Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
hi girls,
Just wondering if anyone has a die cut machine like The Boss or tag-a-long. I was really considering getting one and would appreciate any input. Thanks so much!! , Mea
I have the Sizzix and the sidekick... I really like them both! If you are thinking about getting one, they are having a huge sale on their website since they are changing over plus I think there is a 60%off coupon code floating around. HTH
If any one is interested, I posted this under another thread: If anyone enjoys Sizzixs products or likes to shop on line with them, here is an awesome coupon code (Coupon Code WM6244 ) for 60% off of one item at Sizzix.com. I got the $89.00 tote for the Sizzix machine for only $36.00. I hope some one else can enjoy this too!
I have the Sizzix with the converter and Square #2 die for sell. All 3 pieces are $107.97 brand new on sizzix.com. I'd be willing to let someone have this one for 54.00 + actual shipping cost. It works great, but I just don't use it so it is taking up valuable room in my little bitty craft space.
__________________ Suzanne "Wear fabulous underwear even if you are the only person that is going to see it"
I just got the Big Shot by Ellison. I wanted something NON-computerized and non-electric, AND, large enough to create window cards. I also discovered it works well on chipboard, too, thanks to some folks here that shared when I had questions!
Another bonus with the Big Shot: All the Sizzix, Sizzlit, and even the QuikKutz dies work in the machine! I've also heard mention that Wizard dies and a number of other brand dies will also work in the machine. And, you can emboss with the embossing templates/dies Ellison makes.
For me, I think it will be the perfect machine. I got a Big Shot Starter Kit for a little over $50 at costco.com , which was basically wholesale pricing.
Sweet! :cool:
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Further clarification: the Costco.com price is $54.95, but that does not include S & H and any taxes.
For me, buying it and having it shipped to me on this island, came to about $80 or so with tax, S & H, but I also hafta pay sales tax ON THE S & H here, at 8.3%
It was STILL worth it to buy through costco.com for me.
MSRP on the Big Shot Starter Kit is just under $120, I believe.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I have a Sizzix and love it! Easy to use and my husband bought it at Michaels during one of their sales two Christmas' ago. Best part is it's RED and matches my little scrapbooking/stamping area perfectly. (hehe)
One thing to note, Sizzix was bought earlier this summer by Ellison and there are some changes coming. For instance, if you take a look on Sizzix's website (www.sizzix.com) they are constantly having 40% and 50% sales due to new repackaging of thier products.
I just saw the Big Shot demoed on PBS this morning. I love the crank mechanism but it looks like you have to sandwich both the large dies and the tiny dies between two thick pieces of plastic. I'm not used to that with my Sizzix. HTH...
Hi, I also have the Sizzix and converter and use it all of the time for both card and scrapbooking. I also use it for cutting out shapes for Iris folding cards and tons, and tons of other things. I like it because the dies are not all that expensive as opposed to some of the others. I also have a converter that lets it accept the thin dies like quickcutz and others. I have serveral of their alphabets which really saves me because I almost never have to buy alphabets if I want one other than stamped I can cut it out in whatever color or style I need.
I have the Sizzix and the Sidekick, like them but don't use them very often. But, I don't use any of my tools very often and I have loads! I do love my alphabets though.
Awe Julie, you're so sweet! TFS
I have a sizzix but seldom use it?? Don't know why, do you think I should sell that one and get the Big SHot?? Anyone?
I'd say that if you seldom use it, stick with what you have. Otherwise, you're just investing more into a system that you still use infrequently, UKWIM?
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I'd say that if you seldom use it, stick with what you have. Otherwise, you're just investing more into a system that you still use infrequently, UKWIM?
Man, Julie, why do you have to be the voice of reason? Just when I was thinking about getting the Big Shot, too.
I�m planning on purchasing a Big Shot, my neighbor and I are going to share dies! I love the fact the Sizzix, Sizzlit, and even the QuikKutz dies work in the Big Shot. Since I�m not a big scraper I thought the size of the Big Shot would work fine for me.
Hey Julie.........do you need adapters to make other dies fit with the Big Shot?
To my knowledge, no. I'm anxious for more of the dies I've ordered to arrive so I can mess around--I ordered a bunch of regular Sizzix ones.
But, from what I can tell if you're using Quikutz dies, you just include the white adapter plate, which came in the Big Shot Starter kit, and which is supposed to be used with the Thin Cut dies. Should achieve same results no problem, that I can tell.
I'm on the hunt for a Quikutz die for making chocolate truffles . . . ;) I stopped at my LSS yesterday and they only carry the Cricut system. :( I was bummed . . . Thought at least they might have the Quikutz system, since it is so hugely popular . . .
I have no Wizard dies, but read over on Gingerwood forum that folks were using their dies with great success on the Big Shot. I haven't check out Wizard dies, but prolly will, since folks are saying there are no compatibility problems.
I'm really excited to play more with this new toy. ahem--err----TOOL. ;)
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Ok the last thing I need is another die cut machine. I have an Accucut Mark IV - yeah the big one like at scrapbook stores. Also Sizzix and a Quickutz. The problem I have with the big one is the dies are so darn expensive. I hate to get rid of it because I do have some really cool dies for it. I like the roller system for die cutting much better than the pressing kind.
So if I got a Big Shot and could use all my other dies for that I could get rid of my Sizzix and Quickuts and maybe move the big monster cutter out to my garage (it's my other workshop)............hhhmmmmmmmmm
__________________ Jeanne S - Inky Paws SCS Moderator
So if I got a Big Shot and could use all my other dies for that I could get rid of my Sizzix and Quickuts and maybe move the big monster cutter out to my garage (it's my other workshop)............hhhmmmmmmmmm
I got the feeling that a number of folks had done precisely that with their Big Shot.
Folks have said they can use Thin Cuts, Thick Cuts, Sizzlits, Quikutz, ZipEze (sp????? Zippee Mate???? I think that's an Accucut machine???) and Wizard dies in the Big Shot with no problems.
I'm not sure about the really looooooong border type dies, but, with a little pokin' around, I'm sure there's an answer on whether or not those need a special adapter, due to their length????
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I got the feeling that a number of folks had done precisely that with their Big Shot.
Folks have said they can use Thin Cuts, Thick Cuts, Sizzlits, Quikutz, ZipEze (sp????? Zippee Mate???? I think that's an Accucut machine???) and Wizard dies in the Big Shot with no problems.
I'm not sure about the really looooooong border type dies, but, with a little pokin' around, I'm sure there's an answer on whether or not those need a special adapter, due to their length????
I won't need it for the longer borders anyways
__________________ Jeanne S - Inky Paws SCS Moderator
I've heard about die cut machines before but never really understood what they do or what they produce? Is it just for cutting cardstock? Does anybody have an example they can link here? Sorry ... I'm die cut machine ignorant - I'm sure I won't be for long!! Thanks for bearing with me ...
This should help explain better than I can. Basically, it's a tool for cutting out shapes from card stock, and sometimes thicker materials like fabric, felt, lightweight chipboard, fun foam, etc. The dies come in so many different styles and shapes it boggles the mind! And the cool thing about 'em? Cut in one fell swoop--no tracing and then cutting by hand! Nifty, nifty!
I waited a loooooong time, and analyzed the pros and cons of each before deciding the Big Shot would probably best fit my needs, but there are a LOT of very great die cutting tools out there. Warning, however: the initial tool is not cheap, no matter what size or brand you buy. They typically run $100+, unless you find a deal somewhere.
HTH,
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Location: in a quiet library with plenty of books, a pot of tea, dark chocolate, and a purring cat
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A happy sizzix/sidekick owner here!
I have owned the Siizzix for at least three years and have many dies, I also have lots of alphabets for my sidekick (Round-a-bout should be arriving today). Cutting multiple sizzlets is easier with the long plastic base and top than the short one.
I have used the original dies numerous times (one turkey die was used 400+ times for a school project) and they are of great quality, plus the selection of designs keeps getting better all the time.
My most-used dies are the bookplates, photo corners, and tags, but I just got the fish bowl and fish plus the postage stamp die which I can't wait to use!
I have some of the embossing folders and they work well, although the size is smaller than I would prefer, I hope they come out with a folder that could emboss a card-front piece of paper.
Definintely a purchase I have gotten my money out of, don't forget that you can cut thin metal, cork, and fabric with original dies!
Rachel V.
I have many brass templates for dry embossing (several brands) and was wondering if they will work with the big shot? Someone said that thicker stencils work, but do the ones that you emboss by hand work? I have been wondering whether or not I would use a die cutter enough to justify the cost, but if I could use the stencils that I already own, that would be a big benefit. If they do work, what kind of extra part do I need to make them work? I have never used a die cutter and don't have a LSS to go and see them in use.
TAC carries the Big Shot in their catalog - if you were to have a party, you would be able to get it for 1/2 off (I believe that would make it $65.)
Our last couple of orders, my mother, a friend and I called a "party" - you only need $100 in product to qualify - and we shared out the hostess bennies. 2 of us got a 1/2 price item from the catalog, and the other got to pick out one of the level A hostess sets. We just rotate who gets what each time.
I have many brass templates for dry embossing (several brands) and was wondering if they will work with the big shot? Someone said that thicker stencils work, but do the ones that you emboss by hand work? I have been wondering whether or not I would use a die cutter enough to justify the cost, but if I could use the stencils that I already own, that would be a big benefit. If they do work, what kind of extra part do I need to make them work? I have never used a die cutter and don't have a LSS to go and see them in use.
Susan,
Yes, you can use your brass templates for dry embossing. You do need a piece of rubber for them, which I got at a scrapbook store in Denver where I purchased my Big Shot. Being able to use my brass templates is what sold me on purchasing the Big Shot! HTH.