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My Cuttlebug is finally dying. :( When I went to Michaels to get a replacement, I was told that they were out of stock and that it has been discontinued, so they won't be getting any more. Did find one at Hobby Lobby, but am having second thoughts -- could use my 40% off coupons for a few weeks to stock up on extra plates, or could take it back and get a different machine.
I don't really feel the need for one that does all sorts of fancy things -- EFs and cutting with my dies is all I really need. So Cameos, Silhouettes, etc -- way more that I need or want to pay for.
So.....
My question is this -- what type of machine do you all recommend and why?
And, for those who have already traded in their Cuttlebugs for other machines, how do you like your new machine vs. the Cuttlebug.
I love my Cuttlebug a lot, and although it still works well, it is getting old. I'm actually thinking about getting a new one to have in reserve, while they still can be found.
I bought a Big Kick (Shot) several months ago when they had a super sale on them at Tuesday Morning, but it's still in the box and I haven't even used it. I feel like it is too big, compared to the small footprint and weight of my Bug. Also, I know the Cuttlebug sandwich layers by heart, and I don't want to have to learn a new machine.
Even if Michaels doesn't keep carrying the Bug, I think it will still be around for a while. Anna Griffin recently came out with her Signature Edition of the Cuttlebug, and it always sells really well on Home Shopping Network shows.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Bugga -- Even if I move to another machine, I will likely keep my dying bug till the very end -- it is still working fine with EFs. Just no longer cutting well on the one side, even though I picked up new plates for it, hoping that was the issue. I DO love the small footprint and weight of it. I know what you mean about the sandwiches, but learning new things is good, too. Right?
One thing I have found is that with the magnetic platform and the solo platform for the Big Shot...no need to memorize sandwiches. Magnetic for all wafer thin dies...with cutting plates. Period. The Sizzix originals/Bigz use cutting plates. THe others are printed on the Solo platform. You really only change things on the solo for texture plates and letterpress plates, if I remember right.
See...I don't have to remember! They're on the platform!
And Debbie, I'm convinced that the Big shot/Big kick will last you a lot longer than a cuttlebug.
And that doesn't even take into consideration that I won't purchase from PC.
I have only ever had a Big Shot and love it. I have used others' Cuttlebugs and they were fine. I believe the BS will take larger sized folders and dies.
I have a Big Kick and love it; cuts dies so easy. I find that it's substantial weight is a good thing - it doesn't move all over the place like my Cuttlebug did.
I was very late to the Big Shot party and now I am hooked. I use it every day and have let go of my dreams of an electronic cutter -- the Big Shot is so versatile, easy to use and sturdy.
Mary Beth
Thanks, everyone! You've convinced me to return the CB and order a Big Shot when I get back from vacay.
So, related question -- the teal one comes with the extended multipurpose platform and (regular) cutting plates. Besides the magnetic sheet and the texture pad, are there any other add-ons I should definitely be buying at the same time as I get the machine?
You will be very happy with a Big Shot , I love mine.
I don't have a magnetic platform for my BS and don't plan on buying one. I have the magnetic sheets from Spellbinder, I have also saved calendars and other advertising that came on magnetic sheets. Honestly I rarely use any of it any though as I rarely have problems with my thin dies moving/slipping around.
As far as learning and remembering the sandwiches for the BS, you will pick it up pretty fast I'll bet. It's not as complicated as it sounds and like was mentioned most of it is on the platform any way. When all else fails, SCS has an awesome resource thread.
My Cuttlebug is finally dying. :( When I went to Michaels to get a replacement, I was told that they were out of stock and that it has been discontinued, so they won't be getting any more. ...
I should hurry over to the Michaels here and see if they have any - or Walmart. I want to get another one for when my little green bug bites the dust. I've had mine for about 8 years now (?? - at least) and it still works great, but I know one day it will just not work. I have no desire for a big shot/kick since its soooo big and my room is soooo small and for what I do with it, its not worth the extra money.
I should hurry over to the Michaels here and see if they have any - or Walmart. I want to get another one for when my little green bug bites the dust. I've had mine for about 8 years now (?? - at least) and it still works great, but I know one day it will just not work. I have no desire for a big shot/kick since its soooo big and my room is soooo small and for what I do with it, its not worth the extra money.
That's how I feel, too, Cat. I don't have a dedicated craft room, and bring all my stuff out to a table when I make cards. The Cuttlebug is just so easy to take out of its storage box and put on my table when I need it.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
My bug is very near and dear to my heart. My daughters gave it to me for Christmas about seven years ago. It's still going strong. I didn't know they were hard to find. My Mikes still gas some.
When my bug goes I will get a big shot.
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
I have the Texture pad/plate (?) and have never used it, so I would skip that.
Basically, the sandwich you're using in your Cuttlebug works in the Big Shot, even the Cuttlebug plates will work, stacked exactly the same as you do now.
If you have the extra money, I would get the magnetic platform (but use a coupon!); otherwise I would wait. I would definitely get an extra pack or 2 of the Big Shot plates. For some reason, they don't seem to warp as badly as the Cuttlebug B plates do.
I would never go back to a Cuttlebug. That's what I started out with, and got so tired of trying to hold it still while cranking my plates through. The only thing that held me back from getting a Big Shot was the fact that I had just bought the extended plates for the Cuttlebug (A, B & C, which were quite costly). THEN I read on another thread here that the CB plates would work in the Big Shot. Happy, happy, joy, joy!
With the platform down on the Cuttlebug, it's not much smaller than the Big Shot. The Big Shot's platform sits lower, is a tad wider, much sturdier than the CB.
I do a lot of die cutting, and I would choose a Big Shot any day, even if I didn't have a dedicated space for it.
__________________ 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.
I just pitched #7 a few days ago. I would suggest the new CheeryLynn Crossover. Its a cuttlebug on steroids! It will take plates from any other machine. It has a dial for the pressure so you can easily add more or less pressure. It also has all metal working parts so its tough and wont break easily. Also its super easy to get the hang of!
Blessings
I should hurry over to the Michaels here and see if they have any - or Walmart. I want to get another one for when my little green bug bites the dust. I've had mine for about 8 years now (?? - at least) and it still works great, but I know one day it will just not work. I have no desire for a big shot/kick since its soooo big and my room is soooo small and for what I do with it, its not worth the extra money.
Walmart has the cheapest online price for the green Cuttlebug. Both Michaels and Joann's have them onsale this week. I wonder if that is related to them limiting the stock. I never figured out the difference between the green and the blue one although the blue one was listed with a higher price.
Walmart has the cheapest online price for the green Cuttlebug. Both Michaels and Joann's have them onsale this week. I wonder if that is related to them limiting the stock. I never figured out the difference between the green and the blue one although the blue one was listed with a higher price.
I don't think there's any difference in the machines. Just a marketing scheme to get you to pay more for the pretty coloured ones. I'll have to check to see if I can order online for Walmart.ca. The shipping from Joann's would be more than the machine probably... :(
I love my Grand Calibur and my Epic. If you're set on Cuttlebug here is a site that I have bought carts from and the are quick and reliable. They have the green cuttlebug for 49.99. The blue one is 69.99
Well got my Cuttlebug yesterday. Received a blue one... Thought I was getting a green one. Oh well. Got it off eBay for around $40 Brand new with free shipping.
I highly recommend a Big Shot. You can do everything with it that you could do with a Cuttlebug.
I love it as the size is larger for the larger dies and embossing folders.
As far as I know, the width of the rollers limits the Cuttlebug AND the Big Shot such that any die or folder that fits through the Big Shot will also go through the Bug. I bought the Big Shot BECAUSE I wanted to use larger dies and was disappointed because so far I could have just stuck with my Bug. Are their certain brands of dies and folders that are larger and maybe I'm missing the boat and didn't waste the money on the Big Shot?
As far as I know, the width of the rollers limits the Cuttlebug AND the Big Shot such that any die or folder that fits through the Big Shot will also go through the Bug. I bought the Big Shot BECAUSE I wanted to use larger dies and was disappointed because so far I could have just stuck with my Bug. Are their certain brands of dies and folders that are larger and maybe I'm missing the boat and didn't waste the money on the Big Shot?
The Big Shot does have a little bit wider area. I've found that this is beneficial, for me , when I put card stock in EF's and place them in side ways to achieve a certain affect. I have more space to work in to achieve what I want that I wasn't able to accomplish in my Bug.
As far as I know, the width of the rollers limits the Cuttlebug AND the Big Shot such that any die or folder that fits through the Big Shot will also go through the Bug. I bought the Big Shot BECAUSE I wanted to use larger dies and was disappointed because so far I could have just stuck with my Bug. Are their certain brands of dies and folders that are larger and maybe I'm missing the boat and didn't waste the money on the Big Shot?
I don't think you wasted your money. The Big Shot can take larger (thicker) steel rule dies. The Cuttlebug can only cut wafer thin dies. Having a Big Shot gives you more versatility and variety.
I don't think you wasted your money. The Big Shot can take larger (thicker) steel rule dies. The Cuttlebug can only cut wafer thin dies. Having a Big Shot gives you more versatility and variety.
Hummmm.....maybe I don't get your answer, but if I read you right, you have probably never read the instruction booklet that comes with the bug.
Anyone that has the bug (me) know and does use steel rule dies as I have several of them.you just use a different sandwich.Sizzex, Tim Holtz etc
I have posted before that In The 6 years I have had my bug, I have never had a problem cutting any die. It is 5 7/8 "wide good for all my e folders. The only thing I can't do is put the ef in sideways.
I like the bug for its portability and take it with me when we go away for winter. Now eventually I will have to replace and I have thought about the BS but not because it will cut thicker dies. They are both great machines from what I have heard, it all depends on what works for you.
Can anyone tell me how to layer a memory box die in the cuttlebug? I have purchased 2 of these and can't seem to get the right layering to cut through my cardstock. Thanks for your assistance.
Can anyone tell me how to layer a memory box die in the cuttlebug? I have purchased 2 of these and can't seem to get the right layering to cut through my cardstock. Thanks for your assistance.
I have a number of memory Box and use the same sandwich for all but the steel rule
from bottom up
A plate
C plate
die cut side up
paper
B plate roll her through.
Canada Goose, I tried the layering as you suggested and it will not cut the middle of this Memory Box die. It is a steel die and is very intricate in the middle. I used new B pads and even if I run it back and forth, it still will not cut through the centre. Any other suggestions?
Canada Goose, I tried the layering as you suggested and it will not cut the middle of this Memory Box die. It is a steel die and is very intricate in the middle. I used new B pads and even if I run it back and forth, it still will not cut through the centre. Any other suggestions?
Have you tried this suggestion? They use tape in the sections that aren't cutting thru.
Thank you so much for the suggestion. I was just online looking for a BigShot. I have always had good luck and satisfaction with the Cuttlebug, so I really don't want to replace it. Thanks again.
Okay here is a tip I use for the odd intricate die. If there is particular spot where it does not cut experiment by adding shims one piece at a time only over the prt that is is not cutting. no need to over shim the whole thing if its only not cutting in one area. You may only need a single layer shim of card stock and try running the die through and then back up. Two passes should do it.I hope this works for you.
I lied. It is a Cottage Cutz Die called Winter Cottage Scene. I thought it was a Memory Box. I tried shimming it with a piece of paper (actually the wrapper from the die package) and it helped significantly, but I still had to run it through several times. Thanks for your help.
Your forgiven for the fib lol. Sometimes the more intricate the die the more persuasion they need. Glad it worked, you can experiment now that you know what works.
Canada Goose, I tried the layering as you suggested and it will not cut the middle of this Memory Box die. It is a steel die and is very intricate in the middle. I used new B pads and even if I run it back and forth, it still will not cut through the centre. Any other suggestions?
RIP Cuttlebug
