Die Cutting Machine

Hello
Here in Scrap Magic we are thinking about getting some funding for a die cutting machine.
We have seen how successful they have been for other stores to be able to make their own packs of scrap cut into cool shapes and would like to branch out...
Any adive would be welcome as to makes and types of machines people would recommend.
Ive had a bit of a look on bthe internet but some recommendations of good brands would be useful...
Thanks Claire

Claire

Both Wiltshire and ourselves use Accucut dies from America; wait till they have a special offer on; I would try for £3,000 funding to get you up and running. Ring me for more info on 01603 873128

Jim

Hi Claire,

We have an Accucut die cutting machine here at Worcester which has been brilliant for making stickers and for our resource packs that we put together. We have had it for a couple of years and it is beginning to get a bit battered but is still going ok.
The main negative we have about it is the plastic sheets that you need to use with it - we have found that they don't last very long and need replacing fairly often. Also, we have some volunteers that struggle cutting out larger shapes as you have to be able to turn the handle with some force.

We spoke to a couple of people at the last SSUK conference about what they used. I met two scrapstores there that had a 'swing arm press' instead. We are beginning to consider this as you don't need the physical strength to operate it - this would open up the volunteering opportunities to many more people. Obviously they cost more that the Accucut machines.

I know that Milton Keynes got their swing arm press from Global Cutting Technologies Limited. There are 2 different sizes to choose from, one at about £3,500 and the bigger one at £4,000. They charge about £100 to deliver it and will also charge to install it too.

We paid £1,500 for our Accucut die cutter and that included lots of dies with it too. We bought it through Solar Laser Systems Ltd who ship the stuff over from America.

Hope this helps a bit. Please do give us a call if you would like to know anything else.

Beth

Worcestershire Resource Exchange

Hi all

We are looking at getting a Accucut Grandmark, if we can get the funding! Can anyone suggest the best dies to start with and what sort of sizes are most popular. The choice is just too much

Thanks

Michelle

Hi
We have had a grandemarke for quite a few years, it is a very busy and loved machine, downside is cost of trays and plastics. We now buy sheet steel and get it cut down by a local metal work company.
We purchased machine on one of the Accucut frequent offers - buy £x amount of dies and get machine free, Our local councillors clubed together and bought us one when they saw members lining up to use the our Ellison letterpress (had that since 2002) Also had health funding to purchase fruit and food dies. EllisonLetterpress(like the prestige) is bomb proof and just keeps working but is a lot slower to produce cuts. It is also far cheaper to run, a pad lasts a good year.
I would recommend basics such as masks, butterflies,flowers, bears, boxes and bags, seasonal shapes eg angels, trees, leaves etc are well used. You can buy a conversion pad for grandmarke that enables you to use thinner (and cheaper) dies - we purchased capital and lowercase letters from Ellison for around £60 saving over £400 on the thicker dies. They work just as well.
We have had a few designed just for us but thats another story.
Regards
Lesley - Gedling Play Forum

Thanks Lesley, have now also looked at Ellison range.....much cheaper!!!!
Funding bid in and just keeping fingers crossed

Michelle