Sizzix Original Die Cutting Machine

[Circe]

I don't really need a die cutter/embosser very often as I can access a cuttlebug at my craft group (and a pasta maker at home for embossing) but I've had an offer of a "Sizzix Original Die Cutting Machine" for little more than the cost of postage.

It's the one that uses the big, thick dies. I'm wondering if it can be used with the thinner dies now available from sizzix & cuttlebug by using shims or cuttlebug style plates to add thickness - any ideas or experience?

[sewsplendidstamper]

You can buy a piece that is held in place by a magnet that takes up the space to use with smaller/thinner dies ;-)

[dawnmercedes]

My sizzlits broke my original machine. You can try it...but I didn't have a good experience.

[Circe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sewsplendidstamper

You can buy a piece that is held in place by a magnet that takes up the space to use with smaller/thinner dies ;-)

Is that something I can make myself, using a magnet sheet perhaps - not handy to any shops & anything a bit unusual can be hard to come by here (I'm in Australia).

[sewsplendidstamper]

No it's about half an inch thick. Let me see if I can find a link for you

[sewsplendidstamper]

Sizzix - System Converter - Works with Original Sizzix Machine
here ya go.

Converter is the word I couldn't remember LOL

[Circe]

Thanks so much Victoria - you've been a massive help! They even ship to Australia if I can't find it locally.

[Metalcharm]

You should be able to find it in Australia - I got mine years ago on ebay and it seems that the mats are still easily available as well.
The original isn't very wide so it can't take the bigz dies.
I've been using sizzlets with mine for yonks without a problem and yes, you can just use some shims to be able to use nesties and so on.

[Circe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metalcharm

You should be able to find it in Australia - I got mine years ago on ebay and it seems that the mats are still easily available as well.
The original isn't very wide so it can't take the bigz dies.
I've been using sizzlets with mine for yonks without a problem and yes, you can just use some shims to be able to use nesties and so on.

Thanks, good to know it's available locally. eBay is one of my favourite places for supplies; too good at times! I can get very carried away with auctions.

I found some old threads on here & it seems like there are many people who still use their old "big red" in preference to more recently released machines.

[Metalcharm]

I did upgrade mine to the Bigshot but do still pull it out on occasion - it's especially handy for embossing folders. If I had more room I'd have them both out and within arm's reach. ZThere is less to muck around with on the older machine .. just slide it through and push down but the newer machines are easier to roll. Pros and cons with everything I guess!

[annebarc]

I did purchase a Big Shot and do use it on occasion, but I still tend to use my original red Sizzix machine for everything except the Bigz dies. I do have the magnetic system converter but for the Nesties I found that I needed another cutting plate (which they don't make for the original machine). I just buy those plastic, magnetic frames and split them in half and VOILA I have a cutting plate for my original Sizzix.
Like I said, I do have the Big Shot and like it but the old reliable red Sizzix is my go-to machine for quick cuts or embossing with folders.

[Miss Mia]

I never thought of the noodle machine! What a good idea. I recently got a sizzix mostly for the embossing. I am loving it though. Really adds a bit more. Not that I need more though. Sometimes I have too much to look through that I never get projects done. Some of the things I have bought don't always fit the original, but I have had my dad cut them down and they work great. Like the embossing plates from Friskars. Worked no problem.

[Circe]

Some horrible person has bid against me :o :shock: I suppose getting any machine for a low starting bid price was too much to hope for. After reading so much about it here, I've decided it's worth more to me than I originally thought, even though I'll still be quite happy to manage without it if the price goes too high.

It finishes at 7ish in the morning, local time & there's no way i'm getting up for that so I've set up a snipe for the auction. Much easier as I set a limit and don't get carried away in the last minute frenzy of bidding - it's been known to happen:twisted:

Wish me luck

[Circe]

Well,, I won the big red :grin: My highest bid was just 65c more than was needed; a little more than I wanted to pay but within what I was prepared to pay, so I'm happy enough with the price. Any other machines cost $100 more to buy here in Australia.

I was outbid for a stamp from the same seller, so I regard that as money saved that went towards the Sizzix purchase - that's my justification and I'm sticking with it

[Circe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Mia

I never thought of the noodle machine! What a good idea. I recently got a sizzix mostly for the embossing. I am loving it though. Really adds a bit more. Not that I need more though. Sometimes I have too much to look through that I never get projects done. Some of the things I have bought don't always fit the original, but I have had my dad cut them down and they work great. Like the embossing plates from Friskars. Worked no problem.

Thanks for the idea. I may give it a try.

I don't have a household male but the craft group I belong to has one male who is a marvel at doing things like that.

[shazsilverwolf]

If you get the magnetic converter plate you can also use the Sizzix with the embossing folders for a cuttlebug too, and for embossing with brass stencils.

[Circe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shazsilverwolf

If you get the magnetic converter plate you can also use the Sizzix with the embossing folders for a cuttlebug too, and for embossing with brass stencils.

Ah, that means my pasta maker can revert to its intended use...rolling out polymer clay