Sidekick??
 

1- is it worth having a tiny die machine?? Do you use it often?
2- are the sidekick plates the same thickness as regular cutting plates?

I have sidekick plates and use them with my Big Shot Plus machine. They are the same thickness.

I own the small Spellbinders machine and do not use it often. I would use it more if I had space to keep it out. I have to find the space to use it, but enjoy using it when I do use it. Unfortunately the Sizzix plates are not the same size as the Sapphire machine by Spellbinders.

The Spellbinders plates from the Platinum 6 do work in my Big Shot Plus. The width of the two mini machines are a tiny bit different.

I have the original Diamond Press (mini) machine, and keep it under my desk, and probably use it almost daily. I have the Diamond Press Marquise and it cuts great, but same as the DP, the cheap plastic 'folders' bend so quickly, . When cutting really tiny dies, the DP is so quick and easy, The folder is 1 3/4" by 3 ", and you can make a cut in 2-3 turns of the handle. I'm glad I have it. I also have the "Craft Buddy", another mini die cut machine, and love it. Those plates are hard, like the Gemini Jr and Platinum 6, just in smaller size (3" by 6"). The Gemini Jr will cut with a larger area surface, the smaller minis cut in record time. Love both my mini die cut machines. They might even get more use than my Gemini Jr.

The Sidekick was my first die cutting machine, purchased more than fifteen years ago. It still works great! I use it regularly. I love having a small, lightweight machine within arms reach that will cut a majority of the dies I own. A bonus is that it “locks” to my work surface, so no sliding around like some other brands.

I still use my daughter's Cuttle Kids (a mini version of the Cuttlebug that was around briefly), and after 16 years, it's still going strong. I'm still using the original plates too! I use it more than she ever did.

I have a sidekick and I have had it for 15 years or more. Still works great!!

Some days I use the Sidekick more than my Big Kick. Almost all my sentiment dies fit in it along with small flowers and small images.

Thanks. I was most interested to know if the plates were the same thickness. I have easy access to plates of most any size for replacements but different thicknesses would be harder.

I have a sidekick and SU small machine. The Sidekick sits on my desk and the other is close by. I use both everyday and would be lost without them. They are the most used tool in my room by far.
I don't see how a card a mker can get a long without at least one of them.
Marcia

May I ask what made you buy two mini die cut machines? I have a sidekick that someone gave to me after she bought a larger machine but have to say that I never use it because I don't have room to keep it out. I figured I can use it if I travel, but I really don't like crafting on the go because I can never figure out what supplies to bring!
Karen

Oh, good point about sentiment dies fitting easily on the Sidekick. I inherited TWO sidekicks but never use them because of lack of space. I have a Big Shot and Platinum 6 on my craft area but maybe I should try to squeeze the Side kick alongside too. I need the Big Shot out because I cut a lot of nested labels and frames, and the Spellbinder Platinum 6 is for embossing.
Karen

I've learned that the SU mini machine has a slightly wider opening vs the Sidekick, and I like that it seems to use the same basic plate system that I'm used to using, base plate and then two plates for cutting and embossing.
If the SU plates are the same thickness as the plates from the original Cuttlebug and the newer separate Big Shot plates (not the flip book style plates), then I'll probably end up getting the SU machine, even though it's a bit more expensive.