How do die cutters work?

Question

I am working on a project for which I need to cut out several hundred copies of (fairly simple) paper doll pattern for a children's craft table. I am wondering if I can save time for myself and my volunteers by getting some kind of cutting machine. I have never done any scrapbooking. I will be using some sort of cardstock or lightweight posterboard. If I buy a cutting machine, can I make my own die for the pattern? (I have access to a metal shop that might be able to do it.) I have looked at cutting machines online, but don't quite understand how they all work. Also, many don't list the maximum size of a sheet they can handle. Any thoughts would be most appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Well there are manual and electronic/automatic die cutters machines. The manual die cutters have been around the longest, and the popular manufacturer is sizzix. The contraption can be a hand held, to a hefty one, and it has a presser to cut the shapes. But you have to purchase the die cut shapes separately. So how it works is that you get cardstock, preferably a small size like the size of a postcard or whatever size will fit in the presser. The die cut lays on top of the cardstock. And it is going to either cut it by pressing down, or a hand roller that will press it through, and the shape is cut!

As for the electronic cutters, those are really cool but really pricy. But personally if you can find a few people to split that cost with you it can be a really good investment if you make cards and scrapbook frequently. But purchasing a die c utter machine is very expensive because with a manual you have to purchase the die cuts, and with an electronic it's a no brainer and it's faster with a lot of features, but like the cricut machine, it comes with one cartridge, but you have to purchase quite a few accessories. YOur best bet is to ask around to someone you know who scrapbooks and ask if you can rent their machine. Or if you know of a place in your area that does scrapbooking classes or sells supplies some will actually make the cuts for you for a certain price. Good luck and have fun with the project!

Answer 2

Many scrapbooking stores have die cut machines for their customers to use for free, but I've never had to cut out several hundred of something. If you don't do any scrapbooking yourself, don't go to the expense of buying a die cut machine, and then buying a die for the machine. Most home use machines require you use their brand of dies, so making your own wouldn't probably be an option. Basically, the way it works is the die is a shape that's in a rubber stamp type block, and there's blades in the shape of whatever shape you're cutting. I've used the die cut machine at school, and I have to trim the paper to cut several at once. Depending on the machine and the thickness of paper you're using, you can load 2-3 thicknesses of paper at once, but since you're using a heavier weight paper, I wouldn't. I would do it one at a time. The size of paper you can use depends on the size die you have as well. If your die is 4"X6", you probably have to cut the paper to that size (a little bigger) to cut out the die.

Your best bet may be hiring it out. Call around to places like Office Depot, Kinkos, any stationery store, etc. See if they handle something like this, and how much they would charge. It might be worth it considering you're having to do several hundred of them.

Also, if this is for a school thing, check at school...they do stuff like this ALL the time. In our school district you have to send something like this to the district's printing facility, but it only takes a couple of days, max.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I recommend you contact all the scrapbooking stores in your area and see if they have a die cut machine at the store. Often time you can join a cropping club that allows you to use the machine as often as you want for a "fee". They also have one time fees. I know Lasting Memories in Lynnwood, WA has a great die cut machine and they have a paper doll pattern. That's the key. You'd have to have the pattern to use the die cut machine. I'd call your local scrap stores. You could also search on ebay for "paper doll die cut" to see if you could purchase just the die cut, and then use it at your child's school. Best of luck to you! (I wouldn't want to cut out 200 paper dolls by hand either).

Answer 4

School Die Cut Machine

Answer 5

It has a learning curve to it. I really think they should offer lessons on it. My sister teaches cuttelbug lesson in Ohio. She loves hers. You really have to sit down and play with it and get use to it. You can easily put the blade and paper in wrong. It is a wonderful machine, but don't expect to sit down and use it right off the bat. Ok, let me totally re write that answer. I was thinking of the Cricut by the same company. The Cuddlebug has wonderful die cuts and embossing folders. But for the machine, buy the Sizzix Big Shot or Big Kick. It will cut all Cuddlebug, Quickutz, Spellbinders and of course Sizzix dies and embossing plates. It is a better machine and will allow you to do more. Yes these manual die cut machines are easy to use.

Answer 6

It takes ten seconds for YahooAnswers webpage to display for me to be able to click on [add your answer] box. does this mean my computer is slow?