4 Factors to Consider to Buy Scrapbooking Die Cutting System |
Posted: January 28, 2015 |
If card making and scrapbooking are your hobbies, then a die cutting system can help you make great craft projects efficiently and easily. Although choosing and using a die cutting machine may seem to be difficult, but investing in such a machine would prove to be a good idea, if you are really keenly interested in scrapbooking. A die cutting machine would let you cut shapes and letters precisely into different craft materials like paper and fabric. You can also emboss craft projects using such a machine. However, to buy a die cutting machine that suits best to your needs, you have to consider a number of factors. Here are some of the factors you need to take into account, when buying a die cutting machine for making scrapbooks: 1. Features: The features of die cutting machines vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. To determine the features that should be in your machine, first you need to determine how you would be using the machine. This would ensure that the system you buy has every feature needed to create the desired craft projects. You need to decide whether the machine should let you cut simple letters and shapes, or it should let you design personalized patterns and cuts. There are many die cutting systems that you can use for several other projects too, apart from scrapbooking. As a buyer, you should also consider this aspect before buying a machine. Some features that a die cutting machine for scrapbooking should have are mat-free cutting function, fit objects to path, functions without or with computer, cut by color, tool storage, adjustable blade pressure, adjustable blade depth, and others. Consider the weight and size of the die cutting machine also, and ensure that it fits well in the space you have at home. 2. Capabilities: Different machines can work with different materials. The materials commonly used to make scrapbooks are fabric and paper. However, you can choose a machine, which can handle other materials too. Some other materials that you can cut using the machine are leather, acetate, sponge, foam, chipboard, rubber, sheet magnet, balsa wood, felt, vellum, cling vinyl and cardstock. Remember that all machines cannot cut all of these materials, and so, go through a machine's technical specification carefully prior to buying it. Although the basic function of a die cutting system is cutting fabric or paper in different shapes, but some machines are able to carry out various other functions too, which may prove to be useful when you are creating scrapbooks or other craft projects. Some common operations a die cutting system can perform are: Cut: This operation is used to cut shapes in fabric or paper. Excess material is trimmed using cut off dies. This operation is quite useful for shortening material pieces to process further. Draw: This operation is used to pull paper or material to a specific length. Pierce: This operation is used to make small holes to combine different fabric pieces or create patterns. Engrave: This is used to carve or cut a design on a hard surface. Emboss: This operation is used to mold or carve a certain design in such a way that the design stands out well. You may need some training to get good results when employing the machine's extended capabilities. You can find numerous reviews and tutorials online, which would give you an introduction of scrapbooking. Machines having several capabilities are often costlier than the machines that can cut only paper. So, before buying a more sophisticated machine, make sure that you will use most functions in it. 3. Price: A good quality scrapbooking die cutting system is likely to last for a long time. However, you need to consider the upfront price, which will be a significant factor for you if you wish to buy a sophisticated machine. Apart from considering the machine's actual cost, you should also consider the additional costs that you may have to incur over time. For example, it doesn't make sense if you buy a cheap scrapbooking machine, the cartridges of which require to be changed for every project. Pay heed to this aspect well, as the machine you think to be cheap, may turn out to be more expensive in the long run, as compared to a high-end machine that you think to be too costly. 4. Portability: Portability of the machine is a key factor to consider, as you should not only be able to move the machine around your home easily, but should also be able to carry it with you easily at crafting events. When talking about portability, you should also take into account factors like the machine's computer connections and its weight. If you want an item with good portability, opt for one that doesn't need any computer connection. With such an item, you don't need to worry about wires. By considering these factors, you would be able to choose the right die cutting system for scrapbooking, which would cater to all your craft making needs well.
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