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I have a big shot--it's about 5 years old. It has been cutting fine, but the last week, it won't cut through ANY paper, like it did last week! Nothing is different, this week from last week!! I have used new cutting plates, turned my mulit-purpose platform upside down..tried my metal plate shim...and OH my, I'm frustrated!!
My question, do Big Shots "wear out!?" Has anyone had to replace their machine before?
Thanks in advance!!
__________________ want to see what i've been up to? My Stampin' Spot
I think all machines "loosen up" over time - maybe yours has finally loosened to the point that it's just not putting sufficient pressure on any more? I haven't heard of it happening but then I suspect a lot of people haven't had their machine anything like that long and it's going to depend how much use it gets too.
I know it's out of warranty at that age but you could try e-mailing Sizzix to see if they have any useful advice for you.
I've had my Big Kick since 2006, and it still works perfectly. I use it a lot, and I've cut acetate, foam, thin metal, heavy chipboard, and plastic. Maybe something actually broke on your machine if it isn't cutting anything. Contacting Sizzix sounds like your best option, but you might need to buy a new machine. Machines do wear out eventually too. I hope they can help you; good luck.
The first big shot I had the gears wore out. My husband took it apart. There are 2 gears in the machine they both have teeth that match up with with each other. Kind of like a clock. Smaller bottom one was almost wore out so that when top would try to engage together it would actual break of teeth in top gear. I bought a new one at Michael`s with 50% coupon only $50 I had it for about 6 years so it was a good investment Hope this helps
I have had my big shot since 2007 and it still works great. I agree with others call sizzix and see if they have any advise. You could also add a shim to make it a litter tighter.
Have you popped the little button off the handle and tightened the screw with the wrench that came with it originally? I have done that before and the machine was like brand new once again.
Have you popped the little button off the handle and tightened the screw with the wrench that came with it originally? I have done that before and the machine was like brand new once again.
You , I will have to try this. Thank you!! Mine is starting to get loose as well.
Your welcome, just passing alone what someone suggested to me. I think I need to get around to doing this again myself... one more thing to add to the "to do" list.
I broke teeth off the gear in my Big Shot. I emailed and got a very prompt response. I asked if I could buy replacement gears and they sent me new ones for free. It was my fault for breaking them, trying to force a sandwich through, but their customer service was excellent. I had the new gears (I asked for two, in case I screwed up again) within days. They even sent directions for taking it apart to fix it.
Glad to hear of companies that stand behind their products. Also, nice when people 'put out ' the word that a company and their customer service personnel want their customers to be happy and continue to purchases their products.
This website is a treasure trove of helpful, thoughtful people that spread the word-good or bad.
Another suggestion that you should contact Sizzix. Sizzix has awesome customer service.
I lost a few of the rubber feet off of my Bigshot, so I contacted Sizzix and they mailed me all new feet for my Bigshot at no charge to me. I had the package from Sizzix within days. I bought my Bigshot when they first came out, so I've had it for a long time and never had any problems. I like the hints about the handle screw and the gears - so helpful - thanks !!
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Mine wore out. I don't know how long I'd had it (years), but long enough that I felt comfortable that I'd gotten my $s worth out of it. Didn't mind a bit that I had to replace it.
I wore my first one out too! My husband took it apart and found the gears worn out. I bought it in either 2007 or 08 and it did not owe me a dime. It was used almost daily. I rdered my 2nd one from Amazon for 59.95 and it was delivered in 2 days which was phenomenal.
I figure you are spending probably the same amount on a few dies that you do not use any where near the amount you actually use your BigShot. Its the best and most used papercrafting tool I have other then my papertrimmer. I love my BigShot!
My machine is probably somewhere around 7 or 8 years old and it still works fine (knock on wood). Granted when I first got it, I didn't use it as much since the die selection was sorely lacking back then. However, over the last couple of years with the explosion of dies on the market, I'm using my machine constantly. I cut all types of material - paper, cardstock, felt, chipboard, fabric, grunge paper... so my machine get a work out and it's still doing the job.
I'm assuming that it will wear out eventually and since I really love this machine, I do have a spare sitting in my closet that I got for under $60 (just in case).
My big shot has died on me today. I've had it since 2006 and it has seen some work. I was cutting a thin die at the time when I heard a bang like a cutting plate breaking.
My husband has just taken it to bits to find out which part has broke only to find the shaft that goes though the top roller and the gear is broken. It is worn out. It look like I will have to get a new one.
My big shot has died on me today. I've had it since 2006 and it has seen some work. I was cutting a thin die at the time when I heard a bang like a cutting plate breaking.
My husband has just taken it to bits to find out which part has broke only to find the shaft that goes though the top roller and the gear is broken. It is worn out. It look like I will have to get a new one.
If it's in your budget, you might want to consider a Vagabond. I have a Big Shot and love it, but since I got the Vagabond I use the Vagabond and have the Big Shot (which I have used tons and which I got years ago) as a back up.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Has anyone worn out their Big Shot?
