While a pair of scissors and a craft knife are adequate for many projects, after a while many stampers start to look towards cutting machines for greater flexibility and to produce professional looking results. Cutting machines allow a range of shapes to be produced quickly and simply. These machines can be used to cut shapes to embellish projects, apertures in greeting cards and even bag and box blanks. Cutting machines range from very simple hand operated cutting machines through to sophisticated electronic and computer operated machines that use the latest technology to produce custom designs.
Tips for Buying Cutting Machines
The cost of cutting machines varies depending on the type of machine. Simple die cut machines, for instance, are reasonably low cost, while top end and highly sophisticated machines are much more expensive. There are some important things to consider when planning to purchase a cutting machine and these include:- Remember the cost of dies, cartridges and other accessories! A very simple machine may be low cost to buy, however if you enjoy using lots of different shapes the cost can soon mount up!
- Think of the future - while your intention may be to cut only a few shapes now, will your requirements change?
- Check out the Angel Policy if you plan to sell work created using designs cut with a manufacturer's die.
Fiskars ShapeXpress
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The ShapeXpress from Fiskars is a cutting machine that allows the user to cut out both standard shapes and freehand. The shapes are supplied on templates. The ShapeXpress machine is hand operated and simple to use. This is an ideal entry level shape cutter, suited to the stamper who is looking to cut a few standard shapes. There are a wide range of additional templates available. Some features of the machine include: 
- Allows for freehand cutting as well as templates
- Adjustable height allowing for different thicknesses of paper and cardstock
- Lightweight machine that is easy to store
The Cuttlebug Cutting Machine
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The Cuttlebug is a die cutting machine that also embosses paper and cardstock. This reasonably priced machine is hand operated and is simple to use. This is a great machine for stampers looking to produce standard cut images. The Cuttlebug is compact and this means that it is easy to store. The Cuttlebug uses a wide range of dies to produce a variety of shapes. Some of the key features include:
- The Cuttlebug accepts many types of dies
- The Cuttlebug works with many different types of material including paper and cardstock
- The Cuttlebug is highly portable with a built in handle
Sissix Big Shot
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The Sissix Big Shot is a die cutting machine and is good choice for a stamper looking to start incorporating cut standard shapes into their work. The Sissix Big Shot is the largest in the Sissix range and this means that it can produce a wide range of shapes. The Big Shot also embosses paper and card which means that instead of cutting a shape it produces a raised surface. Dies need to be purchased separately. The machine does not require electricity to operate. Some of the features of the Sissix Bigshot include:
- Works with all Sissix dies
- Cuts paper, cardstock and fabric
- Simple to use
Cricut Expression
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The Cricut Expressions personal cutting machine is an electronic cutting machine. Unlike hand-operated die cutting machines, the Cricut Expressions cuts shapes using cartridges. There are a wide range of cartridges available including complex and intricate shapes. This machine has some interesting features. These include:
- No computer is required meaning that this machine is both portable and easy to use by people without regular access to a computer
- Large cutting area - the Cricut Expressions uses both 12" x 24" and 12" x 12" mats
- Choice of imperial and metric measurements
- Uses all the standard Cricut accessories
Xyron 48387 Wishblade Computer-Connected Digital Cutter
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The Xyron Wishblade is a computer controlled digital cutter. This machine gives the creative user an almost endless amount of flexibility to produce custom designs. This is an ideal cutter for people interested in exploring their creativity further while also having the option of cutting standard designs. Some of the key features of the Xyron Wishblade include:
- Mac and PC compatible
- An auto tracing feature that will cut any True Type font
- Comes complete with software
- 7 day a week, toll free support
