Die Cutter Review: Sizzix Machine by Ellison and Provo Craft
I invited five women to try out the Sizzix Machine die-cutting system by Ellison and Provo Craft and review it based on the ease of use, price, size, versatility and die selection. The following is our evaluation of the Sizzix Machine:
Ease of Use
The Sizzix Machine also works with a lever system and sliding cutting mat. You first place the cardstock and die facedown on the cutting mat, center the die underneath the pressure point, and then pull down the lever to make the cut.
Positives
- Instructions are well written and easy to understand.
- The machine is sturdy and heavy and doesn’t move around while you cut.
- Each cut is made quickly with only one pull of the lever.
- It cuts through thick cardstock and even other materials with no problem.
- The System Converter for cutting Sizzlits was easy to install since it’s magnetic.
Negatives
- A large die may require shifting and two pulls of the lever to cut the entire image, because of the size of the cutting area.
- It takes some extra concentration to be sure that the die is placed underneath the pressure area.
- You have to replace the cutting mat periodically.
Price
The Sizzix Machine comes with one cutting mat that should be replaced periodically.
- Sizzix Machine - $69.99
- Sizzix System Converter - $14.99
- Sizzix Original Shape Dies - $8.99 - $14.99 each
- Sizzix Original Alphabet Sets - $39.99 – $169.99
- Sizzix Alphabars - $99.99 - $119.99
- Sizzlits Alphabet Sets - $149.99
- Sizzlits Shape Sets - $19.99
Sizzix products are available at the Sizzix web site, department stores such as Michael’s, JoAnn’s Fabrics or Hobby Lobby, as well as in select scrapbook stores. To find a retailer near you, visit the Sizzix store locator.
Size
The Sizzix Machine is the heaviest tool of the group, weighing in at 12 lbs. The tool itself is mid-sized, with a long arm that serves as leverage for each cut. Since it uses several styles of dies and has additional accessories such as the System Converter and Sizzix Adapters that can be purchased for added versatility, you’ll need to consider those items in your storage plans. Dies are varied in size depending on the style you purchase and will also take up a considerable amount of storage space. The Sizzix Machine is not easily portable and is best for a more permanent scrap space.
- Footprint - 13” long x 7 ½” wide x 4 ½” high
- Cutting Area - 4 ¾” x 3”
- Dies - vary from large block standard dies to thin plastic-backed dies, storage container options also vary and are often bulky
Versatility
The Sizzix Machine was designed to accommodate the entire realm of Sizzix brand dies in all of the various sizes. It also has the capability to cut through a variety of materials such as paper, rubber, felt, fabric, foam, sheet magnet and more. While the natural cutting area isn’t very large, you can adjust the cutting mat back and forth to accommodate longer dies by shifting and pressing the handle down for each shift.
By adding the System Converter and Sizzix Adapters, you can use dies from all of the other manufacturers with the Sizzix Machine. Sizzix also has a line of dies called Simple Impressions for embossed design options. The only thing this tool couldn’t do in our testing was the embossing step of the Spellbinders™ dies.
Alphabet & Shape Die Selection
Summary
In our review, we found that the Sizzix Machine was an extremely sturdy and versatile machine. It was consistent in its cutting and easy to use. We liked that the adapters were easy to add and that it would work with dies from several manufacturers. Storage, however, is an issue for this machine, as both the machine itself and the dies to go with it take up quite a bit of room.
Ransom Alphabars by Sizzix
Frames, Square Combo Sizzix Original Die
Doodle Dies Flower Set by Doodlebug Sizzlits
Cardstock by DMD Industries
Patterned Paper by Scrapworks
Patterned Paper by Pebbles Inc.
Zig Writer pen
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