If you are planning to start crafting, the first thing you need is the best die cutting machine for beginners. A die cutting machine is quite popular among scrapbookers and paper crafters as a crafting tool. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional crafter for precise cutting the die cutting machine is certainly a necessity. Generally, the die cutting machine has a versatile userbase. For instance, the userbase includes teachers, party enthusiasts, cake makers, greeting card makers, artisan, designers, etc. The main reason behind the popularity of die cutting machines is speed and precision. Unfortunately, scissors are not capable of achieving all those.
There are also some limitations on creativity due to the uses of templates as well. But if you keep it aside the die cutting machine can deliver you multiple shapes based on the templates. You can use the templates on paper, leather, vinyl, cork, etc. There are two types of die cutter machines in the market, manual and automatic. Beginners can use both types easily. The only difference between them is the ease of use and maneuverability. A manual machine is a combination of three components, template, pressing plates and pressing mechanism. While automatic machines are equipped with wireless technology, software, and a learning curve apart from the common components. There are factors like cutting power, die template, and specialization which effects your buying decisions. Here we will discuss the best die cutting machine for beginners and prove a guide for buyers.
Best die cutting machine for beginners
[table “” not found /]Sizzix 660340 Big Shot Plus
Sizzix big shot plus is one of the best die cutting machine for beginners in manual section. It is the perfect choice for those who want to start paper crafting, card making, quilting, etc. The best part of this unit is its compatibility with the sizzix library. Apart from that, the unit can work with a lot of different materials. Whether its paper or fabric it never disappoints you. The unit also works on different sizes ranging between 8 1/2″ to 11″. This versatility allows you to try your hands on different things.
Another great thing about the unit is its weight. The lightweight design makes it highly portable. The perfectly designed structure never forces you to hold the machine while using it even though it is lightweight. It is very easy to control the speed and accuracy while using it. It has a very smooth feed. You don’t need to apply too much force while feeding. The comfortable grip is an extended protection for your hands in long-term term uses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 👍 Easy to use. | 👎 Isn’t compatible with Bigz Pro dies. |
| 👍 Lightweight and portable. | |
| 👍 Compatible with most of Sizzix’s library of dies. |
Cricut Cuttlebug Die Machine
Cricut Cuttlebug is our second choice as best die cutting machine for beginners in manual type. The unit is designed in such a way that you can fold the sides of the machine. It is ideal for kids, beginner crafters, card makers, and scrapbookers. When you fold down the sides for using the machine sticks to the surface using suction. This whole process prevents the machine from moving while using it. The whole design saves a lot of space in storage. You can add materials from both sides.
This allows the machine to be used freely by both left and right-handed persons. The machine can cut lots of materials including cards, metal, wood, fabric, foam, clipboard, etc. One of the major selling points of the unit is ease of use. The unit comes with 2 plates, a die cutter, user manual, and a simple flower embossing folder. When you keep its wide range of usage and price together to decide this is the best option you will find. The best part is its portability and compatibility with most leading folders and dies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 👍 Clean Cuts and Well Defined Embossing. | 👎 Poor Suction. |
| 👍 Easy to Use. | |
| 👍 Durable. |
Spellbinders GC-200 Grand Calibur
Spellbinders Grand Calibur is well known in craft circles as the best die cutting machine for beginners. This beast can do stenciling apart from cutting and embossing. Stenciling is a unique feature which is not generally offered by most of the machines. It has a stable base powered by its suction capability. The width of the machine allows you to feed full size of papers. The major drawback is its bulky size. There are machines like cuttlebug which hold almost same features in a smaller size.
This manual die cutting machine is compatible with all spellbinder templates. Although it has a bulkier size it only weighs 10 pounds. The weight if this machine makes it highly portable. It is also compatible with Sizzlets, Cuttlebug and Quickuts die. The high compatibility makes it more popular in crafters section. Feeding of the unit is smooth along with the operation. It is easy to use and has high durability. It is also compatible with all major brands of embossing folders. If you don’t have any issue with the size, this unit is a good choice for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 👍 Great suction. | 👎 Not compatible with Sizzix Dies. |
| 👍 Compatible with Cuttlebug, Sizzlets, and Quickuts dies. | |
| 👍 Lightweight. |
Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine
If you are looking for an automatic device this is the best die cutting machine for beginners. Cricut Explore Air Wireless is making waves in community ever since its released. You will find the unit very precise and easy to use. The best part of the unit is its wireless connectivity. You don’t need any wire or USB port to send images from your computer or mobile. The unit comes with a Cricut Air Explore machine, Cricut design space software, and app along with USB and power cord.
It also includes a premium blade, accessory adapter, and standard-grip cutting mat. When it comes to materials it can work with 100 different materials. The machine will give you the maximum cutting width of 11.5 inches. The smart set dial allows you to choose materials to work with. It gives you the option to choose from paper, vinyl, Iron-on, Light cardstock, cardstock, fabric and poster board. It has around 50,000+ images, fonts, and designs present in the library. You can upload your designs as well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 👍 Can draw and cut simultaneously. | 👎 App is not compatible with Android devices. |
| 👍 Wireless Connectivity. | |
| 👍 Easy to use. |
Silhouette Portrait 2 Starter Bundle
Silhouette portrait 2 is another gem in the list of the best die cutting machine for beginners. The unit comes with a cutting machine, 8″ cutting mat, power and USB cable. It also includes silhouette software, auto blade, Bluetooth adapter and exclusive designs with a 1-month subscription to design store. One of the great features of the unit is Bluetooth compatibility. You don’t have to connect it to wire to use it. This provides you extra comfort to use it from anywhere within the Bluetooth range.
Its another great feature is the auto blade. This sophisticated technology calibrates the blades itself based on the material being used. With this feature, the user is relieved from worries about pressure and depth to achieve quality results. The unit also supports old popular deep cut blade which can cut much thicker materials. This machine also has the capacity to register and cut printed materials. You can use it on vinyl, cardstock, photo paper, rhinestone template materials and many more.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 👍 Ability to Cut 100+ Materials. | 👎 Weak cutting force. |
| 👍 Auto blade. | |
| 👍 Small and light. |
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best die cutting machine for beginners is tricky since there are different machines for different purposes. Some machines are manual which are easy to use, while some are electronic requiring some learning to operate. Some have simple output while others can produce great designs. We at best10lab will provide you comprehensive information so that you can make the perfect purchase.
What to look in best die cutting machine for beginners
Before making the purchase you need to look for below factors to make sure its best choice for beginners.
Size
Size has almost no effect on the performance of the machine. Bit size does matter in nature of work. If you have less space on your table it’s better to choose slimmer designs. Most digital die cutting machines are slimmers while manuals are commonly bulky in size.
Portability
Portability is an important factor. You shall check before making the purchase that does you need portability. Are you thinking of moving with the unit to party places or friends house? If yes then choose lightweight and slimmer units.
Cutting force
This is the most important factor in a die cutting machine. If you are willing to cut only papers then you don’t need too much power. But if your target material includes Iron-sheets or leather then you need something powerful.
Ease of use
When selecting the best die cutting machine for beginners ease of use is something you shall never ignore. Most of the manual machines are pretty simple and easy to use. You have to be careful while choosing the electronic die cutting machines.
Resources
Support resources are another important feature which you should keep in mind while buying a die cutting machine. You should look for the product which has maximum resources available like designs and fonts. You shall also make sure that it is compatible with dies of different other product.
Conclusion
We at best10lab have given you a detailed guide on how to choose the best die cutting machine for beginners. With our resources, we are sure that you can now make a perfect choice. If you are into sewing you can also look at our guide on the best sewing machine for starters.