Big shot vs Cuttlebug

[ugogirl07]

Good morning,
I have the Cuttlebug but have been toying with the idea of buying the Big Shot. Please let me know what you think. I was thinking about this because I had been having problems using the spellbinders die cuts, however have since figured that out. Now just need to work on the embossing part of the spellbinders.

Thank you!

[shazsilverwolf]

Hi there, it seems to me the main differences between the two are:
The Big Shot/ Big Kick has a slightly wider opening so will take wider dies/folders
The BS/BK has a larger footprint, which means it will take up more space, BUT it does mean it won't move around in use. I find you need to hold a bug still while you crank it.
I believe the BS/BK will take thicker dies than the Cuttlebug will.
When I had the opportunity to upgrade from my 'bug, I actually went with a BS Pro . I'm fortunate enough to have a whole room of my own for crafting, so the space it takes up wasn't an issue. It was a 'once & forever' type upgrade. The opening on it is 12" wide, so I figured that I will never need to use a die/folder bigger than that!

[ugogirl07]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazsilverwolf

Hi there, it seems to me the main differences between the two are:
The Big Shot/ Big Kick has a slightly wider opening so will take wider dies/folders
The BS/BK has a larger footprint, which means it will take up more space, BUT it does mean it won't move around in use. I find you need to hold a bug still while you crank it.
I believe the BS/BK will take thicker dies than the Cuttlebug will.
When I had the opportunity to upgrade from my 'bug, I actually went with a BS Pro . I'm fortunate enough to have a whole room of my own for crafting, so the space it takes up wasn't an issue. It was a 'once & forever' type upgrade. The opening on it is 12" wide, so I figured that I will never need to use a die/folder bigger than that!

Thank you for the info! I was beginning to think everyone had cuttlebugs. Lol!

I will look into the BS Pro as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed the bug but have been thinking about upgrading for a while. I appreciate your feedback.

Have a great day! :-)

[QueenOfInkland]

I love the Bigshot's versatility.

Those thicker (steel rule) dies that shazsilverwolf mentioned allow you to cut thicker material with the Bigshot than you can cut with the Cuttlebug IF you're interested in cutting thicker materials (which was very important to me).

And then there is the electric/automated version of the Bigshot - the Vagabond - which you might want to check out which eliminates cranking handles - you just have to be DILIGENT to make sure you use the sandwich keys that come with the Vagabond to ensure you keep your sandwiches within the required thicknesses so you don't damage the machine. And for embossing using the Vagabond with dies such as Spellbinders, tim holtz says it's important to use only the Sizzix embossing mats and plates to protect your Vagabond since Sizzix product thicknesses are calibrated to be used in the Vagabond. Love the Vagabond

Tim explains in the last portion of this video gets into how to emboss Spellbinders dies with the Vagabond:
Vagabond Versatility - YouTube

Tim explains about the Vagabond keys (near the end of this video):
Scrap Time - CHA Winter 2012 - Tim Holtz at Sizzix - YouTube

Have fun selecting a new machine - VERY exciting !!!!

[Monika]

I've had a Cuttlebug for 7 yrs and was heart broken when it finally died. I loved my bug. I did have a hard time deciding which machine to get but with a lot of research I decided to go with the Big Shot....I am sooo glad I did... I love my new toy. It's so much sturdier than the CB...besides, I got a good deal on the BS so I HAD to get it..lol