About to buy a Zip E'Mate and have a few ???'s

[Alaskastamper]

Ok, just got my online coupon for www.cutathome.com and was going to buy the Zip E'Mate. BEFORE I do though, just have to make sure on a few things:

1. Will it use ALL the different dies IE: Sizzix, QuickKutz, Sizzlits, brass stencils.... and what else?

2. Do you have it and do you like it...Is it easy to use?

3. Do I need any adapters to make it work with all the different kind of dies?

I had a Sizzix for a day and ended up returning it because I didn't like the dies. They all seemed kind of childlike (IMO) BUT I don't want a quickkutz because I have problems with my hands and won't be able to squeeze the handle. PLUS I like the idea of buying the Zip E'Mate and being able to buy the Sizzix tag dies and then quickkutz dies.

[StampinMelis]

Have it! Love it!

I have used it with all Sizzix products, and brass stencils. It will also work with Quickutz, and Accucut dies.

Here is the thing, though. You need the right cutting pads for each product. They are not expensive, but if you don't have them, it won't work. Each product requires a different size cutting board (thickness).

It's SO simple to use... and lighter than the Sizzix.

Have fun playing!

BTW -- Sizzix is coming out with a whole new line of dies that are (IMHO) much more suited to scrapping and cardmaking. They are more versatile, less childlike.

[LadyDye]

I have one and it is very easy to use.

Yes, you can use all of the dies you asked about including brass stencils.

My ZipeMate came with the cutting mat and the embossing mat.
I purchased the mat needed for the sizzex dies for about $5.00.

D.

[Alaskastamper]

Does anyone know where I put in my coupon code at the cutathome website?

[Ahnna]

I'm interested in purchasing one of these to... where did you get your online coupon?

[Alaskastamper]

Go to www.cutathome.com and sign up for their VIP customer program. It is listed in the little red bar on the bottom of their page. Fill it out and you should get the coupon code in the mail within a day. I filled it out this morning and got it in the afternoon.

[Ahnna]

Thanks for the info...

[nary jane]

i don't own it, but have used it at my lss. it's similar to the sizzix, but some people find the turn crank on it easier to use than the lever on the sizzix.

the only thing i didn't like is the way things have to be sandwiched. it may differ depending on the dies you use, but i had a mat, the paper, the die and then another mat--and you had to be really careful not to let it slide or the cut may not go where you want it. it was a little awkward for me, but i'm used to the sizzix where there is only one mat needed. holding all that together while lifting it off the table and sliding it into the machine (while turning the crank so it didn't shoot the middle of my "sandwich" across the table) was a challenge! people who hadn't used a die cut machine at all found it a little cumbersome as well. i'm not knocking the zip e mate--i thought it did a great job! just letting you know there might be a little learning curve with it (as with any new toy). once you get used to it though, you prolly won't have an issue.

[basketwilma]

I never heard of the Zip'e Mate and decided to read about it. I currently have the Sizzix and love it. However I do not scrapbook, I do make a lot of cards and crafts though. I understand what is being said about the dies being childlike... I wish they would come out with more and it does seem like they are working towards that. The one thing I noticed about the Zip'e Mate (per the cut@home website) was you could only cut one piece of cardstock at a time. Depending on what you're creating that could be a pain... (IMHO). Anyway, I do like the idea of using different companies dies... I want Sizzix to become compatible with others now that I have invested in the Sizzix! Good luck with your decision!

[StampinMelis]

I have cut 2 pieces of CS at a time with my Zipemate. But I found that to be true with my Sizzix -- couldn't do more than 2 at a time. :?

[brboyle]

I'm so confused :? Will the zipmate use sizzix and quick cut dies? Its sounds like it does it all. I'm trying to make up my mind on what machine to buy?

[StampinMelis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by brboyle

I'm so confused :? Will the zipmate use sizzix and quick cut dies?

Yes.

[nary jane]

just to make your decision a little more difficult :lol: the sizzix can also use quick cuts dies!

[Alaskastamper]

Yeah, the Sizzix can use them, but it seems to be more cumbersome and the hand crank on the Zip looks to be easier. I just ordered my Zip last night, so I haven't actually used it, but I did do a lot of checking around before I actually bought it.

[wendalyn]

I have one that my hubby got me for Christmas and absolutely love it. I use it for any Dies and all my brass templates. The Zip dies are great too...

[ctychick]

As for the dies being childlike....

Quickutz dies are compatible with the ZEM and QK tend to be classier and more sophisticated than Sizzix imo. I have a Sizzix machine which I never use and a QK tool which I use all the time. I just ordered the ZEM for ease of use and the ability to cut several dies at once. I will probably use my Sizzix dies more often now that I'll have the ZEM, but I agree that the Sizzix dies are more juvenile than the QK dies and the Accucut dies. I love my QK dies and will continue to use them more than my Sizzix dies w/ my new ZEM.