How to Choose a Die Cutting Machine for Scrapbooking

Die cutting machines give crafters numerous creative options for their scrapbook projects.

Make beautiful, unique scrapbook pages and homemade greeting cards with a die cutting machine which cuts precise shapes and letters into paper as well as other craft material. These versatile machines can also be used to emboss your craft project. There are thousands of templates and more than a dozen different brands that sell die cutting machines.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

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. Choose an electronic or manual die cutting machine. There are two types of electronic machines: software-based and cartridge-based. Die cutting software does require a computer and printer which are compatible to the software that you purchase. Users must be computer savvy to install and use the software. Cartridge-based die cut machines are like small computers and printers that cut, emboss and print with the touch of a button and work completely independently from your home computer and printer. Users still must invest some time to learn how to navigate through the cartridge-based machine, but don't have to worry about software compatibility. Both software and cartridge-based machines are preloaded with several templates, and you have the option to buy more.

   Manual die cutting machines require you to purchase templates which can be fed through the machine with the crank of a handle or by pressing down a lever. These machines take the least amount of startup time to learn, but are not recommended for users suffering from arthritis in the wrist or hands, or for young children.

2. Consider where you will be using your die cutting machine. Machines vary in weight and size, making some machines too bulky and heavy to easily transport from your home to your friend's house or local scrapbook store.

3. Research the type of material that you will be scrapbooking. Some die cutting machines will only cut paper, where others are more versatile and allow users to use brass stencils, image transfers, charms, eyelets, bottle caps, fabric, vellum, cork, chip board and felt. Typically the machines that can cut through various types of material other than paper also allow users to cut more than one piece of paper at a time.

4. Select a die cutting machine that offers several die cut templates that you like. Most manual die cutting machines advertise that they are universal, and users can easily select die cut templates from other manufacturers, but the website Die-Cuts.com found that the machines typically work best with their own die cuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local craft store to see if they offer tutorials and technique classes on die cutting machines.

• 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.

References

• Die Cuts: Which Scrapbook Die Cutting Machine is Right for You?
• Preserving Your Family History: What Every Scrapbooker Should Know Before Buying a Die Cut Machine; Dawn Hall
• Best Die Cut Machines: Die Cut Machines