| General Category > General Discussion |
| Best Tools and Sources for Die Cutting Your Own Boxes |
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| jtsuter:
This thread is for discussing the best tools, techniques, and sources for die cutting your own game boxes, to include NES, SNES, N64, Atari 2600/7200, etc. etc. This is for people who want to go all-in and produce industrial quality boxes either at home or by outsourcing. * What are the best at home die cutters you can buy? * What is the best way to create your own dies for cutting? * What are some good, reputable businesses that will create a die for you, print, or even die cut the boxes for you? * Since it's related, what are the best printers for printing your own boxes? * What is the best box thickness and material for authenticity and quality? * What are the most accurate dielines one can use to assist in cutting the boxes? * Or anything else that's related to die cutting in general |
| Taketheword:
Hi. Welcome to the forum. |
| wiggy:
--- Quote from: jtsuter on May 14, 2020, 11:44:07 AM ---This thread is for discussing the best tools, techniques, and sources for die cutting your own game boxes, to include NES, SNES, N64, Atari 2600/7200, etc. etc. This is for people who want to go all-in and produce industrial quality boxes either at home or by outsourcing. * What are the best at home die cutters you can buy? * What is the best way to create your own dies for cutting? * What are some good, reputable businesses that will create a die for you, print, or even die cut the boxes for you? * Since it's related, what are the best printers for printing your own boxes? * What is the best box thickness and material for authenticity and quality? * What are the most accurate dielines one can use to assist in cutting the boxes? * Or anything else that's related to die cutting in general --- End quote --- * We have a Tipman Clicker. If you’re going to insist on die cutting, it’s cheap and effective. But keep in mind that “cheap” means affordable by comparison. It’s not for the hobbyists though. Even with that, we’ve found a number of methods for producing packaging with laser cutters, often with better results than can be achieved with a press. That said, If you’re a hobbyist, then maybe some sort of circuit cutter would be the better option, as neither die presses nor lasers are cheap. * The simple answer is don’t bother. Pay someone to make them. It’s a craft which requires some skill. For the price that die makers charge, it’s in your best interest to employ them, rather than try to make your own. * I laser/die cut stuff for people all the time. Not trying to advertise, but I can do so, and I will take on small volume jobs (which virtually no print house will). * There is really no answer for this. So many factors to consider. The first and likely most important to most people reading this is cost. I would break it down into 3 tiers: 1. Inkjet. Nearly any $300-400 inkjet will produce high quality prints when coupled with decent papers. It’s slow and the prints aren’t very durable, but image quality will be high. 2. Laser. A decent office color laser will set ya back anywhere between $2,000-$15,000. Fast, durable prints, good image quality. 3. Digital press: if you don’t already know what this is, then you’re not in the market for one. * Again, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution/answer. It will depend on what you’re trying to achieve. * If you’re cutting by hand, no die lines (I.e. no bleed). Can’t get a more accurate indicator of where to cut. * I’m not sure who the target is for this thread. If you’re a hobbyist, then just get used to cutting with a knife and straight edge, as there’s not really an automated process that is suitable for someone who is producing a handful of boxes every now and again. |
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