Die Cutting Machines (I Think)
Discussion
Does anybody know anything about die cutting machines, for home arts and crafts type purposes?
SWMBO has indicated that she would quite like one for Christmas (am I allowed to use that word yet?), and to be honest I have no idea what I'm looking at. I had always assumed they were effectively printers but with blades rather than ink but so far I seem to be looking at ones with no computer connection at all.
So if anybody can give me a bit more info on what to look for / what to avoid, or even point me in the right direction with a budget of £2-300 give or take, it would be much appreciated!
SWMBO has indicated that she would quite like one for Christmas (am I allowed to use that word yet?), and to be honest I have no idea what I'm looking at. I had always assumed they were effectively printers but with blades rather than ink but so far I seem to be looking at ones with no computer connection at all.
So if anybody can give me a bit more info on what to look for / what to avoid, or even point me in the right direction with a budget of £2-300 give or take, it would be much appreciated!
I have a CraftRobo (now Silhouette) cutter.
Nice machine and well under budget.
Things I would check:
- drivers for the platform you are using (mine can do both PC and Mac)
- size of cutting you want to do (A4 on mine, but depending on what you want to do you might be able to get bigger designs from it)
- materials they can cut (thickness and type). Silhouette is very flexible here. I've cut self adhesive vinyl etc)
- spares availability. Especially blades - sharp blades are essential - and cutting mats. Great for the Silhouette
- software used for cutting. Silhouette have their own software for use which is reasonably flexible but you need to think carefully about what you want to achieve. Photoshop skills are also useful. Software can use registration marks which means you can print stuff on another printer and then cut neatly around it which is handy (but takes practice)
- support/user forums (good for the Silhouette... US based)
They work like a plotter - on a Silhouette you can switch the blades for pens.
I did our wedding stationery with ours, have cut vinyl for a charity car run and various other bits. Handy tool to have and not very expensive at all.
Nice machine and well under budget.
Things I would check:
- drivers for the platform you are using (mine can do both PC and Mac)
- size of cutting you want to do (A4 on mine, but depending on what you want to do you might be able to get bigger designs from it)
- materials they can cut (thickness and type). Silhouette is very flexible here. I've cut self adhesive vinyl etc)
- spares availability. Especially blades - sharp blades are essential - and cutting mats. Great for the Silhouette
- software used for cutting. Silhouette have their own software for use which is reasonably flexible but you need to think carefully about what you want to achieve. Photoshop skills are also useful. Software can use registration marks which means you can print stuff on another printer and then cut neatly around it which is handy (but takes practice)
- support/user forums (good for the Silhouette... US based)
They work like a plotter - on a Silhouette you can switch the blades for pens.
I did our wedding stationery with ours, have cut vinyl for a charity car run and various other bits. Handy tool to have and not very expensive at all.
Cricut Maker or as mentioned Silhouette Cameo.
Cricut software Design Space is free but cloud based which does cause issues.
There is a move for the software to be a downloadable app.
The Cameo v3 is the current machine but I think there is a new one in the pipeline to complete with the Maker.
The software is called Studio.
Both are available from the respective websites, so best try before you buy
The Maker is £379 on Amazon. Cameo 3 is a cheaper.
Good idea to look on YouTube for Cricut v Silhouette reviews.
If she goes for a Cricut then search for Melody lane on FB and youtube.
The latest thing from Cricut is infusable ink, which has the ladies all of a quiver.
Cricut software Design Space is free but cloud based which does cause issues.
There is a move for the software to be a downloadable app.
The Cameo v3 is the current machine but I think there is a new one in the pipeline to complete with the Maker.
The software is called Studio.
Both are available from the respective websites, so best try before you buy
The Maker is £379 on Amazon. Cameo 3 is a cheaper.
Good idea to look on YouTube for Cricut v Silhouette reviews.
If she goes for a Cricut then search for Melody lane on FB and youtube.
The latest thing from Cricut is infusable ink, which has the ladies all of a quiver.
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