Top 26 Best Die Cutting Machine Reviews

Die-cutting machines have given enthusiastic crafters the power to create cutouts at their leisure for a variety of projects such as card making, shirts, scrapbooking, quilts, decorations, and other papercrafts.

Owning a die cutting machine comes with a lot of benefits as these can take your crafting skills and creations to the next level. Picking the best die-cutting machine isn’t a task as scary as it may sound.

I have compiled the best die cutting machine reviews, so you could make a better choice and feel the excitement of crafting with so many exciting features to choose from.

What Can You Make With A Die Cut Machine?

You can use a die-cutting machine to cut specific shapes and patterns into materials as these can be used on paper, fabric, or even metal.
Cutout shapes are often used in a variety of DIY projects such as:

• Scrapbooking
• T-Shirt design
• Homemade cards
• Quilts
• Stickers and decals
• Magnet designs
• Stencils
• And decorations

The machines come in two types: Manual and Digital Version.

While Manual machines come in many sizes and designs, these are used by hands. You are supposed to buy different cutter shapes, some of which are designed to suit specific materials.

In Digital versions, you send the designs to the machine from either a computer via software or a cartridge with pre-loaded images, after which, the machine cuts the shapes as desired.

The digital models can perform various functions such as drawing or embossing on fabric, piercing objects, and some are even capable of engravings.

What is Best Die Cutting Machine To Buy?

Die-cutting machines allow DIY enthusiasts and crafters the power to make cutouts at their leisure for a lot of projects including shirts, scrapbooking, card making, decorations, quilts, and other papercrafts. But you have to buy the right machine to achieve quality results, so take these suggestions into consideration.

• Best Overall: Cricut Maker  Machie
  “Smooth and quiet operation, works with over hundreds of materials, new Rotary Blade, scoring tool.”
• Best Embossing & Die Cut: Cricut Cuttlebug Machine
  “Precise and deep cutting, secure suction, additional bundles, compact, portable, a popular machine.”
• Runner Up: Spellbinders GC-200 Die Cut Machine
  “Lightweight, compact, user-friendly design, cost-efficient, detachable handle, works great in papers.”
• Best Budget: Sizzix Vagabond 2 Die Cut Machine
  “Precise cuts, smooth operation, portable, lightweight, compact, easy to use, a powerful performance.”
• Best for Fabric & Vinyl: Silhouette CAMEO 3
  “Dual carriage system, perfect for thicker materials, advanced blade holder, AutoBlade, 100 designs.”
• Best For Beginners: Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine
  “Automatic settings, Bluetooth enabled, great for beginners, precise cuts, large storage space, versatile.”
• Best Die-Cut Machine for Schools: Brother ScanNCut CM100DM
  “Perfect for beginners, versatile, great for small business, user-friendly controls, great for hobbyists.”
• Best Electronic Die Cut Machine: Brother CM350
  “300 DPI scanner, can program allowances for seams in the fabric, no computer required, easy to use.”
• Best Industrial Die Cutting Machine: Spellbinders PL-001
  “Easy operation, easy utilization, made for industrial-strength materials, solid steel core construction.”
• Best For Quilter: AccuQuilt GO! Die Cut Machine
  “High-speed, accurate cuts, portable, user-friendly, unlimited design options, 70 free unique patterns.”
• Best Die Cut Machine for Teachers: Silhouette Portrait 2
  “Upgraded with an auto blade, portable, affordable, 50 digital designs, compatible with Mac and PC.”
• Best Die Cut Machine for Paper: Silhouette Cameo 3 Starter Bundle
  “Larger than a regular Cameo, easy to use, compatible with Mac and PC, PixScan compatible, cheap.”
• Best Die Cutting Machine for Wood: Spellbinders PE-100 Platinum 6.0
  “Compact, stylish, powered by a very powerful cut technology, great pressure, strength, and durability.”

Where To Buy Die Cutting Machine?

If this is your first time buying for a die cutting machine, you should check my comparison chart for best product recommendations. However, if you want to review your options, just type something like: “best die-cut machine near me” and see what comes up. Also, you can check the map I have provided for you.

Write down the working hours of the closest stores and visit when you have time. However, in case you are not in the mood for actual shopping, you can always re-visit my site and check my comparison chart.

Best Die Cutting Machine Comparison 2020

I have narrowed down the best products available for purchase and compared their best features. So, if you want to purchase a die cutting machine, you should definitely check my comparison chart for 2020.

Top 26 Best Die Cutting Machine Reviews 2020

Not only that the die-cutting machines that I have reviewed will provide the best crafting experience, but also offer portability, affordability, and professional-looking results. Make sure to check their pros and cons before you make up your mind and purchase the best die cutting machine available in 2020.

Cricut Cuttlebug Die Cutting  Machine

(Best Embossing Machine)

Circuit Cuttlebug die provides a versatile and portable choice for cutting and embossing a broad range of materials.

The cuttlebug is the only device that can emboss with clean, crisp cuts and deep, even embossing, giving professional-looking outcomes.

It operates with all of Cuttlebug's line of folders embossing and Cutting dies. It also supports most of the major folders and dies. Go beyond paper and cut and emboss products including paper, foils, ribbon acetate, thin leather, and so on.

Spellbinders GC-200 Die Cut & Embossing Machine

Spellbinders Grand Calibur Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine is a user-friendly crafting instrument that is designed to cut and embossed with Spellbinders Die Templates.

It is a versatile tool that can also cut with other consumer dies, embossed with brass stencils, perform image transfers, set eyelets, replicate charms, smash bottle caps, and so on.

Compatible with all previous Spellbinders die templates and the new Grand Nestabilities, the system includes 1 machine, base plate, cutting plate, a crank handle, embossing plate, embossing mat, and instructions

The machine will fit 8 1/2 x 11 inches of paper without trimming.

Sizzix Big Shot Plus Manual Die Cut & Embossing Machine

The Big shot Plus Machine provides plenty of stylish appeals as it comes in a sleek white and grey color scheme with size logo embossed on the handle.

It offers the similar versatility of working with the entire size products library (excepting Big Pro dies) including the smallest to the big 9” wide plastic-backed dies and embossing tools.

This roller machine cuts and embosses many distinct materials also giving the versatility of using 8 1/2 "x 11" materials. It comes with a pair of Standard Cutting Pads and the Big Shot Plus Platform and Adapters A and B.

Sizzix Vagabond 2 Die Cut Machine

(Best Budget)

The Vagabond 2 machine is a portable and powerful machine that can effortlessly cut and emboss many different materials and thickness preventing motor jams.

Vagabond 2 machine comes with a pair of standard cutting pads, the extended platform which makes all Size components thinner than a big die compatible with the Vagabond 2 machine.

It can even work with frameless as well as other brands' dies and embossing tools by adding extended wafer-thin die adapter.

Cricut Explore Air Die Cut Machine

(Best for Beginners)

Cricut Design Space software system, embedded with Bluetooth, lets you send your projects wirelessly to the Cricut Explore Air machine for cutting.

It has a dual carriage for cutting and writing or cutting and scoring in one step with smart precision and with all Cricut cartridges. You can upload your own images for free (.svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .dxf).

It can cut over 60 materials from vellum to leather with a smart Set dial for easy material settings. With free Cricut Design Space online software and iPad app, you can create more space for your projects.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine

With Cricut Explore Air 2, you can make custom vinyl stickers, unique greeting cards, personalized home décor, and many such DIYs.

Upload your images for free or choose from Cricut's vast library of designs and projects. It offers a range of materials especially designed and tested for the Cricut machine including basic and specialty Vinyl colors, Iron-on Vinyls, Cardstock, Faux Leather, Adhesive Foils, Specialty Paper, Poster Board and more.

It has embedded Bluetooth for wireless cutting. Create and design from any of your devices using the Cricut Design App for iOS and Android devices.

Silhouette CAMEO 3 Die Cut Machine

 

Your go-to DIY silhouette cutting machine can cut over 100 materials with its small blade. It features Bluetooth technology for wireless cutting and plugs into your home computer.

The CAMEO features a dual-carriage for use of two tools at once. It includes Silhouette CAMEO 3, 12-inch Cutting Mat, Crosscutter, Power cable/USB cable, AutoBlade, 100 exclusive designs (download), Silhouette Studio software (download), and 1-month Design Store subscription.

Brother CM350 Electronic Die Cut Machine

The machine features a 300 DPI built-in scanner that turns scanned images into unique cut designs and patterns. The Brother ScanNCut2 CM350 has a 4.85” LCD touchscreen that allows users to select functions easily.

The CM350 allows multiple connectivity options, including PC connectivity and standalone or wireless network connectivity. It uses the included 12” x 12” cutting mat or upgrade to a larger mat to create and cut a variety of designs. Further, it lets users edit designs easily on the LCD touchscreen.

Pazzles Inspiration Vue Die Cut Machine

Pazzles Inspiration Vue prints and cuts all kinds of cardstock with optical eye and can cut up to 12'' wide and 24'' long. You can design and cut your images from clipart, drawings, etc.

It can cut chipboard, vinyl, iron-on, stiffened fabric, thin plastics, sticker paper, magnet paper, stencil plastic, etc. It can also cut fonts installed on the computer and add additional tools to draw, distress, pierce, engrave, emboss and cut pastry.

Cut Computer requirements: 1+ GHz CPU, 1gb of ram, 1000mb free disk space, USB port, cd drive, supports windows (7 or newer) or OS X (10.9+) OS.

Sizzix Big Shot Die Cut Machine

This die-cutting and embossing machine can work on many different materials up to 6" (15.24cm) wide. It is compatible with the entire Sizzix products library including Bigz, Thinlits and Framelits dies, and

Textured Impressions, Texture Fades, and Impresslits Embossing Folders excepting Bigz Plus and Bigz Pro die. The Big Shot Machine measures approximately 40 x 29 x 24 cm and weighs 4.52 Kg (7.50 lb).

It includes 1 Big Shot Machine, 1 Extended Multipurpose Platform and 1 Pair of Cutting Pads. 1-year limited warranty. You can also register your machine for 2 additional years on the Sizzix website.

Spellbinders Platinum Die Cut Machine

(Best Industrial)

Spellbinders PL-001 can effortlessly cut up to eight layers in a single pass as it is created with a solid steel core construction.

It has the ability to over 40 different materials including wool, Balsa wood, chipboard, craft metal, leather and so on. It is the best cutting machine for wood, and other heavy-duty materials and fabrics.

The machine can be used with most standard Wafer-thin/etched dies, embossing folders, texture plates, and Contour steel rule dies.

AccuQuilt GO! Die Cut Machine

Looking for the ultimate fabric cutting system? If yes, I think I have the perfect product for you. It is the AccuQuilt GO – the best die cutting machine for fabric with cutting mats: 6’’ x 6’’ and 10’’ x 24’’. If you order this model, you will get it with over 70 free unique patterns, and a guide book by Eleanor Burns.

However, just like any other cutting machine on my list, this one has pros and cons. Let’s review them together before you make up your mind and buy your first cutting machine or upgrade your old model.

Cricut Maker Machine

(Best Fabric Cutter for Quilting)

Cricut Maker simplifies sewing and quilting projects along with many more crafts and modeling projects. It has an expandable suite of tools, powerful blades, pens, new Rotary Blade, scoring tool.

The blade cuts through any fabric quickly and accurately without backing material with its gliding and rolling action. It has a new Knife Blade that slices through heavier materials like 2.4mm (3/32”) balsa wood and matboard. You can use your designs and layout your project on your device conveniently.

A thoughtful detail of docking slot holds your tablet or smartphone while you are busy. You can charge your device using the convenient USB port.

Silhouette Cameo 3 Die Cut Machine

The machine cuts a variety of materials up to 12 inches wide and 10 feet long. It uses the powerful Silhouette Studio design software to create projects and is compatible with Print & Cut and PixScan technology.

It features Bluetooth technology for wireless cutting and also plugs into your home computer. It has a dual-carriage for multi-tool use and a higher 2 mm clearance to cut thicker materials.

It is the only Silhouette compatible with the self-adjusting AutoBlade.Includes Silhouette CAMEO cutting machine, Silhouette Studio software, power cable and USB cable, 12-Inch Cutting Mat, andAutoBlade cutting blade.

Gemini Die Cut & Embossing Machine

Gemini Jr is everything you will need to get started right away as it works with most thin metal dies. It gives higher pressure than other machines that allow for better cutting on elaborate designs.

The machine works with heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil, leather, multiple layers of fabric and much more. However, keep in mind that this machine is 120V and therefore only compatible in the USA.

Silhouette Portrait 2 Die Cut Machine

(Best for Schools)

Portrait 2 comes with Bluetooth and Autoblade. It can cut a wide range of materials including cardstock, fabric, heat transfer material, transparencies, paper, vellum, adhesive vinyl, and magnet paper. It works with Mac and PC and comes with 50 nice digital designs – one of the best die-cutting machines to buy.

It is the best cutting machine for paper, for cardboard, for vinyl letters, for felt, for leather, for wallet photos and for scrapbooking. It is best for beginners and for wedding invitations, for crafts and more.

Brother ScanNCut CM100DM Die Cut Machine

(Best For Schools)

With a 300 DPI built-in scanner, the machine can virtually scan anything. It does not require design cartridges or PC.

It has a color LCD touch screen with on-screen editing capabilities such as rotating, welding, resizing and organizing. 11.7-inch-wide scanning and cutting area to accommodate large projects.

ScanNCut Canvas, the cloud-based web application easily converts .svg files to .fcm files (free and easy to register) and reads both .fcm (Brother proprietary file extension) and most .svg files.

Connect a PC via USB cable to the ScanNCut2 machine. USB cable not included. It is not recommended using this machine in countries that do not support 120V AC even if a voltage adapter is in use.

Cricut 2000293 Cuttlebug Cutting Machine

(Editor’s Choice)

CricutCuttlebug allows the dies you already own and lets you cut and embossed from a wide range of crafting materials.

Its compact fold-n-store profile provides storage in less space than other leading machines. It has a built-in pop-up handle and comes with all necessary cutting pads you need to get started and a user manual.

Box contents include CricutCuttlebug Die Cutter & Embosser, 2 B Cutting Pads, 1 A Spacer, one 5x7 flower embossing folder, and instruction booklet. Bonus embossing folder: simple flower.

Sizzix 657900 Big Shot Cutting Machine

A CLASSIC model Big Shot machine comes with Extended Multipurpose Platform and Powder Blue & Teal color scheme.

It's a portable shape-cutting and embossing roller-style machine that accommodates a wide range of crafting materials from paper to fabric.

Included with the Big Shot are a pair of Standard Cutting Pads and the adjustable Extended Multipurpose Platform. It works with almost the entire Sizzix products library, as well as other die-cutting and embossing tools.

Silhouette Cameo 3 Bluetooth Starter Bundle Cutting Machine

(Best Value for Money)

The Silhouette CAMEO 3 is your ultimate DIY machine. It plugs into your Mac as well as your PC with just a USB cable or a built-in Bluetooth.

Instead of printing, it uses a small blade to cut paper, vinyl, fabric, cardstock, and other materials that are up to 12 inches wide and 10 feet long.

When the pen replaces the blade, the CAMEO will sketch instead of cut. It can be controlled from a computer or save your art to a USB and plug right into the Cameo. The machine can register printed materials, cut them and is also PixScan compatible.

Silhouette America Curio Crafting Machine

This machine is more than a cutting tool. It can cut, emboss, sketch, stipple, etch and so much more! The Curio machine's new functions include stippling, etching, as well as three methods of embossing. You can now Path emboss, Score and Emboss, and Print and Emboss.

The Silhouette Curio has a dual carriage allowing you to emboss and perform other actions like sketching or cutting all at the same time! With the new deep cut blade, you can cut up to 2mm thick materials and with a 5 mm clearance, you can also feed thicker material through the Curio machine.

Cricut Mini Die Cutting Machine

The machine has extremely precise and detailed cutting capabilities. It can cut up to the 8.5-by-12-inch paper and other materials and small shapes and fonts from 1/4-inch to larger cuts up to 11-1/2-inch.

It requires a standard internet connection via a laptop or desktop computer, or to be connected to Cricut gypsy. It has a new and quiet cutting technology. It is a mall, portable, and lightweight for ultra-space savings.

Evolution Advanced Die Cut & Embossing Machine

The innovative attachable motor pairs with the Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine (sold separately) can automate the die-cutting/embossing process. The inclusion of this attachable motor will automate the process of increasing productivity.

The removable motor comes with AC power cord and connects easily to the Evolution Advanced Die-Cutting and Embossing Machine (sold separately). No need to crank the machine by hand when you’ve got this remarkable removable motor.

Spellbinders PE-100 Platinum 6.0 Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

Powered by the same versa cut technology used in Platinum, the new Platinum 6 offers the same strength, pressure, and durability effortlessly cutting up to eight layers of most materials in a single pass.

It can blaze through even the heaviest of materials from leather, to wool, to craft metal, to Balsa Wood.

The sleek, modern design of the Platinum 6 machine features a collapsible handle and fold-up sides for compact storage. It is sold with a pair of clear-cutting plates, standard platform, embossing plate, and embossing mat.

Things to Consider

There are so many different varieties and models of die-cutting machines to choose from that the task of getting the best becomes tedious.

To select the best and to be a well-informed buyer with realistic expectations, the key factors you have to put into consideration are:

Determine Which Types of Die Cutting Machine You Want to Buy

Die-cutting machines vary in many aspects, such as cost, usage, and features. It’s imperative to understand these aspects to buy yourself a well-suited die-cutting machine.

Below are discussed the properties of 3 types of a die-cutting machine, namely, manual die cutting machine, electric die cutting machine, and digital die-cutting machine.

Manual Die Cutting Machine

Manual die-cutting machines require you to turn its handle to push the die sandwich through space where the material is cut or embossed.

These machines can do embossment, which makes it useful as not all digital machines can perform this function.

These machines are flexible as these can carry out functions with multiple variants of dies and also stand affordable and easy to carry.

In places where there is little or no electricity, these machines stand completely justified as these require no electricity.

However, manual machines can be labor-intensive and need proper settings of dies to avoid any error.

Electrical Die Cutting Machine

This machine uses an electrically powered motor, unlike the crank system in manual machines. These lessen the workload but stand more expensive than the manual machines.

Digital or Computerized/Electronic Die Cutting Machines

Digital or electronic die cutting machines work along the lines of printing machines.

One can transfer the designs into these machines either from a device pre-loaded with designs (cartridges) or via a computer where the designs are downloaded or drawn with a software.

These machines are accurate, fast and versatile. These let you draw your designs and save them as templates for future use. Not all digital machines offer this function.

However, these are costlier, heavier and larger than the manual and electric die-cutting machines.

Consider The Type of Materials You Will Be Working With

Selection of the right machine is entirely based on the kind of work or projects you will be working on.

If you are using a greater variety of materials, you need a heavy-duty machine that can cut various types of materials. If you are working is only limited to paper material, then this is not a reasonable investment.

Check Capabilities of the Machine

As it differs from person to person, the capabilities of die-cutting machines consider many different options depending on the requirement by each person. While some go for convenient transportation, others go for versatility and functions of the machine.

While it is advisable to buy a machine that can handle nearly all the operations, durability is one important aspect that shouldn’t be ignored.

Manual die-cutting machines are more durable as these have only a few moving parts with no wiring.

Understand the Cutting Dies

It is imperative to check for dies available in the market before you decide on one as all die-cutting machines work with dies.
Some of the dies properties you need to consider are:

Variety of Dies

Most of the die-cutting machine can take any die, but you should make sure you have enough figures, shapes, and letters for your personal needs.

There are varieties of dies available in the market. If you choose dies with special characters, make sure your machine has such dies available for purchase.

Size

Size is another important criterion as dies come in many sizes compatible with different machines. You need to consider the size of the machine, dies and their usage before making a choice.

Compatibility

Check the compatibility of dies with the machine you are choosing as some dies may be compatible with more than one machine while others may not.

Manual machines are more compatible with dies made from different companies while this is not the case with the digital ones due to the software programming involved.

Machine Size and Portability

This is another significant element to consider as it helps in facilitating the machine's transportation and storage.

Manual die-cutting machines are typically more portable, simpler to carry, much simpler to store, as it needs only a small amount of storage room.

It may also be the finest die cutter for a crafter who does not have a continuous workspace.

Design Flexibility and Supported Software

While some electronic machines might be compatible with the common die-cutting software, others, require specialized software to function properly.

For instance, not all machines permit custom designs.

Price and Warranty

Apart from all the characterization, price stands to play a major role in decision making. Quality is something that people will not compromise on, and it doesn’t come cheap.

For a low initial investment, you should go for a manual die-cutting machine, but if you are considering operating cost of a machine over time, the electronic die-cutting machine should be your choice.

Choose the product with a good warranty and the one that satisfies your requirements.

Why Use Die Cut Machine?

If you love crafting or you own a business that deals with sewing, baking, needlework, etc., a die-cutting machine can be of great help. It can save time even with increasing productivity. The die-cutting machines are very versatile and can up your crafts-game in no time with infinite possibilities.

However, manual and Digital machines work in different ways; both are easy and extremely handy for any DIY or small business. You can always have your impeccable designs made by these versatile machines rather than paying a bomb to individual designers or producers.

Which Die Cutting Machine is Best for Fabric?

If you want to purchase the best die cutting machine for fabric, check my comparison chart and product recommendations down below.

I have reviewed some of the top-rated products available on the market for 2020. Make sure to check their main advantages and disadvantages before you make your purchase.

Die Cutting Machine Advantages and Disadvantages: Is It Worth It?

Just like owning any device, having a die cutting machine has its advantages and disadvantages. But most people wonder if it is worth buying at all. Let’s check the pros and cons and find out together.

What is The Best Die Cut Machine?

The best die-cut machines have features you should definitely consider when shopping online. Let’s review them together and help you choose the best die cut machines available for purchase in 2020.

1. Precision:You do want every cut to be precise regardless of shape and design.
2. Portability: In case you are to move your machine regularly from place to place.
3. Reliability: Of course, you want a machine that gives good performance even with the long-term use.
4. Cost-efficient: A machine that offers good quality and isn’t too expensive for long-run savings.
5. Type of Machine: Totally depends on what are your requirements. List out your requirements and match with the features of different types of machines available. Buy the one that justifies your list of requirements.
6. Storage Capability: This is a good quality for keeping important items and supplies for future use.

What is The Best Scan and Cut Machine?

The Brother ScanNCut Cutting Machine with a built-in scanner is a unique machine that can scan an image and cut it out without any computer connectivity. You can also carry out editing as it is provided on the screen.

The brother can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, and chipboard, however, and you can use either a 12×12 mat or a 12 x 24 mat to cut your medium. You can use the free software to use either pre-loaded designs, designs that you scan out or you can use covert SVG files to work with this machine.

The machine is also capable of being used as a regular scanner. You can scan documents or photos and save them to a USB drive.

The machine has met troubles too apart from being unique at scanning and cutting as it only recognizes dark, crisp lines when scanning, so this will be necessary to access this feature.

How Much is a Die Cut Machine?

If you are professional and need a commercial digital die cutting machine, you might need a higher-end device, but if you are not a professional, you can go with a machine that offers you your required features at an affordable price. Heavy-duty machines, however, can cost up to $1,000 or more.

How to Use a Die Cut Machine?

If you have or want to buy a die-cut machine but do not know how to use it, just follow my simple steps.

1. Choose your first die set designs to cut. Your die-cutting machine either came with a set of dies or has set for sale. Whatever sort of fabric you cut, choose your first design from your choice of dies. You will likely have plenty of forms to choose from.

Also, consider what materials you have available when designing your project.

2. Sandwiched between layers of foam your die and material. Follow a layered sandwich pattern to get your machine cranked. At the bottom, you will have a dense layer of rubber or foam that arrived with the machine.

Put your paper or other thin material on top of it, place your die where you want it to be cut on your paper, and top it with another dense layer of foam.
Various machines can differ mildly. Follow the directions for making your die-cut sandwich on your specific machine.

3. Turn the crank gradually. Just when you get your die-cut sandwich arranged, start turning the crank in the direction of the press. This will cut your material as the tray will move through the press. Continue the process until the tray is through to the other side.

4. Lift the top layers of foam to check if your material is cut in shape fully. You can lift the shape out if it did. If your shape didn’t cut properly in places, you will need to move it back through to the press.

5. In cases where you need to cut the shape again, turn the crank the other way. Lay the pieces back down just as they were and start turning your crank in the opposite direction. The press will give its cut on top of the first one.

If even after doing it many times, you are not getting your final cut, you may be using too thick a material for your machine.

What is The Difference Between The Cricut and The Cameo?

The major point that differentiates silhouette cameo from the Cricut machine is its software.

The silhouette design studio stands more powerful and advanced than the Cricut design space with its professional-looking images that are for purchase as well and the freedom to make your own designs from scratch.

Cricut is the best die cutting machine for beginners as it is simpler than the Silhouette design studio. It comes with limited options as the main idea behind it was to import designs made in other programs. You will have to have an internet connection or link cartridges to use these.

CuttleBug vs Gemini

The CricutCuttlebug has sides that can be folded up and tucked away which saves space. The machine can stick to the table as there is a suction underneath the machine which is activated when the sides are folded down.

This suction keeps the machine from moving around when running materials through the machine. The machine comes with a carrying handle and weighs only 7lbs, which makes it portable.

The Cuttlebug can cut a variety of materials including:

• Cardstock
• Thin metal
• Thin Wood
• Some fabrics
• Thin Felt
• Posterboard
• Chipboard
• Tissue Paper
• Fun foam

The height of your cutting materials should not exceed 1/8″. Forcing materials through the machine could get them stuck.

Easy to maintain, the cuttle bug comes with a 1-year. Overall, the Cuttlebug is easy to maintain, portable machine coming at affordable price.

Gemini, on the other hand, has no manual cranking and that the machine works just at the press of a button, this Gemini works wonders with any size or brand. The cutting area being huge, it can cut multiple dies at once. One can use any brand of thin metal dies with Gemini.

It has a reverse button that can get you a deeper impression or a cleaner cut as when you press it; it sends the sandwich back through the machine again. You do not have to reload.

It uses two handles on its side, making it convenient to carry. With Gemini, you can save the extra cost as you do not have to purchase special shims separately.

The machine stands expensive at a price of over $200. However, the price does start to even out when you consider that you are already getting a magnetic shim, a plastic shim, and a rubber embossing mat. Shims might warp quickly. Nothing could be done regarding this but it sure is a bummer.

Cricut Maker vs Cricut Air 2

The Cricut Maker Machine cuts with 4000 grams of pressure and can cut through leather, chipboard, balsa wood, and most other materials up to 2.44mm thick with its new knife blade. The Cricut Air Explore 2 cuts with 400 grams of force making Cricut Maker the champion here.

The Cricut Maker cuts fabric really well with its rotary blade attachment. It is good for quilters as it allows cutting fabric without adding bonding to the back of your fabric before cutting.

Overall, the Cricut Maker is a great machine and a step up from the Cricut Explore 2.

CricutCuttlebug vs Cricut Maker

The CricutCuttlebug machine is embossing and die cutting machine by Cricut. There are two versions out there: the original version and V2 version work exactly the same. They use the same plates, folders, and dies. The body design is the only difference.

The CricutCuttlebug has sides that can be folded up and tucked away which saves space. The machine can stick to the table as there is a suction underneath the machine which is activated when the sides are folded down.

This suction keeps the machine from moving around when running materials through the machine. The machine comes with a carrying handle and weighs only 7lbs, which makes it portable.
The Cuttlebug can cut a variety of materials including:

• Cardstock
• Thin metal
• Thin Wood
• Some fabrics
• Thin Felt
• Posterboard
• Chipboard
• Tissue Paper
• Fun foam

The height of your cutting materials should not exceed 1/8″. Forcing materials through the machine could get them stuck.

Easy to maintain, the Cuttlebug comes with a 1-year.

Overall, the Cuttlebug is easy to maintain, portable machine coming at affordable price.

The Cricut Maker Machine, on the other hand, cuts with 4000 grams of pressure and can cut through leather, chipboard, balsa wood, and most other materials up to 2.44mm thick with its new knife blade.

The Cricut Maker cuts fabric really well with its rotary blade attachment. It is good for quilters as it allows cutting fabric without adding bonding to the back of your fabric before cutting. Both are great machines. However, it depends on your taste, needs and personal preferences which one is better.

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs Sizzix Big Shot

Cricut is owned by Provo Craft. They produce the best manual and electronic die cutters such as Cricut Maker, Explore Air and Explore Air 2.

Sizzix brand, on the other hand, exists since 2001 and is owned by Ellison. They produce the popular award-winning die-cutting models including the Eclips2 electronic die cutter, steel-rule dies, a few manual cutters, chemically-etched dies, and embossing folders.

Cricut uses the design space software while Sizzix launched the use of the Ecal software for their Eclips2.

While Design Space can be accessed with or without an internet connection, Sizzix’s software can not be accessed without an internet connection.

Both brands are known by their names to have great customer support and warranty. Sizzix provides a 1-year warranty for their electronic cutter and a 3-year warranty for their manual cutters, while Cricut offers a 1-year limited warranty for all its machines.

Big Shot Express vs Vagabond

The Sizzix Big Shot Express comes with the convenience of a motor instead of a hand crank which is an appealing feature.

The price, however, is on the higher end for the electric run feeding capabilities. Not that the Big Shot isn’t good at what it does, but you can get more from another more versatile machine.

Big Shot Express, if it fulfills all your needs, is appropriate for you as electric functions in it is a big relief if you think crank is inconvenient

Vagabond is more similar to a manual die-cutter. It comes with two cutting plates, the solo platform, and shim. The solo platform and shim are used depending on what cutting die you are using.

Thicker dies cutting may not need the platform or shim, but thinner dies might.

The shim snaps onto the solo platform, so it doesn’t move around and gives easy storage.

Overall, the Vagabond is a strong and quiet machine. If you plan on switching from the crank, Vagabond can be a nice option. It is portable as it folds up. But be careful with keeping the material and pads from getting stuck in the machine. Check my Vagabond die cutting machine reviews above for more details.

FAQ

Final Verdict

Simple to use with a variety of functions to take your imaginations to another high, the die-cutting machines are a boon for crafts and designs.
Whether it is your friends’ birthday or any other event, make personalized gifts for them with the help of these cut machines as these can help you get loads of designs done in no time.