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I have a Cuttlebug and I'm happy with it. However, I have tried the SU Big Shot and liked that even more. Joanns has a good price on the Sizzix Big Shot and I am considering a purchase.
I have a few questions before I make the plunge.....
Can I use my Cuttlebug embossing folders with the Sizzix?
Nestabilities???
Stampin up embossing folders and dies??
PTI dies
Will the Sizzix need any extra pads,etc to work properly?
What are the advantages and disadvantages.
Thanks for your "expert" advise.
__________________ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
I have a Cuttlebug and I'm happy with it. However, I have tried the SU Big Shot and liked that even more. Joanns has a good price on the Sizzix Big Shot and I am considering a purchase.
I have a few questions before I make the plunge.....
Can I use my Cuttlebug embossing folders with the Sizzix?
Nestabilities???
Stampin up embossing folders and dies??
PTI dies
Will the Sizzix need any extra pads,etc to work properly?
What are the advantages and disadvantages.
Thanks for your "expert" advise.
I had a cuttlebug first, I did sell it and buy a Big Shot...you can use everything in your Big shot, that you could in your Cuttlebug and more. The wider Sizzix dies, fit in the Big Shot and not in the Cuttlebug.
First off, it is more secure and stable, so for me that was a plus, but it is larger, takes up more room(not a lot, but more!) and doesn't fold up like the cuttlebug. But that isn't a problem for me, because it is always out! Hope that helps
You won't be sorry at all for getting the Big Shot. It's a little wider, sturdier, and easier to crank (IMO). The only downside vs. the Cuttlebug is that it doesn't fold up. But because it has a low, wide base it's extremely steady, plus you don't need to suction-cup it to anything, so you can use it on any surface.
I had this very same problem a year ago and I ended up with extra birthday money and took the plunge on the Big Shot. I am soooo HAPPY that I did. EVERYTHING from the Cuttlebug works without a problem in it!!! Stampin' Up carries some AWESOME XL dies that are just a smidge too wide to fit through the Cuttlebug. I TOTALLY recommend spending the money on the Big Shot!!!
I have the Big Shot and was so happy with it and the product line that I just purchased the Big Shot Pro and I've got the new eclips on the way! You can use a lot of different manufacturer dies in the Big Shot and depending on the die, you can cut a lot of different materials too!
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
I also had a Cuttlebug first, but then bought the Big Shot on sale at Joann's. I like it so much better. I really didn't have a good place for the suction bottom to work on the Cuttlebug. I can use the Big Shot anywhere!
Actually I had the Big Shot before the Wizard. Since I got my Wizard, I haven't touched my Big Shot. I prefer the Wizard for its awesome embossing power. It just can't be beat!
I have the Big Shot and was so happy with it and the product line that I just purchased the Big Shot Pro and I've got the new eclips on the way! You can use a lot of different manufacturer dies in the Big Shot and depending on the die, you can cut a lot of different materials too!
I have the Cricut, but I keep eying the Eclips. Will you post your personal review of the Eclips when you have had a chance to play with it?
To the original poster, I have a Cuttlebug, but I purchased the Big Shot a while back and I love it.
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I had a cuttlebug and had no problems with it, until i got totry a big shot at cardclass,and fell in love!! Now I have both but sadly the poor bug is collecting dust. I should sell it i guess
Despite having a Cricut Expression, I would not give up my Big Shot. Everything works in there - you just have to get the layers right. Would swop my turning handle BS for the electric one, but no point spending money on it. If buying now I would go for the Pro.
Enjoy which ever one you get.
Actually I had the Big Shot before the Wizard. Since I got my Wizard, I haven't touched my Big Shot. I prefer the Wizard for its awesome embossing power. It just can't be beat!
I agree- I actually sold my big shot, and my CB is collecting dust in the other room!
The reason I bought the Cuttlebug was because I could get it cheaper than the Big Shot and for me that was a huge factor at the time. I also like that it is more compact so I can just fit it into a tiny corner of a shelf and there it sits. I have tried the Big Shot too and I really like it, it seems so much sturdier. If I were to choose now, I would probably pick the Big Shot. The Cuttlebug does sell the long cutting/embossing plates now, so if that is a consideration, you can get those with the Cuttlebug now.
I definitely will... I got word on Friday that it shipped out... so I should have it this week sometime... but I'll be at CHA - so I won't be able to play for a bit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gails
I have the Cricut, but I keep eying the Eclips. Will you post your personal review of the Eclips when you have had a chance to play with it?
To the original poster, I have a Cuttlebug, but I purchased the Big Shot a while back and I love it.
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
I haven't found the extended plates for the Bug. Where did you get them? I did just order from Joann's all my other plates, A,B,C...but no extender ones.
I'm still trying to decide between a Wizard and a Big Shot myself! I am mostly drawn to the embossing possibilities that each offer and not so much wanting to die cut shapes. Except; I'd like to collect Nestabilities in circles, ovals, squares and ditch all my hand held punches eventually.
This leads me to think maybe a Wizard....BUT....you need to watch the YouTube videos all about the Big Shot. There are tons out there showing you specifically how to use the other companies dies and impressions folders, and nestabilities etc....with the Big Shot.
Seeing these makes me think I can make whatever I want work with a Big Shot if I just get the right sandwich, and I'll have the stability of the wide machine and the ability to use and of the bigger XL dies if I want to.
I haven't found the extended plates for the Bug. Where did you get them? I did just order from Joann's all my other plates, A,B,C...but no extender ones.
Hi Karen ... I saw them at my lss last week. I actually didnt buy them because to buy the cutting/embossing plates plus the equal to the A plate (except in long), it was going to be $50.00 plus tax. That is Canadian, so I'm sure it would be less in the U.S. However, it just seemed like a lot of money to spend when I havent seen any long dies that I cannot live without. That will probably change in the future, but for now I'm going with that, lol. Good luck on your search to find them, they are out there!
I'm still trying to decide between a Wizard and a Big Shot myself! I am mostly drawn to the embossing possibilities that each offer and not so much wanting to die cut shapes. Except; I'd like to collect Nestabilities in circles, ovals, squares and ditch all my hand held punches eventually.
This leads me to think maybe a Wizard....BUT....you need to watch the YouTube videos all about the Big Shot. There are tons out there showing you specifically how to use the other companies dies and impressions folders, and nestabilities etc....with the Big Shot.
Seeing these makes me think I can make whatever I want work with a Big Shot if I just get the right sandwich, and I'll have the stability of the wide machine and the ability to use and of the bigger XL dies if I want to.
Good luck on your decision!!
I use a ton of Nesties with my Big Kick (same thing as a Big Shot except for cosmetic differences). The sandwich is incredibly easy, and you can even cut AND get a deep emboss in one pass. The only time the sandwich gets more complicated is if you want to cut, then emboss the die with another nestie (to get like a paneled look). In order to do that you have to switch stacks in your sandwich. I don't bother doing that, I just stick them in my Sizzix press real quick to do the embossing for my paneled look.
You don't even have to open tabs on the Multi Purpose Platform (MPP) with the Big Kick for just Nesties. You will go through more cutting plates with Nesties than you will if you use solely the steel-rule dies or sizzlits. The nesties cut into the plates more. That being said I get about 3 weeks out of a plate, and I often make a hundred or so Nestie cuts a day - I average about 1000 a week. So they last me about 3k Nestie cuts before I need to replace the plate. I make my sandwiches so they are always blade UP and use the same plate for cutting each time (turn and flip with each cut to make the plate last longer). Then when that plate gets ruined I toss it, take my old bottom plate and use it for my top one, then put a new one on the bottom. So I go through a PAIR of plates every 6 weeks to 2 months, keeping in mind I cut a TON of Nesties out. If you do normal cutting, like my friend, you can get a pair to last 6 months or even more. She goes through a pair about every 8 months and does what I would call normal cutting (under 20 Nestie cuts a day.)
The other sandwiches - namely for embossing folders and texture plates - are listed clearly right on your MPP so it is easy to know exactly what you need. Shims are sometimes necessary (thin copy paper or thin cardstock) and as you play with each folder you will learn it and know right off hand how many shims it may need (if any). I get a very deep emboss from my folders. Remember the Texture plates are for TEXTURE not necessarily for embossing - they are not a deep emboss, they are more subtle. The more you shim them, the deeper the impression but don't ever force a sandwich through your machine.
Keep in mind the Wizard is often hard on the hands, it takes a good amount of strength to work it. You get more pressure on your sandwich but you need to decide if that is worth the extra work. For anyone without good strength, good grips, or good hands, the Wizard is very hard. I have weaker grips and hands, and can easily use my Big Kick, whereas I tired out on the Wizard after two cuts.
If at all possible, try out a friend's Big Shot/Kick and a Wizard, see what you like, if the Wizard is worth the work to you, or if you are satisfied with the impression on the Big Shot.
Come here with any questions you may have or anything, there are lots of people who love their machines (whether it be the Bug, the Big Kick or the Wizard) and can tell you the strengths and weaknesses of the machine.
All being said, I cannot WAIT to get my Big Shot Pro next year. If you have the funds for it now, you might just want to go big. It takes 12x12 paper and big dies for boxes, plus you can line up a ton of Nesties on it and lay your sheet on it and cut. Or you can cut shapes into a 12x12 to make frames for scrapbooking - the possibilities with that machine are truly endless.
I definitely will... I got word on Friday that it shipped out... so I should have it this week sometime... but I'll be at CHA - so I won't be able to play for a bit.
Thank you Colleen. I will be shopping at CHA on Friday. It is really ironic that I should read one of your posts as my daughter and I have just gotten into Copic markers. I just looked at your blog, and I will be stopping by to see you. Thanks for the info. Gail
Thank you Colleen. I will be shopping at CHA on Friday. It is really ironic that I should read one of your posts as my daughter and I have just gotten into Copic markers. I just looked at your blog, and I will be stopping by to see you. Thanks for the info. Gail
Gail - Copic will have a booth at the trade show, but not the super show (Friday and Saturday)... but you can see Copics in action at the SCS booth as they will be part of the make and take. (I'm not sure where I'll be on Friday... but I hope to see you there!)
__________________ Colleen Schaan - Education Specialist at Imagination International Inc.,/Copic Marker
Blog - Distinctive Touches;My Copic Books!
Big Shot. I have both. I bought the Cuttlebug first. It is portable, light and does an adequate job. Then I saw the Big Shot demo at a show and bought one. It is much more durable, easier to use, sturdy and does a fantastic job, especially with die cutting.
Spellbinder's Grand Caliber isn't out yet, but it looks very promising! You might want to hold off a little and see what the reviews are for this new machine. The Spellbinder's site says it will retail for $130 and it can handle 8.5 x 11 paper. Spellbinders also introduced grand nestabilities to use in the machine, although those are double the price of the regular size. Pretty cool, though!
I was using my Cuttlebug the other night, and actually broke one of the side plates inside the bug. I'm not sure what to do. My husband could fix it if we could find the parts. I had no idea that would happen, and I didn't think I was trying to put too much through. Any thoughts?
Spellbinder's Grand Caliber isn't out yet, but it looks very promising! You might want to hold off a little and see what the reviews are for this new machine. The Spellbinder's site says it will retail for $130 and it can handle 8.5 x 11 paper. Spellbinders also introduced grand nestabilities to use in the machine, although those are double the price of the regular size. Pretty cool, though!
Rumor is the Calibur won't accommodate thick dies like the Sizzix originals. Yes, it's wider, but it's made for the wafer-thin dies, not the the thick Sizzix originals (though it should be able to take the Sizzlets).
I've got a Grand Bundle on order and it should have been here last month. I'll have more reliable info once I finally get the machine in my hands. New ship date is Oct 20, so it shouldn't be too long now.
As for the BS/CB thing, go with a BS or Big Kick (same machine, same awesomeness, different colors and slightly different body). J's and M's sell the BK and you can use a 50% coupon.
__________________ Hi! I'm ISO the Fun Stampers Journey stamp "Say Cheese" AT-0167. Thank you!
Big Shot or Cuttlebug???? Help!
