Today I’m taking a look at the new Spellbinders “Platinum” die cutting machine. Unlike the Grand Calibur, it will actually take STEEL RULE DIES! (That was my big complaint with that machine.) Well now Spellbinders has opened up a new world of dies for us to use. Let’s take a look!
Product provided for review purposes. Opinions are my own and based on my first-hand experience with the product. Links below may be affiliate shopping links for your convenience.
Here’s how it’s described on the website:
Designed with your creative versatility in mind, the Platinum™ Die Cutting & Embossing machine is the latest in Spellbinders® Creative Arts line of innovative machines. With Platinum™ the creative possibilities are endless. It provides unsurpassed power and cutting pressure. Cuts over 40 different materials of varying thickness. Cuts up to 8 layers in a single pass on a large 8 1/2 inches platform. Compatible with Spellbinders® new Contour™ Steel Rule Dies, as well as Spellbinders® etched die templates, Em-bossing Fold’ers™ and most other dies. Get creative on a brilliant scale with Platinum™!
I made you a quick 5 minute video showing you just how it works with the different brands of dies!
Now… just to take a closer look at those photos:
The plates do get cut up pretty quickly!!
I used all kinds of dies to make these cards. Click the photo to see that tutorial on using Distress Stamp Pads for backgrounds.
And just a reminder if you are going to use Darice Embossing Folders, Texture Fades, or ProvoCraft/ Anna Griffin Embossing Folders you MUST use an extra shim….and a piece of corrugated cardboard does the trick!!
I have to admit… all of my die cutting has been on the Spellbinders Platinum lately (even for my OneLittleTag challenge and my holiday cards and tags!) It’s so versatile and that little shimming issue doesn’t bother me.
26-31. I feel like I’m starting to develop my own style and I’m doing more “storytelling” through the pieces now.
16-20. Lots of gelli printing, watercolors, and layering.
11-15. More doodling and stamping, and I dipped into my “art snacks”- little bits of ephemera I started rounding up.
January Tags- all of the dies are done on the Spellbinders Platinum machine!
What machine do you use? I’d love to hear from you!
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I use the SPellbinders Platinum and Sizzix Big Shot for die cutting and embossing! Love both of them and use them equally! Thanks for the great review!
I have the Big Shot (power), before the Vagabond was introduced. It works perfectly with everything, so I’m really lucky with that. Have you tried the little die cut machine from Crafters Companion…I think it’s called Diamond Press. It only takes thin dies up to two inches wide, but no plates are needed, only a folder….I don’t know how it works, but I’m really impressed. Thanks for your great reviews.
just wanted to say thanks for all the wonderful videos you put out…I love watching and listening to your opinions and ideas… even if its not something that I personally will use… I still enjoy it…. and I wanted to say I LOVE your new hair-do …. very very pretty 😀 have a great day 😀
I also have the Platinum and the Calibur but seems the Calibur is now gathering dust. I LOVE the Platinum! I sold and gave away my Big Shot and Wizard (had them for ages). I appreciate your reviews! Thanks so much for them!
I have a big kick…but have been wondering about one that has a larger platform…was wondering if this one or the larger big shot was the better machine. Can’t afford to get one right now, but…hopefully eventually I can figure out which to get so I can. :-))
I like your new hair color.
Do you really mean corrugated cardboard as a shim? or chipboard e.g. a cereal box? Corrugated cardboard is a double thickness with a waffle like area between the two outside layers of paper and can be quite thick.
Yes, I did- you need the thickness to get a good impression.
Hi Jenny!
I am planning on buying a manual die cutting and embossing machine. I have never owned one before. I am new to paper crafting. I have done invitations but only for family and friends, and mostly plain paper with photoshop designs. I want to step it up and create better invitations!
What I need is to have the capability to run letter size paper, foldable as I do not have enough space, and $200 less price range. I am a computer science student and will be using my computer desk for my crafting too. I narrowed it down to Spellbinder Platinum and Sizzix big shot plus (not foldable **sigh). I was hoping you can enlighten me to which one I should get or if you know of any other products that would suit my need.
So, after careful thought, I’m going to suggest an eBosser. It has a small footprint, accepts the 8 1/2 width, AND is motor-driven so that you can really crank out the production work and save your arms the stress. Here is a review video:
And, as it happens, it’s just under $200 on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29ijBbo
Hope this helps!
I would at least try and update this video so that consumes know, that you are getting a wide platform, with standard side plates, therefore unable to utilize the wide cutting platform to its fullest. Spellbinders has had alot of angry consumers, saying that it’s a great way to make a buck for the spellbinders company selling the Platinum model with only standard (small sized plates), when you have to THEN PURCHASE the big XL plates, embossing folders, mats. and….they do not make the xl sized magentic platform for this model either, but sell it in the small standard size. What’s the point Spellbinders? Might as go with the Big Shot Plus, and not have to fuss with the wrong sized plates.
Thank you. I bought my Spellbinders Platinum 4mths ago & still haven’t unboxed it: I moved so my student budget won’t stretch far enough to buy some dies so I can try it out. The video was very informative: I wouldn’t have known that about the different brands of dies & the warping…that’s exactly what I’m scared of doing. I I got mine for $100 Au just prior to Xmas.
Thank you for your video. It’s was very helpful. I never owned a manual embossing machine before, . I was wondering which machine is better. The spellbinder platinum 6.0 or the my memory keepers evolution advance machine. Thanks 🙂
Actually, I really prefer the Sizzix Big Shot. Here’s a video I made comparing them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYMZ5wZl0tI
Hi Jenny, I received the Platinum as a gift and was so excited! Being new to the die cutting world, I was silly and bought many different dies thinking I could use these as well. So I guess using the alterations is out of the question with my Platinum?
I still need to watch a few more of your videos, but, was wondering if you had any advce for me her
Thanks so much,Jackie “)
Why do you think that? I found that a few sheets of cardboard as shims make almost everything work OK.
Thanks Jenny,
I have used the cardboard shims and it works great- thanks so much for you support!
Jackie “)