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I need some advise. I am wanting to get either a cuttlebug or the big shot. Since I have never used either one I was hoping you guys could help me out.
I will be using it for card making only. Probably would be using it more for embossing and some nesties.
I would suggest checking out the Big Kick, which is essentially the same machine as the Big Shot but is sold at stores like AC Moore, Michaels, & JoAnn's and you can use coupons on it! You can get the Big Kick for somewhere around $60 with coupons or sales at the big box stores. Big Shot is usually sold through LSS and SU and you can't use coupons. Check out the Sizzix website, which shows both machines. I have the Big Kick and think it is much sturdier than the Cuttlebug, not to say the Cuttlebug isn't a great machine, but the Big Kick is a lot sturdier and handles the biggest dies with ease. So, unless you are fussy about what color your die cutter is, the Big Kick is a great deal.
Did everyone see Tim Holz's blog? There is going to be an electric Big Shot coming out in January? It's motorized...he demoed it while making his grudge reindeer... Anyone going to jump on buying one of these in January? Was thinking of maybe buying one, but now...Motorized Bigshot... Look tempting... I already had the Wizard (purple one) the cuttlebug and the Cricut...Do I need a motorized Big Shot? lol
Robin
Did everyone see Tim Holz's blog? There is going to be an electric Big Shot coming out in January? It's motorized...he demoed it while making his grudge reindeer... Anyone going to jump on buying one of these in January? Was thinking of maybe buying one, but now...Motorized Bigshot... Look tempting... I already had the Wizard (purple one) the cuttlebug and the Cricut...Do I need a motorized Big Shot? lol
Robin
I'm sure it will be nice and all.....but there's more chance for something to go wrong or break since it now relies on electrical components to run. Also if you should loose power (in the daytime so you can still see what you are doing), you won't be able to use it. I think it is a great idea for someone that has a hard time using thing with there hands,like if they have arthritis or even a broken hand or something. I have the Big Shot and it realy is no big deal to have to turn the handle. IMO
I agree with BooBooStamper that the manual is preferable. You would have to be near an electrical outlet. Of course if the power goes off, you also cannot use it.
A lot more can go wrong with electrical devices than manual ones.
If you have limited stamping space and/or want to carry the machine with you a lot, the Cuttlebug is more "size-friendly". However, I like the stability of the Big Shot much better and the size isn't that much larger.
That is the best price I've seen...however I've not ordered from them before.
Just an FYI...someone actually recommended RitzCamera online store and I was able to get the pink&blk Big Shot for 60.00 with free shipping over 100.00. Great deal..LOVE SCS for the enabler alerts
I have a BigKick and love it. I suffer from health problems, so occassionaly i have to take to my bed, and i've found i can craft in bed using the BigKick, with it's greater work area it's very stable, even using it in bed, lol.
I love my Cuttlebug, its perfect for me ... but I've heard only great things about the Big Shot ... so I guess its really preference ... is money an issue? If so, I'd get the Cuttlebug.
I have both...but if I had to pick, I would choose the Big Shot...for a few reasons:
1- it has a larger surface, so you can do more at once
2- it's a lot more stable, no sliding around and tipping
3- instructions are right on it, so just starting out, you aren't trying to find sandwhiches
4- it's black...I hate lime green
5- kind of with #2, but the handle is easier to grip on top when you are using it
6- if you are using Nesties on it, I get a better embossed impression than with the CB
Now with the prices around $65 for the BS...the cost difference is very little even compared to using a 40% coupon at Mikes for the CB. When it was a matter of $50 vs $100, those advantages had to be weighed more.
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
I also have both. I first got Cuttlebug and loved it (still do), but Big Shot is sturdier and can handle some sizes of dies that Cuttlebug can't. So, in short: Big Shot can do everything that Cuttlebug can, but not the other way around. It is up to you from there.
I have both...but if I had to pick, I would choose the Big Shot...for a few reasons:
1- it has a larger surface, so you can do more at once
2- it's a lot more stable, no sliding around and tipping
3- instructions are right on it, so just starting out, you aren't trying to find sandwhiches
4- it's black...I hate lime green
5- kind of with #2, but the handle is easier to grip on top when you are using it
6- if you are using Nesties on it, I get a better embossed impression than with the CB
Now with the prices around $65 for the BS...the cost difference is very little even compared to using a 40% coupon at Mikes for the CB. When it was a matter of $50 vs $100, those advantages had to be weighed more.
I couldn't have said it any better! I agree 100% with this poster!!
Location: Somewhere in the middle...closer to there, nearer to here...
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I've got the Big Kick and love it! Use it all the time and never had a problem. It's heavy though so if you wanted to take it to a crop or someone's house, it's not so portable. I got mine through Costco with the starter kit, free shipping, and a few free dies for about $70.
I love my Big Kick, it makes my card-making so much easier! Right now at Joann.com you can get the BigKick for $49.99, free shipping over $25 with coupon code EBD007.
Also, at Oh My Crafts, you can get very inexpensive CB Embossing Folders, if you don't have any. Some of their Christmas folders are only $1.99
So I'm just about sold on getting a Big Shot instead of a Cuttlebug (if money were no object I'd get both...) but I have one final question that needs clarifying... Can you use Cuttlebug dies on the Big Shot? Nesties on the Big Shot?
Thanks for starting this posting - I've been wrestling with this dilemma for a while now and wanted to get some opinions!
So I'm just about sold on getting a Big Shot instead of a Cuttlebug (if money were no object I'd get both...) but I have one final question that needs clarifying... Can you use Cuttlebug dies on the Big Shot? Nesties on the Big Shot?
Thanks for starting this posting - I've been wrestling with this dilemma for a while now and wanted to get some opinions!
Yes you can. All it takes is a sandwich adjusting.
Yes you can. All it takes is a sandwich adjusting.
:confused:
What do you mean by "sandwich adjusting"? I have the Big Shot and I have not been using it alot because I am new to using all of these machines and I was told that I "had to have one" by a friend and now it sits on my shelf, because I am afraid to use it.
What do you mean by "sandwich adjusting"? I have the Big Shot and I have not been using it alot because I am new to using all of these machines and I was told that I "had to have one" by a friend and now it sits on my shelf, because I am afraid to use it.
Thank you for the help in advance.
A "sandwich" is a stack of platforms, cutting pads and shims needed to provide enough of pressure on a certain die. On their multi purpose platform, Sizzix provided basic "sandwiches" descriptions for their dies. Non Sizzix dies might take a little experimenting. As Nestabilities are very thin, they need to be shimmed between the plates, otherwise there is no enough pressure to cut. Same goes for Cuttlebug embossing folders or dies. They are different from Sizzix dies and will need a different stack in order to work in Big Shot. HTH.
I have the pink and black Big shot and I love it. I wouldn't get the electric one because my kids use mine a lot and I would worry about squished fingers. I love using the bigz dies and they wont fit in the cuttle bug. I like that you can use just about any brand of embossing folder or die in the big shot. I don't pack mine around so I don't need it to be portable.
__________________ Worrying does not rid tomorow of its troubles...
it empties today of its strength.
I have both the Big Shot and the Cricut. If I had to choose between the 2 it would be the Big Shot! I love it! The more I use it the more comfy I am. You can use all the dies out there. You can emboss with it as well. The Cricut is nice, but if the mat is not clean the paper doesn't stick and I get very frustrated about that.
Good luck with whatever your chose. Enjoy!
__________________ [FONT="Comic Sans MS"][COLOR=[COLOR="Cyan"]
Lynn
Samistic Designs
A "sandwich" is a stack of platforms, cutting pads and shims needed to provide enough of pressure on a certain die. On their multi purpose platform, Sizzix provided basic "sandwiches" descriptions for their dies. Non Sizzix dies might take a little experimenting. As Nestabilities are very thin, they need to be shimmed between the plates, otherwise there is no enough pressure to cut. Same goes for Cuttlebug embossing folders or dies. They are different from Sizzix dies and will need a different stack in order to work in Big Shot. HTH.
Shimming can just mean adding an extra sheet of cardstock. I would go with the Big Shot or Big Kick, because it seems like lots of new big dies are coming out, and you will want to get them-sooner or later. Although the Big Shot is not real portable, because of its weight. The best price I found was at www.ritzcamera.com, search for Ellison Sizzix Big Shot Machine for $66.65. It comes with the multi-platform which should help you get the right sandwich. It tells right on it, what to do. Hope this helps.
I have the pink and black Big shot and I love it. I wouldn't get the electric one because my kids use mine a lot and I would worry about squished fingers. I love using the bigz dies and they wont fit in the cuttle bug. I like that you can use just about any brand of embossing folder or die in the big shot. I don't pack mine around so I don't need it to be portable.
Actually, Bigz Dies do fit in the Cuttlebug. I have both machines and use both for my classes. I do prefer Big Shot though as it is more stable and sturdy than the Cuttlebug.
I went with the Big Shot over the Cuttlebug. IT takes all the different kinds of folders, sizzix, cuttlebug, nesties, brass stencils as well. I love it.
I ordered it from RitzCAmera.com as well. Very easy to use. You can
get the folders at very online sites very cheap & also Joann's or michaels
if you have them in your area. Can also use your coupon on the folders.
I order from OH MY CRAFTS.com & they sell all them on sale pretty reasonable.
Actually, Bigz Dies do fit in the Cuttlebug. I have both machines and use both for my classes. I do prefer Big Shot though as it is more stable and sturdy than the Cuttlebug.
Thanks for the info. I learn something (many things actually ;) ) on SCS every day.
__________________ Worrying does not rid tomorow of its troubles...
it empties today of its strength.
I had a cuttle bug and it cracked; now I prefer my purchase of the wizard.
All metal, won't break, uses all dies including old sizzix. I haven't looked into the big shot.
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
I have the BUG.....will use it til it breaks...then I might try the big shot. I do love my embossing folders!! I'm not gonna get into the cricut...too big of an investment...I don't want to have to get all the cartridges that go in it!! I'm too cheap!! LOL
I spent many months reading, watching videos and thinking about which to buy. I ended up going with the Big Shot; got it from Ritz Camera right after Christmas last year. I'm very happy with it, and the price I got it for.
Cuttlebug or Big Shot
