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My Cuttlebug broke!:( So I'm currently using my old Spellbinders purple die cutting machine. I really need to buy a new one but not sure which brand is best value. Would love to hear your experiences with Big Shot, Spellbinders die cutting machines, Cuttlebug, etc. I need to get something soon as I have a number of Christmas projects that require a die cutting machine. I most interested in a machine that cuts intricate metal dies on the first pass. I've had some trouble with some of my metal dies cutting cleanly.
I have a Big Shot and have been very happy with it. You have to have the room for it because it doesn't fold up, but that's why I like it. It's very stable. I have no complaints about it and use it constantly.
There's a thread on the General forum at the moment that might be helpful:
And of course, people will reply here. In the end, you're not going to get one definitive answer, though. Every machine has it's strengths. Ultimately you're going to have to choose something among a number of good choices.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Last edited by Rachelrose; 11-16-2015 at 12:35 PM..
Love my Big Shot - and if you still have your Cuttlebug plates, they can be used in the Big Shot (same sandwich as the CB). I began with a CB; love the weight and size of the Big Shot in comparison to the CB because the Big Shot is much sturdier and easier to use. And I'm NOT talking hundreds of dollars...
__________________ 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.
I have both a Cuttlebug and an electric Big Shot. I love the Big Shot but I think Sizzix discontinued it because of problems. I have not had any problems with mine. Sizzix has recently come out with another one I think.
Hmmm..love love love Big Shot , Grand Caliber, & Ebosser....
Junk: Cheery Lynn Crossover
Do you only use thin dies? If you are interested I have a brand new Grand Caliber never used with all the plates I could give you a smoking deal on. Its pretty green and gray...from Journey.
I've had a Cuttlebug for several years and have always wanted a Big Shot. Yesterday I found one on Amazon for $79.99 and magnetic plate for around $23. The same deal can be found on Overstock, but Amazon had a grey and white one which I liked better. So I ordered it.
I have two...... I use my Cuttlebug the most for thin dies and embossing because it's lite and easy to use for those small jobs. For the thicker Sizzix dies and deeper cuts, I use my Vagabond. It's a good heavy workhorse, and I've had good luck with mine.
I got my Sizzix Big Kick (same as Big Shot) at Michael's with 50% off coupon years ago. Love it. Use it for 99% of my cards. It has a permanent place on my crafting table.
Got the magnetic platform through SU because my demo gave 30% off...wish I had waited, now Mike's carries them.
You will need to keep the platform with tabs that comes with the machine, for embossing folders and some dies that are thicker than Thinlits and Spellbinders.
Got the Precision Base Plate at Mike's with 50% off. Sometimes they are out of plastic cutting pads, so I stocked up at Joann when they were 50% off, AND they have the older style sharp edge, not the newer beveled edge.
Gives you lots of room to have embossing folders and dies sticking off the paper at strange angles!
If you get one, buy a set of standard cutting plates as well. Use them when you are cutting small items. Prevents stress on your hands and wear on the big (expensive) plates
Gives you lots of room to have embossing folders and dies sticking off the paper at strange angles!
If you get one, buy a set of standard cutting plates as well. Use them when you are cutting small items. Prevents stress on your hands and wear on the big (expensive) plates
Lelsley
Thank you for your suggestion, I will do that! I just ordered one at a terrific price, and will be replacing my deceased Cuttlebug. The price was just too good to pass up ($103.13), and I figure even though I had a back up Cuttlebug, this will handle the bigger embossing folders that are coming out at 7 & 8".
Hoping to get my Big Shot delivered today. Ordered it from Amazon as it had the best price and fastest delivery. Thanks for all your suggestions and information. It was very helpful!
I have the Big Shot. I bought it because I can run my Quickutz dies, the embossing sets, and regular size dies through it.
Previously, I would sell a machine for the next latest and greatest and when I upgraded to a Silhouette I figured I wouldn't need a die cut machine. But I like the embossing folders and I have a few Quickutz dies that I couldn't part with. Now I wish I had kept a few alphas!!
What is your favorite metal die cutting machine?
