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Good morning! I think I am ready to take the plunge and get a big shot to replace my cuttlebug. My question is, are the stacks the same? and can i use cuttlebug plates? Any other thoughts welcome!
I hope you get some good answers. I know that the Big Shot comes with its own "platform", and I don't think you can use the CB plates in it.
A confession, I have a Big Kick (which is like the Big Shot), and it's still in the box. I bought it on sale at Tuesday Morning a while back, and have it waiting in the wings for when my trusty Cuttlebug dies.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
You can use the CB 'B' plate in the Big Shot. I use the BS platform so don't know about the 'A' plate's thickness in comparison. The CB was my first big paper crafting purpose and put in many hours of work. Got the BS as a Christmas present several years ago. When it needs replacement, I would get the BS Plus-wider opening.
The Big Shot comes with the platform and plates so if the Cuddlebug's don't fit, it won't really matter. The Big Shot is awesome! It is much steadier and you can use the larger dies. You will love it!
The reason i was planning the switch is simply that my bug is wearing out. It seems the rollers are maybe getting compressed in the center and sometimes does not want to cut so I have to place the die and paper over to the side. I have tried switching plates but it doesn't help. I LOVE MY BUG! but I think it is just getting worn out. I have not heard great things about the new design, seems that there are issues with the platform size. I do not want to order one online and then have to pay shipping if it needs to be returned. I recently got some 110 lb cardstock from Micheals and my bug seems to really make a lot of creaks and cracks when cutting it (I know some of that it typical) I was trying to be proactive and replace it before it dies! :(
Here's a link to the one I have. The new ones are listed below, scroll down to click on them, and it seems like they are just different colors from mine. Looks like the dimensions are the same...14 1/4" x 12 3/8" x 6 5/8:
I know it says "machine only" and I don't get why, since right underneath it lists that it includes the platform and plates. Weird.
I chose the Big Shot because I had the room for it and felt it would be more stable than the Cuttlebug. I also liked the handle better. And that you got all the platforms and plates you needed with the machine right off the bat.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Queen Bee - Although I love my Big Shot, I'm the last person to say to someone "Go get a Big Shot, not another Cuttlebug". I have never used a Cuttlebug. I say this in the interest of full disclosure.
I know I have been very happy with my Big Shot. But there are things some people do not like about it. Such as: mine always slightly embosses the edge of every Nestie I cut. Some people hate that it does that. I happen to like the way it looks. I think I recall people saying that this doesn't happen with the CB.
I bet will be there are plenty of people who own or have owned both, and can speak with authority about one over the other. Before you plunk down the big bucks and you're committed.
(I was shocked at the price of the BS when I looked it up to make that link in my earlier post - I bought mine 3 years ago for $60 on Amazon. So the price has basically doubled!)
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Last edited by Rachelrose; 11-10-2015 at 03:17 PM..
I'm the one with the trusty Cuttlebug, who also has the bargain price Big Kick/Shot still in the box in reserve.
One of the reasons I really like my Cuttlebug is the small size and weight. I don't have a dedicated craft room, and bring everything out to a table in my living room when I make cards. It is so easy to lift the little Bug up to the table when I need it.
The Big Shot is heavier and has a bigger footprint. I only bought the one I have because it was a super bargain at $29 at Tuesday Morning.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I have both. Held on to my CB for over a year "just in case". But when I bought my Big Shot, I never used the CB again.
I am able to have a dedicated space for the Big Shot, so I like the bigger footprint. It sits lower on the table, so is much sturdier. Another reason I like the bigger footprint is that I don't have to worry about my sandwich falling off like it did almost all the time with the CB.
With the CB, I had to crank it with my right hand, hold the top with my left (because the machine would move) and start the sandwich thru by pushing it with my torso. It seems like I had to fight the CB every time I used it. And I had the first version which according to what I've read is sturdier than V2.
You can use ALL the CB plates in the Big Shot. Before I bought the Big Shot, I got the extended plates for the CB. (I really had a time getting those to stay on the CB platform!) I wanted a Big Shot very badly, and when I read that I could use my CB plates in the Big Shot, I bought a BS so fast it made my head turn.
Never, ever would I go back to using a CB so I sold it about a month ago. Plus I love the new edges on the BS cutting plates. They're tapered so it's easier to start your sandwich thru, and they don't seem to warp as quickly as the old style.
Love, love, LOVE my Big Shot!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I agree with uncbballfan. I also LOVE my Big Shot. So much that I have another one still in the box, just in case anything bad ever happens to the one I have had for quite a while. I convinced myself that someone at Sizzix might decide it is time to discontinue the Big Shot. No, No, No! So I have one, just in case. Happy stamping...Bobbi
It seems you have gotten decent answers regarding Cuttlebug plates.
I just want to toss out a few things to think about before you purchase your Big Shot. I bought mine on Overstock.com 6 or7 years ago. It came with the platform and two plates. I think I paid $60. Go online and check Overstock. They offer different "bundles" and different versions of the machine where the only difference is the color.
Also, check coupons for any of the "big box" stores near you. Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or AC Moore. They often exclude the Big Shot so read the fine print, but I've seen some that don't. And with holiday shopping starting up you might score a deal.
Lastly, if you are committed to purchasing a new die cut machine, and depending on your budget, give some thought to your future crafting needs. Would you rather have an electric machine like the Vagabond? And I know there are a few companies that have put out die cutting machines with wider platforms. There are nesting sets that come with larger dies. If you are mostly a card maker the larger size might not appeal to you. But there are a few options out there beyond the Big Shot you might want to consider.
I have both a Big Shot and a Cuttlebug. I use my Big Shot for cutting and the Cuttlebug just for embossing. My CB may be on its last legs -- every once in a while the end piece pops off. But I bang it back on and hope it lasts for a while yet. I like having both of them on my table. BTW it's nice to see those CB plates in such pristine condition -- no cut marks!
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I think you'll find the sandwiches different BUT the platform that comes with the BS should tell you exactly what they are for whatever you're using. And you may have to fool around with them a bit as some machines are "tighter" than others. I know I use one less tab when embossing because I feel like it presses TOO hard on the "right one", at least on some of my folders. Trial and error. But, all the sandwiches are listed on the platform which is nice.
thanks for all the input, ladies. It has been ordered through stqampin up! I cant wait for it to come. I am sure I will have tons of questions! thanks again!
My cuttlebug broke recently and I've been using an old purple Spellbinders die cut machine but really want a sturdy machine with a wide base that will cut intricate thin metal dies cleanly the first pass. From what I'm reading here it sounds like the Big Shot is my best buy.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by queen bee
I am looking at a cute gingerbread man die, it is a sizzex Big Z, will that fit in the stampin up big shot?
The SU big shot is just the same as all other big shots. Everything that will fit in all of them (just don't confuse the dies made for the big kick which is a different machine). But all the regular big shots are the same.
for better placement and thus saving paper, I have always run my paper and dies thru my cuttlebug in this order, cutting mat, paper, die on top (face down) and second cutting mat. I notice my new big shot (which came today!) has you put the on the bottom (face up) then the paper except when using the magnetic mat. Can I just use my original stack? It seems to really help conserve paper. I hope this makes sense
for better placement and thus saving paper, I have always run my paper and dies thru my cuttlebug in this order, cutting mat, paper, die on top (face down) and second cutting mat. I notice my new big shot (which came today!) has you put the on the bottom (face up) then the paper except when using the magnetic mat. Can I just use my original stack? It seems to really help conserve paper. I hope this makes sense
I always run my wafer-thin dies face down through the Big Shot. The only dies I run through face up are the steel rule dies, but that just seems to make sense because you often need to place paper in a certain section on top of the black foam.
I often place my wafer-thin dies strategically too, so I would never be able to put the paper on top of the die anyway. Not sure if there's a reason for that sandwich recommendation like longer life of the die etc. but I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing :-P
for better placement and thus saving paper, I have always run my paper and dies thru my cuttlebug in this order, cutting mat, paper, die on top (face down) and second cutting mat. I notice my new big shot (which came today!) has you put the on the bottom (face up) then the paper except when using the magnetic mat. Can I just use my original stack? It seems to really help conserve paper. I hope this makes sense
It really doesn't matter how you stack it. It all works via torque on the plates, so how ever you align the sandwich, it still gets the same pressure.
I always put my dies facing down. No matter what kind of die it is. I do this because I want only one plate (the bottom plate) to have all the cuts in it. Then I have to replace only one plate in the future instead of both plates over time.
I bought a big shot plus a few months ago - it will take a full sheet of 8 1/2 x 11". It will handle all dies. The best thing is that you don't have to cut down your paper, you can turn your folders sideways, and you can use your mag plates. Most of the time I use my plates from my regular big shot as they are easier to handle. The only thing you can't use is the precision plate per Sizzix and not a big deal since IMHO it doesn't work that well. I love the plus and am really glad I bought it.
will the big shot cut two pieces of stampin up card stock with the thin metal (spellbinders) die? i tried once, but it seemed to be too tight so I was afraid to do it more. I had to pull out the bug, which seemed to work fine
will the big shot cut two pieces of stampin up card stock with the thin metal (spellbinders) die? i tried once, but it seemed to be too tight so I was afraid to do it more. I had to pull out the bug, which seemed to work fine
Some of my wafer thin dies can cut thin cardboard (cereal boxes) with my Big Shot, but some can't. I have tried two sheets of card stock with some, and the same applies. I think you'll have to try to crank it through your particular machine and see if it will go – not forcing it, of course.
I have the Big Shot Express, which is electronic. I chose it because I have MS, and some days am just feeling too fatigued to do much. Have to admit, I sometimes get concerned about my "sandwich" being too thick to fit through, and get worried about burning out the motor. Times like that I think maybe I should get a cuttlebug, or maybe a manual BS. All these decisions!
I have the Big Shot Express, which is electronic. I chose it because I have MS, and some days am just feeling too fatigued to do much. Have to admit, I sometimes get concerned about my "sandwich" being too thick to fit through, and get worried about burning out the motor. Times like that I think maybe I should get a cuttlebug, or maybe a manual BS. All these decisions!
I have MS, too and a manual Big Shot, and most days with my good arm it's not too bad. I try not to cut anything too thick, and I have realized that some dies just don't go through as easily as others. Sizzix Bigz dies go through like butter, though, in case you want to craft but need an easy day!
I still use and love my Cuttlebug even though I do own a Big Shot as well. I have had my CB for over five years and the BS for about 18 months. I really love the compactness of the CB and it's ease of use. The BS seems so bulky and cumbersome. I have used all varieties of dies from various companies without problem. I love my Bug!!
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I love my bug too!
When my bug dies (hoping it never will) I plan to get a BS also. My bug is about eight years old and plugging along fine! My daughters gave it to me so it is very dear to my heart. I'm hoping if I ever have to replace it they still have the mint colored one with the flowers (I think it was mint colored)!
Maybe I should go check online to see if it's still around!
This is great info...Thanks everyone!
__________________ All I want is the chance to prove money won't make me happy!
Last edited by Allistamps123; 12-05-2015 at 11:49 AM..
I have never used a CB, but I had the original Sizzix die cutter with the lever back in the dark ages, lol. I bought my Big Kick (same as Big Shot) and never looked back. I use it in some way, shape or form for probably 95% of the cards I make. I love that thing!
big shot... taking the plunge
