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Mat Cutter
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There are a number of die cutting machines on the market including the Cuttlebug and Sizzix. These machines use the traditional method of die cutting which involves placing paper over a template, covering it with a protective board, and running it manually through a press machine to punch out the shape. This method has proven effective and can cut multiple impressions of an image at once. However, there are some limitations when it comes to selection, storage, and size.

The Cricut machine has renovated the world of die cutting. It is a completely electronic machine. The traditional dies have been replaced with small cartridges jam packed with images and options. The cartridge is similar to a USB thumb drive in that it has a small plug that inserts into the front of the machine, stores mass amounts of data on it, is small, easy to store, and is portable. The Cricut functions by having the user insert the cartridge, cover the machine key pad with the custom cartridge key pad, and select the images desired. By using the cartridge the user has more options. They can print multiples of the same or different images, choose special effects like shadows or italics, and most importantly alter size! The ability to alter size is one of the best features of the Cricut machine providing the user with the freedom to change an image to fit their design layout not the other way around. The Cricut machine has size adjustment that can go as small as desired, although you want to limit this to ensure image quality, and it can max out at size 12X12 or 12X24. The computer inside the machine tracks previous cuts and knows how much space is left on the remaining paper altering the user if there is space issues and when cutting multiple images knows which sections have already been used. This opens up a world of creative possibilities that were never possible with traditional die cutting machines.

However, the machine is not perfect. The Cricut expression like the traditional machines can be used to cut a variety of materials including card stock, paper, vellum, plastic, rubber, and vinyl but the user must remember to adjust the cutting settings or risk a miss-cut and damaging the cutting blade or the material. The Cricut expression requires the use of specially designed sticky mats which the paper needs to be attached to for insertion and cutting. This means that these boards will have to continually be purchased and if the company decides to stop making their machine or accessories the users will no longer be able to use the machine; this is not a problem for the traditional die cutters which do not require special equipment. The stickiness of the cutting mat can also be an issue; when the mats are first used they are very sticky and can actually damage the paper causing it to tear or curl when removed but after several uses it becomes easier to manage. If a customer finds a design they like by another company such as cuttlebug they are out of luck because they cannot use it in the Cricut but they could use it with their Sizzix Big Shot or Cuttlebug machine which provides more freedom in choosing a company and the images available. Finally, the nature of the machine only allows it to do die cuts where the Sizzix and Cuttlebug are able to do embossing and put crease marks into paper which produces a wider range of options for their users.

Overall, the Cricut expression is a great tool for any paper crafter. Like all tools it has benefits and drawback and it is up to the end user to do the research and decide if it is right for them. The Cricut has recently come out with a computer software allowing users to design a layout on their computer and send it to the machine to cut opening it to the digital and computer world of crafting; a similar device is coming out for Sizzix but will not require a computer instead using a hand held device and electronic cutter very similar to the Cricut. With all of the options it is just personal choice if you want more freedom in sizes and more options then a Cricut might be for you. However, if you prefer versatility, the ability to do embossing, and want to use other brand dies then a traditional cutter would be the better choice.

Rachel Frank is an art instructor, Stampin' Up Independent Consultant, teaches art therapy to wounded soldiers, and is a full time graduate student. She hosts a blog with tutorials, articles, videos, and supplies. You can visit her at http://www.stampingarmywife.com

Dahle 580 32 Inch Premium Large Format Guillotine Paper Cutter Review

Intended for use on copy and print shops, school and professional art departments, and custom frame shops, the Dahle 580 is a large format paper trimmer meant for heavy duty use and high capacity projects. In the review that follows, we take a peek under the hood of the Dahle 580, and give you a list of what we see as its strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

1. If you've been in the business long enough, you've found that there are always going to be certain projects that just can't be completed using a standard size paper trimmer. That is where this machine comes in. The 580 has many strengths but chief among them is its sheer size and capacity. This is a commercial grade, 30 sheet capacity trimmer that is designed for working in large format applications.
2. The 580 has some really nice safety features. First off, there is the acrylic fan guard that keeps fingers and hands well away from the cutting blade at all times. Then, there is a locking system on the lever arm so you can make sure that the machine will not be used by anyone who is not authorized to do so.
3. When cutting larger stacks of paper, it can often be difficult to avoid the dreaded fanning effect. The 580 has a nice, foot operated manual clamp that exerts even pressure across the entire surface of the stack so you can be sure that your top sheet has exactly the same dimensions as your bottom sheet.
4. The blade of the 580 lives up to the Dahle name, and is made of solid German Solingen steel. Rather than getting dull over time, the blade on the 580 is designed to sharpen itself with every cut. It's hard to see why this blade wouldn't give you years and years of faithful and accurate trimming if used and cared for properly.
5. A nice, big, comfortable workspace is key when you are dealing with larger format projects. To that end, the 580 comes with an extendable table to contain "cut off," and that also features a spindle controlled backstop (another boon to your accuracy). The table that the 580 permanently sits on is made of heavy duty, components and is extremely sturdy.
6. As if that backstop, the paper clamp, and razor sharp blades weren't enough to ensure you an accurate cut, Dahle makes available an optional laser guiding system that places a clear red line across the cutting surface. This will help you ensure a straight cut every time.

Weaknesses:

1. When cutting large stacks of paper, you may want to place a piece of mat board or something similar between the paper clamp and the actual pages of your document, as sometimes the pressure that is exerted can leave marks on the top sheet.
2. This is a sizable machine and can take up a lot of room. You will want to make sure that you have plenty of space for it, and that you won't need to move it around a great deal.
3. This machine is a great choice for lower volume cutting applications. However, high volume print production facilities may want to consider a large format stack cutter or an electric paper cutter with a wider format blade.

About the Author

If you are interested in more information about the Dahle 580 Premium Guillotine Cutter, you might want to visit MyBinding.com. They offer a great price on this machine and they even offer Free Shipping. Plus, they carry a wide array of Guillotine Cutters, and accessories. Check it out today!

Help!!! what is a rotary cutter, mat, quilting pin gun?

The previous answerer is right about rotary cutters (disk-shaped blades mounted at the end of a handle, available in various sizes--the bigger the better, straight or angled, with pressure-accessible hoods which are a hassle IMO--or not ...use only on fabric if you want them to stay sharp). They're used with *thick* acrylic quilting rulers of various sizes and shapes so they won't slip while cutting.
And "self-healing" mats are used under the fabric when cutting and keep the rotary blades from dulling so easily (come in many sizes and shapes, different colors and lined grids...one good brand is Olfa).

Those are available at fabric or quilting stores, and there's usually at least some selection at least at Michaels (use 40% coupon from Sunday paper when possible!), or perhaps even Target.

A quilting pin gun "shoots" small, thin plastic rods through all layers of a quilt "sandwich" (front fabric, batting, backing fabric) so that all layers will stay together while quilting by hand or machine. They're used instead of safety pins or thread tacking or thread basting by some quilters since they're quicker to do (but not reusable). (They're sort of like the guns that shoot price tags onto clothing at stores with plastic "thread.")
Those will probably be available only at quilt stores, or possibly fabric stores (or online of course).

HTH,

Diane B.

Hustle's DVD Review: EVOLVE 2
Another DVD review by yours truly. Last time, I looked at EVOLVE's debut show. This time, I look at their second show. Gotta love it.

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