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I have decided I am worth the new machine with all the cards I make and sell at the farmers markets. This machine will end the "crank" hand that hurts this old woman.
I need to replace my Big Shot Express but decided against the Switch partly because you have to either grab the "sandwich" as it comes out or reverse it. I prefer the flat surface of the Big Shot Express to arrange my dies.
The Big Shot Express has allowed me to keep card making-your hands will thank you!
Have you noticed the lack of Sizzix Big Shot in videos lately? I'm wondering if it's in response to Sizzix suing Hero Arts and this is an "actions speak louder than words" revolt.
Can you stop and back-up the plates or do they have to go all the way through? (on any of the electric machines - for when you have a small die)
The Big Shot Express allows that. I did sone looking and the Big Shot Express is out of stock everywhere. I’m leaning towards the Vagabond. Not sure I can wait for the new Sizzix machine as my Express is on its last legs.
I am really looking forward to the launch of the BS Switch in May. Since it takes the Bigz dies and the thin dies and can accommodate 8 1/2 inch and A4 paper, I hope it will end my quest for the perfect machine.
Can you stop and back-up the plates or do they have to go all the way through? (on any of the electric machines - for when you have a small die)
Yes you can reverse direction as often as you like. I wore out my 1 and got a vagabond 2 which went on sale on amazon for a couple of days for about $120. Use it nearly every day.
Can you stop and back-up the plates or do they have to go all the way through? (on any of the electric machines - for when you have a small die)
I can tell you with the Gemini machine, you can stop it completely, back it up, go forward, with no problems. If there is a problem with thickness, it will stop , the machine will not allow the item to go through, and you can then back it out.
The Big Shot Switch looks like the answer to all my questions - it accepts the 8.5x11 cardstock and it works with the bigz dies to the thinlets. The videos don't mention embossing but I would think it would do that. I will keep my eye on it but will wait to see if there are improvements as most first shipments have problems and the company then makes a better unit. I always worry when something is fully automated.
I am really looking forward to the launch of the BS Switch in May. Since it takes the Bigz dies and the thin dies and can accommodate 8 1/2 inch and A4 paper, I hope it will end my quest for the perfect machine.
Looks like I'll need to explore this option, too
__________________ Just keep breathing...that's the key.
Have you noticed the lack of Sizzix Big Shot in videos lately? I'm wondering if it's in response to Sizzix suing Hero Arts and this is an "actions speak louder than words" revolt.
I'm sure it has (and they sued more than just Hero Arts). You can find more info here. Then there was an update in December as part of this blog post. Even with some of the lawsuits being settled, they reportedly have to sign non-disclosure agreements so we don't even know what the real outcome was.
I didn't go as far as some people did (throwing away my existing Sizzix machines) but I have not purchased one thing from Sizzix, not a single die or embossing folder or even extra plates, since they started suing these companies.
Have you noticed the lack of Sizzix Big Shot in videos lately? I'm wondering if it's in response to Sizzix suing Hero Arts and this is an "actions speak louder than words" revolt.
This is EXACTLY the reason.
I'm still loving my Vagabond 2. Plus I have 2 Big Shots for backups and classes. And I have the Gemini which has not even been taken out of the box. I should probably sell it, and buy another Vagabond 2. Did I mention that I love that machine?
At first I didn't think I would like those beveled-edge cutting plates, especially for lining up for parts to be uncut, but. they work great for that, plus I think they've helped eliminate problems with the Vagabond.
__________________ 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.
The following 2 users liked this post by uncbballfan:
The Big Shot Switch looks like the answer to all my questions - it accepts the 8.5x11 cardstock and it works with the bigz dies to the thinlets. The videos don't mention embossing but I would think it would do that. I will keep my eye on it but will wait to see if there are improvements as most first shipments have problems and the company then makes a better unit. I always worry when something is fully automated.
In the latest Sizzix videos it shows the embossing folder the starter kit comes with being used. You can also use your standard plates with it.
I have decided I am worth the new machine with all the cards I make and sell at the farmers markets. This machine will end the "crank" hand that hurts this old woman.
Anyone else deciding to move on?
Lorri
I couldn't resist when I saw it on sale at scrapbook.com ($209.00) with free shipping. I have the full size Gemini and Vagabond2 (my fav) and the Empress mini (not that "Empressed" with it). I
I need to replace my Big Shot Express but decided against the Switch partly because you have to either grab the "sandwich" as it comes out or reverse it. I prefer the flat surface of the Big Shot Express to arrange my dies.
The Big Shot Express has allowed me to keep card making-your hands will thank you!
The Switch will hold onto the sandwich so you don't have to grab it, unlike the Gemini.
I want the Switch but haven't found it anywhere yet. My hands need a break! But everywhere I go it's out of stock. Hobby Lobby had some in, but they sold out.
I would like to purchase the Switch, but have had no success in finding it. I'm on several online stores to notify me when it's in stock, but none have done that. Recently I go on their website and it says out of stock. Did they really even get any in? I would never put a deposit down for a Sizzix product as they're not very reliable with releasing new products in a timely manner. Has anyone found it in the US yet?
I was able to order today from scrapbook.com. But only the pink one. Not my first choice of color but will decorate with vinyl if it bothers me too much. However it was 199.00 not as much as white one.
I guess I did get lucky. My vagabond 2 stopped cutting in the middle :(. It was a workhorse that finally gave up. I was on the list to be notified when the switch was in stock from scrapbook.com but didn’t get a notice. I found it by a goggle search I have been doing every morning and night and this one came up on search and said in stock. Keep checking. I had one from overstock.com that I bought and thought was on its way until I checked and saw order was canceled.
I luv my BSP and Scan-n-Cut, they do what I need them to do.
I'm still a bit regretful for getting TH's deckle cutter, my good old deckle scissors do a better job.
I hear you about not liking to crank. I bought a Gemini about a year ago and love it. I have no need to buy another machine. I know many have been waiting for months for Tim to release his version of the Switch.
My vagabond gave up the ghost and I couldn’t find another so bought the switch. Then before it arrived I found a new open box vagabond on Amazon. Bought it. Love it still. Haven’t even tried the switch yet. For bigger dies I have a bs pro. I have a shoulder issue and did not want to have to crank!
I have decided I am worth the new machine with all the cards I make and sell at the farmers markets. This machine will end the "crank" hand that hurts this old woman.
Anyone else deciding to move on?
Lorri
I purchased the big shot switch at hobby lobby off the shelf. I love it and can see where the bigger platform will be great for making multiples at Christmas. It does have a reverse switch. I also use my Big Shot Foldaway as well - I love it too… I have my old big shot in case I have friends over and need another machine…I also must say I pull out my sidekick on a regular basis to cut quick smaller dies.
I have a 10+ year old Big Kick and it still works well. BUT you never know when something will go bad. I'm putting the Switch on my public wish list on Amazon, so I can drop hints with my kids for gift requests. I'm 75 and just got to retire so now that I have time to make more cards I have less income to buy toys.
Questions: Will the Switch accept the old Big Kick platform and cutting pads so I can still use it for embossing folders? Will it accept the magnetic platform? Will it accept the long skinny strips of cutting pads for the Holtz strip dies? Do you trust that a 'new model' of machine will be successful? (I understand that you don't want to buy a first model year of car, because they still need to find out what's wrong with it !)
The Vagabond is not even on Amazon right now, and the Switch is $269. Not buying for myself as my Social Security is only $1250 per month. Saving up for a new machine if I don't get it as a gift!! TIA
The switch accepts the magnetic platform and all my big shot platforms and plates. You may have to adjust sandwiches at times but I've run my magnetic plate through with the regular sandwich and it works fine. I just have to adjust for 3D embossing folders.
I love love love my vagabond. My first one finally gave out after years of use and abuse. couldn’t find another. Bought switch then found another vagabond open box on Amazon. Bought it anyway. Wish they would of made vagabond wider. Would never need another machine. The switch is just ok. Mine does not stop after it goes through. Maybe I am doing something wrong?
Once your plates are all the way through, your machine should stop. I still use my hand cranked Big shot for small projects but I do like the switch and it's wide plates!
NEW SIZZIX BIG SHOT SWITCH
Electric machine. Stop/start
