Die cutting – what to look for at the thrift shop or garage sales

Manual machines use human power to put cutting plates or platform through rollers to apply steel dies to material such as paper, fabric, plastic, thin cork or leather.  Dies cost extra, but are widely available from a range of manufacturers.  

The originals, Sizzix and Spellbinders, can handle old-school steel rule dies that are about an inch thick, although only Sizzix continues to manufacture these at all.  The Sizzix Pro can handle Ellison dies commonly found in schools.  All of the machines in this category can handle thin steel dies.  Spellbinders also offers a compatible foil machine.  

The 6” opening will handle most dies.  

The best machine is the one you already own or can find used for cheap, but if I were buying new I’d pick Spellbinders (either version) and haunt their website (spellbinderspaperarts.com) and scrapbook.com watching for sales.  Sizzix is the one you are most likely to find used.

For a Sizzix Big Shot or Big Kick, if the handle turns then it works. In addition to the machine itself, you will need a pair of cutting plates (for thick steel rule dies) or a pair of cutting plates and a multipurpose platform (for thin steel dies) and a die. This is the Sizzix machine with a platform and one cutting plate. While the plate in the photo happens to be blue they most commonly come in clear:

The multipurpose platform should last the life of the machine, but the cutting plates do need to be replaced periodically.

Various colors and accessory packages are available, but these are the basic choices:

• Sizzix
  • Big Shot – 6” opening, retail $139
  • Big Shot Foldaway – 6” opening, retail $229
  • Sidekick – 2.5” opening, retail $65
  • Big Shot Pro – 12” opening, retail $400
  • Spellbinder’s
    • Platinum 6 – 6” opening, retail original version $120 or improved version $200
    • Spellbinder’s foil machine available
  • We R Makers
    • Revolution – 6” opening, retail $150
    • Evolution Mini – 3” opening, retail $66
  • Heffy Doodle
    • Mini – 3” opening, retail $49
  • Momenta
    • Freestyle – 6” opening, retail $100
  • Crafter’s Companion
    • Mini Manual – 3” opening, retail $50  (formerly Diamond Press)
  • Hero Arts
    • Compact Cutter – 3” opening, retail $50
  • Anna Griffin
    • Mini Manual – 3” opening, retail $60

Electric machines handle thin steel dies (all brands) or steel rule dies (Sizzix) and use electricity to move the plates through the rollers rather than human power.  Gemini is the original here, but Anna Griffin certainly has some fans.

• Sizzix
  • Big Shot Switch – 6” opening, retail $329
  • Big Shot Switch Plus – 9” opening, retail $400
• Crafter’s Companion
  • Gemini Jr – 6” opening, retail $230
  • Gemini – 9” opening, retail $300
  • Gemini Go – 3” opening, retail $160
  • Gemini foil machine available
• Anna Griffin
  • Empress – 6” opening, retail $270
  • Empress Mini – 4” opening, retail $180

Electronic machines use digital files and software to cut shapes.  Some machines can draw.  The Brother Scan and Cut can scan a stamped or printed image and cut it out, much like a matching steel die would.  

Cricut Maker 12”, $249

Cricut Explore (next gen) 12”, $319

Cricut Joy 4.5” $179

Brother Scan and Cut not quite 12” $399

Silhouette Cameo (next gen) 12”  $339

Silhouette Curio 12” $249

I understand Circut now requires an always-on wifi connection and monthly subscription; as always, carefully research before shopping.

For thrift store and garage sale shopping I would look for

• Sizzix manual for under $50, including multipurpose platform

• Steel rule dies – crafters abandon these because they are heavy and large, but new dies are $40 and up and used ones are treasure! Steel rule dies will cut chipboard, cardboard, or multiple layers of cardstock.