I Tested And Reviewed 7 Best Die Cutting And Embossing Machine (2023)

I have been using the Spellbinders Platinum die cutter and embossing machine for quite some time now, and I must say, it has exceeded all my expectations. Unlike some of the negative reviews I have read, I have had no issues with this machine whatsoever. It is important to note that some of those negative reviews were probably written when the machine was new to the market and certain plates or platforms were not widely available.

One of the standout features of the Spellbinders Platinum machine is its cutting power. It can handle up to 8 layers at once, thanks to its steel rule Contour dies. I have used various types of media such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, leather, felt, and cotton, and it has effortlessly cut through all of them. Additionally, it can accommodate dies, embossing folders, and hotfoil stamps up to 8.5" wide, making it suitable for letter-sized and A4 sheets.

The durability of the Spellbinders Platinum machine is another aspect that sets it apart. Its steel gear housing ensures its sturdiness, and even after thousands of cuts, it has not lost any cutting power. The clean and accurate cuts it delivers every single time are a testament to its quality. Furthermore, the gear differential design allows for smoother rolling of the dies with fewer turns compared to other machines like the Big Shot.

In terms of convenience and portability, the Spellbinders Platinum machine shines. It has a smaller footprint than the Big Shot machine, despite its larger cutting capacity. This makes it easier to use and carry around. Additionally, the Platinum machine maintains its cutting power over time, unlike the Big Shot, which may require additional shims to maintain the same pressure. Personally, I have been using the Spellbinders Platinum machine for a year now, cutting hundreds of dies each month, and it still performs just as well as it did when I first purchased it.

Another advantage of the Spellbinders Platinum machine is that it comes with a tan embossing mat and purple embossing plate for cut and emboss etched dies and embossing folders. This is an additional purchase with other machines like the Sizzix, making the Platinum a more cost-effective option.

In terms of style, the Spellbinders Platinum machine exudes elegance. Its sleek design adds a touch of sophistication to any crafting space. This, combined with its superior performance, makes it a top choice for crafters who value both functionality and aesthetics.

Crafting has always been a passion of mine, and during this busy period, I rely heavily on my Cricut machines. While I do love them, there is one machine that has truly been a game changer for me. The machine I'm referring to is the Midi model.

What sets the Midi apart from other Cricut machines is its ability to cut dies without the need for different sizes of sticky boards or purchasing SVGS or monthly services. This feature alone has made a significant difference in my crafting experience. Additionally, the Midi also offers embossing capabilities, allowing me to create beautiful all occasion cards.

One aspect that I particularly appreciate about the Midi is its size and price. Despite its compact 6" opening, this model performs just as well as its larger counterparts, but at a fraction of the cost. It is incredibly easy to operate, and I have been consistently impressed with the quality outcomes it delivers.

As someone who owns three different machines including the Sizzix and Gem Jr, I can confidently say that the Midi is my first choice. While the Jr is also a good machine, the process of figuring out the exact order and number of plates required for each cut can be a bit cumbersome. I believe the creators could have come up with a simpler method, such as calibrating the width of the plates.

However, the Midi shines when it comes to its cutting abilities. It effortlessly cuts even the most intricate die cuts that other machines struggled with. I have been consistently impressed with the clean and precise cuts it produces.

Unfortunately, there is one major drawback that I must mention. After the first use, the plastic folder that comes with the Midi became severely warped, resembling the wide-open mouth of a monster. This has been incredibly frustrating, especially considering the overall quality of the machine itself. I hope that the Gemini team takes this feedback into consideration and improves the quality of their accessories.

Despite this issue, I still find myself relying on the Midi machine multiple times a day for various projects. Its performance and capabilities make it the perfect companion for any avid crafter.

I am thoroughly impressed with this compact cutting machine. While I already own a larger one, I found that this smaller version is perfect for my little one who has recently developed an interest in crafting. It is incredibly easy to use and its compact size makes it convenient to handle. I'm excited to purchase more dies to expand my crafting possibilities. However, I must mention that the measurements may not be suitable for everyone's needs. If you're searching for a small cutting machine for small projects, this is an excellent choice.

The performance of this cutting machine has exceeded my expectations. Although it may require some practice to prevent the "sandwich" from shifting, this is a common issue even with my Big Shot machine. The compact size of this machine makes it much simpler to work with, not to mention it comes at a reasonable price. The only feature I would appreciate is the availability of cutting plates with extended length, as well as replacement plates. I have contacted the seller regarding this matter and hope that these items will be made available soon.

As a beginner, I had to rely on trial and error to figure out how to use this machine since there were no instructions provided, except for those mentioned on the box. I discovered that the two thinner plates are meant for embossing, where you sandwich the embossing folder and paper between them, with the folder opening towards the machine (contrary to what is shown on the box, which doesn't work). For cutting, it is best suited for small cutting dies, as larger ones can be challenging to crank, such as the fence cut I own. The recommended order of layering is as follows: thicker plate on the bottom, thinner plate on top, then the metal cut with the ridged side facing up, and finally, the paper. I hope this explanation proves helpful to other users. Overall, this machine is a fantastic value for its price and fulfills my needs perfectly.

I absolutely love this mini die cutter and embosser! It is incredibly easy to use and the results are beautiful right from the start. I was able to create these stunning cards within minutes of opening the box and reading the instructions. The machine also comes with helpful tutorials on YouTube, which I found very useful.

What sets this machine apart is its versatility. It can even cut through fabric and leather, which is a fantastic feature. As someone who sells handmade greeting cards on Etsy, I use a die cutting machine every day. My previous crank machine couldn't handle delicate dies, so after extensive research, I decided to invest in this Gemini machine.

I was pleased to find that the machine was well-packaged and arrived without any damage. It is important to read the directions thoroughly to ensure the cutting plates are in the correct order for optimal results. I discovered that placing the die upside down with the paper on top, along with using the metal shim for intricate die cuts, produced perfect results.

This machine is a game-changer for me. Not only does it cut flawlessly, but it also eliminates the need for a hand crank, which is a relief for my hands. It effortlessly cuts through three layers of cardstock, and overall, it is very user-friendly. In addition, it came with several new dies and an embossing folder, which was a nice bonus.

However, I must mention that the plastic shim included with the machine did not last long. It quickly warped, causing the stack of plates to have a curve in the middle. As a result, the cardstock would slide off the die before I could feed it into the machine. I will have to purchase a new plastic shim, which costs around $15.

Despite this minor issue, I am still in love with this machine. I was initially hesitant to purchase it due to some reviews stating that it could damage the rubber and magnetic shim. However, after receiving and using the machine, I can confidently say that it is worth it. I have been playing with it all weekend and have noticed that using a metal shim instead of the magnetic shim produces better results with thin dies. Additionally, for mosaic dies, using only the plastic shim without the metal or magnetic shim yields cleaner cuts.

The instructions provide a suggested sandwich for different types of dies, but it may not work perfectly for every die. It is important to experiment with the sandwich to find what works best for the specific paper and die you are using. Overall, I absolutely adore this machine and have no regrets about my purchase. Now, it's time to get back to my scrapbooking!

I recently purchased the Bira Die Cut Machine and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. Initially, I was a bit skeptical about the suction-based mechanism, but after wiping the bottom with a baby wipe and sticking it to my glass mat, it stayed in place without any issues.

I put this machine to the test by using various Crafters Companion products, including their 3D embossing folders and cut/emboss dies. For the embossing folders, I had to add paper shims and make some adjustments using the silicone mat, but once I found the right configuration, the results were fantastic. The machine effortlessly cut intricate dies from Crafters Companion, which is a testament to its capability.

As a craft enthusiast, I own several Gemini machines, but I wanted a manual die cut machine that could handle intricate dies while being portable. The Bira Die Cut Machine fits the bill perfectly. It's compact and easy to use, allowing me to quickly whip out sentiments or simple border dies with just a few cranks.

One thing worth mentioning is that this machine stays firmly in place on my glass mat, even when I use thick Crafters Companion cardstock. This adds to the convenience and ease of use.

In comparison to other small die cut machines I have tried, such as the Diamond Press and Sizzix Sidekick, the Bira Die Cut Machine stands out. The 3" opening makes a significant difference, allowing for more versatility in die choices. Additionally, the Bira machine comes with a base plate, cutting plate, embossing plate, and even an embossing pad for using with dies. The long plates and small platform make it a breeze to work with, and the handle turns smoothly without any resistance.

The machine itself is well-made and has a solid weight to it, giving it a premium feel. It stays securely in place on various surfaces, including wood and glass. Overall, I highly recommend the Bira Die Cut Machine. Its performance, features, and price point make it an excellent investment for any craft enthusiast. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase and will continue to be a loyal customer of Bira. Don't hesitate to buy it – you won't regret it.

I am absolutely delighted with this product after using it for a long time. It is a high-quality product and the accompanying accessories are definitely worth getting with this kit. While there are compatible products available, I must say that the die-cutting blades are fantastic. As you can see in the video, when you pass the paper through, it makes a clacking sound that may seem like the machine has broken from the inside, but don't worry, it's normal. The sound depends on the type of paper being cut, as it is a metal pressurized blade cutting through the paper. Some papers may appear to be torn, while others easily come out on the other side. It is important to read the instructions for use. Overall, this is a very high-quality product that I highly recommend.

I found that this machine works great for cutting smaller dies. However, if your die is wider than 2.5 inches or longer than 5 inches, it will not fit on the cutting plates. I mainly use this machine for cutting flowers, words, and small parts of other dies. I was able to cut 40 Christmas cards with intricate designs using this die-cutting machine. I did have to use sticky dots to secure the dies to the cutting plates since I was cutting so many of the same pieces. Despite the suction not working well, holding the top of the machine helped. I would reset it before each cut and if I braced the machine against a stationary board, the suction would work for multiple cuts. Despite its faults, I believe this machine is worth the money. I am even considering making longer cutting plates for border dies using desk cutting mats that have a healing type.

This mini die-cutting machine is perfect for those times when using a larger machine is unnecessary. It is small in size but cuts smaller dies with ease. It doesn't take up much room for storage and I wish I had gotten it sooner.

For its price, this machine does a great job. It is sturdy and reliable, and after nearly 15 years, I had to replace my original Sidekick after dropping it twice. I can't imagine not having this little workhorse. It is the perfect size for traveling to crops, using on a tray-table while sitting on the sofa, and for cutting small dies. Although I also own a BigShot and Cuttlebug, I find myself using this die-cutting machine the most. The suction on this machine seems to be better than the original one, and with proper care, the cutting plates can last for years. I usually flip the plate if it starts to get warped, and when one plate is completely scratched up, I switch to a new plate so that the metal blade isn't hitting the same spot. When both plates are scratched up, I continue flipping them to avoid warping. I have been using my current plates for 3 years now, and I use this machine daily. This is the first time I have used the mini embossing plate, and although I was expecting it to be more like the rubber mat for my Big Shot, it works fine nonetheless. I do miss my red Sidekick, but I can't imagine doing papercrafting without this machine!

The only slightly odd thing about the Sidekick machines is that you have to turn the handle in the opposite direction than you would expect. Instead of turning it away from you, you actually have to roll it toward you. I have tried turning the machine around in different directions, but I still have to roll the handle toward me.

I am extremely impressed with the built quality of this product. The magnetic platform system is exceptional and ensures a perfect cut every time. I am grateful to the Bira customer service team for their prompt response when I mistakenly purchased a different machine. They were able to assist me within 10 minutes and provided excellent service. Although I initially wanted a different machine from Bira, I must say that the one I received did a fantastic job. It is evident that Bira takes pride in their products and customer satisfaction.

However, I must admit that I have faced some challenges with this item. Despite being familiar with similar machines, this one tends to struggle with thinlit dies. Regardless of how I position the die, it fails to roll through smoothly. This has been a bit frustrating for me as I expected better performance in this aspect.

On the positive side, the machine has been functioning well since I acquired it. All my die cuts have been successful, and it appears to be sturdy and of good quality. I have only owned it for a short period, but it has already proven to be a reliable tool for my crafting needs.

I must mention that I reached out to the company regarding my concerns, and they promptly replaced my magnetic pad. To ensure optimal performance, I still place vinyl under the paper as a precaution. I have experienced similar issues as mentioned in other reviews, but I have found that stacking the materials loosely rather than on top of each other helps ensure a smooth process. I have included a picture to demonstrate this. Although it took some trial and error, I am now satisfied with the machine's performance. The communication with the company representative was excellent, and I appreciate their efforts to resolve my concerns.

Unfortunately, I am disappointed to report that after only three days of use, the mat of the machine began to fall apart. The surface is now cut up, deteriorating, and lifting. This is quite disheartening as I expected the product to be more durable. I recently watched a YouTube video where a lady suggested using vinyl over the surface, and I must say, it did improve the performance. However, I wish I had known about this solution before the mat started to deteriorate. I had considered returning the machine and getting a replacement, but due to an upcoming project, I needed to proceed with my current one.