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A couple of weeks ago I finally got a BigShot. I got the Express which is electric. Can I just say I LOVE this machine! It cuts perfectly and all you have to do is press a button! I'd been saving for awhile so it's just so fun to finally have it.
I know this has probably already been discussed on here, but I just wanted to say if you have a chance to get the electric version, you will not regret it.
So far I've used Nestabilities, SU Dies, Sizzix dies (two sizes), and Quickutz dies. It does them all perfectly.
I got mine at Archievers.
Anybody else love this machine?
__________________ Debbie
I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end. - Margaret Thatcher
Did they let you use a coupon at Archivers to purchase?
No, the BigShot is exluded. But they were running a special for $139 where you got some extra goodies with it. You got some little dies, a very nice book (not like a little flismy thing) from Sizzix with lots of ideas, and something else little, I can't remember. And they had the machine out where they would demonstrate it for you. The only thing I purchased extra was the the thin extender pad for $10. I think I've seen it somewhere else for $99 but can't remember where.
__________________ Debbie
I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end. - Margaret Thatcher
Here's another vote for the express. I had the SU Big Shot, but I participate in so many swaps and cranking the Big Shot gets old. No more with the Express -- so quick, so easy....love, love, love it. My Big Shot is now up for trade. :p:p
__________________ Melissa Stampin' with my hubby, 3 kids, 1 dog, 3 cats and 200+ buffalo in North Dakota
I got mine from Joann's online, with a free shipping deal, awhile back. Love that thing. I have some pain issues with my hands, this is so easy. Just makes a little whirring noise, as the die goes through. I have a class of Seniors in my apt. bldg. We can make nesties, etc. for everyone in no time
Nola T.
It does make noise - it's not really loud though. It's probably equivalent to a printer's noise. Maybe you can find a place that demonstrates it.
<snort!> I wish...we've lost almost all of our LSS around here.... thanks though!
Printer noise wouldn't be too bad. I was just afraid there'd be a grinding noise or motor whining with thick sandwiches. So is there a reverse on it? Like with the crank you can go forwards and backwards without taking the stuff out...?
I have looked and looked at this machine........ do you have to purchase anything extra for Nestabilities and Cuttlebug embossing folders......... I dont want to order it and then find out i need to order some extra adaptor/plates to be able to use Nestabiliites and Cuttlebug dies for embossing and cutting before I can even use it :-)... Thank you for your help, Have a great Father's Dad Weekend
My machine came with just the two, clear plates. I use some medium, cardboard shims for the nesties, and just put the embossing folders (both cuttlebug & Quickutz) through with the clear plates on either side. Same with the thinner sizzix dies I have. I have no big dies. Yes, it has a reverse, zip - zip, works like magic. To hold the nesties in place, I use a magnetic sheet from Joann's. Called magnetic canvas, its from the plastic canvas/needlepoint dept. It has a self stick back, but for now, I just cut it the same size as the clear plate and it just rides like it was meant for it. :cool:
No, will not work, with out electrical contact. That would be nice to have an optional crank I guess. Then there would have to be some way to disengage the electric motor (more expense). In case of a prolonged power outage, I still have my old lever power sizzix at the ready.
__________________ ************************************************************** Deborah "Imagination is more important than knowledge" ~ Albert Einstein
I'm wondering -- is it worth the extra $$ for QVC's version to get the embossing folders?
Hi StampinMelis,
I bought it from QVC (and gladly paid extra) because of the reliability factor and flex pay options (not the embossing folders). If there is a problem I can return it with no hassle and no questions asked. A good many of the online stores only accept Paypal and that's a no, no for me. I only purchase from few online sources (especially with a debit/credit card) because I have been bitten before, and my money was tied up for a period of time before I was credited. On occasions, if I really need something, I have actually called the online store and ask if I can pay via money order. I also own a Cuttlebug, but the Big Shot Express is much more user-friendly.
I just replaced my crank Big Shot with the Express. The Express platform does not have tabs like the multipurpose platform did. It appears that the express platform is equivalent to "tab 1" of the multipurpose. Do I still need the MPP for anything?
When I use my manual BigShot, and use different thickness of paper or a non-Sizzix die, I rely on the FEEL as I start to crank it through. This tells me if I have the right shim, and can continue to crank it on through. If I get too much resistance, I'll back it out and try a different tab or a thinner shim.
If the sandwich is too thick, how does the electric model react?
__________________ It's not finished until the ink is DRY - the voice of experience
When I use my manual BigShot, and use different thickness of paper or a non-Sizzix die, I rely on the FEEL as I start to crank it through. This tells me if I have the right shim, and can continue to crank it on through. If I get too much resistance, I'll back it out and try a different tab or a thinner shim.
If the sandwich is too thick, how does the electric model react?
There is a recipe for all the different kinds of dies and what platforms to use. I've used that recipe and haven't had a single time where it doesn't go through ok. I've used different papers and different dies and it all comes out perfect. I don't really know how it does it. I had wondered the same thing as you because I have an old manual diecut machine (the Zip'emate) and I was always using extra cardstock to shim it up to get a perfect cut.
__________________ Debbie
I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end. - Margaret Thatcher
Please read the instruction book, it has a warning about overheating. I am in a cooler climate, however it was maybe 74 the day this happened. We had decided to get a group together and do some stamping. I am in an apt bldg. We have an activitiy room. After only 4 cuts (with a sandwich, that has been right before) my machine stopped, mid-cut on cut #5. So went back to my apt. got the book and screw driver that comes with the machine. It has a safety feature, that keeps it from starting for 30 seconds, I know now, this is to let it cool off. But we did the 30 sec. wait, several times, and of course we had several crowded around it. The screw driver, was hard to use, I could not tell if I really had it engaged in the "back out" screw slot. It actually will manually move the rollers and back out the platform.
Called the Co. and they were wonderful. Said they were sending a postage paid shipping label (UPS) and just send the machine in. I brought it home, took the "good ole lever sizzix up" and we finished the day with it. Came home about 2 hrs later and happened to notice, how much cooler my apt. was, compared to the activity rm. Plugged it in, started right up. Not really sure, which factors, stopped it. Too warm, we did, do the 4 cuts right in a row. And we had a few crowded around the table watching, so the air circulation was cut down by that. I make cut after cut, here at home, I craft in a back bedroom, devoted to my stamping addiction. I keep my apt. at 68-70, and it was certainly warmer than that, where I was. Whatever is is fine now and I have used it alot since.
Sizzix troubleshooter was so nice. The label was on my computer within hours. I called them and told them what happened, so do not need it. It was a learning experience. Thought I would pass this on, in case someone else has this happen. I love this machine. And am still very pleased with it.
Please read the instruction book, it has a warning about overheating. I am in a cooler climate, however it was maybe 74 the day this happened. We had decided to get a group together and do some stamping. I am in an apt bldg. We have an activitiy room. After only 4 cuts (with a sandwich, that has been right before) my machine stopped, mid-cut on cut #5. So went back to my apt. got the book and screw driver that comes with the machine. It has a safety feature, that keeps it from starting for 30 seconds, I know now, this is to let it cool off. But we did the 30 sec. wait, several times, and of course we had several crowded around it. The screw driver, was hard to use, I could not tell if I really had it engaged in the "back out" screw slot. It actually will manually move the rollers and back out the platform.
Called the Co. and they were wonderful. Said they were sending a postage paid shipping label (UPS) and just send the machine in. I brought it home, took the "good ole lever sizzix up" and we finished the day with it. Came home about 2 hrs later and happened to notice, how much cooler my apt. was, compared to the activity rm. Plugged it in, started right up. Not really sure, which factors, stopped it. Too warm, we did, do the 4 cuts right in a row. And we had a few crowded around the table watching, so the air circulation was cut down by that. I make cut after cut, here at home, I craft in a back bedroom, devoted to my stamping addiction. I keep my apt. at 68-70, and it was certainly warmer than that, where I was. Whatever is is fine now and I have used it alot since.
Sizzix troubleshooter was so nice. The label was on my computer within hours. I called them and told them what happened, so do not need it. It was a learning experience. Thought I would pass this on, in case someone else has this happen. I love this machine. And am still very pleased with it.
N Taylor, Western, WA state
I'm glad Sizzix helped you out and your machine will be taken care of! Sounds like keeping it in a cooler room is the way to go.
Since you've used it, I have a couple questions.
How long is the cord?
Do you really have to wait 30 seconds in between each cut? This would be a problem when I'm doing lots of multiples (ie, for Christmas cards). I get going pretty fast with my Big Shot, and having to wait 30 seconds would be a pain for me.
__________________ Aimee mom to two girls & one cool dog! My blog
You only have to wait 30 seconds if the machine jams, or has stopped mid-cut. I am guessing this helps it cool of, or re-set ? I would try to start it (when I had the jam) and it would hum, then quit. So it is a safety feature. For you, and the machine. I have cut multiple cuts, many times here at home. In fact I almost always cut multiples, to have a certain thing on hand. Cord length, I went in and measured it, and the cord is 38, 40 in long (cord is down behind a table, hard to reach) . N. Taylor WA state
I love my Express. I had the Big Kick before and so it has been passed on to my mom who has never had a die cutting machine before. I got mine at Archivers when they had the special as well. I originally had my heart set on the new Big Shot but when I got up to the counter to pay they asked me if I had tried the Express. I had not so they wanted me to try it out before I made my purchase, boy am I glad that I did. With the special it was only $40 more and who can resist the free goodies with it. I agree with dstfrommi about the book, I LOVE it.
You only have to wait 30 seconds if the machine jams, or has stopped mid-cut. I am guessing this helps it cool of, or re-set ? I would try to start it (when I had the jam) and it would hum, then quit. So it is a safety feature. For you, and the machine. I have cut multiple cuts, many times here at home. In fact I almost always cut multiples, to have a certain thing on hand. Cord length, I went in and measured it, and the cord is 38, 40 in long (cord is down behind a table, hard to reach) . N. Taylor WA state
thanks for the info and for measuring for me!!!
__________________ Aimee mom to two girls & one cool dog! My blog
My Electric BigShot
