mamakven
Full Member
Posts: 407
Oct 2, 2014 22:01:19 GMT
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Post by mamakven on Mar 19, 2021 2:14:25 GMT
due to a terrible, terrible enabler  I was forced to buy the hero arts book kit and some extras. The kit came with Dies. I've never used them before, What's the cheapest way to go with buying a machine to cut out dies? i've just not used them before. Thanks  Becca |
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,980
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Mar 19, 2021 5:35:11 GMT
Note I'm unfamiliar with the HA kit referenced. If the included dies (plus any anticipated future purchases of dies/embossing folders) are less than 2.5" wide, you may consider the smaller/less expensive machines, such as the Sizzix Sidekick. The regular sized machines, such as the Sizzix Big Shot, cut dies & emboss folders up to 6" wide.
I've read on threads here that other posters have found used machines, dies, & embossing folders inexpensively at yard/tag/estate sales, donation centers, or online. I peridocally see these machines, plus die sets & embossing folders, at discount retailer, Tuesday Morning, for at least half price (ie Sidekick for $24.99 & Big Shot for $49.99). Big box craft stores also stock the machines at retail prices. HTH.
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Post by Embri on Mar 19, 2021 8:48:00 GMT
A second-hand / discount retailer, manual die cutting machine with DIY cutting mat pads will be the cheapest option to get you into thin wafer dies with minimal extra expenses. Your local classifieds would be where I'd start looking - you may well get a machine and some goodies to go with it for a great price.
Be aware that most of these machines have consumables in the form of the cutting plate, so you may have to buy new ones or replace one with a cutting mat if the machine's are cracked/warped/missing.
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Post by hop2 on Mar 19, 2021 11:49:20 GMT
When looking at a used machine check in your phone if the cutting plates are still available so you won’t have to get custom plates.
If your near a Tuesday Morning they used to have cutting machine deeply discounted.
If the smaller dies are what you have ( 2.5” ) you can get the spellbinders prizm new for $40 and if you hunt around you can get the sizzix big shot ( 6” wide ) new for about $90 so used machine ought to be much less
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,726 
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Mar 19, 2021 15:01:18 GMT
I look on FB marketplace and your local FB Buy and sell groups or a FB Buy Nothing Group.
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Post by papersilly on Mar 20, 2021 1:16:19 GMT
buy your die cut machine used. check FB marketplace, Mercari, ebay, etc. don't lay out a ton of money until you know you kind of machine you want or need. there is no shortage of used machines on local marketplaces.
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Post by grammadee on Mar 20, 2021 3:26:01 GMT
I agree that you should start small and not lay out alot of money until you know what you like mamakven. I started with a Cuttlebug. they are discontinued, but you can still get them on eBay. Their plates are a little narrower than the big shot so be sure to get Cuttlebug plates. Or do you know a crafter who may be willing to lend you their manual cutter? Most of us started out with one of those, and many still have them around "just in case" the electronic ones quit working for some reason. The Hero Arts dies are pretty thin, so you may need to add "shims" to your "cutting sandwich". If the die doesn't cut the first time through, just add a couple of thicknesses of cardstock over the plate. |
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I was forced to buy the hero arts book kit and some extras. The kit came with Dies. I've never used them before, What's the cheapest way to go with buying a machine to cut out dies? i've just not used them before. Thanks 
Becca
