|
|
Die Cutter Review: Zip'eMate™ by AccuCut®
I invited five women to try out the Zip’eMate™ die-cutting system by AccuCut® and review it based on the ease of use, price, size, versatility and die selection. The following is our evaluation of the Zip’eMate™:
Ease of Use
The Zip’eMate™ works by using a rotating handle to push the sandwich of layers through the machine. The layers include, starting at the bottom, the appropriate platform for the type of die you are using, then the die (facing upward), then your paper, and last the clear cutting mat. Then you push the sandwich against the rollers and turn the handle until the sandwich of layers is pushed all the way through the machine to the other side. As it rolls through, the rollers put pressure on the die and cut the images.
Positives
- It was easy to rotate the handle to run the dies through the machine.
- It makes clean sharp cuts the first time through.
- The clear cutting mat with the die facing up underneath was convenient so you could use smaller pieces of paper to cut only where you needed to.
- Since pressure is evenly distributed over the entire mat as you roll it through the machine, you didn’t have to worry about the placement of the dies, and it would cut larger dies easily on the first try.
Negatives
- Since there are so many pieces involved in creating layers of the sandwich because of the different dies, it can be confusing to know what piece goes where without clearly labeling each of them as you take them out of the packaging.
- We found that the cutting mat started to curl after several cuts, making it more difficult to feed it through the machine. It helped to hold the bottom of the machine with your fingertips, and use your palm to push the layers into the rollers while you rotated the handle to get the sandwich to “catch.”
- Prep time for each die took a while as you looked for the right-sized platform, made the layers and then pushed it through the machine.
- The sandwich can pop apart as it comes out the end of the machine after cutting, so it helps to have a hand ready to catch it so die cuts don’t go flying.
- The suction cups to hold the machine in place didn’t work on the table we used, so you had to hold the machine down while you turned the handle to keep it from shifting.
- You have to replace the cutting mat periodically.
Price
The Zip’eMate™ Personal Die Cutting Machine includes the Zip’eMate™ Cutting/Embossing Platform, the Full Cutting Mat (consumable), the Embossing Mat (consumable), and Embossing Foam (consumable). You’ll also get the Handle Assembly Kit.
- Zip’eMate™ Personal Die Cutting Machine - $89.99
- Zip’eSlim Alphabet Sets - $199.99
- Zip’eSlim Shape Dies - $13.99 - $16.99
- Zip’eCuts™ Alphabet Sets - $39.99 $249.99
- Zip’eCuts™ Dies – $6.99 - $17.99
The Zip’eMate™ Personal Die Cutting Machine and other AccuCut® products are available for purchase at the AccuCut® web site and select scrapbook stores. To find a retailer near you, visit the AccuCut® store locator.
Size
The largest tool in both footprint and height is the Zip’eMate™. However, it’s worth mentioning that about 5” of the width is the narrow handle, which can be removed for storage. The tool is lightweight, but because of its size, is best used in a more permanent scrap space. To fully appreciate the versatility of this tool, you’ll need to store several different sized cutting mats and accessories in addition to several sizes and shapes of dies.
- Footprint - 13” long x 11” wide x 7” high
- Cutting Area - 4 ¾” x 8”
- Dies - vary from large block standard dies to wafer dies, storage container options also vary and are often bulky
Versatility
The Zip’eMate™ can do it all, as long as you have purchased the appropriate adapters, platforms and cutting mats. We found that it could even perform the embossing step of the Spellbinders™ dies, which no other tool could do (besides of course The Wizard™). The large cutting area on the Zip’eMate™ allows you to use both large and small dies.
Alphabet & Shape Die Selection
Summary
Overall, the Zip’eMate™ ranked right in the middle for our reviewers. Some really liked the easy handle rolling mechanism, and others didn’t like the number of pieces and layers it required for each cut. Its size makes it less portable than other machines like it, but we found it to be the most versatile machine we reviewed, with a very affordable price tag.
Typewriter Alphabet Zip’eCuts™ by AccuCut®
Buckle #2 Zip’eCuts™ by AccuCut®
Patterned Paper by Paper Heart Studio
Cardstock by DMD Industries
Twill by Creative Impressions
Ink by Versamark
|
Shop at the Scrapbook.com Superstore for all your Scrapbooking Supplies!