Choosing the right cutting machine | What do you pay attention to?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: July 8, 2021

So you're looking for one cutting plotter machine? Well, then you've come to the right place.

Welcome to my guide to choosing the right one slicer for you.

Buying one cutting plotter or die cutting machine which is right for your needs can be a big decision.

And as you probably already know, there are many things to consider and research beforehand, including cost, how easy it is to use, versatility and style.

So let's start with dilemmas.

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Manual or automatic cutting machine?

If you're working on a budget, manual ones are cutting machines the best choice.

Because they have no cables they are also very portable, and much easier to use than the more expensive electronic ones cutting machines.

A manual one slicer works by feeding the material into the slot where it is then either cut or embossed (embossing) is becoming. It really is as simple as that.

A good example of really good manual embossing slicer is the Sizzix Big Shot. Read my extensive review of this great device here.

If you choose an electronic one slicer then you have much more autonomy to create your own unique designs via the integrated software.

Please note: not all electronic cutting machines have this option, so check this first.

An electronic machine works very similar to a printer, where cartridges are used to cut and edit the designs embossing.

While an electronic one slicer may be only a little more complicated to use than its manual brother, it doesn't mean there's no fiddling and everything happens at the touch of a button.

If you're looking for a really good electronic slicer, then you can have a lot of fun with the Cricut Explore Air 2, one of my favorite electronic cutting machines.

Budget

Cutting machines can cost from €50 for a simple manual machine, to even more than €1000 for a top electronic slicer.

Prices fluctuate between models, and at some point virtually every model and brand will have an offer of some sort, especially on Amazon.

So keep a price in mind, stick to it, and keep an eye out for the offers.

It's also worth considering how much replacement cartridges, cutting mats, software updates, and other accessories will cost for your machine.

You may have found the deal of the century, but if the cost of buying new stock is high, it's not worth buying it.

Ease of use

When choosing the right one cutting plotter it is important to investigate how easy it is to use.

If you're not tech savvy, it might be worth sticking to the manual pendulum machines.

You can also research if there are any manuals or online guides that can show you how to use the machine beforehand. The more advanced the machine, the more difficult it will be to learn how to use it.

Some of the more technological ones cutting machines however, will be able to provide the best custom designs.

If you opt for an advanced machine, it may be worth researching the quality of customer service and support provided by the company in question beforehand, in case you need help, or there may be forums where you can ask questions about the cutting machine?

Ultimately, it's about finding a balance between ease of use and functionality.

For project inspiration, check out my 50 fun cutting plotter project ideas for endless creativity

Materials

When choosing the right one die cutting machine you will need to know which materials you can cut and emboss.

As you can see in many of our product reviews, most cutting machines capable of cutting virtually any thin material.

However, it is important to research the thickness of the material you intend to use, and then check beforehand if this is possible on your machine.

Also look at the versatility of the machine, can it draw and emboss as well as cut?

Do you want to work with fabric, for example these nice fabric flowers to create, make sure you slicer can handle this.

A good machine to consider for many types of material is the Gemini plotting machine from Crafter's Companion.

Size, weight and portability

When choosing the right one slicer, you need to consider the size of the machine in the storage position, as well as the size of the machine when unfolded.

This is really important for hobbyists who work in a small space.

Also think about how easy the device is to move? Is it lightweight? Does it have a handle?

With most machines ranging between 2kg and 20kg, the difference could be significant.

Once you have one slicer found and do you want to get the best out of it? Read my 50 genius hacks for Silhouette and Cricut cutting machines

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.