
The CraftGenes electric die cut machine looks sleek, feels sturdy, and operates like a dream. We were immediately impressed by its metal gears and ABS shell, which make it feel like it could outlive us all. The 9-inch cutting width gives us plenty of room to experiment, whether we’re cutting intricate designs or embossing a crisp finish onto our projects.
We love how its Friangle design keeps our workspace clutter-free, and the electric operation means we can say goodbye to manual cranking. That said, the magnetic sheet wore out faster than expected, which was a bit of a letdown. And those setup instructions? Let’s just say they could use a translator who actually crafts.
Despite that, the fact that this machine can even handle light fabric cutting opens up all kinds of creative possibilities. If you’re tired of cranking a handle like it’s the 1800s, this machine will save your wrists and supercharge your crafting.
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5. TIANSE Die Cutting Machine
Sometimes, simplicity is king—or in this case, queen of the craft room. The TIANSE Die Cutting Machine is a breath of fresh air, skipping the unnecessary frills and getting straight to business. The steel roller system delivers clean, reliable cuts, and we found the switch between cutting and embossing smooth as butter.
It comes stocked with a surprisingly generous kit—six die-cut themes, an embossing pad, and plenty of cardstock to get started. Setup is as easy as unboxing and diving in, which meant we were crafting within minutes instead of wrestling with instructions.
The one catch? Those cutting plates warp over time. If you don’t rotate them regularly, you might end up with uneven cuts. And while the A5 size is great for most projects, larger designs are out of the question. Still, if you want a no-fuss, dependable machine that keeps your craft game strong, this one’s got you covered.
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Final Vedict
It's valid to say that each of our choices for the best die cut machine has its own specific advantages and disadvantages. That being said, the ones we have chosen definitely offer you high-quality, superior performance. Whatever your taste and crafting needs are, we trust you'll have discovered a unit that meets your needs.
FAQ
1. What is the best die cutting machine?
There are a majority of die cutting machines in the market, giving users the opportunity to cut sharp, intricate designs on different materials from paper to fabric and even leather. Our pick is the Sizzix Bigshot because of its functionality durability and furthermore efficiency. Also, its layout makes it good for professional designers as well as beginner ‘card cutters’. Other brands you may look at are the Cricut, Silhouette Cameo 4 amongst many other die machines.
2. How does a die machine work?
A die cut machine is simply used to cut or create shapes with near to perfect outlines. This is achieved through placing the shapes (die) and material intended to be cut, between two plates then passing them between a combination of rollers which put pressure and make the cut. These shapes are called die cuts, and with the machine always come out very neat and precise. Cutting plates are put together based on the type of machine you are having. Be sure to go through the guidelines attached by your manufacturer of your machine.
3. Do you need a machine to die cut?
No, you do not need a die cutter machine to die cut. Though machines may be quite expensive in some cases you may still want to have the possibility of using dies and getting crisp, sharp and precise cuts. Though it might be time consuming when compared to using the machine.
4. How do you use a die cut without a machine?
You can employ the rolling pin method; where you mimic the rollers of the machine by pressing the die over a plate and sticking the die on the material (e.g., hard paper) with washi tape. Place them under the plate, which should be relatively harder and press using a roller or rolling pin on a surface. Another option would be using harder sturdy bone folders instead of the pin or the hard plate. You just have to press on the die's edge while placing them upside down on a surface.
5. How do you die cut?
To die Cut this are the steps you should follow:
- Place the paper/card and die (with edge towards the paper) inside the cutting plates.
- Run through the die cutting machine rollers.
- Turn the machine (Most are turned manually).
- Get a nice clean die cut shape after the pass.
6. Which is better Cricut or brother?
The Cricut stands out as better overall, especially in accuracy with the brother you can still attain good cuts the only downside being you might have to employ different tools to fulfill that task. For fabric cutting the Cricut, stands out as well due to the design of its rotary blade, brother cuts fabric but it may not be as accurate every time.
