TODO Crafting Machine Review
• Multi-feature crafting machine
• Adjustable rollers
• Folding handle
• Excessive hand cranking when moving rollers
• Expensive
• Plates sometimes move while die cutting
• Hot plate too small
The TODO Machine attempts to solve too many problems at once. This has resulted in design compromises that do not deliver on the product's lofty promises. There are a number of interesting features, but it is questionable if the product's high cost is worth the trade-off in performance. Some of the flaws can be overcome as the user learns the machine, but this may not be a palatable option for everyone.
TODO Machine
TODO Crafting Machine is a multi-purpose die cut machine which can also emboss, hot foil, and letterpress.
Claims & Features
- Hot foiling
- Letterpress
- Die-cutting
- Embossing
- Light indicator shows optimum temperature
- Anti-slip feet
Cost & Availability
The TODO Machine costs $299.99 + $6.95 shipping and around $18 in taxes, totaling about $325.
TODO Machine Video
The video below was posted to the Create & Craft YouTube channel in June 2015.
TODO Machine Reviews
The TODO Machine, also referred to as the TODO Crafting Machine, has been advertised in upper-cable channel infomercials in 2015, and via online ads into 2016. The unit combines several functions, including hot foil, letterpress, die cut, and embossing.
The makers have tossed in a slew of features which – on the surface – present a comprehensive crafting machine that would impress even the most seasoned die cutters – if it lived up to those promises. The folding handle is a nice touch, which saves space. Another nice feature is that the rollers are adjustable, which allows more precise embossing.
Unfortunately, sometimes when a product attempts to solve too many problems at once, there will be tradeoffs. In the case of the TODO Machine, users have reported problems with plates moving, poor cutting on elaborate dies, and excessive hand cranking when moving rollers. The hot plate also seems a bit small for our tastes.
Embossing has also proved problematic for some users. One of our readers created the excellent video below which shows an attempt at embossing using the TODO machine. You’ll see that there are sections which aren’t embossed as deeply as the rest. The video also points to the problem of a folder which breaks throughout the process.
Some readers have reported that some of the product flaws can be overcome with continued use, as the nuances are learned by the user. For the experienced die cutter however, this may not be a satisfying path to take, especially considering its steep price.
Epic Conclusion
The TODO Machine attempts to solve too many problems at once. This has resulted in design compromises that do not deliver on the product’s lofty promises. There are a number of interesting features, but it is questionable if the product’s high cost is worth the trade-off in performance. Some of the flaws can be overcome as the user learns the machine, but this may not be a palatable option for everyone.
If you’ve used TODO Machine, please give it a star rating and comment below.
Updated January 2, 2016
I have had this machine since it was launched and love it. It cuts every die available even sizzix metal dies. Create and craft have demonstrations of this machine and if you follow the instructions then this machine is perfect. It cuts like a dream, embosses rely well with any folders, letter pressing (both with and without ink) gives a very good result. The foiling is spectacular. May be a bigger foil plate would be nic9e but the price would then be out of most peoples price range. Buying the foiling plates (which can also bninee used for letter pressing) is no more expensiive than buying a new die. Dies can also be used for foiling which gives a very subtle sffect. Since it was launched it has been used for stamping. so this is another use. I am an experienced crafter and found that I could use this machine from the moment that it was out of the box. Why your review should think that there was a learning curve I do not know. Todo does 5 functions well so is worth every penny of the £ 270.00 that I paid for it. In fact, because of the free items, the machine was £163.00. Not so much for such a good machine. I get the same results as Mel Heaton when she demonstrates the Todo on Create and Craft. Have a look and see what this machine actualy does in the real world not what you are thinking it may do.
I have to say that my experience with Todo was the exact opposite to the previous person. I tested all of the machines functions including die cutting ,embossing ,letterpressing and hot foiling and it failed miserably on every level! I’m an experienced crafter and have used various machines for diecutting and hot foiling but you would have to have very low standards be satisfied with the results that I got!
Finally after 4 hours use I had to return it after it made a loud cracking sound when a die which came as part of the bundle got jammed after it failed to cut once again and the metal carriage split wide open rendering the machine unusable and in my opinion this machine is not fit for purpose! The bundle on offer and item number is frequently changed so the bad reviews dont appear for long….very disingenuous of them too!
I am not sure of the build quality as this only worked for three passes and then the roller jammed and only a three inch area could be rolled over. The height adjustment also jammed.
No idea why
Trying to send it back and will see what customer service say
Now an expensive paper weight
I returned my machine after trying it for a couple of weeks. Never got to embossing and foiling, just trying to make the die cuts was frustrating due to the plates moving every time and hand cranking to keep them in place, hard on your wrists/hands….not worth it I’ll stick to my Grand Caliber. Very dissapointing
Email customer service 3 times and no reply. I checked on tracking and found that Create and Craft has received the Todo bundle back on Sept 21. I emailed and mentioned that the machine returned had been received and I hadn’t heard anything. Finally a reply. It takes 5 to 10 business days to process a return/refund. Well 2 flexi pays have now been taken and still no refund. October 10, 2015
Not liking this machine much. I have various machines and was desperate to have this for the foiling. Not had a lot of use and my plates are not in great shape and the machine has broken one of my embossing folders after its first use. Also it does not cut all dies and I agree with one of your other customers that it is hard on the wrists.I am so disappointed as this was a gift for my 50th Birthday 🙁 so feel I am stuck with it. Rubbish!!!!
I had the same problem with my embossing folders Sandy. I am afraid to put more through the machine at the moment. I am definitely not going to put my Anna Griffin folders through it.
I have been documenting my experiences with my TODO and I have them up on my blog at http://papercraftnut.com/todo-machine/embossing-full-size-folders-with-todo/
I also published videos on youtube that show the break actually happening.
It’s a tricky machine. Like you, I also wanted this machine primarily for the foiling. I hope that you have found a way to make your machine perform better for you!
Thanks for the info. We have embedded your video in the review above.
Your wording in the review regarding the video is extremely misleading! The user clearly states that she used the sandwich backwards and that the curling doesn’t happen if you get the sandwich right. Surely it’s possible that breakage doesn’t happen either if you get the sandwich right!?
I don’t have a Todo and was hoping to find a balanced review on whether to by one – yours is not a balanced review 🙁
Rubbish machine
rubbish
When I used my dies I had to put them through my grand calibur afterward as the todo did not work even though I changed the dial many times. I will stick with my grand calibur.
I liked what l saw on the C/C channel read reviews they weren’t very good, but I still brought one anyway thinking mine would be great ,what a disappointment l tried everything time and time again a hopeless machine l was lucky enough to sell it on hoping the next person had better luck than me with it
I need help figuring out why the machine is not heating to transfer the foil to the card stock. I received the machine this weekend and opened it Tuesday. At one point I left the plate on for over an hour and tried the foil, still not transfer. I feel like Susan. I hope this can be resolved.
Worst machine I ever bought. Will not foil and die cut. Plate B is bowed and hot plate is so scratched I can’t do anything on this machine. Will never buy another TODO product
My Todo turns it’s self off. The green button is still in the on position but the light is red and the plate is cool. I have to turn it off and switch it back on and then wait again for the green light to come on. Very disappointed and feel I have wasted my money.
My work colleague and I are also not happy with the machine as the plates move too much and I find it frustrating having to hold it down tight.
“Quite disappointed in this expensive machine.
I spent a large sum of money for the dies and foil papers and hardly touch them .