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I got the original Big Shot when it first came out. It's the only die cutting and embossing machine I've had and I just love it. The Big Kick, if you can find it at Michael's with a coupon, would be a little less expensive and is the same exact machine. It just looks a little different.
I bought the original, white and red version of the Big Kick back in January 2007 and it's still going strong. I consider it one of the best crafting purchases I've made.
I really prefer the center of gravity on my Big Shot. It just feels more sturdy. I also like that I can use any die I want that's under 6" wide without having to think too hard and I like that I can easily use either the Genius or Sizzix magnetic platforms with my wafer thin dies in my machine. I also really like the product support from Sizzix/Ellison and they have good customer service. On a whole 'nother level, I am glad my die cutter is not made by a company that is owned by Bank of America - but that's just my personal eccentricity. YMMV.
I don't know if you are aware of this, but Scrapbooking Made Simple is hosting the Sizzix Warehouse Sale and this year they are also selling the same products online as they will in their SoCal store. They are apparently selling the Big Shot for a price so low, they are not allowed to advertise it. The sale starts Friday, 7/26. Something to consider.
Monika - Big Shot all the way IMO. Excellent, durable machine and Sizzix has world-class customer service which I think is VERY important. I got the Big Shot when they first came out instead of one of the other machines because I wanted the capability to cut thick materials like chipboard and matboard. It's a real workhorse and like other posters, I think it's one of the best craft purchases I've ever made.
If you'd like a break from cranking a handle and you're interested in the Big Shot, you might consider the Vagabond. If you go with a Vagabond, just be sure to use the keys that come with it to ensure you don't put a sandwich through that is too thick.
HTH.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
I don't know if you are aware of this, but Scrapbooking Made Simple is hosting the Sizzix Warehouse Sale and this year they are also selling the same products online as they will in their SoCal store. They are apparently selling the Big Shot for a price so low, they are not allowed to advertise it. The sale starts Friday, 7/26. Something to consider.
Just a word of caution about Scrapbooking Made Simple for anyone considering ordering from them online....I'm sorry to say that I had a very bad experience with them with my first order (I'm an online customer) and I won't order from them again. If you search Yelp, you'll see that other 'online' customers have had bad experiences as well.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Monika- I feel your pain! I LOVE my Cuttlebug-even though it does seem to be losing some of it's grip!! I too have the Big Shot and the Grand Calibur-but LOVE my bug beacuse it is so easy to just take it off the floor-and onto my desk-no lugging! But yes-Big Shot is probably best option! Fingers crossed for my bug!
I think you will be very happy with the Big Shot. I actually have two because at my classes I need one for the Framelits and magnetic platform and one for the dies and embossing folders. I did get the Doctor Bag to store it in but I may sell that since both my Big Shots are always in use and never stored, lol!
I don't know if you are aware of this, but Scrapbooking Made Simple is hosting the Sizzix Warehouse Sale and this year they are also selling the same products online as they will in their SoCal store. They are apparently selling the Big Shot for a price so low, they are not allowed to advertise it. The sale starts Friday, 7/26. Something to consider.
I was going to mention this sale as well. Because of the volume, they won't start shipping mail orders until 8'17 but I've ordered from them before and their prices are good There are some freebies involved as well.
Another option is the Fiskars Fuse if you like the way the Bug folds and want a bigger 12" wide cutting or embossing option. I've also owned a Cuttlebug and BigShot. I now use my Bug for small items and the Fuse for everything else as I'm a scrapbooker as well as cardmaker and love the versatility of the bigger cutting / embossing surface.
Thank you for all you Sympathies..much appreciated...my bug had been very kind to me.
Many years of happiness. But one must move on to new venture..like buying a Big Shot...looking for the best deals I can get.....
Monika, if you go with the Big Shot, keep your Cuttlebug plates because they work in the Big Shot perfectly. I have both and much prefer the Big Shot. The footprint is not that much bigger, but the stability of the Big Shot wins hands down. I love being able to put my sandwich on the platform without it falling off (something I had problems with using the Cuttlebug.)
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
Monika, if you go with the Big Shot, keep your Cuttlebug plates because they work in the Big Shot perfectly. I have both and much prefer the Big Shot. The footprint is not that much bigger, but the stability of the Big Shot wins hands down. I love being able to put my sandwich on the platform without it falling off (something I had problems with using the Cuttlebug.)
Thank you so much for that info . I was wondering about that because I do have a couple brand new plates....that is great that I can use those...
I have some sad news....
