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Okay, at the risk of being extremely annoying, I have to ask this question one more time. I tried to read the older thread on this topic and IT'S 88 PAGES LONG!!! Seriously. Today is the ONLY day I can go shopping and I'm absolutely dying to get one of these machines. Can someone please give me a brief synopsis of the differences/pros/cons of these machines? I will mostly be using it for embossing. Will they all emboss an entire card front? Portablility isn't a factor.
I followed Julie and got the BIg Shot. It is GREAT! You can use the cuttlebug dies and was less expensive. Good luck with your purchase and above all HAVE FUN!
What's the difference between the Big Shot and the Big Kick?
One difference is that the Big Shot is marketed by Ellison and the Big Kick is marketed by Sizzix. The other difference is the color. The two machines work exactly the same and will perform the same functions.
And since it's included in the title of this thread, here's a link for more info about the Cuttlebug, which is kind of a celery green and light grey: Provo Craft website info about the Cuttlebug
If you're interested in buying one of these, I suggest you read the info in JulieHRR's blog (if you haven't already) to help you decide which machine may be best for you. Also do some searching online to find the best deals.
I ended up choosing the Big Kick, which I ordered from costco.com. It's very easy to use and it's done a fabulous job of embossing (with the Sizzix embossing folder that's in the intro kit, as well as with the Cuttlebug embossing folders) and cutting cardstock with the Cuttlebug dies, original Sizzix dies, and Sizzlits. I haven't tried cutting chipboard with it yet, but I've heard it works really well for that.
I echo what PH says, the Big Kick is easy to use and does a fab job with die cutting and embossing. And I wanted to add that I have successfully cut chipboard in my BK!
I was trying to research online which system I should get. I debated about the Cricut. I liked the idea that you could make your alphabets different sizes but I didn't like how they put their cartridges together - plus they're expensive.
While I was looking at the Sizzix website, I found the set of Window & Frame making set marked down to $45.00!! Normally it's $149.99. I couldn't resist. I ordered it. I haven't seen it marked down that low since. Right now it's $52.50 at Sissix's website.
That seemed to make my decision for me. I ended up getting the Big Shot about 2 weeks later at Archiver's and they let me use my 30% off coupon! How could I resist??
Peggy
I've narrowed it down to the Big Shot or Big Kick. ??
K.
my vote is for whichever costs less... i got the BK b/c it included the MPP in the price which the BS did not. either way, i think you will be pleased!!
Katherine, you're welcome! I'm glad I was able to help.
I wanted to address this:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Softangelkisses
I have the Sizzix, from what I hear it is similar to the Big Shot and with the adapter, you can use the cuttlebug dies!
This is partially correct. If you have the magnetic adapter for the original Sizzix machine, you can use it to cut with the Cuttlebug dies and emboss with the Cuttlebug folders. However, the original Sizzix machine itself works somewhat differently than the Big Shot, Big Kick, and Cuttlebug.
With the original Sizzix, you have to place your "sandwich" (die + cardstock + cutting platform, or embossing folder + cardstock + platform) under the press, lower the handle, raise the handle, and if it's a larger item (like the A2 folders) reposition a different part of the sandwich under the press, lower & raise the handle, etc. until you've covered the whole thing. If you're not careful, the sandwich contents can slide around for you as you reposition them, or you can miss pressing part of the sandwich. (Been there, done that. :rolleyes: You are welcome to learn from my experience.)
With the newer three machines, you place the "sandwich" on the platform, crank the handle until the sandwich has moved all the way through the machine, and you're done with it. IMO, it's faster and easier.
Which one did you choose? I am in the same boat and I want to go out today to get one. Thanks!!
I am somewhat (okay, A LOT) impulsive when it comes to this stuff. I went online and hunted for the best prices which die cut machine does the most for the $$$. I found the Ellison to be compatible with Sizzix, Cuttlebug, and QuicKutz. With QuicKutz, you have to buy a Sizzix adapter because the QuicKutz dies are a bit thinner than the thin cuts. I went to Michael's and Joann's, but neither had them -- so, no using 40% off :( Anyhow, I went to Archivers and they had it for $119 and I couldn't resist, I GOT IT! I did find that Joann's online store had them on sale for $99.99 with free shipping (I would have order it from their, but I have a 3 day weekend with Pres. Day -- and I know I will have time to play) It comes with a thick die, 2 thin dies, one embossing template and 2 extra pieces. I think the Sizzix Big Kick beginner kit somes with a bit more, but the "critics" that have posted their thoughts, have said the Big Shot was more for the $$$. I sure hope so! I really wanted the Bug, though. I am happy with my new purchase!
hi ladies I'm new and was deciding on the cuttlebug until I saw the big shot and read a review I think was julie's. Anyways I was wondering something with either of these machines will it dent the pages and pictures from a creative memories album? I use a lot of creative memories producrs and I don't want to ruin anything.
I'm leaning towards the big shot, anyone have pro's con's to add to scrapbooking?
I'm not sure if I'm misunderstanding you, but I don't think you'd want to put an actual CM album page through these machines. I have the Big Kick, and it will accept items up to 6" wide, so unless you have some of their old 5" x 7" albums, none of the album pages would even fit through any of these machines anyway.
However...
If you wanted dry embossing in your albums, you could emboss whatever cardstock (or even patterned paper) that you like and adhere it to your CM album pages. You wouldn't be able to do it for an entire album page, but you could certainly use it for mats or just a big block of color for embellishment.
And there's virtually no limit to the ways you could use the die cuts in your albums, considering the myriad shapes and alphabets that are available from all the different companies.
sorry maybe I said that wrong, I wasn't planning to put the actual 12 x 12 paper through the machine. But I think I have it worked out I just have to see it irl to confirm.
Now if anyone knows the pro's and con's towards the big shot?
Or why I should go with the big kick or sissix which I orginally was going to get (the sissix that is) please let me know.
I'm understanding though that the big shot DOES take sissix templates
Hi Lexi, yes you can use ALL Sizzix dies etc. in the Big Shot as well as the Big Kick.
They call things different names is all. The largest Sizzix dies are called Bigz - the Ellison equivalent is a Thick Cut die. Sizzix small dies are called Sizzlits whereas Ellison call theirs Thin Cut dies. The Sizzix embossing folders are called Simple Impressions while the Ellison ones are called Easy Emboss. Then their are the texture plates - Sizzix are Texturz while Ellison ones are called Big Impressions.
The original red Sizzix machine CAN'T take the Bigz or Thick Cuts dies though.
To expand on Ruth's comments in post #32, all the Cuttlebug brand dies and embossing folders can be used in both the Big Shot and the Big Kick.
Lexi - if you want to read a very well-written comparison of the Big Shot vs. the Cuttlebug, scroll up to post #3 in this thread and click on the bolded text just above Loretta's signature. Then keep in mind that everything said about the Big Shot will hold true for the Big Kick.
Wow thanks for all that info Ruth, A LOT to remember but I guess as time goes on I'll be able to remember more and more since I'll hopefully have one in front of me as I'm a visual person
__________________ Lexi
Chief Domestic Engineer of the Winter-Furtado Estate
I read all the comments on both machines and I decided on the Big Shot. I also bought 9 A2 Cuttlebug embossing folders. I can't wait to get it from JoAnn's online. I am so greatful so all the feedback on these machines as I was on the fence about them till I read comment #3.
Thanks so much for the links to the products and all of the info about these.
I was sure that I didn't need anything like this either....but after seeing so many neat things done in the gallery, you ladies are just wearing me down. I really think I may need one now.
Cuttlebug vs. Big Kick vs. Big Shot
