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Hi Catherine, I don't think there are that many problems with the GC, it seems to be only a few who are posting here with problems out of the majority of us on SCS who have GCs. So many of us love ours, and have no problems with them.
I feel really bad that there are some defective machines, but it looks like Spellbinders is trying to help.
I'm sort of wondering why you are considering a Cuttlebug when you already have a BS? I have the Big Kick, (the same thing as BS), and can't see any point in getting a Cuttlebug too, since the only advantages of the Cuttlebug seem to be portability. They both take the same size paper.
I would look at a bigger machine, like the larger Sizzix one or the GC rather than another smaller one. I bought the GC mainly because of it's size, but I do like the fact that I seem to get better embossing with the Spellbinders type dies in the GC than I did in the BK, and I don't have to worry about shims. I can also cut and emboss more dies at once with the larger machine, which really saves time.
Unless you are looking for portability, I would look at a larger machine rather than one which is the same size. I'm loving my GC, and the large dies so I can make shaped cards.
(I'm not putting down the Cuttlebug in any way, it's a very nice machine, but there are so many advantages to the larger ones that if you already have a small one, why not upgrade and have the best of both worlds).
I read the plate stacks as the layering and put my rubber mat on top and it got caught up in the roller.
totally my fault. I emailed Spellbinders and when I finally get it shipped to them, they will fix it. As this is my error, I do not mind having to pay the freight to them.
I have loved my GC!
__________________ Karen - proud owner of 3 cats and a 80 lb, German Shepard Owner of an unorganized scrappy place I CAN ONLY SHIP IN THE USA
Hi Catherine, I don't think there are that many problems with the GC, it seems to be only a few who are posting here with problems out of the majority of us on SCS who have GCs. So many of us love ours, and have no problems with them.
I feel really bad that there are some defective machines, but it looks like Spellbinders is trying to help.
I'm sort of wondering why you are considering a Cuttlebug when you already have a BS? I have the Big Kick, (the same thing as BS), and can't see any point in getting a Cuttlebug too, since the only advantages of the Cuttlebug seem to be portability. They both take the same size paper.
I would look at a bigger machine, like the larger Sizzix one or the GC rather than another smaller one. I bought the GC mainly because of it's size, but I do like the fact that I seem to get better embossing with the Spellbinders type dies in the GC than I did in the BK, and I don't have to worry about shims. I can also cut and emboss more dies at once with the larger machine, which really saves time.
Unless you are looking for portability, I would look at a larger machine rather than one which is the same size. I'm loving my GC, and the large dies so I can make shaped cards.
(I'm not putting down the Cuttlebug in any way, it's a very nice machine, but there are so many advantages to the larger ones that if you already have a small one, why not upgrade and have the best of both worlds).
Hi Kathi, thanks for the explanation. The main reason why I wanted to get the GC is because I wanted to create a frame with the Nestabilities dies but some how the results were disappointing. Then I located a video on how to make a frame and the author was using the Wizard with fantastic results. After viewing the video over and over again, tried many times with my BS, still couldn't get good results. Maybe I've done something incorrectly. I have no idea.
Yes, you are right that the logical choice is the GC because of the size. Do you have any idea if the GC also uses a magnetic sheet to keep the dies in place?
I agree with Lazorkay, whenever I need to make sure the dies stay in the right place, I use a less sticky type of tape to make sure they don't move. I use tape for frames, to keep them at the proper distance from each other, or when I am die cutting a stamp and want to make sure it stays centered.
I took the little shelf thing out of mine because I run 8 1/2" x 11" paper through it all the time.
The only thing I wish for in the GC is that it was just 1/2" or so wider. It's just a hair narrow for the standard letter sized paper, but it does work well on it anyway!
I use my GC daily, and only use my BK for a few things now.
It was quite a struggle getting it out if I remember, that's why I never put it back! I just followed the instructions and worked at it until I got it.
The width being just a hair too narrow almost seems like a design flaw that was realized after it was manufactured.
Hi Kathi, thanks for the explanation. The main reason why I wanted to get the GC is because I wanted to create a frame with the Nestabilities dies but some how the results were disappointing. Then I located a video on how to make a frame and the author was using the Wizard with fantastic results. After viewing the video over and over again, tried many times with my BS, still couldn't get good results. Maybe I've done something incorrectly. I have no idea.
Yes, you are right that the logical choice is the GC because of the size. Do you have any idea if the GC also uses a magnetic sheet to keep the dies in place?
Thanks again.
The Grand Calibur does not use the magnetic spacer plate that the Wizard used. I have a Wizard and a Grand Calibur and I notice no difference in cutting/embossing pressure. Both machines are equally powerful!! I love the size of the Grand Calibur. I had my hubby take out the white tray that came in my Grand Calibur and 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of cardstock fits perfectly without trimming.
The Grand Calibur does not use the magnetic spacer plate that the Wizard used. I have a Wizard and a Grand Calibur and I notice no difference in cutting/embossing pressure. Both machines are equally powerful!! I love the size of the Grand Calibur. I had my hubby take out the white tray that came in my Grand Calibur and 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of cardstock fits perfectly without trimming.
It's a tough choice between the GC and the Wizard. I love the GC size and I also love the simplicity of the Wizard in terms of 'what you see is what you get' look and functionality.
I can't get that white shelf thing out! AUGGGG LOL
I have to trim my paper about 1/4" if I use a whole piece.
An easy way to get the tray out is to put together the embossing sandwich, base plate, tan embossing mat and embossing plate. You don't need anything else inside the sandwich. Run it through the Grand Calibur from the "back" side of the machine - basically in reverse. That pushes the tray out and makes it easy to remove.
This is one machine I completely regret buying. Since only thin dies will fit through I still need to keep my cuttlebug. Also I agree with all the previous poster in regards to the sticky mat, not attaching to my work surface and the false advertising in regards to the 8.5x11 sheet of paper being used in the machine. I really wanted to love this machine and cut the larger shapes for my scrapbooking. However one cannot use the standard 8.5x11 sheet of paper in it like it mentions. Mine has now become an expensive dust collector. Save your money or buy a Big Shot Pro.
LOL...this has been very interesting reading. I've come so close to buying the Grand Calibur, then I read this thread and now I'm not so sure. I want it to cut the larger sized dies, for various craft projects but I'm worried to read about handles breaking, metal flying and cuts not coming out even etc. I live in Australia...so I really don't need to be sending it back to the US for fixing if it breaks. That'd cost a bomb!
I love my cuttlebug...it has been going perfectly for years...wish it came in a larger size.
Think I'll defer my decision a little longer.
Thanks for the feedback ladies. Both the good and the bad!
:-)
Gosh, I'm so sorry to read about people who either had problems with their Grand Calibur or people who aren't buying it because a few people had problems. I just wanted to say again, that I've had my GC for over a year now, and have used it almost every day since I got it. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't quite fit 8 1/5 x 11 paper. I love everything else about it, and I use the GC for almost every single card I make.
I have had my Sizzix Big Kick for over two years. Even before I bought my GC I didn't use the BK all that much. I really didn't like many of their dies. I started using it more when the Spellbinders dies came out, but not on a daily basis. It was a pain to have to cut each die separately because the platform was so small. Even though I had the longer plates, they only worked with the fat dies because the multi purpose platform was smaller. Probably you could order a larger one, I don't know, but I never saw any in the stores.
I still use the Big Kick for embossing folders and Sizzix and cuttlebug dies, but never for Cheery Lynn, Marianne, Spellbinders or any of those thin dies. I love being able to cut the Grand dies for shaped cards, or a lot of smaller dies at one time. My cuts always come out even, and it's easy to cut stamped things in exactly the right places just by using a tiny bit of tape.
I feel like I had to add my two cents because so many people seem to not want the GC because a few people had problems with it. I also understand that there now is a raspberry plate that will enable you to use embossing folders and things like Cuttlebug and the thin Sizzix dies. I can certainly understand why we can't use the really fat dies, and that isn't an issue for me.
I really like the fact that other than the fat Sizzix dies, all companies seem to be making most of their machines, embossing folders and dies compatible with each other. It gives us so many choices. :-)
Thank you for your support of the Grand Calibur everyone! Spellbinders stands behind our products and we aim to have the highest quality customer service available. There are literally a handful of issues with the thousands upon thousands of Grand Calibur machines we send out. We truly appreciate all feedback... as it helps us to be the company our consumers expect. And of course... the positive feedback and support is an amazing thing to read. Thank you again.
I was considering getting a GC but now with all those problems.....am not so sure now perhaps will look at a Cuttlebug instead. I already have a BigShot.
I've had my GC from the start and have not had any problems with it.
Neither the Cuttlebug nor the Big Shot accommodate the larger dies in the Spellbinders Grand sets.
And if you have a Big Shot, you don't need a Cuttlebug since they take all the same dies/embossing folders/etc.
__________________ Hi! I'm ISO the Fun Stampers Journey stamp "Say Cheese" AT-0167. Thank you!
I know I'm probably really late with this response, but thought I'd share my Grand Calibur story. When my Calibur broke (loose something inside) I contacted Spellbinders. They picked it up at my home (UPS) no charge, repaired it No Charge and then shipped it back no charge. I had it returned in about a week I think. I was very impressed with their Customer Service and the quick way they fixed it and returned it. But I am a little aprehensive when I use it. Doesn't seem to take cuttlebug folders to easily and I'm afraid to use it. I like my Cuttlebug much more, and wish they would build a bigger one.
Last edited by jonnytar; 08-24-2012 at 08:00 AM..
Reason: missed 2 words
Hi Jonnytar, I think to use the GC for embossing folders, you have to have something called a raspberry plate. I assume it's thinner than the other plates, since the embossing folders are thicker than the dies. If I remember right, I think you can also use the thin Cuttlebug and Sizzix dies with that as well.
I think my GC does a better job with cutting and embossing the Spellbinders dies than my Sizzix, probably because it was made for those. I always use my Big Kick for embossing folders, since I don't have the raspberry plate yet.
Is anyone else having this problem? Well, four problems actually . . .
I thought I was going to love my new Grand Calibur but I'm disappointed with a few features . . .
1. The little lever thingy is too small. I don't want to have to fasten it to the very edge of my table but the knob is too shallow and too low to the table, that if I put it further in I need pliers just to get it unsuctioned. I feel like it's going to break.
2. The rubber matt sticks to my paper like mad! half the time my paper tears trying to get it off the matt. I've washed it with warm soapy water several times, but it just keeps sticking.
3. The rubber matt stretches and moves my papers during the embossing. This is driving me mad too. So much wasted paper. I even use post it's to help hold it in place but that's not working either.
4. I bought the GC for the sole reason of being able to cut multiple dies at once, however it seems I can only use about the center third with any kind of reliable success. That puts me back down to the CB standard plate size working space.
I'm terribly afraid that my $159 has gone to waste because I have a pretty new toy that's just not working for me and it's been cast into the shadows while my CB enjoys the light of day.
Someone please tell me I'm not the only one. *sigh*
I had a Big Shot to begin with and had it for a long time. It broke the night before I had a big workshop so I had to get something to replace it. I went to Hobby Lobby and got the Grand Calibur. I hated it, for all the reasons you have stated. I gave it away and now have my Big Shot back. I will never stray again!
__________________ My husband lets me have all the stamping supplies I can hide.
My Blog - My Gallery
Hi Jonnytar, I think to use the GC for embossing folders, you have to have something called a raspberry plate. I assume it's thinner than the other plates, since the embossing folders are thicker than the dies. If I remember right, I think you can also use the thin Cuttlebug and Sizzix dies with that as well.
I think my GC does a better job with cutting and embossing the Spellbinders dies than my Sizzix, probably because it was made for those. I always use my Big Kick for embossing folders, since I don't have the raspberry plate yet.
My local Hobby Lobby carries the raspberry plate. I got it when I purchased some Spellbinder embossing folders. It works great with CB folders!
I followed the instructions on the spellbinders website on how to use the raspberry plate with cuttlebug embossing folders I have only used it about 10 times and it has snapped right through the middle I have twice sent contacts through their website but have heard nothing I have now just emailed Kelly to see if she can help but not holding out much hope
I use the Spellbinder websitesite to let them know the handle broke on my GC. They responded withing 24 hours and I had a replacement by the end of the week. Call them rather than use the website so you can talk to someone.
__________________ Mary Jo
prairiepapercrafter.blogspot.com
Thank you prairiepapercrafter i have used the website contact button twice and not had a reply and as i live in the UK it would be far to expensive for me to call them direct, I suppose i will just have to give up as not very confident of using the grand caliber now and it is going to get very expensive if i have to keep replacing the raspberry plate may just think about getting a big shot and sell the grand caliber
So sorry that you haven't gotten a reply yet from Customer Service. I will absolutely follow up on that. If you could please send me an email at [email protected] and I can help move things along for you. My name is Kelly and I handle Spellbinders Social Media and Community Development. As Karen said above, we pride ourselves on customer service and will absolutely help you and anyone else who has issues with anything related to Spellbinders.
Kelly Loubet
Social Media and Community Developer
Spellbinders Paper Arts
I bought my Raspberry Plate a few weeks ago, and I love it. I don't have room to leave both my Big Kick and Grand Calibur set up at the same time, so for me it is a big help to only have to use one machine unless I need to use one of my thick Sizzix dies. If I had room for both, I wouldn't have needed it. Now, it's so much easier than swapping machines back and forth all the time. Maybe some day I will have room to use them both at the same time! (I do think I will probably still cut my thin Cuttlebig and Sizzix dies with the Big Kick though, since I am used to it).
I want to say a big big thank you to Kelly and Karen from spellbinders :o who are going to arrange a new raspberry plate to me You have restored my fatih in customer service
I want to say a big big thank you to Kelly and Karen from spellbinders :o who are going to arrange a new raspberry plate to me You have restored my fatih in customer service
Once again many thanks
Mary xx
Hooray!! I think Spellbinders is the best company! LOL That's why I love working with them!
I have been reading on here about the problems you have been having with the Grand Calibur.
I have had mine for just over a year and about a month ago it broke.
The plastic plates inside the machine had broken so I contacted Sue Wilson at Creative Expressions asking for help. Sue very kindly organised replacement plates FOC. Yesterday I used it with the an A4 Embossing Folder and as it when though the machine I heard a large crack again. It now rattles inside so I am guessing the original problem has happened again. I have emailed Spellbinders in the UK and I am waiting a response.
I have read on here that Kelly may be able to help me, so if you read this Kelly, perhaps you could respond.
Man thanks
Christine
thank you for the tip of how to get the white platform plate out i have been trying a
Quote:
Originally Posted by CathyC
An easy way to get the tray out is to put together the embossing sandwich, base plate, tan embossing mat and embossing plate. You don't need anything else inside the sandwich. Run it through the Grand Calibur from the "back" side of the machine - basically in reverse. That pushes the tray out and makes it easy to remove.
Hi there, I recently was on this blog looking for information about how to fix my Grand Calibur machine, it was making some clunking noises and something metal was rolling around in the base of the machine. I contacted Spellbinders and they sent me instructions on how to open it up and then fix it...the response was quick and they helped me figure out what was wrong and then helped me to get the machine fixed.
I would recommend the machine for this reason alone, but it also cuts skinny dies better than anything else and you can cut out so many images at once, it is awesome.
__________________ Abby
The JOY of the Lord is my strength....Nehemiah8:10(NIV)
I have not used mine again since it broke for a second time. A friend of mine has kindly let me have the one she had as wanted to have the latest colour or Purple.
She has had it just over a year but only used it once, however when I put my dies through the machine I can feel a resistance and although the handle does turn it seems to catch every so often. I am really disapointed as I though my original machine could have been faulty but it seems as though I have a similar problem with this one.
Christine
If you're having an issue with your Grand Calibur Machine... All you need to do is contact [email protected] and they will help you out right away. Even if you feel your machine beyond warranty... contact us and we'll see what we can do to help you out. Happy crafting!
Thank you Kelly, I did contact the Customer Support before and was given a name of a person who does repairs in the UK, however to send it to him and receive it back would have cost me almost as much as a new machine.
Christine x
Thank you Kelly, I did contact the Customer Support before and was given a name of a person who does repairs in the UK, however to send it to him and receive it back would have cost me almost as much as a new machine.
Christine x
Hi Christine,
I'm sorry to hear that. Was this recent? We've had a recent policy change.
Hi Kelly, it was about this time last year and didn't bother getting in touch again as we spent the winter our in Spain. I was surprised when someone had replied to my original thread as it has been such a long time ago.
Christine
raspberry plate
