The good news is that the Sizzix Eclips will help you create gorgeous cuts completely independent of your computer. That is also the bad news. Being completely independent of your computer is great for users who are really uncomfortable with technology, but a cartridge-based die cutting system like this one limits your ability to design. It can also bog down your budget as the cost of cartridges keeps mounting. The cartridges we saw listed on the Sizzix site ranged in price from $39.99 to $69.99. This machine is already relatively expensive. Once you add in the first few cartridges that’s quite steep compared to other digital die cutting systems.
This unit is not completely without its selling points, however. Designers allowed for quite a lot of control over things like blade pressure, depth and cutting speed. These will matter a lot as you work with different materials.
We like the wide selection of designs too. They are expensive, but for some folks it might be worth the extra cost to have gorgeous designs at the ready rather than trying to find or create them. This is definitely a machine that works well for a super busy die cutting fan. Once you establish your cartridge collection the die cutting process will be very fast. Get even one friend to either share their collection or help fund yours, so you can both use it, and your cost gets cut in half.
This die cutting machine is no lightweight at over 16 pounds, but there is a carry handle to aid in portability. The fact that this cutter machine operates apart from a computer will also aid in its ability to go wherever there are scrapbooking needs.
The included extra blade is a nice touch. The blade is something you will undoubtedly have to replace with any die cutting machine. Having an extra on hand from the gate may save you some time and money when you realize your first blade is played out.
The Eclips die cutting system will take on mostly the lighter materials, like cardstock and vinyl, but you will find it can power through some chipboard as well. At its price point we expected it to be able to take on a wider range of materials.
This die cutting unit is also rather limited in terms of capabilities. Eclips will help you cut, draw and pierce certain materials, but you will not find it ready for your embossing or engraving tasks. Again, we expect more from a die cutting machine in this price range.
This die cutting machine will provide you with a solid tool for digital die cutting. Some people will enjoy the fact that it is really independent of any computer. However, at this price we expect a die cutting system to do more than cut. We expect it to handle more than just paper too. If you need a die cutting unit for simple scrapbooking and cards, there are less expensive options. If you want a tough and lasting all-purpose cutter there are sturdier die cutting machines that cut much more than Eclips.
