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Unfortunately, my cuttlebug is beyond repair. I will need to purchase a new machine. The question is...which would be better for cutting with intricate dies...the cuttlebug v2 or a big shot??
Hoping all my fellow stampers can lead me in the right direction as I have to be sure to use my limited money wisely.
Thank you all and have a blessed day
I have both the CB (1st editionh and a Big Shot. The CB was my first big tool purchase when I started paper crafting and it has served me well. If I had to replace it, I would buy a BS. (Mine was a Christmas gift several years ago) It is not as portable as a CB but I leave it out in my crafting area. It is heavier, more sturdy and the cutting surface is slightly wider and longer. I think the BS also has more pressure because it doesn't seem as 'plasticky'.
Last edited by Crafter 4 Life; 03-31-2013 at 08:15 AM..
Reason: Add'l info
I, too, have both. I would definitely recommend the Big Shot, especially over the latest version of the CB, because of the longer platform. The platform on the CB version 2 is even shorter than the 1st version. You can use your CB plates in the BS, which was a determining factor for me when I bought the BS. I was having trouble cranking my sandwich thru the CB: trying to hold the top of the machine with my left hand so it would stay put, trying to crank it thru with my right, and because of the shorter platform, having to hold the sandwich in place with my torso until it started cranking thru. With the BS, I only have to use fingertip pressure on top of the machine. Because of the wider and longer base, the machine stays put. I absolutely love mine!
__________________ 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.
Another vote for the Big Shot! I have both, but the Cuttlebug pretty much just gets used for embossing, and even then only if the Big Shot isn't already out (I don't have the space to leave either of them out all the time)
Another vote for the Big Shot! I have both, but the Cuttlebug pretty much just gets used for embossing, and even then only if the Big Shot isn't already out (I don't have the space to leave either of them out all the time)
The same for me, Cuttlebug gets used with embossing folders and Big Kick/Big Shot for cutting and embossing dies. It does a much better job.
Thank goodness I was able to use a Cuttlebug at someone else's home before I bought a machine. It was 'plasticky' as Crafter 4 Life said; it had a small footprint, no weight, and was difficult to hold still while turning the crank. I bought a Big Kick, which is virtually the same as the Big Shot, and have been happy ever since. It has considerable authority about it, it has a larger footbprint, is heavy, and stays where you put it while turning the crank.
You are sincerely welcome. Now start stalking the mailman! And you're gonna love the 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.
My Big Shot arrived. The very first thing I did was cut the Poppy Stamp Grand Gothic Window.....it cut perfectly and with no effort. YEAH! Now I have decided to rearrange my craft room so I have a place to leave the BS out all the time.
Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice. I am sure I am going to love my BS.
God Bless and happy crafting to all :p
I am so happy you're having fun. I just saw this thread and was going to recommend the Big Shot too. I do notice it's a little hassle figuring out when to use the solo platform and when to use the multipurpose platform. The thinner Marianne Design dies had on their instruction thingy tht you'd have to use the multipurpose platform, and this worked the first time, but I feel now using the solo platform with a thin die adapter works better. Anyway, I hope you have lots of fun.
I'm glad I found this thread. I've had a CB for a number of years and like it, but there are some dies I would like to buy that I don't think can be used in it. I've been wondering if the BS would be worth the money. Any suggestions on which model to buy?
__________________ Suzanne Lifetime 10/16/08 Back to WW 8/9/18. Down 108.4 pounds. Lifetime2 - 11/23/2019 My Gallery
I love my Big Shot and highly recommend it. I got the Big Shot (a long time ago when they first came out) over the other machines because I wanted to be able to cut thick and thin materials. It is a work horse and Sizzix has outstanding customer service is you ever have any problems. I have never had a problem with my Big Shot but I did lose a few of the rubber feet that came with it. So, a few months ago I contacted Sizzix to find out how to buy some rubber feet and they sent them to me at no charge - terrific, I tell ya
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
Cuttle bug or big shot??
success
