Spellbinders Platinum 6.0 die cutting machine review
What is the Spellbinders Platinum 6?
The Spellbinders Platinum 6 is a manual die-cutting machine with an A5-sized aperture, that uses VersaCut technology for power, strength, and durability when crafting. It has been engineered using a solid steel core construction, and it can cut up to six layers in one single pass, which is extremely useful if you're into batch making, or if you're cutting lots of fiddly pieces.
Spellbinders Platinum 6 functions
The main function of the Spellbinders Platinum 6 is die-cutting. Using metal dies with the cutting plates provided, it can cut through a wide range of thick to thin materials, from paper and cotton to metal and balsa wood. This machine can also be used for embossing and comes with an embossing plate for use with your embossing folders. It is useful for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and general arts and crafts.
The '6' in the name, refers to the size of the aperture (in inches), so the Spellbinders Platinum 6 can cut dies up to 6" wide. There is a larger model of this machine, the Spellbinders Platinum A4, so if you're looking at cutting larger dies, then the A4 version is exactly the same, just larger.
When cutting, there is even pressure across the plates, and I haven't noticed any "blind spots" that you sometimes get with other machines, i.e a spot in the sandwich that doesn't cut as well.
The machine itself is aesthetically pleasing, the standard colourway being white with gold trim. It looks great in your craft room, but if you're after something a bit extra (as the kids say now), then look out for the Jane Devenport aqua colourway. This limited edition version features stunning watercolour under the sea artwork of mermaids and sea creatures - and the cutting plates are translucent hot pink!
Key features/functions:
- Manual die-cutting machine
- 6" aperture (A5 size)
- Solid steel core
- Foldable cutting platforms
- Removable handle for easy storage
- Carry handle
- Available also in limited edition colourways
How much is the Spellbinders Platinum 6?
This machine retails around the hundred-pound mark, which is slightly more than other basic die-cutting machines of this level. However, you'll get many years worth of crafting for the money, and it can withstand heavy use with ease.
Is the Spellbinders Platinum 6 good value for money?
You can usually pick up a Spellbinders Platinum 6 for around about one hundred pounds, but you can often find it in the sale, and with Black Friday around the corner, it's worth keeping an eye out for. For the durability that you get with this machine, it's unlikely you'll need to replace it for many years to come. It's a reliable bit of kit and in our opinion, well worth the money.
The only replacement parts you are likely to need, are replacement cutting plates - which is similar to most die-cutting machines. You can usually pick up a pair of cutting plates for around £15 from places like Amazon or most craft shops.
Is the Spellbinders Platinum 6 easy to use?
In a word - yes. It's similar to most other manual die-cutting machines, in that you build a "sandwich" with your cutting plates before manually feeding the sandwich through the machine by turning the handle. It's not at all difficult to turn the handle, and the operation is smooth (and satisfying).
Spellbinders Platinum 6 quality/ durability
The Spellbinders Platinum 6 is a sturdy bit of kit. It has been a staple in the Gathered office for years, and it is the machine I personally use at home. Having been in constant use for years, the machine still functions as new. The only minor difficulty I had, was after I moved house - the handle had wiggled loose. But a quick tighten with an Allen key and the problem was fixed.
It's likely that if you are a heavy user, you will need to replace the cutting plates after a while, as they tend to buckle to the point that they resemble the letter 'U'. However, the plates are easy to pick up from places like Amazon, and the machine will work with off-brand plates if you are unable to find the Spellbinders branded ones - which is useful!
How big is the Spellbinders Platinum 6 and how portable is it?
The cutting platforms (one either side) fold up into the body of the machine and when closed, the Spellbinders Platinum 6 has a footprint of 25.5 x 13.5cm (excluding handle). The handle protrudes 9cm. When the machine is open, the machine is 32.5 x 25.5cm, excluding the handle. It also has a carry handle, that slots neatly into the body of the machine so that it is flush and does not protrude.
Thanks to the steel construction of its innards, the Spellbinders Platinum 6 weighs in at 3kg. It's not difficult to carry around, though. The weight is evenly distributed and the carry handle makes it suitable for moving around the house, or even just popping to the village hall (depending on how far away that is), but you might want to consider something like a rolling tote bag if you're planning to travel further with it.
Our verdict: Should you buy the Spellbinders Platinum 6?
Overall, if you're looking for a solid, reliable bit of kit at a decent price point - then the Spellbinders Platinum 6 is a great option for you. The small footprint and carry handle means it's useful for taking to craft clubs, and it can withstand heavy use with ease. Of course, if you are cutting larger dies, then you'll want to look at something with a larger aperture, but for the majority of projects, the Spellbinders Platinum 6 would be a welcome addition to your craft room. It's the machine I personally use, and it's not let me down yet.
