Which Scrapbooking Machine Should You Choose?

If you are thinking of purchasing a cutting machine for use in your crafting projects then you are probably spoilt for choice. There are a lot of cutting machines on the market and deciding between them can be difficult. Well, the first thing you need to decide is whether or not you want to invest in a manual or electronic cutting machine. Here are a few simple facts about manual and electronic cutting machines that might help you to decide. by SammyDeOrtha If you are thinking of purchasing a cutting machine for use in your crafting projects then you are probably spoilt for choice. There are a lot of cutting machines on the market and deciding between them can be difficult. Well, the first thing you need to decide is whether or not you want to invest in a manual or electronic cutting machine. Here are a few simple facts about manual and electronic cutting machines that might help you to decide. Facts About Manual Die Cutting Machines Manual die cutters are hand operated and require no electricity whatsoever. Being much simpler than electronic models they are much less expensive but offer fewer advantages. A few manual cutters that come to mind are the Sizzix, the Cuttlebug, the Quickut Revolution and Quickut Squeeze. These machines all require separate dies, sold individually, one for each pattern that you wish to cut. The Cuttlebug, one of the newest models of manual cutters, will use dies from most manufactures and has a nice embossing feature. Both the Cuttlebug and the Sizzix will cut fairly thick materials like chipboard, fun foam and felt. The Sizzix, however, is one of the oldest die cutting machines available and is limited to one or two fonts. All of these units are portable for taking along to crops or vacations. Electronic Cutting Machines There are two types of electronic die cutter on the market, those that need to be connected to a computer and those that don?t. The Cricut and Cricut Expression both fall into the second category. Neither needs to be connected to a computer in order to function. These Cricut machines use special cartridges, each containing multiple images, designed specially for them. An additional Cricut software package is also available. This program will increase the versatility of either machine if you do decide that you want to connect it to your computer. There are several computer-based models available for home use, including the Quickz Silhouette, Xyron Wishblade, and Craft Robo. All three of these machines are basically the same, allowing you to cut any true type font you have on your computer. The Wishbone is the most expensive of the three, but it does come with extra designs and software. Your design possibilities are wide open with any of these machines. If you have trouble learning exactly how to operate the system, there are support groups online where you can find experienced crafters willing to help. You can also store your designs online or e-mail them to friends. Of course, these machines are more expensive than stand alone or manual machines. Choose The Right Die Cutting Machine For You So now you know the basics, it?s up to you to decide which type of machine you want to buy. Consider all of the issues involved. You should also consider your inteded usage of the machine. Will you use it often or infrequently? Is it really worth spending a lot of money if you are not going to use it regularly? Do you have the computer skills required to operate a computer-based model? As I say, it?s for you to decide, but I hope that these simple facts have helped you to reach a decision. About the Author: About the author: Sammy DeOrtha enjoys scrapbooking with her kids and her cricut cartridges on sale. She's an expert in finding cricut cartridges. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites