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How have people liked this so far- I red on the S.U. site today that some people are having trouble- that the scoring pads are still scoring on the next project they put in???- Looking for feedback before I invest. I really would loe to have a no brainer embossing tool like this or the cuddle bug.
I have had a Cuttlebug since it came out, and it is a great tool. I now am the proud owner of a Stampin Up Big Shot! LOL I love it! Two years ago, I would never have been able to justify the cost--a Cuttlebug was a great starter machine for me. And quite honestly, it has been enough.
I ordered the Big Shot because I wanted to be able to use the Bigz XL dies that Stampin Up has released. They are AWESOME! I want to get a bunch of projects created this weekend--just haven't been able to spend any time at it today.
The Big Shot is very easy to use, very sturdy, and the handle is easier to turn. If you have room in your budget and your craft room, the Big Shot is a better machine. (Note: I've always said this in the Cuttlebug forum, not just since SU released theirs. <grin> )
The advantage of the Bug is that it's inexpensive and has a very small footprint. If you will only die cut infrequently, it may be enough for you.
The advantage of the SU Big Shot is that it is sturdier, built better, will accommodate larger dies, and the plates are sturdier. Oh, and the SU dies are awesome! Love the Top Note and the Baskets and Blooms!
they would fit in the big kick and the wizard. Or the new Quickutz Revolution Love which I have on pre-order, that one no cranking, it is electronic, but I heard it is also going to have a handle too.
Has anyone checked to see if the Zip e Mate (Accucut) is similar in size to the Big Shot? In other words, do I need the SU Big Shot just to use their new dies? Or would it work on my old ZEM?
I'm confused. I haven't seen the dies used for the Big Shot, but is there any reason they can't be used in the Cuttlebug? I've used standard Sizzix dies (the thick ones from the original machine) in my 'bug without a problem.
I was just wondering if it is plastic or metal? I have the wizard and love it because it is metal, will not break. The Big Shot looks like it might be metal. Does anyone know?
My Bog Shot arrived this week. I have NEVER owned or even tried any other personal die cutting machine, so I was a bit of a virgin here. At first I was a bit confused by the directions, probably had something to do with the small print and my poor eye sight! However, after fiddling around for sbout 5 minutes I figured out how to use this. Using some scrap card stock, my first die to try was the Top Note. I was amazed at how easy this was to make and my mind is going wild with the possibilities for this die cut. Next I used the basket template and some old printed paper. Let me tell you I've really loving that die. The little baskets are so cute- the shape reminds me a a summer beach bag- this afternoon I'm going to play around with that theme and try adding some punched flowers around the top to make some mini-beach bags.
Overall, I give the Big Shot an A+ I am 100% satisfied and can't wait to share this at my upcoming workshops.
re: Bigz dies in the Cuttlebug
I found this on the ProvoCraft blog
"CUTTLEBUG:
Jennifer asked if Cuttlebug is wide enough to fit the newest Bigz dies for the Sizzix Bigkick� machine. Yes, they fit the Cuttlebug just fine and dandy, they are the same size as the large red steel rule dies. As far as we can tell only the name that is different. Oh, by-the-way the Cuttlebug is 5.78 inches wide, so we're talking anything just below 6 inches."
The XL Su dies are a bit too wide for the cuttlebug.
This is incorrect. The XL dies DO fit in the cuttlebug.. you need to use 4 B plates to cut-2 on the top and 2 on the bottom, side by side. Here's a picture of my cuttlebug with the SU basket XL die in it. It fits through just fine!
I feel there's a lot of information (and misinformation) to sift through on the Big Shot, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Bigz and Bigz XL dies. I spent the last few days personally testing the dies in my Big Shot AND Cuttlebug and came up with Big Shot 101 for tips and sandwiches based on my independent "research."
I love my Big Shot. Mostly because it cuts so cleanly and I can make fun things with it! I love the ease of use and the fact I don't need electricity to use it!
I was at my demo's yesterday using the Big Shot. I didn't like how her acrylic plates that had cuts in them from previous cutting projects left imprints on my paper that I was die cutting? KWIM? Is there any way to avoid that?
The acrylic plates are MEANT to get cuts in them--they are what the steel in the dies are pressing against to cut the paper or chipboard. That's why they are easily replaceable. Although, in the 3 years I've had my Big Shot, I've only replaced them once.
A few hints I would add:
First, regarding cutting the Sizzlets: if you have the regular cutting platform with your Big Shot and not the Multi-purpose platform, there is no need to shim up the bottom acrylic plate. The regular cutting platform (white) is just the right size for cutting the Sizzlets.
Second, if you have the 'crease pad' with your machine, you can eliminate the two-step process with the embossing of the Nestabilities. Replace the top acrylic plate with the crease pad and you will both cut and emboss the Nestabilities shape at the same time.
And last, if you cut with the cutting edge of the die down (in the Big Shot), you run the risk of bending the die. You will notice the top acrylic plate curving over time--this doesn't hurt a thing. But it will damage a die that was designed to cut with the cutting edge UP.
Any marks on the paper left from the cutting plates should be on the back side of the piece you are cutting out, and not matter, provided that the bottom acrylic plate is cut free. What I do is use the top one up--and believe me, it gets very scratched and cut before I change it--then switch to a brand new bottom plate, and use the old bottom plate as my new top plate.
Hope these tips help!
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This may be a silly question, but it was mentioned here -- when using the Cuttlebug, are you supposed to have the cutting blade facing up? I have always run mine through with the metal side up and the cutting blades down. I have had an alphabet die bend on me and was wondering why that happened.
__________________ Deb
My Avatar: my "before" photo 2010 pages 218/120; 2011 pages Jan 5/10; Feb 4/10; Mar 16/10; Apr 31/10; May 29/10; JUN 15/10; YTD 100/120 My Gallery
I'm Hooked.......When using the Cuttlebug dies the white foam side should be facing UP. Same is true when using the Sixxix dies, the black foam side should be facing up. Yes, at times you may find the longer Cuttlebug dies getting a slight "bow" to them. Just turn them around from time to time when you use them to try and straighten it out. There is no harm with the "bow", it will not effect the quality of your cut though.
Thanks Patti. I didn't know that. I'm going to try that right now.
__________________ Deb
My Avatar: my "before" photo 2010 pages 218/120; 2011 pages Jan 5/10; Feb 4/10; Mar 16/10; Apr 31/10; May 29/10; JUN 15/10; YTD 100/120 My Gallery
I'm Hooked....... You're Very Welcome! Those instructions are in your Cuttlebug Instruction manual that came with your machine. I found having it face up also helps with positioning your paper over the particular part of the die you want to cut. That way you are not wasting paper cutting parts you may not want to use. It's real handy with dies that have multiple parts to cut. The Sizzix dies also.
So, as a demo, would it be wrong to continue to use my Cuttlebug in class but run the Stampin up dies through it?? I don't really want to invest in the machine right now. Aggghhh!
I'm Hooked....... You're Very Welcome! Those instructions are in your Cuttlebug Instruction manual that came with your machine. I found having it face up also helps with positioning your paper over the particular part of the die you want to cut. That way you are not wasting paper cutting parts you may not want to use. It's real handy with dies that have multiple parts to cut. The Sizzix dies also.
Patti
Thought I had read all my instructions -- but apparently not -- or might have just *forgot*. Happens a lot lately LOL
__________________ Deb
My Avatar: my "before" photo 2010 pages 218/120; 2011 pages Jan 5/10; Feb 4/10; Mar 16/10; Apr 31/10; May 29/10; JUN 15/10; YTD 100/120 My Gallery
I have had a Cuttlebug since it came out, and it is a great tool. I now am the proud owner of a Stampin Up Big Shot! LOL I love it! Two years ago, I would never have been able to justify the cost--a Cuttlebug was a great starter machine for me. And quite honestly, it has been enough.
I ordered the Big Shot because I wanted to be able to use the Bigz XL dies that Stampin Up has released. They are AWESOME! I want to get a bunch of projects created this weekend--just haven't been able to spend any time at it today.
The Big Shot is very easy to use, very sturdy, and the handle is easier to turn. If you have room in your budget and your craft room, the Big Shot is a better machine. (Note: I've always said this in the Cuttlebug forum, not just since SU released theirs. <grin> )
The advantage of the Bug is that it's inexpensive and has a very small footprint. If you will only die cut infrequently, it may be enough for you.
The advantage of the SU Big Shot is that it is sturdier, built better, will accommodate larger dies, and the plates are sturdier. Oh, and the SU dies are awesome! Love the Top Note and the Baskets and Blooms!
I agree with everything! I'm lovin' my Big Shot thanks to ALL the great things I can die cut!
Stamp Camp This Saturday!!!!!! I can not wait to get the machine. I am only ordering the machine and one die..... I would love to have the starter kit but I really want some nesties and I own the bug I have never cut dies with it. I am just so excieted. Nesties look like something I will use more then the shape dies. I am choosing the top note that looks awesome. I got to play with my demos machine and was hooked!!!
How is it that many of you have ordered and received your BigShot from Stampin' Up already? My Stampin' Up Consultant told me she can't even place my order for any of the items till September 2nd. I'm looking for 2 of the XL dies.
the sizzix outlet on Ebay sells the units for $59.99 plus a small shipping charge...it is very reasonable. I also got two extra sets of plates for $3.60 each and a crease pad for under $4.00. It was an amazing deal for me.
I ordered some of the dies from SU and had more money to spend by ordering the BS elsewhere.
Blessings.
S.U.'s Big Shot- how goes it so far???
