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Post by Shakti on May 11, 2023 13:27:23 GMT
During various crafting videos (C&CD among others), I've been seeing instructors using and recommending smaller die cutting machines for quick and easy cutting. I love my P6, but it really does look pretty tempting to have an option that takes less space and set up.
Does anyone have a mini-machine as well as a mid- or full-size model? Do you use both?
I'm looking mostly at the HA Compact Cutter or the Altenew Mini Blossom, but I would love to hear your opinion of other platform-less mini cutters.
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Post by mrsp on May 11, 2023 14:41:16 GMT
I have a mini Sizzix that I bought at a great sale price on Amazon. It does a great job cutting and the plates never warp. It is super convenient for me since my desk is usually covered in stuff. I do use the suction feature regularly—I didn’t realize how much I liked that since my P6 doesn’t have that and I don’t miss it at all. I suspect that the majority of the mini die cutters work well.
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Post by mbanda on May 11, 2023 14:44:02 GMT
This is very timely as I just received for Mother's Day (early gift) this smaller die cutting machine for the very reason you stated. I wanted something smaller and quicker when I needed to just cut a quick die (like a sentiment or something). www.hsn.com/products/diamond-press-marquise-die-cutting-machine/9431809?query=9431809&isSuggested=trueOne thing I liked about the Diamond Press was the width of the opening is 4.5" and the folder is 4.25" x 6.375" so most dies should work with it. It does use a folder system instead of plates and they can become very warped but they still work in the machine. I have one of the Diamond Press machines that is much smaller that I got a few years ago (folder is only 2" wide) and the folders have warped but it still works just fine. I have the full size Gemini that sits right next to my desk and I typically use it for every die cut but when I have something small, I want to be able to cut it quickly and not have to get my full size plates out, etc. I also thought this smaller machine would be good to take to crops/retreats so that is another reason I wanted it. |
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on May 11, 2023 15:33:02 GMT
I have the TH (Sizzix) Sidekick. I use it all.the.time. The issue I have is that the handle turns backwards. Yeah weird but it goes the opposite of what you expect. I do wish it was 3" wide (it's 2.5"), which is kind of the "standard" now for mini sized machines.
If I were buying one now I'd get either the Honey Bee version or Hero Arts version, depending on the price and the price of the replacement plates.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on May 11, 2023 16:51:00 GMT
I had the we r memory keepers one and loved it. I just give it away because, I was gifted an AG mini Empress machine and I'm just in love with it. I can move it around easily and take it to my friends house when we get together for card making. I got the longer cutting plates for it and the Pinkfresh washi tape and die fits perfectly.
I messed up my hand with a cranking machine so now I really need electric ones.
I'm a die cutter junkie 😄 I only have 6 of them 😂🤣. 3 was gifted to me by my boss , she likes to surprise me with crafty stuff.
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Post by Shakti on May 11, 2023 17:54:03 GMT
I was unaware of so many of the machines mentioned -- thanks all!
I don't think I would consider the HB to platformless, but I might have to reconsider that criterion.
I can't help but think that if I had a small machine like that, I'd have cut the little balloons right when I stamped them, rather than setting them aside until I got the P6 out...
...and then I wouldn't be tearing the room apart searching for my little balloon die now.
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Post by cmpeter on May 11, 2023 18:18:28 GMT
I have the mini Empress and have a love hate relationship with it. I love the size and it’s super quiet.
But, mine sucks with complicated dies. I run it with the metal shim and still need 2-3 passes to get them to cut out completely.
I used to have one similar to the Hero Arts mini ( the something Maker) they seemed to have discontinued the mini. I gave it to a friend when I bought the Empress and have regrets.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on May 11, 2023 21:57:48 GMT
Sorry I mentioned the HB version. I didn't notice (or read until the end!) the part where you wanted it platform-less.
I only mentioned HB and HA, because I like to support companies that I like and own a lot of items from.
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Post by Shakti on May 11, 2023 22:01:58 GMT
I like Honey Bee, too, @giantsfan, and didn't realize they had one, so I'm glad you mentioned it so I could check it out. I am leaning towards HA because I also really like that company as well.
EtA: Found the die, used it, and PUT IT RIGHT AWAY!! I know you all were very on the edge of your seats waiting to hear how that turned out!
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Post by gmcwife1 on May 11, 2023 22:07:05 GMT
I bought the Honey Bee mini cutter with my C&CD discount/coupon. I have a very small room that I’m working at purging and organizing. I didn’t want to add a machine that did the same as other machines I have (big shot, cuttlebug and gemini jr). But I love it and I’m glad I got it.
My cuttlebug is packed for travel and my Big Shot is my most used, but it’s awkward to get to. So I love the ease of the little guy. It’s perfect for sentiments and their layers.
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Post by Shakti on May 12, 2023 9:53:30 GMT
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, my craft room is also my home office. On the weekend, when it’s fully in crafting mode, I can set the P6 up in a corner of the desk and have space for everything else. But yesterday I was sneaking a little crafting into a w@h day. I’d say getting a mini machine would only encourage me to do even more if that, but I probably lost more work time to the search than to the actual creating!
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by lindas on May 12, 2023 22:38:01 GMT
I have the TH (Sizzix) Sidekick. I use it all.the.time. The issue I have is that the handle turns backwards. Yeah weird but it goes the opposite of what you expect. I do wish it was 3" wide (it's 2.5"), which is kind of the "standard" now for mini sized machines. If I were buying one now I'd get either the Honey Bee version or Hero Arts version, depending on the price and the price of the replacement plates. As a lefty the Sidekick is perfect for me. I didn’t even realize until I read your post and went and tried putting the handle on the right side that it turned backwards. Maybe a left handed person designed it???  |
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PaperAngel
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Post by PaperAngel on May 13, 2023 7:17:39 GMT
Although exclusively a scrapbooker, I can vouch for the convenience of a smaller machine for quickly diecutting labels, tags, letters, numbers, etc. (in addition to a regular machine for using multiple dies at once, larger dies, & embossing folders). HTH
ETA: I have/use the Sizzix Sidekick & Big Kick.
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Post by Shakti on May 14, 2023 9:50:19 GMT
During the Altenew retreat yesterday, Carissa Wiley used a mini cutter with a magnetic plate. Of course by the time I saw the plate when she was taking the sandwich apart, the machine was out of frame. Anyone have an idea which one that is?
I know that when SU sold the Big Shot it had a magnetic plate, so if I had to guess I’d say this was a Sidekick.
EtA: But I would be wrong.
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dogbyte
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Feb 23, 2018 3:45:52 GMT
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Post by dogbyte on May 15, 2023 0:44:16 GMT
If it was white and gold, Anna Griffin makes one 4.5" wide with a magnetic plate. Kind of pricey at $180!!!
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Post by Shakti on May 15, 2023 1:02:32 GMT
I didn’t think it was a motarized machine, but it could have been.
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Post by kiwikate on May 15, 2023 8:21:20 GMT
Hmmm i have a mini one somewhere- it’s blue and sparkly- maybe Spellbinders? I might try to dig it out and have another play now that I am doing more die cutting.
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Post by marg on May 16, 2023 1:12:26 GMT
I had the mini Spellbinders one, I bought it for $10 during one of their sales. It worked great for about a year and then it just kind of fell apart and I couldn't fix it. I wasn't too upset because it was so inexpensive, but at the same time I expected it to last longer.
I just recently bought the Tim Holtz Sizzix Sidekick. It's a good little machine similar to the Spellbinders. It's super handy to have a small machine for quickly and conveniently cutting small things like PaperAngel said. I like that I can bring it to my family room and cut stuff while watching TV with my husband, and it's quiet unlike my electric die cutting machine.
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on May 16, 2023 12:55:22 GMT
I have a mini Gemini and like it. It doesn’t take up a lot of space. However, I still use my manual die cutters. I used to work for the LSS, and their Tim Holtz electronic cutter wore out and stopped working. I’ve been worried that could happen with my Gemina, so I tend to use it mainly for extremely detailed dies that are harder to cut with a manual did cut machine.
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Post by joblackford on May 21, 2023 20:49:34 GMT
During the Altenew retreat yesterday, Carissa Wiley used a mini cutter with a magnetic plate. Of course by the time I saw the plate when she was taking the sandwich apart, the machine was out of frame. Anyone have an idea which one that is? I know that when SU sold the Big Shot it had a magnetic plate, so if I had to guess I’d say this was a Sidekick. EtA: But I would be wrong. I felt like she gave a pretty good look at her die cutting tools in the organizing summit. Did you buy access to that? Maybe you can recognize the machine in her video if she shows it. Or maybe she'll answer if you ask on social media or a YT video. |
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Post by Shakti on May 21, 2023 21:32:33 GMT
Actually, I was coming to this thread to thank you all for your suggestions and encouragement. My HA compact cutter arrived late last week! It instantly made a positive difference in my engagement with unfinished projects like C&CD.
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Post by papersilly on May 24, 2023 18:20:48 GMT
i have the sizzix sidekick for quick, small cuts.
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Post by lisacharlotte on May 29, 2023 1:11:07 GMT
I also have the Sidekick. I take it to crops for small embellishments and alphas. My preference runs to stitched elements and I prefer the finished edges over e-cutting.
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Post by 950nancy on May 29, 2023 1:16:41 GMT
We have a second hand craft store in town. It seems like those mini machines end up there pretty quickly (as well as larger ones). I had no idea how many there were and that doesn't include the ones mentioned on this thread. They also get a Sizzix machine now and then. Last week they had the regular hand crank Big Shot, the TH Big Shot, and the Hello Kitty Big Shot. They all had the multi platform cutting plates too. They wanted $15, $20 and $15 for them. Great price if you need one. The platform costs at lest twice that.
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Post by joblackford on Jun 2, 2023 20:02:04 GMT
We have a second hand craft store in town. It seems like those mini machines end up there pretty quickly (as well as larger ones). That’s very interesting. I like to pay attention to what shows up a lot in thrift shops - usually a good sign to avoid buying new or to buy with a lot of careful thought. I wonder if people are more often given the little machines as gifts, or if crafters buy them thinking they’ll use them all the time but don’t. I wish I lived in your town. I’d happily buy used craft supplies more often if I could. |
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 2, 2023 21:52:53 GMT
We have a second hand craft store in town. It seems like those mini machines end up there pretty quickly (as well as larger ones). That’s very interesting. I like to pay attention to what shows up a lot in thrift shops - usually a good sign to avoid buying new or to buy with a lot of careful thought. I wonder if people are more often given the little machines as gifts, or if crafters buy them thinking they’ll use them all the time but don’t. I wish I lived in your town. I’d happily buy used craft supplies more often if I could. There are so many crafts at this place. Fabric, yarn, cooking supplies, etc. There was once a donation of hundreds of die/stamp sets. All of them were in Avery Elle envelopes with handwritten labels on each one. I bought one that was a snow globe worth about $75. I can't imagine how much they all were together. Most had matching stamps and they all had the same blue backing paper, so I knew they came from some crafter's home. None of the dies had been snipped and none of the matching stamps were used. The store got so many, they just put some out each week. I'd say about 30% of the stuff in paper crafting looks unused (if it came in a package originally). It is crazy. It is a great replacement for the loss if Tuesday Morning. Just much cheaper. |
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Post by scrapperal on Jun 3, 2023 15:04:23 GMT
We have a second hand craft store in town. It seems like those mini machines end up there pretty quickly (as well as larger ones). That’s very interesting. I like to pay attention to what shows up a lot in thrift shops - usually a good sign to avoid buying new or to buy with a lot of careful thought. I wonder if people are more often given the little machines as gifts, or if crafters buy them thinking they’ll use them all the time but don’t. I wish I lived in your town. I’d happily buy used craft supplies more often if I could. In my case, I was gifted a Sidekick (twice!) that I never used. One, I was able to return to Michaels for credit and the other I gifted. And my wish is the same as jobackford's. |
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Post by joblackford on Jun 30, 2023 2:20:23 GMT
That’s very interesting. I like to pay attention to what shows up a lot in thrift shops - usually a good sign to avoid buying new or to buy with a lot of careful thought. I wonder if people are more often given the little machines as gifts, or if crafters buy them thinking they’ll use them all the time but don’t. I wish I lived in your town. I’d happily buy used craft supplies more often if I could. There are so many crafts at this place. Fabric, yarn, cooking supplies, etc. There was once a donation of hundreds of die/stamp sets. All of them were in Avery Elle envelopes with handwritten labels on each one. I bought one that was a snow globe worth about $75. I can't imagine how much they all were together. Most had matching stamps and they all had the same blue backing paper, so I knew they came from some crafter's home. None of the dies had been snipped and none of the matching stamps were used. The store got so many, they just put some out each week. I'd say about 30% of the stuff in paper crafting looks unused (if it came in a package originally). It is crazy. It is a great replacement for the loss if Tuesday Morning. Just much cheaper. I just found out that my town has a crafty/art thrift shop now! I need to go and check it out. I’m hoping there’s a mini die cutter there. This discussion got in my head! And my Big Shot with the extended plates is really driving me crazy on my small desk. I think I might be able to improve my experience by getting a magnetic platform for my BS, but I also hesitate to spend anything in case I decide I want a mini empress or something. Shakti have you been enjoying your mini machine? |
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Post by Shakti on Jun 30, 2023 9:29:55 GMT
Yes, I have very much. Just last weekend I seemed to have lost one of the smaller die cuts during C9 summer camp and it wonderful to just grab that little guy and its two plates. I also sometimes grab it out to cut a scrap to experiment with how a die cut looks either just on its own or with a project I’m figuring out. I still need to get out the P6 for larger dies and “serious” cutting sessions, of course. For small and one-off cuts, though, it can be the difference between making progress right now and putting something off until I’m ready to get out and set up the big one.
I wonder if people cheap out and get a small one first, realize it’s inadequate to needs, and get rid rid of it, maybe to get a bigger one.
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Post by joblackford on Jun 30, 2023 15:40:14 GMT
Yes, I have very much. Just last weekend I seemed to have lost one of the smaller die cuts during C9 summer camp and it wonderful to just grab that little guy and its two plates. I also sometimes grab it out to cut a scrap to experiment with how a die cut looks either just on its own or with a project I’m figuring out. I still need to get out the P6 for larger dies and “serious” cutting sessions, of course. For small and one-off cuts, though, it can be the difference between making progress right now and putting something off until I’m ready to get out and set up the big one. I wonder if people cheap out and get a small one first, realize it’s inadequate to needs, and get rid rid of it, maybe to get a bigger one. Yes, you may be right. Or it might be a personality thing. I see Jennifer McGuire put as many dies as possible onto one plate but I get overwhelmed by that - both by remembering to grab all the dies I want to cut, the process of popping all the rotten things out of the dies - a lot of my sentiments get stuck and take some care to pop out which is annoying when I was just cutting those so as not to "waste" energy on cranking for the dies I actually want right now. Plus it takes time to sort and store all the little bits. Often I just do tiny dies on my big old plates. I think some of my frustrations are caused by other factors like my plates and platform so I'll try to fix those first, but if I see a good deal on a small machine I might grab it. |
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