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I am looking to purchase a die cutting machine, I just don't know which one. I love the nestibilities diecuts and want to be able to use them on the machine I purchase. What machine is the best bang for my buck? Cuttlebug, sissix, big shot, etc........
I am looking to purchase a die cutting machine, I just don't know which one. I love the nestibilities diecuts and want to be able to use them on the machine I purchase. What machine is the best bang for my buck? Cuttlebug, sissix, big shot, etc........
thanks
I absolutely love my bigshot. Plus, you can use nesties and cuttlebug folders with the bigshot stuff.
I was thinking about purchasing the Big Shot but then someone suggested the Cricut. Does the Cricut cut similar shapes to the nesties? Does the Big Shot also emboss? Can you use other companies embossing folders on the Big Shot?
Where is the best place to purchase the Big Shot? I know Stampin Up is offering it but maybe there is a cheaper store.
Thanks for answering all my questions! It is greatly appreciated!!
I was thinking about purchasing the Big Shot but then someone suggested the Cricut. Does the Cricut cut similar shapes to the nesties? Does the Big Shot also emboss? Can you use other companies embossing folders on the Big Shot?
Where is the best place to purchase the Big Shot? I know Stampin Up is offering it but maybe there is a cheaper store.
Thanks for answering all my questions! It is greatly appreciated!!
The Cricut is an electronic machine so you buy cartridges, select size, etc. I was thinking about buying one, but decided I would get much more use out of the big shot, and it was a smaller investment.
I would recommend getting the Big Shot from SU, and that's not just because I'm a demo If you get the bundle you will receive some great dies which are exclusive to SU (and I honestly have used the heck out of every single one). It will also count as a workshop all on it's own so you will get a free hostess stamp set (or prints paper pack) and free product. For me the free stamp set and product outweighed any stores that were cheaper especially since I would have wanted to get the SU dies anyway. Plus, you get the help of your demo, and the great customer service of SU.
I am very interested in this as well. I am also trying to decide which machine I want to ask Santa for. I have not checked out the Big Shot yet. I already hinted to the cricut but it is expensive although I do like being able to pick the size I want. Would love to hear what others think. Thanks
I chose the Cuttlebug over the Big Shot because of space. I don't have the space available to leave the Big Shot sitting out and the Cuttlebug folds up and sits on a shelf out of the way until I need it.
I love the big shot it is very sturdy and cuts with just about every die out there. Nesties work like a dream in it. I have both the big shot and the cricut and couldn't live without either one. I did purchase the big shot first and had it about a year before getting the cricut.
Good luck with your decision. You really can't go wrong they are all wonderful machines.
Don't forget about considering the Wizard if you are interested in embossing dies! The Wizard is the machine made to use with nestabilities.Here is a you tube video using all the machines with embossing dies. This should help you make your decision.
Don't forget that you'll need to purchase a Spellbinders embossing pad to get the best emboss with the dies. The pad comes with the Wizard but not with other machines.
I have to agree with Kim on this one. Nestabilities were designed to be used with the Wizard, so that would be the obvious choice. There are other machines out there that will cut them, but you will never get the same embossing that you do with the Wizard. It can do all of the same things the others do and probably more than some.
Both the Big Shot and the Cuttlebug will cut any die on the market. Personally I don't think you could go wrong with either.
If you want something a bit more portable then I'd go with the Cuttlebug over the Big Shot
I *heart* my 'bug but would also have considered the Big Shot if it was widely available at the time I bought my 'bug (back then the Big Shot wasn't as available as it is now)
The cuttlebug cannot take all of the big shot dies, because the machine is too small.
what about Nesities? do you can use all nestabilities in Cuttlebug? or it's too smal for some? I dream about diecut&embosiing machine too and want to make good investment
what about Nesities? do you can use all nestabilities in Cuttlebug? or it's too smal for some? I dream about diecut&embosiing machine too and want to make good investment
Yes....all nesties fit in the Cuttlebug!
As for which machine to start with...I have the Cuttlebug, Big Shot & Revolution...and though I use them all, if I had to live with only one, it would be the Big Shot mainly because of its stability.
You can get it for under $70 now at ritzcamera or ohmycrafts.
I also have a Cricut Expression...however I can't compare it to a manual machine. It will not emboss, and is VERY difficult to cut around a stamped image, possible on the Ex, but a pain. It's also hard to figure out sizing...for instance an alphabet at 4" will give you an 'o' about 2" tall and a capital 'Q' at 4". With manual dies, it's easy to decide on size...what you see is what you get!
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
If I only could chose one I would go for the big shot. Though I have big shot, sidekick(haven't touched for a very very long time!), baby bug(cricut) and expression. I use the big shot the most because of embossing I like the cb embossing folders over sizzix. They work great in big shot.
Check out Costco that's were I got mine had a great starter kit. might also check out sizzix ebay site. Sign up for sizzix newsletter they have great sales with free shipping over a certain amount. tuesday is their big day but with the holiday's they doing sales all the time on different things.
Oh forgot Joann has their's 40% off not sure what the last day on that sale is.
Last edited by jody5gray; 12-04-2008 at 10:13 AM..
Reason: forgot to list a store
I have to agree with Kim on this one. Nestabilities were designed to be used with the Wizard, so that would be the obvious choice. There are other machines out there that will cut them, but you will never get the same embossing that you do with the Wizard. It can do all of the same things the others do and probably more than some.
Cathy
You can't get the Wizard delivered to Canada from the Spellbinder's website, and I have not found it in stores here, so that option is probably out for you. (and for me I'm afraid)
I had a HARD time deciding what machine to get. I ended up going with the Wizard because it's universal. Yes, it's more expensive than a CB or others, but the pressure it uses to cut & emboss makes the finished pieces amazing! You won't be disappointed if you get one.
There are other machines out there that will cut them, but you will never get the same embossing that you do with the Wizard. It can do all of the same things the others do and probably more than some.
Cathy
I've never heard this before...I can't imagine why a Big Shot or Cuttlebug couldn't emboss just as well...the paper can only be pushed through the die to the surface on the other side...no deeper on any of the machines. Or does the Wizard have some kind of different softer material for the base or what??
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
I've never heard this before...I can't imagine why a Big Shot or Cuttlebug couldn't emboss just as well...the paper can only be pushed through the die to the surface on the other side...no deeper on any of the machines. Or does the Wizard have some kind of different softer material for the base or what??
Ok I was reading some more...apparently the Wizard does exert a lot more pressure than the other machines, so embossing alone will be more crisp. You learn something new every day...LOL
I also read that the higher pressure makes it nearly impossible to cut nesties without embossing.
So...I guess I don't need another machine!! Yay!
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
I have the Bug because it's what I got last year for Christmas. But boy I'd love the Wizard
I have the Klic-N-Kut for my main machine. The CB I only use for embossing and the Nesties. I think if you want to use the bigger dies like the BigShot one, I'd be more comfortable to get the BigShot or Wizard even though the CB can handle it once you get the sandwich formula.
Good Morning from Ontario:
I am a Stampinup Demonstrator here in Seaforth Ontario. My husband has decided to buy me a die cut machine for Christmas. I am having a hard time deciding which machine to go with. There are so many on the market, it is hard to decide which one will work to best suit my needs. My daughter has a cuttlebug and l like it other than it will not cut felt.
I know that Stampin up advertising that the big shot will cut all fabrics.
I am leaning towards purchasing the big shot, and just want to make sure.
What do you think. Will l get the most bang out of the big shot and will it do larger sizes. There is a electronic big shot coming out this month and do you know anything about it. The price is good considering it is electronic compared to the manual big shot.
Can you give me some tips here in the cold. I am sure you are having about the same weather as us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Merveilleuse
You can't get the Wizard delivered to Canada from the Spellbinder's website, and I have not found it in stores here, so that option is probably out for you. (and for me I'm afraid)
Well.....I have all three machines. I have the Cricut Expression, Cuttlebug and just got my Big Shot today. Honestly, the Cricut is a totally different machine that the Cuttlebug or Big Shot. I think the Cricut is in a class all by itself. If you want to compare die cutting machinges IE: The Cuttlebug over the Big Shot than I think the Big Shot would win my vote and I have only had it one day! WHY? The shear sturdiness for one thing. The cuttlebug is smaller and great for travel or taking to crops, but it jumps around on the table too much for me.....the little suction cups on the bottom never seem to stay put past one cut. The Big Shot on the other hand is much sturdier due to the size and width. It can do everything the CB can do and more!
And....again it can take on the BIG dies like the special SU dies such as the Top Note which is so popular now.
I won't compare the Cricut to the other machines....because there really is no comparison....like I said it is in a special class all by itself and the Big Shot and Cricut really compliment each other I think.
Hi. I realize that you're not from Calgary, but I know for a fact that Paper Pastimes and I think Scrapbooker's Paradise sell the wizard. The ladies at both stores are fantastic and I'm sure, if nothing else, they could direct you to a Canadian source for the wizard.
I totally feel the pain though! I'm trying to decide too. I think I finally have it narrowed down to the Big Shot vs. the Wizard vs. the Bug... If you can consider that narrowed down. I went into a store to "test" them out and found it just added fuel to the fire... Found out there were even MORE options! ARGH!!!!!!!!
I'm leaning towards the Big Shot though... From what I've read so far, it sounds like it has the durability of the wizard with the versatility of the bug... I'm SO confused.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Merveilleuse
You can't get the Wizard delivered to Canada from the Spellbinder's website, and I have not found it in stores here, so that option is probably out for you. (and for me I'm afraid)
__________________ Just twist my rubber arm... ;o)
Angela a.k.a. PuppyDogGrins
Last edited by puppydoggrins; 12-05-2008 at 06:48 PM..
I am fairly new at this and have not embarked on the die cuttin front. I would like to cut circles and oval with percision and have been told Creative memories has a good one. Also see SU has a new one for circles. Can all this be done with a Big shot/kick and even more?? I really am not sure the investment i want to make in this, but cricut is out of the question. I have mainly punches, small metal and fiskar texture emboss plates (all manual). I borrowed my friends original?? Sissix with the big handle and have enjoyed making hearts for v-day. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Janet
I am fairly new at this and have not embarked on the die cuttin front. I would like to cut circles and oval with percision and have been told Creative memories has a good one. Also see SU has a new one for circles. Can all this be done with a Big shot/kick and even more?? I really am not sure the investment i want to make in this, but cricut is out of the question. I have mainly punches, small metal and fiskar texture emboss plates (all manual). I borrowed my friends original?? Sissix with the big handle and have enjoyed making hearts for v-day. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Janet
I also have the big shot. I don't have circle die for it though since I have the CM. But the thing with the big shot you can also cut out other materials. I've used it a lot for school projects.
I am fairly new at this and have not embarked on the die cuttin front. I would like to cut circles and oval with percision and have been told Creative memories has a good one. Also see SU has a new one for circles. Can all this be done with a Big shot/kick and even more?? I really am not sure the investment i want to make in this, but cricut is out of the question. I have mainly punches, small metal and fiskar texture emboss plates (all manual). I borrowed my friends original?? Sissix with the big handle and have enjoyed making hearts for v-day. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Janet
I am CM consultant and love the cutting system. With each cutting pattern, you get 6 sizes of cuts which makes it easy to mat photos. There are several patterns available also. I would suggest locating a CM consultant near you and ask to see it. You can find one here: http://www.creativememories.com/Find...tant/EntryForm
Feel free to PM if you have any questions about it.
I have the Bug and I love it! It is perfect for my needs. I needed something that was small because space in my craft area is VERY limited. It does everything I need. If I had more space, I would probably have a BS, although I have not run into any dies I couldn't cut with my Bug. It is a totally awesome little machine and is easily the best $35 I've spent on crafting supplies!
I have the CB and Big Shot. I like that the CB doesn't take up as much space as the Big Shot. The Big Shot is sturdier and doesn't move as much when in use. The one drawback to the Big Shot is, if space is an issue: when you are using the Mulit-purpose Platform in an open position, (using say the Tab 2 setting) you need at least 27" because it sticks out from the front of the machine. I am always knocking things on the floor because I forget that there is that extension. Maybe I'll try to turn the platform around but then you have the extension flopping off the front end when you begin.
I have been able to use other company dies, embossing plates, brass stencils and Nesties in my CB without any problem. (I know that each CB has a little different pressure.) If it doesn't want to go through on the first try, change the sandwich or set the die back a bit at the start so that the whole thick sandwich isn't trying to go through from the start.
Good luck on your choice. Only you know what would work for you.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jayelle821
I chose the Cuttlebug over the Big Shot because of space. I don't have the space available to leave the Big Shot sitting out and the Cuttlebug folds up and sits on a shelf out of the way until I need it.
I got the Cuttlebug for Christmas. I asked for it for this very reason, I love that it folds up and I can sit it away on my bookshelf. I also liked that it was a bit less expensive. From what I've seen and used it for, it does everything that I want it to and works well. I really didn't want/need anything too fancy, I've mainly used nesties with it and just got the SU! yop note die, it works really well with it. Took me a long time to decide which one I wanted but I'm really happy with my CB...plus it's fun to say cuttlebug, hahaha. My BF laughs everytime I talk about it! :p
the wizard won't break either like plastic machines, which are all others.
You can also use your older sizzix in it
Quote:
Originally Posted by KimInIowa
Don't forget about considering the Wizard if you are interested in embossing dies! The Wizard is the machine made to use with nestabilities.Here is a you tube video using all the machines with embossing dies. This should help you make your decision.
Don't forget that you'll need to purchase a Spellbinders embossing pad to get the best emboss with the dies. The pad comes with the Wizard but not with other machines.
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
the wizard won't break either like plastic machines, which are all others.
You can also use your older sizzix in it
Unfortunately Spellbinders doesn't ship to Canada, and I was not able to find the wizard ANYWHERE near me. If you are not in the US, this is probably not an option.
hi there! i just got my cuttlebug by ups and i am already in love with it. the reason i chose cb over big shot is because of the small size portabillity and because you could use any die. so i hope this helps with your decision.