Which do I buy?

[Lyrlen]

Hi. I need an electric die cutter embosser because I have MS carpal tunnel and elbow issues. I had the Vagabond 2 and I loved it but the gears stripped and now it exerts no pressure. I looked all over the web and only learned that they were nearly impossible to fix and Sizzix won’t help past warranty. They won’t even fix for a fee. I am looking for a new electric machine one that doesn’t take gobs of room and would handle 6 inch wide embossing folders, 3d embossing folders and highly detailed dies equally well. The Sizzix switch requires a ton of room, besides I am annoyed at them, I only had my Vagabond 2 years and it died cutting a slim die using nothing fancier than the plates that came with the machine.What do you like? What works well? How much room do they need? The $300 dollar price tag is daunting especially if the machine dies in two years. So I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences

[mac4551]

I can only comment on the one electronic machine I had - it was the Gemini JR by Crafters Companion - bought it at the HSN launch and was able to get the purple model. It lasted roughly 5-6 years and now won't cut. My son said the gears are the problem - he took it apart to see if he could fix it, but can't. I miss it... LOVED it. The plates still warped, even with me flipping and rotating with EVERY cut... but still, it was awesome. I didn't have the money to replace it, so I purchased a Spellbinders Platinum 6, which is a hand cranked machine. It's great, but I do miss my electric Gemini Jr.

Good luck in choosing a machine...

Happy Crafting,
Mac

[UnderstandBlue]

I bought the electric Big Shot when it first came out and it's still going strong. You do have to hold the button down though - but not on the newer model. That's what I liked about the Gemini, was it was one touch - the downside is you have to hold the plates. So I went back to my old workhorse. I also like my mini Empress for my desk for small dies.

[CottageBliss]

I still have and use my manual Black Big Shot from Way back when. I have the large Gemini and it works very well after 5 years. Not sure why but my manual BS seems more convenient as I don't have a large area and the Gemini plates are larger than the BS. I would suggest the manual BS. I have a bad shoulder and a bad left hand but it seems when the die cutter is closer to me it's less of a strain on those areas. HTH.

[Lyrlen]

I’ved decided to risk buying a used Vagabond 2 and hope it works. I didn’t want to have to buy new plates and accessories for a new machine. The new sizzix might work with the plates I have but at 14+ inches long and needing 8 inch clearance in both sides I just don’t have room. I liked the look of the Joelver. Its foot print was perfect and it had a handle but I could find any on line reviews or demos. Besides I was worried it would be discontinued or no longer carried by Amazon and I would have the same problem I have with my Cuttlebug- can’t find parts. Wish me luck

[cnsteele]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyrlen

I’ved decided to risk buying a used Vagabond 2 and hope it works. I didn’t want to have to buy new plates and accessories for a new machine. The new sizzix might work with the plates I have but at 14+ inches long and needing 8 inch clearance in both sides I just don’t have room. I liked the look of the Joelver. Its foot print was perfect and it had a handle but I could find any on line reviews or demos. Besides I was worried it would be discontinued or no longer carried by Amazon and I would have the same problem I have with my Cuttlebug- can’t find parts. Wish me luck

If you are referring to finding plates for a Cuttlebug, can a hardware store cut plates for you? I have a Cuttlebug and our local hardware store cuts plexiglass and plastic. They can match the thickness and size of my plates.

[lovinpaper]

There is a company on Amazon that is making replacement plates for the Cuttlebug. It is called CraftFIRST. Search this name and you should find them. I have seen these used on YouTube videos a few times.