Everything You Need To Know About Spellbinders Platinum
Don’t you just enjoy emerging from your workspace tired from a long day’s work but thoroughly satisfied because you know you did something exactly how you wanted it done?
For some, die-cutting and embossing is just a current, passing trend, but for true fanatics of self-expression mixed with hard work, this trend is so much more.
It’s a way of life.
But even the most self-satisfied hobbyist-turned-pro can admit, from time to time, that they wish they had an extra set of hands.
If you find yourself looking for a machine that could be your extra set of hands, that possesses an envious amount of power when it comes to cutting pressure and that promises you creative versatility, look no more.
Today I’ll be reviewing the Spellbinders Platinum – a multifaceted manual die-cutting machine that is said to be renowned for its strength, which will make sure that your creative process is easier and more enjoyable.
Spellbinders is a company that offers a wide range of machines and supporting materials for hobbies and crafts, mostly for cutting, embossing and stenciling.
This Spellbinders Platinum review will aid you on your journey to finding the perfect companion for your crafting process.
This machine offers endless possibilities for scrapbooking, card making, party decor and gift-giving.
However, to make sure that this is the one that will cater to all of your distinct creative needs and demands, keep reading and scrolling!
Spellbinders Platinum Grades Table
If you are interested in the outline of my opinion of the Spellbinders Platinum’s performance, take a look at the grading table.
Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to go behind the numbers and grades and take a look into the actual experience with the machine.
Keep reading for a more specific insight into the Spellbinders Platinum.
What’s Inside The Tox?
- Spellbinders® Platinum™
- A pair of Clear Cutting Plates (standard size is 6 inches wide)
- Standard platform
- Embossing Plate
- Embossing Mat
- Handle
- A supplied Allen wrench
- An instructional manual
- A limited one year warranty
Tech Features
Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 12 inches (22.8 cm x 22.8 cm)
Weight: 22.3 pounds (4.3 kg)
8.5-inch (22 cm) cutting platform
An ample handle
6-8 layer cutting feature
Supported dies
- Etched/Wafer Thin Dies
- Steel Rule Dies
Embossing features:
- Single Side Embossing
- Double Side Embossing
- 3D Embossing
- Die Embossing
Supported cutting materials:
- Balsa wood
- Bubble wrap
- Burlap
- Cork
- Cotton fabric
- Craft aluminum
- Craft foam
- Craft Metal
- Denim
- Faux fur
- Felt
- Flannel
- Foil
- Lace
- Leather
- Magnet
- Plastic
- Pleather
- Pop up sponge
- Posterboard
- Quilt batting
- Sandpaper
- Satin
- Shrink film
- Styrofoam
- Thin acrylic
- Tin
- Tulle
- Velvet
- Vinyl
- Wool
Giving Spellbinders Platinum a Try
Once the basics have been covered, it’s time to try the Spellbinders Platinum out and see how it actually performs.
Physical Features
Considering that the Spellbinders Platinum is made of solid steel, the machine is not on the lightweight side. However, its weight does not stop it from being easily portable.
If you want to consider buying a bag to carry your machine with you, Spellbinders has designed one. It is on the expensive side, but of high quality, and it will be large enough for your machine and all the add-ons.
When you are not using the machine, you can simply fold up the sides and put it away, or you can move it without any difficulties as it has a carrying handle.
Another upside of the machine being made from solid steel is that it will not annoy you and wobble around while you work. And also, you don’t have to worry about breaking it if you add a bit more pressure.
You should find a clean, sturdy and flat surface where you can set your machine up. Along with the machine being on the heavier side, it also takes up quite a space. But once it is set up, it provides a stable working environment.
Tips & Tricks for Using Spellbinders Platinum
The first thing you would need to do after finding the perfect spot for settling your Spellbinder Platinum is put the handle on.
The handle is the key to this machine without which it could not work.
For people that are handy, attaching the handle would be a piece of cake, but for people like I used to be, it can be a tedious job of figuring out the-what-goes-where.
I’m going to provide you with a little cheat sheet on how to set it up:
- The first thing you’ll need to do is locate the washer (which is a small rubbery thing, you cannot miss it) and the Allen wrench, which is luckily supplied in the box.
- When you have these two things at your disposal, find the hole onto which you will position your handle.
- Put the handle there, and insert the washer into the part that goes into the hole, then tighten it using the Allen wrench.
These are pretty much all the tips for setting up your Spellbinder Platinum; no additional preparation needed.
In case that you experience any issues with putting the handle on, consult the manual.
After that comes a part of building a sandwich. This part can be tricky, but once you get the ropes of the sandwiches, you won’t need instructions to use them ever again.
It is worth mentioning that you should pay close attention when making your sandwiches, because an incorrect combination may cause damage to the machine.
I have a rule that keeps me from making any mistakes when making a sandwich, and that is: always make sure that the upper and the bottom part of it are clear-cutting plates.
When you make sure that the upper and the bottom parts of the sandwich are the clear-cutting plates, you need to decide upon your material of choice.
What works the best for me with wafer-thin dies and Spellbinders Platinum: put a clear-cutting plate on the platform, then your preferred material, onto which goes a shaped die template with ridges cut down, and you finish it off with another clear cutting plate.
For steel rule dies, you put the steel rule die facing up on top of a clear cutting plate. Then, your preferred material which you top with a clear cutting plate.
No additional tips needed for the embossing sandwich; the instructions are rather clear and you will achieve the desired result:
Getting the most out of Spellbinders Platinum
What I liked the most about this hefty machine is that it can cut up to eight layers of one material at a time (if you use steel dies). It saved me a lot of time, which is much appreciated of such a machine, and it allowed me to mass-produce my projects.
Another positive aspect of the Spellbinders Platinum machine is that it enables the customer to experience the versatility of materials that it can cut.
The spectrum of materials that are available for cutting with the Spellbinders Platinum are: balsa wood, bubble wrap, burlap, cork, cotton fabric, craft aluminum, craft foam, craft metal, denim, faux fur, felt, flannel, foil, lace, leather, magnet, plastic, leather, pop up sponge, poster board, quilt batting, sand paper, satin, shrink film, styrofoam, thin acrylic, tin, tulle, velvet, vinu and wool.
This long list caters for endless possibilities.
Spellbinders Platinum’s crux of power lies in the fact that it is made from stainless, solid steel.
This makes the machine more durable, and it is sure not to leave the purchaser wondering whether the geats will break if too much pressure is applied.
Unlike its predecessors, Spellbinders Platinum is safe and secure.
One thing that should be noted is how to properly take care of your Spellbinder Platinum after you are done with your work.
This is an important thing to be careful about, as it is the key to the long use of this machine (and, consequently, a valuable purchase for you).
Bear in mind that stainless steel we mentioned accounts for the reliability and power of this machine. However, this steel can be destroyed by using the majority of household chemicals.
It should only be cleaned with a damp cloth; any chemicals or cleaning products may compromise and corrupt the quality of your machine.
The best advice that I can leave you with when it comes to cleaning this machine is: always keep the bottom of the machine clean, and always empty your trays. Once the trays are empty, you can simply close them.
To protect your Spellbinders Platinum, you can purchase the Spellbinders Dust Cover, which envelops the machine entirely and keeps it from dusting up when the machine is not in use.
This dust cover keeps my machine well protected and safely stored until I decide to get it out and put it to use. There is also a Dark Grey variant for the lovers of cooler tones.
Additional Features & Enhancements
In order to spice up your creative process, Spellbinders has a range of accessories that can upgrade your experience.
Now, let us take a look at some possible enhancements that can be purchased separately from the machine itself.
Spellbinders Nestabilities, that come in various standard and designed shapes and sizes can be purchased in order to spice up your holiday cards, bookmarkers or party invitations. They can be used separately or in combination if you favor a more complex design.
For instance, there is a Nestabilities Bundle that any die-cutting aficionado cannot allow themselves to miss. You will find that this set includes squares, rectangles, ovals, and hearts. In combination, you can use these dies to make layered and complex designs.
I wholeheartedly recommend getting this bundle along with the machine. Before you know it, it will become your favorite one in the mix, and you will find yourself reaching for them over and over again.
All Nestabilities add-ons, especially my favorite – Nestabilities Elegant, are exquisitely beautiful and particularly useful because once you cut out a card using Nestabilities, it doesn’t require spicing up – it looks beautiful the way it is.
Spellbinders Shapeabilities allow you to cut for endless creative possibilities. They are perfect for your tags, cards, scrapbooking and more. It is worth mentioning that they are designed to cut cardstock, paper, metallic foil and other thin materials.
As for embossing, I suggest Spellbinders 3D and 2-sided Em-bossing which allow you to emboss detail that can make any of your projects even more beautiful.
This embossing plate is sold separately as well.
To Sum it All Up…
Pros
- Easy to use
- Ample, maneuverable handle
- Affordable price
- Maneuverable handle
- Compact design that is easy to store
- Can cut a wide range of materials
- Can cut up to 8 layers of thin materials
- Powerful pressure
- Well-made and sturdily-built
- A wide scope of accessories and dies that can be purchased
- One year warranty that advocates the company’s confidence
Cons
- Heavier than an average manual die-cutter because it’s made of steel
- Can be strenuous to use for people with conditions such as arthritis because of the handle
- It is not electric
Final Thoughts
Taking all the facts into account, my in-depth Spellbinders Platinum review serves as proof that this machine is worth your time and money.
Any seasoned and passionate die-cutting and embossing crafter will tell you that, at the end of the day, what they get tired of is all the buttons and digitally operated machines that take the fun out of everything.
The strength of this machine lies in its:
- stainless steel built core that enables it to be as powerful as it is.
- compact and minimalistic design, which make it both pleasing to the eye and easy to store, no matter its weight and size
- The handle is smooth and easy to maneuver, which makes the manual operation even easier.
- The die-cuts are efficient and evenly pressurized so that you won’t have to worry about wasting material.
- All the embossing and cutting features work without flaws.
- Its versatility is what makes it as reliable as it is because you can cut anything that you set your mind to.
All in all, if you are looking for a manual die-cutting and embossing machine that you can count on and even treat it like dirt without it retaliating and failing miserably on you, Spellbinders Platinum is a machine for you!
It is practical, solid, versatile and above all, affordable and worth the money.