Spellbinders Review: Die Cut Machines & Supplies

Spellbinders die cut machines: should you get one?

There are 3 or 4 manual die cut machines available in the Spellbinder range. We’re taking a look at all of them, sharing the features, types of projects you can make, the pros and cons, and where you can get them for the best price.

Spellbinder Die Cut Machine Review

Spellbinder machines are manual cutting machines that can be used for all sorts of craft activities:

• Scrapbooking
• Fabric arts
• Mixed media
• Party decorations
• Wedding decor
• Card making

These machines are well worth taking a deeper look at!

	Prizm Die Cutting & Embossing Machine	The smallest and cheapest Spellbinders cutter 2.5 inch cutting width Includes: Base Plate, Embossing & Cutting Plate, & Embossing Mat	View On SpellbindersView On Scrapbook.com
	Deep Sea Die Cutting/Embossing Machine	Jane Davenport's version of the Spellbinder Platinum machine 6 inch die cut machine VersaCut tech. for best power, strength & durability	View On SpellbindersView On Scrapbook.com
	Spellbinders Platinum Machine	Spellbinder machine in 6 or 8.5 inches Solid steel core construction cuts up to 6 layers Includes cutting & embossing plates	View 6 Inch ModelView 8.5 Inch Model
	Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System	Use for adding foil details to projects Use with Platinum or Platinum 6 machine Comes with foil rolls	View On SpellbindersView On Scrapbook.com
	Die & Hot Foil Plates Bundle	For use with the hot foil system Comes with 8 plates and dies Cheaper than buying separately	View Latest Price

Spellbinders Prizm

The Prizm is the smallest and cheapest die cut and embossing machine by Spellbinders (and probably anywhere else)!

It has a 2.5 inch cutting width, and the overall dimensions of the unit is 5 ¾” x 4 ¼” x 2 ¾”, making it extremely portable, easy to store, and perfect for starting out.

It can be used with S1 and S2 sized Spellbinder dies, and is also compatible with many dies from other brands.

We think you’ll agree the Prizm is an excellent starter die cut machine – especially as it’s often on sale for less than $20!

It makes for a fantastic gift for teens who might just be gaining an interest in scrapbooking, crafts, and/or creating their own cards and products to sell. You can’t get into manual die cut machines for any less!

Spellbinders Platinum

The Spellbinders Platinum is a much better machine that the Prizm.

The Platinum has an 8.5 inch width cutting platform, while the Platinum 6 has a 6 inch width cutting area. The larger unit is stronger and more durable than the smaller, and is capable of cutting through greater thicknesses in a single pass.

Both units can cut the same types of materials, which include:

• paper and cardstock
• wool and cotton
• balsa wood and chipboard
• craft metal and leather

While the 8.5 inch Platinum is a very good manual die cut machine, we think because of it’s price, there may be better options.

There are small electronic cutting machines like the Cricut Joy that can be picked up for around the same price, or larger machines like the Cricut Explore Air 2 which are only a little more (however, keep in mind these machines don’t emboss, though there is a debossing tool for the higher priced Cricut Maker).

Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System

The Spellbinders Hot Foil System is an accessory for use with the Platinum or Platinum 6 machines (or compatible machines) – you need to have one to use it!

Other compatible machines include:

1. Deep Sea Die Cutting and Embossing Machine
2. Sizzix BigShot, Big Shot Plus, Big Shot Express
3. Sizzix BigKick
4. Tim Holtz Vagabond
5. We R Memory Keepers Evolution
6. RG Amaze

This system allows you to apply beautiful foil elements to your crafts. This unit is electric and must be plugged in and heated prior to use, and it is not for use in die cutting – only foil application. We recommend watching the overview video below to gain a better understanding on how it works.

Key points in the video:

• 1:10 – unboxing and what’s included
• 2:10 – how to set up the Hot Foil System
• 4:38 – how to apply hot foil to cardstock
• 6:10 – using glimmer plates as stamps
• 7:38 – use the hot foil plates as an embossing folder
• 9:00 – ink or stamp over hot foil

Spellbinders Grand Calibur

The Spellbinders Grand Calibur is an older unit that is not readily available anymore.

We recommend going with the Spellbinders Platinum machine rather than getting this machine for which newer products are not so common.

You are still able to get tools, accessories and dies for the Grand Calibur here on Spellbinders. There are often many items on sale or clearance as well!

Spellbinders Vs Sizzix

Spellbinders machines are obviously very similar to Sizzix machines.

Sizzix is probably the better known brand, and has a larger community around it. This is the real benefit of Sizzix, as you want as many people as possible to learn and grow from, and to inspire your crafts.

Spellbinders machines have a lot going for them, however. The Premium is a premium machine that is durable, versatile, and strong. After investigating the two brands as much as possible, you’ve just got to go with your gut!

Spellbinders Vs Cricut

Personally, we love Cricut machines more than any other cutting machine – manual or electronic!

We love the versatility of Cricut machines, as the manual machines cannot come close to being able to do the same variety of projects. There’s less work involved with an electric machine, and they are much more robust. We love the range of Cricut bundles on offer, so that you can tailor the package to suit your project tastes.

That being said, if you are only wanting to use a cutter for scrapbooking purposes, a cheaper cutter like a Spellbinder may be just what you need. If you are looking at also creating heat transfers, go for a Cricut!

For more Spellbinders inspiration and project ideas, visit their Facebook Page here.

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