Cutting machine = whats the REAL cost

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

i want to jump in and buy one of the manual die cutting/embossing manual machine...like big shot or something similar. they sell the machine pretty cheap but what all do you have to buy just to get the machine to do anything...can you please break down exactly what you need in order to even get it to work...please i want to see if i really need to go to all the expense. thanks i really need help!!!

[shazsilverwolf]

If you go have a look HERE, on the Sizzix website, you can get the BSPro starter kit, which gives you all you need in one package- it works out cheaper than buying the plates individually. Hth
By the way, what size of dies do you want to go up to? The BS will not cut Bigz dies- for that you will need the BSPro.

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babygirl-is-my-cat

i want to jump in and buy one of the manual die cutting/embossing manual machine...like big shot or something similar. they sell the machine pretty cheap but what all do you have to buy just to get the machine to do anything...can you please break down exactly what you need in order to even get it to work...please i want to see if i really need to go to all the expense. thanks i really need help!!!

The machines themselves can usually be found on sale, and you do get what you need to use the machine.

The expense comes when you start collecting dies, embossing folders, to use in the machine. Ask me how I know.

I have the original Cuttlebug that I got years ago at Michaels for about $40 with a coupon. I still use it with practically every card I make, and it's still going strong. I consider it one of my best crafting tools ever.

PS I just noticed your siggy line - and you might be in trouble collecting dies and folders, lol.

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazsilverwolf

By the way, what size of dies do you want to go up to? The BS will not cut Bigz dies- for that you will need the BSPro.

Not quite right - the Big Shot will cut Bigz dies (things like the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals etc are Bigz). What it won't take is the Bigz XL dies.

When I bought my Big Shot it came with the platform and cutting plates - those are basically all you need to be able to use most dies and embossing folders. In a way the real cost of a manual die cutting machine is in the dies and folders you buy to go through it.

To use dies like Nesties or those with open areas and get the embossed detail as well as cutting, you'll need a "tan mat".

Some specialist dies (the Tim Holtz "on the edge" ones or the Sizzix strip dies, for example) have cutting plates or platforms to match. You only need those if you can't resist buying those dies and can't find a work around (I don't have the edge plates, for example - I just use the regular plates and some care!).

Can't think of anything else essential at the moment.

HTH!

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

so when you the machine it comes with the plates you need to cut and emboss...just not the actual "embossing folder" correct...oyvey so confussing!!!

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazsilverwolf

If you go have a look HERE, on the Sizzix website, you can get the BSPro starter kit, which gives you all you need in one package- it works out cheaper than buying the plates individually. Hth
By the way, what size of dies do you want to go up to? The BS will not cut Bigz dies- for that you will need the BSPro.

Shaz - I checked the Sizzix site for the package deal. It is $159.99 and you get the machine and a few dies and folders.

Overstock.com has the Big Shot machine for only $59.99. That is $100 less than the package deal. You can buy a whole lot of folders and dies for $100.

Sizzix Black/ Pink Big Shot Cutting/ Embossing Machine | Overstock.com

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

Shaz - I checked the Sizzix site for the package deal. It is $159.99 and you get the machine and a few dies and folders.

Overstock.com has the Big Shot machine for only $59.99. That is $100 less than the package deal. You can buy a whole lot of folders and dies for $100.

Sizzix Black/ Pink Big Shot Cutting/ Embossing Machine | Overstock.com

i understand, but what all do you need to buy with just the machine to get going...cutting, embossing etc. thanks for your help...

[scrapbook_noob]

If you buy the machine from Overstock, then you still need to buy dies or embossing fooders to do anything. Basically you will get the machine and cutting plates and be ready to use it, but until you have dies or embossing folders won't actually be able to do anything. HTH

[scrapbook_noob]

Also, check your local craigslist. I found my Sizzix big shot with cutting mats and dies for a really great deal

[prairiecrafter]

I got a Big Kick at michaels for 50% off with all the plates I need. It did not have a tan mat so I have used paper shims (I do have a mat for another machine). I would pick a couple of embossing folders to start with. If you want die cuts start with basics you will use--circles, ovals. Many companies have dies today. ( I have a ton of spellbinders and few memory box). Look in the gallery to see what type of cards you like and what has been used to make them.

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

thanks for the help...what is the tan mat??? i did look at HL and M both have the 40% off coupon i could use...so that would help in cost...and i will def look on CList. thanks ...also do you use yours lots???

[buggainok]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babygirl-is-my-cat

thanks for the help...what is the tan mat??? i did look at HL and M both have the 40% off coupon i could use...so that would help in cost...and i will def look on CList. thanks ...also do you use yours lots???

The tan mat is a thin rubber mat that you use in addition to the plates in your diecutting machine, when you want to "emboss" the edges of your die cuts, after you have cut them.

You do not need the tan mat to die cut.

If you are using regular embossing folders, there is no need for the tan mat.

Here is the tan mat at Hobby Lobby. You get 2 in a pack:

Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mat | Shop Hobby Lobby

I have the Cuttlebug, not the Big Shot, but it does the same things - and yes I use it a whole lot. On practically every card I make.

[prairiecrafter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babygirl-is-my-cat

thanks for the help...what is the tan mat??? i did look at HL and M both have the 40% off coupon i could use...so that would help in cost...and i will def look on CList. thanks ...also do you use yours lots???

A tan mat is used for embossing with dies. I use my die cut machines (also have a grand calibur) for almost every card I make. Good luck and happy card making.

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

thanks all so much!!!! i really appreciate all you help!!!

[lylacfey]

You can buy the tan mat at Lowe's or Home Depot. It's called Plumber's Gasket. It costs less than a $1.00. You want the thin gasket. It is really the same thing as the tan mat that Spellbinder's carries. How do I know this? My DH used my Spellbinder's mat one day when he was working on some plumbing.

If you get a Cuttlebug. You will need to buy the C Plate if you want to cut Nestabilities dies. Michael's carries the C plate for $8.00. You can use a coupon.

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

You can buy a whole lot of folders and dies for $100.

I'd absolutley agree. A package deal is only ever a good deal if you like and would use everything in there and even then it's not always cheaper! You could probably make that $100 go even further by looking out on the BST forum here or for auction bargains on eBay.

I'd also agree with the idea of going for some basics first. The fancy dies are beautiful but try to think about how often you're going to use something - a field of flower heads or a haunted house might be cute but how many different projects can you make? Circles and ovals (Nestabilities) were the first things I bought and probably still my most used. Some of the earlier Nesties Labels shapes are also really useful although the later ones have all started to look a bit "samey" to me.

For embossing folders, I'd try to pick a few that are versatile and have fairly small scale patterns if you're mostly a cardmaker. Swiss dots is still really popular (I confess I've never bought it though!) and there a some around that are good for masculine as well as feminine cards (woodgrain, for example, looks good with floral images as well as Western or tree images).

I think the main thing is not to get sucked into the "must have it all NOW" thing. Build your collection gradually, maybe ask for dies or folders for gifts at birthday or Christmas - that way youre much more likely to end up with things you actually like and will use long term rather than all the impulsive stuff you saw on one card and loved but can't actually make look right for yourself!

[shazsilverwolf]

Joanne, thanks for correcting my error- thats what you get for quickly skimming over what a website says about the Big Shot! I agree about the Overstock deal- I didn't think to look there, as its a place I don't use over here. It is very true that the best 'deals' are the ones you can spend some time browsing the net/bricks & mortar stores for! Beloved Hubby always says 'research, research and then research some more', before he buys anything, lol.

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

I'd absolutley agree. A package deal is only ever a good deal if you like and would use everything in there and even then it's not always cheaper! You could probably make that $100 go even further by looking out on the BST forum here or for auction bargains on eBay.

I'd also agree with the idea of going for some basics first. The fancy dies are beautiful but try to think about how often you're going to use something - a field of flower heads or a haunted house might be cute but how many different projects can you make? Circles and ovals (Nestabilities) were the first things I bought and probably still my most used. Some of the earlier Nesties Labels shapes are also really useful although the later ones have all started to look a bit "samey" to me.

For embossing folders, I'd try to pick a few that are versatile and have fairly small scale patterns if you're mostly a cardmaker. Swiss dots is still really popular (I confess I've never bought it though!) and there a some around that are good for masculine as well as feminine cards (woodgrain, for example, looks good with floral images as well as Western or tree images).

I think the main thing is not to get sucked into the "must have it all NOW" thing. Build your collection gradually, maybe ask for dies or folders for gifts at birthday or Christmas - that way youre much more likely to end up with things you actually like and will use long term rather than all the impulsive stuff you saw on one card and loved but can't actually make look right for yourself!

LOL you're so funny its like you know me...that is sooooooo me to do the how i want it ALL and i want it now....thanks for the info

[shazsilverwolf]

Referring to Angelnorths suggestion of getting dies & folders as gifts- in case you don't know about this little gadget. If you go to Amazon, you can get a gadget for your toolbar called the Amazon wishlist. Then, whenever you see something you like, from any supplier, anywhere, not just on Amazon, you can click the gadget to add it to your Wishlist. You can e-mail the link to your wishlist to family & friends then.

[stamphappy1650]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

Not quite right - the Big Shot will cut Bigz dies (things like the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals etc are Bigz). What it won't take is the Bigz XL dies.

HTH!

Maybe this has already been said, but the BS/Big Kick will use the BigZ XL dies - what it won't handle are the Pro dies. You just need to buy the extended (longer) pads.

The BS/Big Kick can't handle the Pro dies as they are are too wide.

Also, over time the clear pads wear out and break so you'll have to replace them.

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamphappy1650

Maybe this has already been said, but the BS/Big Kick will use the BigZ XL dies - what it won't handle are the Pro dies. You just need to buy the extended (longer) pads.

The BS/Big Kick can't handle the Pro dies as they are are too wide.

Also, over time the clear pads wear out and break so you'll have to replace them.

Thanks, I was just coming along to correct my correction as the result of a pm exchange! I definitely had my XL confused with my Pro - as you say, the Bigz XL need extended cutting pads as they are much longer than the Bigz but they'll go through the Big Shot machine. The Bigz Pro dies are wider as well as longer so those will only go through the Pro machine.

[Kim17034]

I have the cuttlebug & love it. I also just got the Spellbinder grand calibur on sale at acmoore for $83.00 & it comes with the plates & tan mat. I was using the spellbinders dies in my cuttlebug & after going through 2 "b' plates cutting dies I siad I'll finally break down & get the spellbinder. If you want to use embossing folders with the grand calibur you need to get the "raspberry" plate. I just got one at joanns.com for $6.00. All of the above are great ideas.

[babygirl-is-my-cat]

thanks so much !!!!