My first mini die cutting machine was a Sidekick. It didn't take me long to discover its limitations, particularly the amount of cutting real estate delivered by the plates. This machine is the solution. What it didn't do well, was intricate dies. The smaller the cuts, the more often some were missed. UNTIL I added a metal shim to the sandwich. The shim is an additional purchase - or it was when I purchased my mini blossom die cutting machine. Now it is the perfect mini machine to have sitting on my desk to work my way through embellishment and word dies!

I love this tiny machine! It really cuts! I keep it on my desk and run tiny little word dies through and it cuts every time perfectly the FIRST time! The size is great and fits perfectly on my desk so I don't have to drag out the huge die cutting machine.

I was hesitant about getting the mini die machine since I already owned a regular sized one. But I saw it being used in many videos from a sitting position- that’s what won me over. I started using it right away. The smaller crank handle is easy to turn, the suction cups underneath it keep it level & steady. It cuts cleanly. And I can enjoy my time crafting cards without constantly getting up & down out of my chair.

The knob on the crank handle came apart within the first 10-15 times I ran a die through. The interior glue was sticky & messy, got all over my fingers & card stock, & was hard to clean off. I tried to hot glue the 2 halves of the knob together, but it wouldn't take - even with other glues - so I put a rubber band around it just to keep the knob from falling apart on me while using it. The plates warp quickly & the replacement plates never seem to be in stock when I try to order them. On top of that, the machine is expensive & took a long time to get here. I've had it for about a year or so now, & although it cuts small dies well enough, you have to put a single die (no more than 2 small ones) in the center of the plates or it won't cut all the way through - especially when the plates start to warp.

On ther plus side, it's nice to have the mini for fast & easy die-cutting, but I wish I had gone with another brand given all the inconveniences.

I absolutely love my Altenew machine. It is light weight, handy, works perfect time. Great for crops and home work both. Everyone should have this machine. I’ve had mine several years and it is still going strong.