Die cutting machine

[Rudedog]

So debating buying one - I quilt so it's probably worth it for hexagons alone

But can't decide which one - has anyone got one?

[Rudedog]

Bump for traffic!

[NightRaven52]

I recently bought Hobbycraft's own brand one (think it was like £40). The instructions are very easy to follow, and it's ideal for a beginner/first machine. I use it for various paper crafts and embellishments though, so I'm not sure how suitable it would be for quilting.

[Rudedog]

Thanks @NightRaven52

[disappearingninepatch]

I bought a Sizzix big shot plus when it was on special offer in Hobbycraft in the summer. I think it was £80. I use it for quilting with bigz dies.

[Rudedog]

Oh great thank you

[Brittbugs80]

I'm another with the Big Shot Plus. I was just going to get the Big Shot bit I preferred the size of the plus as it gave me options and I think it took A4 which the Big Shot didn't.

If you haven't already got a hobby craft club card, then you can join and get 15% off your first order.

They usually do offers on them.

It might be worth visiting a hobby craft as they have all different ones in store you can look at.

[tomatopuree]

Big shot. It’s a sturdy machine. Has the ability to handle a number of branded and unbranded dies. I’d go for the bigger one as it can handle large dies.

Sizzix do a number of specific dies for quilting. You can get an electric machine if you find t difficult to crank the handle

[tomatopuree]

The problem with buying shops own brand machine is that eventually you will find it difficult to buy new plates for it. Whereas with a machine that has a long standing reputation, you won’t have that issue.

I am a craft demonstrator and I use a cuttlebug simply because it folds up and fits in my kit bag. I used to have a big shot. I loved it. But had to downsize the number of machines I had

[Brittbugs80]

I am a craft demonstrator and I use a cuttlebug simply because it folds up and fits in my kit bag. I used to have a big shot. I loved it. But had to downsize the number of machines I had

Would you be able to answer a couple of questions for me?

I use a Big shot plus. When I emboss card, I run it through in the folder once and the finished card often curls up, is this because I need a thicker card? If so what size/weight do you recommend?

I use quite a few Xcut dies. I got one last year brand new and it's quite detailed. I have a small poky out tool thing but I'm finding there are parts of the die that are not cutting through the card, even after passing through the rollers a few times. This ends up with parts not being cut and then the parts that have cut being squashed and pressed into the cutting plates. Any tips?

[tomatopuree]

Can you show me a picture?

[tomatopuree]

Once you glue down your embossed topper it shouldn’t matter or do you mean that you are embossing your card base?

[TroysMammy]

I was advised to put craft tape over the intricate part before putting your paper/card on top, run it through the machine, turn it and do it again.

I have a X-cut machine but a friend showed me her fancy pants scan 'n' cut. Guess what I want now?

[tomatopuree]

I use quite a few Xcut dies. I got one last year brand new and it's quite detailed. I have a small poky out tool thing but I'm finding there are parts of the die that are not cutting through the card, even after passing through the rollers a few times. This ends up with parts not being cut and then the parts that have cut being squashed and pressed into the cutting plates. Any tips?

Are your plates newish or like mine years old because you want your moneys worth and won’t replace them because there is still a bit of life in them 😂.**

Are you using the right sandwich of dies.** Can you buy a metal shim?

Sometimes my cuttlebug does this.* To be fair it’s about 8 years old and is done.*

What I do is move the die about on the plate.* I always cut upside down. So plate.* Die with cutting side facing up, cardstock, plate.

you can secure the cardstock and the die using washi tape so it doesn’t move.** But then you can easily see if it’s been cut through without the risk of lifting it and having to recut it

[tomatopuree]

I want a scan and cut. I currently have an old Sizzix Eclips and use it to cut vinyl. But hanker after the new cricut maker

[Rudedog]

So I got the Big Shot Plus!

I'm trying to look at dies and I am totally lost - any recommendations of good places to get them ?

[tomatopuree]

I use a number of companies. Samuel Taylor are fab. Great customer service. Good range of available dies...

I avoid hobby craft as I feel it’s expensive

The Range has a good number of dies xcut are a good brand ... with your big shot you can use any die on the market

[Rudedog]

Thank you @tomatopuree hope I can pop out to the Range tomorrow- I want to play!

[tomatopuree]

Good luck!!!

[TroysMammy]

I use The Range instore and Hobbybase online. Excellent company, dies bit cheaper and a bigger range than The Range, free p&p available and excellent service.

[Giraffey1]

I have the Big Hot which is brilliant. Very robust. Easy to use and can take all kinds of dies from different manufacturers. Also cuts a range of materials - paper, card,leather, felt, thin tin etc.

Intricate dies after need what’s called a shim - it’s basicslly another layer of card or paper layered up until you have enough thickness to make the die run through ok. Also tr positioning the die on the edges of the plates, and running thought more than once to ensure a clean cut.

If you google the baby technique and the waxed paper technique you will get more ideas for ensuring a clean cut with intricate dies.

[Giraffey1]

My favourite places for buying online....

Icon Uk
Crafty Devils
Crafts u Love
SET Crafts
Country View Crafts

I only buy from Hobbycraft if there’s a sales as they are expensive. The Range has some reasonable products but for good quality budget dies, try The Works. They’ve recently started their own range of dies and I’ve been very 8mpressed with both the quality and the price!

[Shyposter]

Can I also add Cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk and sevenhillscrafts (who stock a lot of the dies of American companies which are often hard to get hold of in the UK)

Amazon are often good for big brands like Sizzix who do a lot of the bigger heavy duty dies - good for cutting material and felt etc.

[tomatopuree]

Yes yes yes to seven Hill crafts for American dies I’m a big stamper. I have loads of dies but don’t use them as much as I should.

[Giraffey1]

Sizzix Bigz dies are great for the heavy duty tasks!

[Rudedog]

I have got it specifically for fabric but I think DD will love the embossing/card work she could do too!