die cutter that does felt

BAB09

So what is the best machine to do felt/fabric. I have plans to do some projects for people next year that involves lots of cut felt pieces and I would love to have a machine that will do it, But dont want to get the wrong one. I dont really care if its manual or electric just whatever machine has the best reputation for clean cuts and lots of options for shapes.

Thanks in advance!

hunniapple

BAB09:

So what is the best machine to do felt/fabric. I have plans to do some projects for people next year that involves lots of cut felt pieces and I would love to have a machine that will do it, But dont want to get the wrong one. I dont really care if its manual or electric just whatever machine has the best reputation for clean cuts and lots of options for shapes.

Thanks in advance!

I have an electronic cutter (Pazzles) and I would not use it for felt.

There are a few manual options - smaller would be the Sizzix Big Shot/Big Kick and Accuquilt Go Baby, and larger ones are the Accquilt Go!, Big Shot Pro, Accuquilt Studio, Accucut Grandmarke.  I am looking to get a manual cutter and leaning toward the Accuquilt Studio because I think it's the biggest one out there.  My only hesitation is the cost of the dies.  I believe the Studio is compatible with every brand of die from anywhere - there are shims (I think this is what they're called) that make the space between the mat and blade shorter to work with other machines' dies. 

Johlise

I think the Big Shot from Sizzex would be the way to go. It cuts through almost anything you can think of!

Jeep Doll

I have the Big Shot and it cuts through felt beautifully.  In the "how to" on the tabs of the thing, it says to use a pad, which mine didn't come with.  Ask when you purchase it (if you do) if there is a pad you should get.  My dies pressed into the clear plastic and made impressions.  Not a big deal, but I haven't gotten a chance to research if there is something else I should put in the stacking.

naclh2otaffy

Jeep Doll:

I have the Big Shot and it cuts through felt beautifully.  In the "how to" on the tabs of the thing, it says to use a pad, which mine didn't come with.  Ask when you purchase it (if you do) if there is a pad you should get.  My dies pressed into the clear plastic and made impressions.  Not a big deal, but I haven't gotten a chance to research if there is something else I should put in the stacking.

The Big Shot is supposed to make cuts in your acrylic plates (AKA standard cutting pads), so you didn't do anything wrong.  Your plates will get all scratched up with cutting and eventually they will snap into pieces. That's when you know to buy a new set.    I've had mine for almost five years and am still on the original set of plates (and I use mine to teach classes, so it gets a ton of use).  They are pretty cheap to replace, too (~$9).  My usual "sandwich" for felt is the bottom acrylic plate(standard cutting pad), a Sizzix Bigz die (these are the thick steel ruled dies), the felt I want to cut, and a top acrylic plate (standard cutting pad).

To the OP, I love my Big Shot for cutting fabric and felt.  I also use it to cut wood and metal.  I even cut up soda cans into ornaments and embellishments around the holidays.

BAB09

Thanks for all your advice, I will look into getting a big shot, are they good for variety of dies?? I am looking for pretty specific shapes.

Jeep Doll

naclh2otaffy:

Jeep Doll:

I have the Big Shot and it cuts through felt beautifully.  In the "how to" on the tabs of the thing, it says to use a pad, which mine didn't come with.  Ask when you purchase it (if you do) if there is a pad you should get.  My dies pressed into the clear plastic and made impressions.  Not a big deal, but I haven't gotten a chance to research if there is something else I should put in the stacking.

The Big Shot is supposed to make cuts in your acrylic plates (AKA standard cutting pads), so you didn't do anything wrong.  Your plates will get all scratched up with cutting and eventually they will snap into pieces. That's when you know to buy a new set.    I've had mine for almost five years and am still on the original set of plates (and I use mine to teach classes, so it gets a ton of use).  They are pretty cheap to replace, too (~$9).  My usual "sandwich" for felt is the bottom acrylic plate(standard cutting pad), a Sizzix Bigz die (these are the thick steel ruled dies), the felt I want to cut, and a top acrylic plate (standard cutting pad).

To the OP, I love my Big Shot for cutting fabric and felt.  I also use it to cut wood and metal.  I even cut up soda cans into ornaments and embellishments around the holidays.

Thanks!  Acrylic plates didn't seem to fit the description of "pads" but it helps to know that everything is alright  

 

Jeep Doll

BAB09:

Thanks for all your advice, I will look into getting a big shot, are they good for variety of dies?? I am looking for pretty specific shapes.

Big Shot can use any dies from any manufacturer.  I haven't tried using ones from all manufacturers yet, but so far, so good!