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I keep hearing great things about the Big Shot. Just wondering if I should have one instead of my Cuttlebug. I also have a Cricut Expression. Okay, experts, what do you think?
I'm not an expert, but I will say that I compared the CB to the BS side by side and I went with the BS.
I also have a Slice (hand-held, cordless shape cutter). Between it and the BS my die cutting needs are very well met; I'm primarily a card maker and do not scrapbook.
I can say without hesitation that the BS is a good quality, versatile machine--total work horse--and I don't think you'd regret investing in it whatsoever.
HTH
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I had seen JulieHRR's comparison on her blog after I already had my Cuttlebug. I thought the comparison was really good. I held out for the longest time before I got a Big Shot, thinking that my Cuttlebug was just fine, but after I finally did get my Big Shot, I could see what JulieHRR was saying all along in her blog - and why she switched to the Big Shot. The handle is so much easier to use with the Big Shot and the big base is very solid and can be used on any table surface (unlike the Cuttlebug). I still have my Cuttlebug and I still use it sometimes when I don't feel like getting out my Big Shot and looking up the correct sandwhich to use for my Cuttlebug dies. But, overall, between the two, I much prefer the Big Shot for pretty much all the reasons why JulieHRR went with the Big Shot.
I really should have went with the Big Shot right after seeing JulieHRR's comparison, because after all, she's not known as HRR for nothing!
I have both the CB and BS and I use the CB the most...that being said, when the CB breaks I will not be getting a new one but using the BS. The CB is a real workhorse and I crank out a lot of cards.
blessings.
I am still holding out on buying a BS. I have a CB and I like that it folds up for storage.
A friend has a BS and I do like that it feels a lot more solid on the table than my 'bug does. But, I really can't justify spending money on another machine that does the same thing since my 'bug works fine. Plus, I don't have a lot of storage space, so I would have to do some rearranging to store a BS.
If it ever breaks, though, I will invest in a BS. (oh boy! I hope I didn't just jinx my cuttlebug!)
For those that missed JulieHRR's comparison of the Cuttlebug and Big Shot a long time ago, here's where it is (just remember that any pricing that may have been mentioned is old since it's an older post on her blog): http://papertrufflez.typepad.com/pap....html#comments
I had seen JulieHRR's comparison on her blog after I already had my Cuttlebug. I thought the comparison was really good. I held out for the longest time before I got a Big Shot, thinking that my Cuttlebug was just fine, but after I finally did get my Big Shot, I could see what JulieHRR was saying all along in her blog - and why she switched to the Big Shot. The handle is so much easier to use with the Big Shot and the big base is very solid and can be used on any table surface (unlike the Cuttlebug). I still have my Cuttlebug and I still use it sometimes when I don't feel like getting out my Big Shot and looking up the correct sandwhich to use for my Cuttlebug dies. But, overall, between the two, I much prefer the Big Shot for pretty much all the reasons why JulieHRR went with the Big Shot.
I really should have went with the Big Shot right after seeing JulieHRR's comparison, because after all, she's not known as HRR for nothing!
I've seen this said a few times about CB not being used on every surface. This confuses me. I use mine anywhere.
I gave my Cuttlebug away and bought a Big Shot. I liked my Cuttlebug, but I love my Big Shot! The Cuttlebug suction cups didn't work right. I was constantly fighting with it. You still have to hold the Big Shot, but not as much. It is a lot more stable.
I've had the Cuttlebug for a while and love it. But when if/when it breaks, I will get the Big Shot. I am a bit limited with the Cuttlebug with which Sizzix items I can use (ex: the Sizzix/SU embossing folders and decorative strip dies/cutting pads are just too tight).
I chose the BS over the CB, but since you already have one, I have to ask why you want to change? Unless you are dissatisfied with what you have, or want to use the Sizzix dies that won't/don't fit very well in the CB, I say keep it and save your money. I love my BS, but I bought it because I already had Sizzix dies and wanted to use the CB embossing folders, as well as having the option of buying Bigz dies. If you need to replace your machine, then I say go for a BS.
I chose the BS over the CB, but since you already have one, I have to ask why you want to change? Unless you are dissatisfied with what you have, or want to use the Sizzix dies that won't/don't fit very well in the CB, I say keep it and save your money. I love my BS, but I bought it because I already had Sizzix dies and wanted to use the CB embossing folders, as well as having the option of buying Bigz dies. If you need to replace your machine, then I say go for a BS.
That's what I was going to say. I haven't bought any dies, including Bigz, or folders that can't be used in the Cuttlebug. I probably won't switch when I have a machine that already does what I want it to do. I've had no quality issues with the machine itself, either. And as far as using it on other surfaces, I generally don't use it on anything but a flat surface (except for on the occasional pile of stamping stuff because there were no open spaces on the table )
I had the cuttlebug for a long time and loved it!! It worked great. Then I upgraded to the BS and sold my cuttlebug. I love the BS. The BS can do anything the CB can do, but not vice versa. You wont regret getting the BS there are so many awesome xl dies.
I own a CB and I've used it quite a bit. It gets the work done. However, I had to cut a whole bunch of dies recently and I used my demo's BS and it was awesome! The design, especially the handle at the top, made it very comfortable to use. I will definitely be buying a BS as soon as I can get one at a good price.
I just got the BS and absolutely love it!!! It cuts everything like butter and embosses everything beautifully. I had the original sizzix machine and the sizzlet machine, and wanted to do the 12" long dies and the 6" wide dies..I tried the Epic Six and didn't like it at all, so I exchanged it for the BS. I am one happy Stamper! No regrets!
P.S. I have nestibilites, cuttlebug, sizzix, sizzlets, Quickutz, dies and embossing folders and it does them all!
__________________ Ann Fan Club Member You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! ~Dr. Seuss
Where is the least expensive place to buy the Big Shot? Does Joann's online carry it? And can you use an online coupon for it?? I went to Joanns site, but they are down for reconstruction. Sometimes I see the BS, by itself with no extras, but does that mean I have to buy the other stuff, platforms or whatever they are called to use it once I get it??? For Nesties and CBs embossing folders??
Hi ThatGirl...I just posted in our news section (link below) a bunch of coupons you could use if you have any of the stores locally. Hobby Lobby, Michaels, AC Moore or possibly JoAnns because their ad starting today has 40% off die cutting machines & accessories. Woo hoo. Happy shopping!
Thank you so much for the site, besides the coupons it looks very interesting, I bookmarked it
Unfortunately we dont have Hobby Lobby here or AC Moore. We have Michaels and Joanns. Michaels doesnt sell the Big Shot here and my Joanns they dont either. I did go to Joann's website again still down, but they tell you to go to their store at Amazon. They have a Big Shot for 99.99. Doesnt have anything with it, not sure if that is a good price. I guess that would be a sale price so, couldnt use a 40 off???
Thank you! I am learning that web sites are always under construction :-D.
I would call Joanns...that would be nice if you could get it for 40% off the $90. Just bring up that you see it on Amazon for $90, but the sale flyer says 40% off. Good luck! Maybe I should retire "Old Red" & get a new one. Nahhh. I still love my original Sizzix machine, though it mostly get used for embossing since I bought my KNK.
__________________ Darcy :o) DesigningWithDiecuts.com
Free Cutting Files, Tutorials & Shopping Spree with MTC or SCAL purchase!
If you have an Archivers, they have a 30% off coupon until the end of the month. If not, (and I'm not a SU Rep but...) host a workshop and or book party and apply the hostess rewards towards the purchase price or talk to your rep, they sometimes work out 'deals'. Sizzix.com has the 'hello kitty' BS clearenced right now and I'm not sure if you can use their coupons toward the BS but it's worth a look! Good Luck!
__________________ Ann Fan Club Member You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! ~Dr. Seuss