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Hello all, I'm trying to guide a friend new to cardmaking. Since the cuttlebug is no longer an option to buy, what would you suggest as a substitute? Thanks for your help.
I have had a Sizzix Big Kick for about 10 years...it's the same thing as a Big Shot. There are many brands of die cutting machines, but that's the only one I have ever used. Relatively inexpensive and sturdy. Jennifer McGuire has reviews on her website for several brands.
Personally I use the Big Shot Plus machine or the Spellbinders Platinum 6. There are so many on the market it is basically find a brand you like and the replacement cutting pads are easy to find and affordable.
CraftyAl found replacement plates with a different brand, but purchased through Amazon. She uses the Cuttlebug all of the time with these replacement plates.
__________________ Lisa Featured Stamper #671 Love sending BRAK cards. Dirty Dozen Alumni.CC927 Favorite Virtual Stamp Night April 19 - 20 Come Join in the Fun Here
I have always used a Big Shot and it has lasted so many years. It just keeps going. I know how to adjust mats and shims as needed. And I am just comfortable using it. Supplies are readily available at reduced prices if you search. Used machines are always listed on various sites. Big Shots are, in my opinion, very reasonably priced when new considering how much they are used. Have fun shopping!
Highly recommend the Spellbinders Platinum or Platinum 6, which is the smaller of the two. It is a workhorse. I really like it because it folds up like the Cuttlebug. It has very strong parts and gives lots of pressure. The box comes with all the necessary plates as well. Can't say enough good things about the Platinum. I have a Cuttlebug but because you can't get plates for it anymore I chose Platinum. HTH!!
ditto: Gemini Jr. I have 3 Cricuts, a Slice, a 'generic' Craft Buddy, the small original Diamond Press. The Gemini Jr is electronic and makes cutting a breeze...Use it the most, and LOVE IT.
FYI...my Gemini Junior only lasted 3 months then it would flicker on for a second and never continue to power on! Very disappointed! Googled for a resolution and found nothing. Emailed the company and got a "sorry we are behind due to Covid" reply and they never ever responded beyond that. I bought a Platinum and glad I did! It works well with my new interest in using a Glimmer foil machine.
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Wanda Cullen ~ Dirty Dozen Alumni, On design team for Papertrey Ink, Designer for Color Throwdown and Fusion Card Challenges Cullen-ary Creations[/URL]...my blogHERE'S MY GALLERY[/URL]
I have the Big Shot and Big Shot Plus. They are very reliable. I also have the new Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss Machine. It is sturdy and well- made. The sides fold up similar to other brands.
I wore out 2 Big Shots because I prep materials for card making groups. Then I got a Vagabond. It is wonderful and saves my hands. I highly recommend it.
I have 3 Cuttlebugs. First one bought 2009. Acquired 2nd as backup from estate sale. Given another used one in brand new condition the gold one from Anna Griffin. Love them. I would definitely advise to get one that folds for storage purposes. Sometimes we tend to run out of space for such items. Also would advise not to get a mini and then have to buy another one for larger plates. Don't have any other advise on a brand because I have never used anything else!
Cuttlebugs are available on Ebay and often at local garage sales. I have three of them and several sets of plates. Like all embossing machines, it's the plates that become difficult to find.
I loved my Cuttlebug. I loved her so much she wore out and told me no more, lol. When I had to replace her I was so sad. I will always, always be a Cuttlebug girl. I am so envious, in a good way, of everyone who is finding Bugs at the thrift stores, garage sales, etc...
I replaced my Bug with a Spellbinder's Platinum 6. I have the Jane Davenport version with the Mermaids, that has since been retired. I love the Platinum 6 it's closest to a Cuttlebug I could find.
I have a Sizzix Vintaj too. I did love my Vintaj and she is a workhorse. Every single Sizzix "Big" machine I have ever owned the handles have been an issue. I have sprained my wrist more times than I can count. Those sprains have been bad ones.
One of the reasons why I love the Platinum so much is the handle is ergonomic. I have never hurt my wrist using the Platinum. I want to add this tidbit because I know some of us have problems with our hands but still want a manual machine that is not an electric manual machine.
Right now there are about 150 Cuttlebugs for sale on Ebay. Most are the machine only and replacement plates for it (or any machine) are getting difficult and expensive. I would even pay for scratched used ones.
I also have a Teresa Collins Cun-N-Boss (electric) that would be great for anyone with hand issues that find it hard to crank. Plates are difficult to find for it also. My first machine was the Spellbinders Grand Caliber that had something rattling inside and broke within a few days. Jo-Ann's refused to refund my money although they did admit it was a return sold as new. The second Spellbinders was lent to someone and (long story) never returned. I miss it more than the "friend".
I will echo the votes for Big Shot. I've had mine several and cut items for 20-24 people/month in classes I teach and have gone through a couple sets of plates [still readily available] but the machine continues to work great. I also have my Cuttlebug for taking to classes.
Right now there are about 150 Cuttlebugs for sale on Ebay. Most are the machine only and replacement plates for it (or any machine) are getting difficult and expensive. I would even pay for scratched used ones.
I have a Cuttlebug. I do break it out every now and then.. I have noticed in several Altenew videos, they are using their Cuttlebugs. After saying that, I made a purchase of a Vagabond. I've noticed I'm using the Vagabond more than the Cuttlebug. As I'm aging I find the Vagabond a helpful tool.
I have my Cuttlebug from 17 years ago and it's still working like a champ. I did buy Stampin' Up!'s Cut & Emboss (the big one) because some folders and dies were too thick or too large for my sweet little CB. The SU! one cuts intricate dies in one pass I discovered, which is fantastic (CB never did that), but the plates bend, which makes it difficult sometimes to get the dies to stay in place. To solve this, I rotate my plates so that they flatten out.
For those looking for CB plates, take your old ones to a hardware store and have them cut some for you. I've been using the same plates for years and years now, though, and they work great.
cuttle bug replacement
Spellbinders Platinum
