How to Choose a Die Cutting Machine for Scrapbooking

There are many different electronic die cutting systems available, and choosing the one that's right for you will depend on what you intend to use it for. Some machines can be used without a computer, while others need to be hooked to a PC and run from proprietary software included. The subjects of portability, cost, operating system requirements and even learning how to get around in new software to get the most out of your purchase will all play a role in making the decision about which system is right for you. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the most common questions you'll need to consider before taking the next step to choosing an electronic die cutting machine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Before you buy, you will want to have an idea of what you expect to do with a machine and what features will represent the greatest advantage. Die Cutting machines for scrapbookers start around U$300

1. 
   Characters and die cut elements created using a 13" Klic-N-Kut [KNK] and KNK Studio Software

   If you have basic needs and do not have the time or desire to invest in learning new software or higher-end equipment, the Cricut cutting system runs from cartridges. These are purchased separately and feature individual shapes and alphabets which can be cut from the push of a button. The Cricut machine is a stand-alone die cutting system which starts around $300 and does not need to be hooked to a computer. Cartridges sell for between U$40 and U$90. The initial price, ease of use and portable nature of this machine make it very popular for scrapbookers. The limitations of this system are simple: you will only be able to cut whatever appears on the cartridges you purchase. The cricut machine can cut basic cardstock and most papers common to the scrapbook industry, and the company recently released a heavier blade capable of cutting heavier paper such as chipboard. A third-party software called "Sure Cuts A Lot" [SCAL] is available to connect Cricut equipment to a PC, bypass the cartridge limitation and cut most True Type fonts and Scalable Vector Graphics [SVG files], but this invalidates the manufacturer's warranty on the equipment. Total estimated cost of purchase:
   Machine: $300 and up depending on size (+shipping if applicable)
   Consumable media: (Mats/blades/bladeholders/spray adhesive) $100+
   Cartridges: $40 to $90 each OR
   SCAL software (3rd party)used with Inkscape (open source/free) : $100
   Initial outlay: around $500

2. 
   Designing with software instead of cartridges makes it possible to do "your own thing". If you can draw it...you can cut it!

   If you need to cut heavier media and have the flexibility to design and cut your own shapes, fonts and images, the options broaden to include questions regarding operating system, software packages accompanying the equipment, warranties, cost and basic features, consumable media and other considerations. What's out there?
   Graphtec equipment such as the Craft Robo, Wishblade or Silhouette are available from around $300. These machines are limited to working with DXF and GSD files, which can be a significant limitation for some users. However, it's possible to purchase files online or find free files, and experienced users take advantage of open source or third party software in order to design their own images with more flexibility.
   For machines featuring 500 grams of force or more, Pazzles or Gazelle equipment range from around $470 and up, and the KNK Groove (from $560/shipped in the US and rated with 800g force) can all cut 12" paper or cardstock. The first two run with Funtime software (primarily AI and WPC files, but can import other formats), while the Groove is rated with 800 grams of cutting pressure and accompanied by KNK Studio (uses KNK files, but imports AI, EPS, SVG, some GSD files, etc). ANY of these machines can be used to design and cut many different types of media, although each one features slightly different advantages. A learning curve MUST be expected, and whether you have a 32 or 64-bit operating system can determine whether one of these machines are right for you. Most die cutting machines cannot be used on 64-bit computers because the drivers have been built to run on 32-bit operating systems. However, because technology changes quickly, it may be worth investigating more thoroughly to determine if changes have been introduced. The majority of these machines can be run from a USB or Serial connection and require a computer to use them, which makes them less portable options if this is a consideration. A laptop with a USB port can take care of this consideration, but may be considered part of the investment if purchasing.
   Estimated cost of purchase varies from $470 to $560 for the machine, plus shipping if applicable.
   Consumable media: Mats, blades, spray adhesive, etc: usually included with initial purchase, additional purchases from $15+
   Software: included
   Initial outlay: around $600
   Portable consideration: Laptop

3. 
   Original, intricate shapes and designs can be achieved with an electronic die cutting machine.

   The Cadillacs of the die-cutting community are the machines which can cut, emboss, engrave and perforate heavier media from paper to thin metal or wood with very little limitation in design capability except for imagination and operating system requirements. The 15" KNK MAXX is one of these, and tops out at $1060 before shipping. A 24" model costs $1200. (Pazzles also makes a higher end system, but it runs in the thousands.) The 15" and 24" MAXX clock in with 950 grams of cutting force, and the accompanying software makes it possible to work with or create virtually anything you can draw or imagine. Short of cutting lumber, there's very little that a scrapbooker could imagine or feed to this machine and find it a challenge to cut. Chipboard, balsa wood, thin metal, cardstock, plastic, vinyl, acetate, magnet blanks, acrylic stamp material and more can be cut from this machine, and because it's capable of accepting any tool up to almost an inch in diameter, the design possibilities seem endless for engraving, embossing, drawing, distressing and cutting. This particular brand of machine (the Klic-N-Kut or KNK) is currently dependent on 32-bit operating systems running windows XP or Vista, but is capable of running from either a desktop PC or laptop and a USB or Serial port. The initial expense includes everything you need in the box: the machine, software, blades, mat, adhesive, manual and warranty are included. Bolt-on flatbed surfaces are included. Consumable media such as blades or mats tend to last a long time but depend on the individual user and media being cut. The learning curve for KNK Studio may be comparable to the experience of learning how to use a program like Photoshop for the first time, although designing with vector graphics instead of bitmap images is not the same thing. (All electronic die cutting machines use vector images to cut to the plotter.)
   With shipping, the initial outlay for one of these top-class machines is around $1200 or more (depending on size). Retailers offer a variety of satellite services such as personalized setup, files, training, phone and video tutorials and support.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional information on several of these machines, you can visit http://www.thatsscrapinc.com and explore the free video and tutorial sections under "Education" and "Classes", check the files available in compatible formats for all current die cutting machines, and contact existing users to enquire about their own experience with whatever machine they happen to have. Before buying, the BEST information you can get comes from the people who already own an electronic die-cutting machine and can offer unbiased reviews of their own experience using the equipment.
• Investment in an electronic die-cutting machine can involve significant expense-- even the ones which initially appear to fit a smaller budget. This type of purchase generally isn't something you'll want to make year after year, so identifying the potential for a long-term relationship with the equipment is important. You'll be happy with your purchase no matter what you spend if you buy the machine that's right for YOUR needs. A machine that doesn't do what you hoped can be equally resented as a machine that's difficult to use, and every consumer is DIFFERENT. Knowing your own needs and being able to predict the potential for long-term use, learning, or benefit using the machine should probably play a greater role in making the decision to purchase than price: I've never met anyone who regretted spending more to get exactly what they wanted, but many people have realized the opportunity to resent smaller investments when they felt the smaller resource had been wasted. Don't let enthusiasm, a sales pitch, or a bargain sway you from the big picture: YOU will be the one using the equipment in the end, and it's only a "good deal" if you realize the advantage.

Resources

• That's Scrap Inc
• Talk to someone using a machine!
• Join a community and see what others do with their die cutting equipment
• Die cutting files (AI, KNK, GSD, SVG, EPS, etc)
• Learn more about scrapbooking with an electronic Die cutting machine. (Klic-n-kut user)

[argyle]

on 2/9/2009 Good advanced scrapbooking article. Thanks, and welcome to eHow!

[VirtualWorker]

on 2/9/2009 Good for those who like scrapbooking. Keep on writing!

VirtualWorker

[4lulubelle]

on 2/8/2009 I own a Craft Robo and a KNK Element. If you are considering a purchase you have to look at what you will be cutting and possibly cutting down the road. I am glad I got my KNK. If you want to check out the things I do with my cutter take a peek at my blog: http://4lulubelle.blogspot.com/
Thanks for all the information it was very helpful.

[tammeys]

on 2/8/2009 Excellent information! I have a Craft Robo AND A KNK XL. I love my cutter files and share through my blog at http://tammeybrown.blogspot.com These machines are amazing tools and really open up the possibilities.

[aussiewendy]

on 2/8/2009 Great information here. I have a low price Craft Robo (see section 2). It cuts all my cutter files, you can see them and my layouts at http://www.letsbescrappy.blogspot.com
Thanks for all the info
Cheers
Aussie Wendy
http://www.letsbescrappy.com