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Home / Craft Product Reviews / Beads/Jewelry Products / UPDATE on the Artisan X-Plorer by Spellbinders: METAL SHIM

UPDATE on the Artisan X-Plorer by Spellbinders: METAL SHIM

August 29, 2013

You may recall that earlier I reviewed the Artisan X-Plorer by Spellbinders. While I like the compact size and metal gears, I was somewhat disappointed by it’s ability to cut thicker materials such as denim and plastics. Well, the Spellbinders folks heard my cry (or maybe they were just lightyears ahead of me!) and debuted a METAL SHIM at CHA summer this year.

Artisan X-Plorer METAL SHIM

This little baby makes ALL the difference!

Really, it’s just a metal plate that creates a firmer surface for your thin-rule dies.

Artisan X-Plorer METAL SHI

I made you a video to explain more:

Bottom line- if you want to cut thicker items in the Artisan X-Plorer, the Metal Shim is a MUST HAVE- and for an addition $12 bucks, it’s well worth it!

Artisan X-Plorer METAL SHI

Disclosure: Product provided for review, but opinions are honest and my own. Links below are affiliates and I may receive a tiny commission with your purchase. 

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Posted in Beads/Jewelry Products, Craft Product Reviews, Crafty Tools |

Comments

  1. Debbie says

    August 29, 2013 at 10:08

    I don’t have an embosser yet, and am really undecided about which one to buy. Some are better for larger size papers, etc. Some have way more plates to choose from. I don’t want to spend a fortune, but I’d like a good machine. Any suggestions?

  2. Rebecca Ednie says

    August 29, 2013 at 10:19

    I’m pretty sure you aren’t supposed to cut against your shim. I thought so too but I can’t cut against mine so be careful. It will probably dull or damage your dies. But so glad it works for you.

  3. Jenny says

    August 29, 2013 at 10:26

    Rebecca- remember that it’s pressure that causes the die to work- not a “blade” or “sharpness.” Also, as illustrated in this video from Spellbinders, you *are* supposed to cut against the shim. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtJBktD3oG0
    Happy crafting!

  4. Jenny says

    August 29, 2013 at 10:43

    Debbie- are you doing mostly paper crafts? As a rule, I don’t like a one-trick pony. Best to get a machine that both cuts and embosses. The Cuttlebug is a great choice for entry-level crafters (under $80) and the Ebosser is great for advanced crafters (motorized for production work) and it’s under $200. Read lots of reviews and watch videos to get an idea of how they work! Best of luck, J

  5. Debbie says

    August 30, 2013 at 09:29

    Thanks for the info Jenny, and yes I will be doing mostly paper crafts. I bought the Cricut Expression2 special edition (and a bunch of cartridges), and I have been checking out all the different embossers, but haven’t made up my mind yet.

  6. Jenny Rohrs says

    August 30, 2013 at 09:31

    Gotcha! Good luck in the decision making process!

  7. Roberta kaufman says

    February 12, 2015 at 19:10

    I was wondering if you knew what gauge of metal will the Artisan x-plorer cut? I want to buy the machine to make jewellery but was not sure what gauge it would take. Thank you for any help.

  8. Jenny says

    February 13, 2015 at 08:50

    Roberta- I would check in with the manufacturer for that kind of information. We only use craft metals and foils here.

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Hi! I’m Jenny, the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS and the Head Dummy behind CraftTestDummies.com where you’ll find craft product reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news.

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Jenny Barnett Rohrs is Head Dummy and Pied Piper behind CTD, which focuses on reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news. Jenny has appeared on HSN, Scrapbook Soup PBS series, and is currently the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS.

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