Die Cut Machines by Steph Schirmer

There is a sea of die cut machines on the market, it takes a lot of research and reading to find the one that meets your needs.  When I first started doing research on them, I didn’t realize how many die cut machines there were.  I am going to try and break them down, with all their points, to help you make a better selection if you are interested in purchasing one.  The price range runs the gambit and if I have a price listed, that doesn’t mean that is the price you have to pay.  There are several companies, stamp stores, shopping clubs and craft stores that offer these machines on sale, so find the best one to meet your price.  Due to the fact that there were so many, I have decided to do two months on die cut machines so the second part will be in the March column, so here we go.

Wishblade by Xyron  ~ http://www.xyron.com

The Xyron Wishblade is a computer-connected digital cutter that allows users to cut out fonts and shapes.  It works with basic software, which is on your computer.  The benefits and features are:

1. Pc and Mac compatible

2. Cut any True Type Font

3. Create and cut welded words

4. Letter and shape sizes from 1/2 to 8" width and up to 39" length

5. Cut multiple words and/or shapes in various sizes on a single sheet

6. Three interchangeable blade-caps make blade adjustments to cut virtually any paper quick and easy

7. Ability to cut adhesive-backed paper

8. Print and cut technology (print images to a color printer and cut using the Wishblade)

9. Compatible with Windows 2000, XP or Mac OSX

10. Cuts up to 80 lbs cardstock, cuts thru printed papers and vellum

11. Minimum 3 by 3 inches

Xyron Personal Cutting System  ~ http://www.xyron.com

The Xyron Personal Cutting System is a portable book bases digital cutting system.  It uses computer on board technology.  It offers nearly 2000 cutting options thru a series of design books.  You choose, cut and create fonts and shapes in 3 different sizes.  This machine is portable and easy to use.  The price range varies but it is around 159.95 and it includes a font and shape book.  There are several design books available from tags/frames, several alphabets, Karen Foster, garden shapes, wedding/love and these are from $29.99 to $39.99.

Sizzix® Personal Die Cutter ~ http://www.sizzix.com

This cutter is ideal for all crafters, with the help of steel-rule Sizzix Originals and Alphabet dies, this cutter provides in home solution for easy die cutting of shapes, letters and numbers.  You can use a wide variety of materials including paper, rubber, felt, fabric, static clings, vinyl paper, thin wood, thin metal and shrink plastic.  This machine embosses when you add the converter system and you can instantly emboss elegant images with a wide solution of Simple Impression embossing folders or dies cut many detailed images. This machine only uses Sizzix dies and all three sizes of Sizzix originals work in the machine.  The machine is 7" wide, 13" long, 4-1/2 “ high, weighs 12 lbs and the price is $79.99.  The prices of dies vary as to what you want.

Sizzix® Sidekick ~ http://www.sizzix.com

The Sidekick is a portable, affordable, and adorable crafting system.  It does detail die cutting with all the Sizzlets.  It weighs 2 lbs, stands 4" tall, the Sidekick opening measures 2-3/4“ wide and will accommodate a piece of paper up to 2-5/8”.  It will cut a single sheet of paper and a special vacuum seal holds it in place on a smooth surface.  The machine also embosses.  By adding an optional adaptor, it is also compatible with other wafer thin brand dies.  It sells for about $49.99 and the dies run a variety of prices.

Sizzix® BigKick http://www.sizzix.com

The Bigkick combines big dies, big designs with big time compatibility of the entire current line of the Sizzix product library.  A must have product is the Bigkick Multipurpose Platform, this makes all Sizzix components compatible with the Bigkick and even works with other brand dies and embossing tools.  The price is $129.00 and the alphabets and dies run a variety of prices.

Tag-A-Long Die Cutting System ~ http://www.ellisondesign.com

This system at home or on the go is the perfect little buddy to your Big Shot system.  The Tag-A-Long creates smaller scaled die cutting and embossing solutions.  This system is 100% friendly with all your Sidekick materials.  It creates unique embellishments for scrapbooks and cards.  The price varies but starts at $68.99 and it measures 8” x 2 ¾" x 2-1/2”.

Big Shot Machine™ ~ http://www.ellisondesign.com

The Big Shot is big dies, big technology and bit time compatibility.  It works 100% with current Sizzix product library and adaptable for other brands.  Even though it is big, it is 40% lighter and 20% wider then the original Sizzix machine.  The machine measures 14 1/8"x 12 3/8"x 6 1/8”.  The larger deck fits A2 envelopes.  It provides endless and effortless possibilities even for beginners.  The price is around 119.00.

If you go to Ellison.com you can see all their products.  They even offer die cutting machines for the classroom, easy to operate for children.  The All Star machine priced at 120.00 has its own exclusive line of dies.  The Prestige SpaceSaver priced at 300.00 and The Prestige Pro priced at 395.00 don’t use the All Star machine dies but use Ellison SureCut and ClearCrop Dies and both come with life time warranties. 

The Creative Cutter Mini ~ http://www.pazzles.com

The Pazzle die cutting machine is a computer driven.  The Creative Cutter is available in a “Take Me Home" version which connects to the your computer and allows you to create intricate image, titles and more.  You can use the fonts on your computer and join them with their Custom Cut Software to create one of kind message and titles.  Choose from thousands of images on line and from CD’s from Pazzles.  You can also create personal images from photos, drawings and more.  The Creative Cutter Mini is a non-productive system intended for home use.  It allows an individual to bring a custom look to their project.  There are three packages available to fit price ranges. 

1. Basic Mini Package is our value package and targeted at those cost conscious people who still look for a good cutting system.  The price is 475.00 and this comes in a kit with the machine and everything to get started.

2. Standard Mini Package has additional support, more learning tools, and over 250.00 in additional product and sells for 575.00. 

3. Premium Mini Package is for those who want it all.  It offers all the tools to completely unlock the potential of the mini cutter.  It has over 240.00 in additional product then the standard package.   This package offers the best value and is priced at 675.00.

Pazzles also offers a productive line of die cutters, the Creative Cutter Pro sells for 3045.00 and the Creative Cutter Mighty sells for 1495.00

Here are the first round of cutters, look at the websites, weigh the pros and cons of the machines.  If you haven’t found what you like, check back next month, as I will be telling you about more machines.  If you have found something you want and still have questions contact the manufacturer of the machine.  If they still haven’t answered you, ask around your friends and stamping/scrapbook lists and see what everyone likes.  The ultimate decision will be yours, but opinions do help.  See you next month with more!!!!!

Steph Schirmer

sschirmer@stampersmall.com

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