Big Shot machine or Grand Calibur??
 

Hi! I'm currently looking at purchasing one of these machines! I do have a Sizzix Vagabond machine already but looking at a manual one to bring on the go should I decide too! Would like to hear your opinions on both machines, pros/cons! Let me say that I'm mainly a card maker and will probably not be buying the large grand calibur dies. I already have a lot of the Spellbinder thin dies as well as other thin dies. One thing I do like about the Grand Calibur is the larger platform(s) that will allow you to cut more then one die at a time!

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it
Connie

You can't use the Sizzix Bigz dies in the GC.

I have both. (Received both as gifts.) I agree with Vic. Not being able to use the Sizzix thick dies might be a big 'con'. The larger format is a plus for the GC for cutting thin dies.

Now that SU sells a magnetic platform to hold your metal dies in place, my vote is for the Big Shot. I know I love mine!

I understand that I cannot cut the sizzix big dies in the GC, but I can with my Vagabond, so that isn't really an issue for me!

Not familiar with the magnetic platform from SU for the Big Shot. Guess I will go to You tube and check it out! Still like the idea of being able to cut more then 1 die at a time with GC!

Thanks for the replies so far, SCS are the best!

I have both and use my GC for my grand nesties mainly. The rotation on the GC is a wider radius than the big shot, so I tend to not use it when I am cutting a lot of different dies...it kills my arm. The suction cup on the GC doesn't always stay put for me, I thought about using a damp paper towel on it to see if it held suction better. I really want a vagabond, too :) (go ahead and enable me :)...plz lol

I use my Big Shot for everything. However, I did break down and ordered the Grand Calibur....reasoning is....I wanted to start making 8x8 cards for special occasions and I can't with the Big Shot. Also, I had already purchased a couple of the Grand Nestabilites...mainly to use for card shapes (planning on tracing and cutting out) but, now I won't have to.

Cathy

Hi all!

Just a quick note! Spellbinders now has a Magnetic Placement Mat (GC-015). Happy crafting!

Thanks for the tip! Thinking of the GC!!! And now with that platform just helping me with the decision!

SU sells the magnetic platform and I posted its dimensions on another thread titled magnetic platform. Like on that reply, it all depends on what size you want to cut and emboss and how much room you have to store and use it! The BS is well-made and very sturdy! :)