anyone using the Big Shot Plus?

[Janet1000]

I am seriously thinking about upgrading to a Plus from the regular Big Shot. I would like to use embossing folders on my cards where I would emboss half of the card front. So I need to turn the embossing folder to the side and have the other half of the card lie flat on the platform. I've got some embossing folders that won't fit through the regular 6 inch bed if fed in sideways.

But can't think of anything else that would justify the $200 price point on this thing. What else are you using the 9 inch platform for?

Are the larger plates more expensive to replace?

Was it a good buy for you? Do you think it's worth the money?

[buggainok]

I don't have this machine, but if you decide you want it, you can get it a little cheaper at Overstock, with free shipping:

Die Cut Machines - Overstock Shopping - The Best Prices Online

[Janet1000]

I did see that pop up, and thought about it. 150 and free shipping isn't bad.

[sprtchick]

Its in my cart at my distributor now. I love the colors of gray and white!

[Janet1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprtchick

Its in my cart at my distributor now. I love the colors of gray and white!

Amber,
I know you make a lot of cards and have a business. Is there anything you look forward to using on this machine that the regular Big Shot can't do for you?

[dini]

I got mine for my birthday from Overstock. For general use I do actually still use the magnetic plate with it and the plates from the regular Big Shot - they fit sideways, so I don't have to crank as far, and I like the benefits of the magnetic plate holding the dies in place. If I want to cut something bigger, I pull out the larger plates, and it's very nice not to have to cut the cardstock to size first. Great for cutting multiples at a time too.

[Janet1000]

I didn't know the regular plates will fit in sideways. Good idea. These regular plates are pretty cheap to replace.

And the 8.5x11 inch page fits into the opening... I could fill up a whole page of shipper paper or mirror paper with dies and run it through at one time. Wow. It's calling to me...

[Janet1000]

But I hate the price!

[Crafter 4 Life]

Got mine for Christmas from my DD and DSIL. Love the wider opening and platform size. It makes cutting the flip and step cards easier than the regular BS. The opening is just a little too narrow. Have had to use my Grand Caliber-about the only thing I use it for. I also use my regular plates and magnetic platform for smaller dies. I bought lots of plates for my regular BS so am using them. When I first got the BS Plus, the replacement plates were hard to find. One thing that I have to watch is not to drop the BS Plus platform-it is big and heavy.

A friend just bought one and she loves hers also. She likes the fact that she can cut multiple dies at one time.

[stamphappy1650]

I love mine but at first I wasn't sure simply because the large plates are heavy and IMHO the shims don't seem to be the right height. Then I took a deep breath and realized that 95% of the time I don't need the big plates. Most of my dies are small and I can use all the plates from my old BS. The pros:

• I don't have to cut down 8 1/2 by 11 cardstock - HUGE saving in time and paper
• I can use the new larger dies and embossing folders
• I can turn dies and folders at different angles
• Some of my larger dies fit really close to the edge of plates on the BS whereas on the plus I have extra room so I don't accidently miss the edge of the paper
• I can cut several dies at one time another big time saver when making multiples of the same card

Overall, the BS+ is not a must have but I'm very happy that I bought it.

[cms]

Stamps of Life has the Big Shot Plus for $149.99 and free shipping, in case anyone is still looking for one. They ship really fast, too.

The Stamps of Life

[Janet1000]

Thank you all for your input on this machine. It is helpful for me to see all the benefits it provides.

I could see how making batches of the same cards (for sale or donation) would benefit from the larger work area. Cranking my BS all the time gets tiring.

[dini]

The lowest price I saw yesterday was $139.99, but I didn't check shipping costs.

[Janet1000]

I saw that price also. But shipping was 16.00 so it came up to the $155 that all the others were selling for.

Which is better than the $200 it was selling for earlier.

[jkaymac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamphappy1650

I love mine but at first I wasn't sure simply because the large plates are heavy and IMHO the shims don't seem to be the right height. Then I took a deep breath and realized that 95% of the time I don't need the big plates. Most of my dies are small and I can use all the plates from my old BS. The pros:

• I don't have to cut down 8 1/2 by 11 cardstock - HUGE saving in time and paper
• I can use the new larger dies and embossing folders
• I can turn dies and folders at different angles
• Some of my larger dies fit really close to the edge of plates on the BS whereas on the plus I have extra room so I don't accidently miss the edge of the paper
• I can cut several dies at one time another big time saver when making multiples of the same card

Overall, the BS+ is not a must have but I'm very happy that I bought it.

I think is an excellent summary. I keep my original BS on my desktop and use it most of the time. But when I want to use the bigger dies, the BS plus is wonderful. Sizzix is coming out with bigger dies for the BS plus now. I have purchased the 5 x 7 circle flip from The Stamps of Life and the Diorama Gatefold Card die from Amazon.

[sprtchick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet1000

Amber,
I know you make a lot of cards and have a business. Is there anything you look forward to using on this machine that the regular Big Shot can't do for you?

6x6, and 5x7 sized as well as the step, flip and tri shutter cards. With the bigger bed you can cut more than one die out at a time. I do have a Big Shot that works fine. I will probably give the Big Shot to one of my sisters. I think I just like die cut machines and I love the gray and white of the Big Shot Plus thats what caught my eye...lol.

[sprtchick]

Janet do you know how much this unit weighs? I could order one for yo at my cost if you want. You would only need to cover shipping from here to you which I can figure for you with the weight. I get free shipping to me.

[stamphappy1650]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprtchick

6x6, and 5x7 sized as well as the step, flip and tri shutter cards. With the bigger bed you can cut more than one die out at a time. I do have a Big Shot that works fine. I will probably give the Big Shot to one of my sisters. I think I just like die cut machines and I love the gray and white of the Big Shot Plus thats what caught my eye...lol.

If you give your old BS away, keep your plates because you'll want to use them with the Plus.

[sprtchick]

I ordered some in the pretty new colors! I have lots of plates!

[lharnish]

I have the original Big Shot and upgraded to the Plus. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Plus. Can't say enough good about it. The thing cuts like a hot knife through butter. I like the new technology they're using in the rollers with the Plus. I have not had to shim not one single thing, even my most hated most intricate dies do not need to be shimmed. Shocking but worth it for that alone.

I also like that I can put my existing A2 sized embossing folders through both landscape and portrait. Make all my smaller embossing folders even more versatile.

[diannep575]

Enablers!!!
Just ordered one from the Stamps of Life Leslie's post sealed it for me!!

[Janet1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lharnish

I have the original Big Shot and upgraded to the Plus. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Plus. Can't say enough good about it. The thing cuts like a hot knife through butter. I like the new technology they're using in the rollers with the Plus. I have not had to shim not one single thing, even my most hated most intricate dies do not need to be shimmed. Shocking but worth it for that alone.

I also like that I can put my existing A2 sized embossing folders through both landscape and portrait. Make all my smaller embossing folders even more versatile.

Wow, these 2 points are a good selling pitch. I do like the idea of not shimming my bad dies - and flipping the embossing folders to get more creative uses out of them. Thank you for your input.

[lovetostamp3]

I never had a Big Shot, but have a dying Cuttlebug I'm trashing, that no longer cuts good, and a Vagabond, that I hate to drag out due to the weight, and plugging in to use - I know...... I got the Big Shot Plus off Amazon for an "amazing" sale price of $103, and love it!!!! The big advantage over the other two is the size opening. I can cut from a full sheet of paper, since it can accommodate the 8 1/2" size the pressure is great; and like other comments, no shims needed!! Don't know what took me so long!!

I had thoughts of replacing my Cuttlebug, just because they're so light and easy to take to classes, but this Big Shot Plus does it all!!! The replacement plates don't look to be that much different in price from the standard ones, and you can still use the regular ones as well for smaller cuts.

[sprtchick]

Janet I will order one for you this week. Im getting one too!

[HOBBYSUE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetostamp3

I never had a Big Shot, but have a dying Cuttlebug I'm trashing, that no longer cuts good, and a Vagabond, that I hate to drag out due to the weight, and plugging in to use - I know...... I got the Big Shot Plus off Amazon for an "amazing" sale price of $103, and love it!!!! The big advantage over the other two is the size opening. I can cut from a full sheet of paper, since it can accommodate the 8 1/2" size the pressure is great; and like other comments, no shims needed!! Don't know what took me so long!!

I had thoughts of replacing my Cuttlebug, just because they're so light and easy to take to classes, but this Big Shot Plus does it all!!! The replacement plates don't look to be that much different in price from the standard ones, and you can still use the regular ones as well for smaller cuts.

:mad:Aghhh.....you nasty enablers!!!! LOL just kidding...Just kidding:lol: $103???? Really??? I would have jumped at that! Especially since I have Prime and there would be no shipping. So now if I get as lucky as you and find one at $103 with no shipping all the "Enablers" out there will have succeeded in reeling me in! Heeheehee. Bet that machine would be great for my new Anna Griffin dies.........hmmmmmmm:rolleyes:

[Kendel]

Janet1000, if your main concern is dealing with large embossing folders, you might consider alternative ways to emboss without a machine. The Frugal Crafter has a nice video that shows how to use embossing folders with a rolling pin (as well as some other techniques) here: https://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.c...out-a-machine/. You probably already own a rolling pin and could try it out for free. : )

[Sparklin Sherry]

Has anyone heard any reviews on the Big Shot Express?

[lharnish]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparklin Sherry

Has anyone heard any reviews on the Big Shot Express?

There's a few on Amazon.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Sizzix Big Shot Express Machine, Black

[Janet1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kendel

Janet1000, if your main concern is dealing with large embossing folders, you might consider alternative ways to emboss without a machine. The Frugal Crafter has a nice video that shows how to use embossing folders with a rolling pin (as well as some other techniques) here: https://thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.c...out-a-machine/. You probably already own a rolling pin and could try it out for free. : )

Kendel, great idea. I've tried it and have used it for a gentle, subtle texture look. But a rolling pin does not give the crisp embossing results - especially for the 3D embossing folder (which takes the American Express Gorilla to emboss).

[HOBBYSUE]

I don't own the express and the only reviews I've ever seen is how it's great for people with arthritis. Personally if thats not an issue for you I would probably go for the New Big Shot Plus instead. They are both around the same price range but I think the Big Shot Plus gives you more bang for your buck. First of all that extra wide base allowing you to use 8.5x11 cardstock gives you the opportunity to cut a whole lot out at one time. Also some of the larger framelet dies (like ones from Stephanie Barnerd) cut a whole lot easier due to the wider base. For that reason alone I want the Plus. I have my little jar of change adding up right now to be able to get it! LOL

[vestamc]

I recommend the EBosser. I know it is off topic bit I live mine. It has the large base, small footprint and no cranking!

[vestamc]

I meant love mine bit I live with my EBosser also.

[Sparklin Sherry]

I did see that some people are saying the motor died after just a few passes through.

[Sparklin Sherry]

my shoulder and neck has been bothering me, so I thought this might be nice to have. But i find it strange that there is not a lot of buzz about it. Maybe i should look into another brand.

[Sparklin Sherry]

I have never posted on one of these forums before so you will have to excuse me if I'm doing it wrong LOL

[HOBBYSUE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparklin Sherry

I have never posted on one of these forums before so you will have to excuse me if I'm doing it wrong LOL

No No your fine...we all learn by doing! lol I have seen those reviews about the motor but I believe that was for the older Black and Pink(or was it blue LOL) one. The newer white and grey is suppose to have resolved those issues. I personally LOVE Sizzix. Its a great brand. Good luck...maybe someone will have other options for you to look into.

[lharnish]

The review link I posted is from their older version. I think the new version of the Express is too new to have many reviews out yet. I don't have any electric models but I've been told one of the downfalls of the eBosser is that you have to send the whole platform through the machine. You can't use it for partial embossing on a card because there's no way to stop it and reverse a partially embossed item back out of the machine. I believe I read somewhere this is possible with the new Express but I'm not 100% certain.

[HOBBYSUE]

Here's a short video on the new Big Shot Express
[URL="http://[ame]http://youtu.be/04VGz5poc9U[/ame]
Hope it helps alittle

[ladyofcards]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparklin Sherry

Has anyone heard any reviews on the Big Shot Express?

I have had my Big Shot Express for several years. My first machine broke and Sizzix replaced it. They were defective. My 2nd one has been going strong for several years. You must be careful when using thicker materials. I love not having to crank it! If something gets stuck in it you just wait a few minutes and back the piece out. Sometimes it takes several tries.

[Sparklin Sherry]

Thank you so much for the info