Testing craft die cutting machines for intaglio' collagraphy and drypoint

In this video I explain why die cutting machines are so great for printmaking!
If you want relief printing head to Colin Blanchard
• Bringing it All Togeth...
The presses I test are
Sizzix Big Shot PLus
Spellbinders Platinum
Cuttlebug
Xcut Xpress
Cheery Lynn Big Sister
Bira
I use Akua carbon black ink and 250g watercolour paper
ALL my collagraphy courses use these machines, to find out more head to my website
sallyhirst.co....
Of course a traditional etching press will last a lifetime, but they are expensive if you are not sure you will continue with printmaking. A die cut machine will last you long enough to find out, then when you are ready you can invest in a traditional press.

[@jocurtis6238]

This is a great review. I’ve just bought the Sizzix and a longer bed and felt. I can’t wait for it to arrive.

[@emmari0601]

Wonderful! Didn't know you had done this in spite of my subbing but then again I DO subscribe to so many... Loved it! Great fun seeing you work with "my" Bira only it was called Sunlit when I bought it in may 2020. NOW it is branded Tools... The joy is it truly works!
Thank you so much for all you are sharing! Much love from Norway :)

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Thanks!

[@giovannascottart593]

Thanks Sally. I have an old green little Cuttlebug and have cut a large cutting board but this actual demo has been incredibly useful.

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Thanks! I'm taking my cuttiebug on holiday😊😊

[@carolbarnes7520]

Dear Sally,
This video could not have come at a better time for me. I am going to do a short collagraph printing course next month and would love to be able to continue working at home. I will start by putting out a plea for a second hand machine on the local website and if that fails there seem to be a couple that I can buy for under £100.
Thank you for doing all that hard work and for presenting your findings so clearly. Carol UK

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulinefaulknerartist2738]

This is such an informative video, packed full of great ideas. Thank you so much. I have the sissix big shot plus and a few other die cutters picked up from charity shops. Will have a go asap!

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

😊😊

[@deborahlane299]

This is a wonderful help. Thank you. I have an Accucut Mark IV that is pretty big, does not fold up, and is used by quilters. I cannot wait to give this a go. I have all of my supplies, but now I need to accept the inevitable failures I will encounter making art. 😉

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

I looked at getting the accucut... I'm sure it will work fine!

[@lindacmiller948]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent! Inspiring!

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Thanks fir watching!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Such a helpful video Sally, thank you so much. The only thing I'm wondering is which, if any, of these has a wider width than 6 inches. I'm thinking of getting cold lamination machine so I can do bigger intaglio. So interesting to see the quality of prints here. Many thanks.

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

The bed is 21cm 9" If you dont want a large border you can get an 7.5 inch wide print. There is a fiskars machine that is wider? chasing one on ebay! im going to test a CLP next week but from what have heard its tricky as the rollers are spongey...

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

And there is s bigger sizzix, the Pro. Also if you are in the states a Fiskars Fuse is 12"

[@jam4441]

Tech question Sally just wondering what the blanket thickness is for the XCut that you are using here to print your collagraph and drypoint?

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

The blanket I like is a ‘cushion’ blanket made from compressed felt, 3mm thick.

[@jam4441]

Many thanks Sally I am in Australia and have managed to track down a second hand x cut so needing to check the bed and blanket sizes with you. Thank you so much for all your help. I hope to do an online course with you once I am up and running. Cheers Judy @@sallyhirstartisttutor6324

[@suewelfare9154]

so useful - I've got the X-cut and the Sizzix that I use for workshops and really like both, but it is so useful to have the information on the others.

[@nicolel2265]

Thank you Sally for sharing this video. I have the Sizzix Tim Holtz Vagabond Electric Die Cutting Machine. Have you ever used an electric die cutting machine for printmaking? Curious if it would work or if I need to invest in a manual machine.

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

I would say try it if you have one! If you feel it is struggling the motor then go manual...

[@catherinepeddel3255]

A very useful video, thank you. Have you heard of the Open Press Project? A press that is made using a 3d printer. Maximum size printing is business card! Produces great results.

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Yes they are lovely 😍 ...

[@margarethogan7440]

Thank you so much. You a star!! And, this is a command performance!

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Thank 😊

[@WARdROBEPlaysWWII]

This is great, thank you.

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

Thanks!

[@dianeoconnor8310]

I think Big Shot Plus is discontinued, although you can still get it.

[@sallyhirstartisttutor6324]

ah! thats a shame, there's mountains of them in the world though so hopefully printmakers will manage...

[@dianeoconnor8310]

@@sallyhirstartisttutor6324 I have ordered one off Amazon before they disappear! 😊