Die cutting machines can be used on materials like paper, fabric, cardboard, flexible leather, foam, leather, and craft metals to a specific shape. These customized materials can then be used in different projects like designing t-shirts, cards, scrapbooking and interior decoration for a party or any other function.
The 5 Best Die Cutting Machines (Manual)
Manual die cutting machines work like a cookie cutter. For your ease, we are reviewing the top five manual best die cutting machines available in the market.
1. Sizzix 660425 Big Shot Cutting/Embossing Machine 
The first on our list is the Sizzix 660425 Big Shot die cutting machine. It comes with an extended multipurpose platform which is adjustable as per your needs.
This portable machine lets you cut a variety of material including paper, fabric, felt, foam, leather, fabric, flexible magnet and craft metal. The machine weighs almost 12 pounds (5 kg) and the product dimensions are feasible enough to carry around.
This is not just your regular die cutting machine, it is about giving life to your creative ideas when it comes to paper crafting, quilting, home décor and party planning.
With Sizzix 660425 Big Shot, you can amaze your friends with your creative designs through your endless creativity. It gives your designs a totally professional look and is available in a stylish teal and white/ grey color.
FAQs
Q: The description says that it works with die cutting and embossing tools from other manufacturers. Is it true?
A: Yes, it does.
Q: Does it works well with craft metal?
A: Yes, it works very well with craft metals.
Q: Can this machine be used to cut through Chipboard?
A: Yes, it works fine while cutting chipboard.
- It comes with a 3-year warranty on manufacturing defects.
- You can cut more than 6 layers of fabric with this machine.
- This model is far superior and less expensive as compared to other die cutting machines from other manufacturers.
- The perfect design and working of this machine have generated in complete satisfaction and so far no drawbacks or cons have been reported.
2. Cricut Maker, Champagne Die Cutting Machine
Do you want a powerful and precise die cutter? Then the Cricut Maker is another great pick. This cutter is equipped with a special knife blade and a rotary blade, this die cutter is the real deal. Though mainly a vinyl cutter, the two equipped blades are perfect for sturdy leather and metal.
This is not just powerful and compact; it is stylish too and will definitely appeal to your creative side. One of its main selling points is its patented Design Space software. Now you can use your designs by using the easy to use software. If you are a newbie and want some inspiration first, this model comes with free designs so you can start there.
- Powerful cutting power
- Cuts deep thanks to its two blades
- Better efficiency
- High personalization and customization
- Not that portable
3. AccuQuilt GO Fabric Cutting Machine
The AccuQuilt GO is a lifesaver if you’re an avid quilter who suffers from health issues that prevent you from doing what you love, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or carpal tunnel syndrome. This extraordinary machine can help you cut up to six layers of fabric at once and has a portable design so you can take it anywhere you go. You’d be hard-pressed to revert to the traditional methods of fabric cutting once you’ve tried this excellent piece of machinery.
The handle that is used to operate the AccuQuilt Go turns easily and can go both ways to help you find the most comfortable position according to your preferences. The only downside is that this machine is only compatible with dies of their own making, but this shouldn’t be too much of an issue since they offer a wide array of dies.
- Beginner-friendly
- Portable design
- Can cut through six layers of fabric at once
- Only compatible with AccuQuilt dies
4. Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine by We R Memory Keepers
It is equipped with a 6 X 13-inch cutting and embossing platform. This model includes a height adjustment gear system which eliminates confusing mat combinations. You can use this machine for car-making, home décor, cutting fabric and embossing designs. Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine work well with die cutters and embossing folders from other brands.
This model has an option to detach the manual handle and attach an automated model, which needs to be purchased separately. It is lightweight, easy to carry so you can make the designs on the go as well.
- Extra storage capacity inside the machine for dies.
- It has a self-healing mat for cutting dies.
- Though it has an option to attach automated motor instead of the manual handle, it has to be purchased separately and that goes out of the budget.
- This machine is not suitable for rough and tough use.
- Users report that the instruction menu is not helpful.
5. Sizzix Die-Cut Machine Big Shot Foldaway
The Sizzix Die-Cut Machine Big Shot Foldaway is perfect for crafters and scrapbook enthusiasts who like to move around. The Big Shot Foldaway is a compact die-cutting, and embossing machine rolled into one. This cute little machine is terrific in making crafts while on the go.
The foldaway cutting surface enables you to put the machine away easily when not in use. Unfortunately, the sides don’t fold up, making the unit less portable, but still small enough to carry around.
This model also comes with built-in storage that you can use for your wafer-thin dies and other crafting tools. The provided extra storage compartments are also convenient for keeping your stuff close when inspiration strikes. Overall, this machine is quite handy and can cut anything as thin as paper, as solid as cork, and as strong as balsa wood.
- Backed by a 3-year warranty and a superb customer service
- Its core is made of steel and is also quite powerful
- The highly simplified assembly process takes minutes
- Its sides don’t fold up, making it less portable
Top 5 Digital or Electronic Die Cutting Machines
These digital or electronic die cutting machines work like a printer and cut materials and emboss designs as per the information that is provided to them through the computer or the software installed in the machines.
1. Cricut Expression 2 Electric Cutting Machine
The top item in our list of electronic die cutting machine is from the house of Cricut. It is compatible with all the Cricut cartridges.
The cutting capability is 12 X 24 inches. It comes with a stylish and large touchscreen LCD with a stylus to use which avoids the keypad use and makes it more easy and fun to make designs. The cartridge content is pre-loaded on the machine with amazing designs and some fonts.
The machine is portable and you can carry it easily. Its measurements are 23 X 9.4 X 11.3 inches and weigh around 17.5 pounds (8 kg). The Cricut Expression 2 comes with 2 cartridge handbooks, (1) 12″ x 12″ cutting mat, 3 port covers, LCD screen protector, blade assembly, stylus, power adapter, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, and a user manual.
FAQs
Q: Can fonts other than the pre-installed ones be used.
A: Yes, the fonts available in “Craft Room” can be used. “Craft Room” is a free online design tool from Cricut for this machine.
Q: Is it compatible with a Gypsy Machine?
A: Yes, this machine works well with Gypsy Machine.
Q: Can this machine cut thin metals?
A: Yes, with some alteration in the blades, it can cut thin metals.
- It comes with 800 pre-loaded images.
- The LCD lets you view the images on it with a high quality.
- The software allows you to work with or without the computer.
- This machine from Cricut has never failed its users, so there are no complaints about it and hence there are no cons.
2. Sizzix 660855 Vagabond 2 Machine Inspired by Tim Holtz
Next electronic or digital die cutting machine is from Sizzix. The vagabond 2 machine works will all Sizzix components that are thinner than Bigz die.
The machine cut through a lot of material and embosses amazing designs on them. It includes overloaded protection which avoids motor jams. All metal build not only makes it durable but also powerful. It weighs around 18 pounds (8 kg).
This machine has impressed users with its unmatched ability to cut through and emboss on various materials of different kinds.
- This machine is very durable as it is all metal build.
- It has a strong motor.
- The machine looks like a travel suitcase and it is easy to carry and travel with.
- It has two pedestals instead of four and shakes while it is in use.
- The rubber feet and pads fall off after some time it is in use.
3. Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine
The third electronic machine on our list is also from the house of Cricut. The Cricut 29-0001 is built specifically for cutting and embossing greeting cards, scrapbook projects, and other paper crafts. It also works well with cardstock and vinyl and can cut from 1 inch to 5.5 inches tall and 11.5 inches wide.
It is a portable machine with easy dimensions and weights almost 15 pounds (7 kg).
- It has a 1-year limited warranty.
- George and basic shape cartridge from Cricut are included.
- It can work with a computer but require complex maneuvering through USB cables.
- This model lacks an LCD as compared to other models from Cricut.
- Users report issues in its working after the machine is in use for a long time.
4. Accuquilt GO! Big 55500 Electric Fabric Cutting System
The penultimate die cutter on our electric die cutting machine list is from Accuquilt. This machine can cut up to 14 inch wide dies and is compatible with other dies from Accuquilt. This machine coordinates with GO! Fabric Cutter Tote & Die Bag and has the ability to use two different 6 inches wide dies at the same time.
The set includes GO! Big Fabric Cutter, GO! Flying Geese Die, Cutting Mat and 6 Creative Patterns.
This is a foldable machine and has a built-in handle for easy portability. This may feel heavy to a few, as it weights around 13kg.
- This machine comes with 6 creative patterns exclusively designed by Accuquilt.
- This machine is heavier as compared to other die cutting machines.
- Users report that even new machine has issues with power supply.
- The alignment of blades is not perfect and variations occur in the design.
5. Gemini by Crafter’s Companion Die Cutting and Embossing Machine Bundle
The last ranked machine on our list is from Gemini by Crafter. It has a platform size of 9 X 12.5 inches which helps you in cutting materials of different sizes. This machine is compatible with some dies and embossing folders.
The dimensions of this machine are feasible and weights around 9 kg, which makes it portable.
- This machine is sleek and produces less sound.
- It is portable and easy to carry.
- Users cannot create custom cuts on this machine.
- Rubber mat of this model is not durable.
- The magnetic plate wrinkles from the pressure of the machine
- There are issues with the power supply.
Advise for Buying a Die Cutting Machine
Either you are planning to buy a manual or digital die cutting machine, we would advise you to consider the following before you buy a die cutting machine for yourself:
- Manual or Digital – Select the manual or electric model as per your needs.
- Cost – Consider the cost of your die cutting machines with the features it is providing and then compare it with other machines.
- Ease of Use – Consider the software for digital die cutting machine and the design of manual die cutting machine.
- Size and Portability – When it comes to die cutting machines, portable and compact machines are always a plus.
Verdict
Creativity is one of the valuable possessions in the present day world. Die cutting machines, either manual or electronic help you bring out your creativity. Make your cards more interesting with amazing designs embossed on them, your t-shirts and fabrics more attractive by your own designs printed on them and decorate your parties with amazing designs cut with the help of die cutting machine.
| FEATURES | MANUAL DIE CUTTING MACHINE | ||
| Sizzix 660425 Big Shot | Cricut 2003782 Cuttlebug Die Cutting & Embossing Machine | Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die Cutting Machine | |
| usability | professional | beginner and professional | beginner |
| chance of error | none | none | the design may be wrinkled |
| durability | amazing | good | average |
| material variety | works for various types of materials, even metal | work on many materials but not metal | work for a limited number of materials |
| FEATURES | ELECTRONIC DIE CUTTING MACHINE | ||
| Cricut Expression 2 Electric Cutting Machine | Sizzix 660855 Vagabond 2 Machine Inspired by Tim Holtz | Cricut 29-0001 Personal Electronic Cutting Machine | |
| compatibility | high | high | low |
| weight | portable | portable | highly portable |
| usability | can be used with or without computer | cannot be used with a computer | can be used with a computer with requires complex handling |