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I currently own a Cuttlebug but am thinking of investing in the Big Shot instead for more flexibility. Which Big Shot Machine would you invest in and why?
BTW, I want to be able to use Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders and Sizzix Bigz Dies in it.
Get the Big Shot, no question about it! The Express can break--I use to work at a scrapbooking store, and I alone managed to burn the motor on 2 of them! The manual one is awesome--I've had mine for forever and have had no problems.
I'd have said the manual one too - I don't have any experience of the Express but I felt I wanted the feedback you get from cranking the handle, you can tell exactly what you're asking the machine to do just by how it feels to turn the handle. A motor robs you of that. I have a Big shot and have been very happy with it - I use all the things you listed in mine, no problems.
I'm not sure you'll get much extra flexibility from a Big Shot than from your Cuttlebug though - what can't you do with the CB that you'd like to be able to do and feel the BS would do better? (I'm thinking you could spend the money on pretty things instead!)
I've never heard of the Big Shot Pro. Just looked it up and it looks great but pricey. The store I'm hoping to buy from doesn't carry it as well. I'm looking to spend a credit from a scrapbook supplies garage sale at my local store. I don't actually want to shell out any cash on it. I do love my Cuttlebug but I want to be able to cut tougher materials such as fabric and acetate etc. and to use those extra long dies in it. The BigZ dies fit into the Cuttlebug but not the Sizzlets Strip dies.
The Big Shot Pro is pricey and takes up a huge chunk of space.
Get the Big Shot. It's a very sturdy solid machine. Plus, if you have any problems, Sizzix/Ellison has good customer service.
Sizzix has been marketing it to quilters for awhile now, so it will definitely work with fabics. In fact, anything that can be cut with scissors, can be diecut with the steel rule dies.
Don't forget Tim Holtz's new Vagabond machine. It has a much larger, stronger motor than the Big Shot Express. It also looks like a vintage suitcase! (Can you tell I want one?!) That said, I have a Big Shot and love it. It's so much sturdier than the Cuttlebug I had.
Get the Big Shot, no question about it! The Express can break--I use to work at a scrapbooking store, and I alone managed to burn the motor on 2 of them! The manual one is awesome--I've had mine for forever and have had no problems.
I had an electric one and the motor burned up. I used it one weekend and it was history.
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I had an electric one and the motor burned up. I used it one weekend and it was history.
That's crazy!
I don't think the store I have the credit with carries the Tim Holtz one. It also looks like it would take up a lot of room and I have a very small room. I think I'll go with the regular Big Shot and spend money on other goodies instead.
The Big Kick is the same machine as the Big Shot -- the only difference is cosmetic -- and you can use a 50% coupon at J's or M's for a BK.
I also have a Big Shot Pro and love it. Yes, you can use the wafer-thin dies (Spellbinders, Quickutz, Boss Kut, etc.) in it. You just need to find the sandwich that works.
Sizzix Sizzlet Decorative Strip dies do work in a CB, at least they work in the CB I have.
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Can you buy the extra long plates needed for these dies to fit into the Cuttlebug?
Yes, you can use the Sizzix Extended Spacer Platform and Decorative Strip Cutting Pads in a CB.
A better choice for someone not ready/willing to give up her CB would be to buy the CB long accessories and use them for both the Sizzix Decorative Strips and the Sizzix BigzXL dies.
Big Shot vs. Big Shot Express...which to get?
