die cutting machine advice please

crumbling

hello all crafty people:)

i'm reading so much about the different die cut/emboss machines that i've gone a bit goggle eyed so i thought i'd ask here for advice.

i'm thinking of sizzix big shot rather than cuttlebug - just seemed a bit sturdier when i had a demo today - but as i'm pretty new to all this and not sure how much i'd actually use the machine, has anyone got the sidekick? i think thats a mini sizzix one but really cheap (more likely to be able to ask for this as an early christmas pressie;).

advice really welcome:)

craftygranny

The sidekick is ok but very limited in which dies you can use it only takes small thin ones like sizzlets. The big shot or cuttlebug are far more versatile and both take most dies and embossing folders you can buy. If you only have a small space to store one then the bug folds up but the big shot does seem more stable. Craftfairies who comes on here knows everything there is to know about die cutting machines here's a link to her blog . If you want to ask her anything there is a message board type thing down the right hand side just message her and she'll get back to you. She's a lovely friendly lady.
If you do decide on either a cuttlebug or a bigshot then shop around as prices can differ hugely. One of the cheapest around is craft superstore here they are 54.95 each and free p and p

crumbling

thank you for the info craftgranny. it may be worth while saving up for the bigger machine then:)

craftygranny

It would probably be worth saving for the bigger one . If you don't use it as much as you think you would or don't get on with it you have a better chance of getting more of your money back on ebay.

crumbling

thank you

i usually cut everything by hand but i've set my sights on one of these babies now!

mummyslittleboy

I bought the big shot a couple of months ago and I looked at getting the sidekick but to be honest I am glad I didnt as I have made boxes up on my bigshot which I couldn't have done if I'd have bought the sidekick, the big shot is sturdy and my 10 year old and 14 year old can use it easily for there scrapbooking to so it really is being well used here

crumbling

that sounds great - i'd need some hefty instructions with it tho to be able to do all that!

i have been given 70 quid today and although i could get one cheaper online, i'd have to wait for delivery:o

so, big shot rather than cuttlebug?

do any of them come with dies that i can practise with do you know? be a shame if i can buy the machine today but have nowt to play with! are the dies etc really expensive?

mummyslittleboy

crumbling wrote: »

that sounds great - i'd need some hefty instructions with it tho to be able to do all that!

i have been given 70 quid today and although i could get one cheaper online, i'd have to wait for delivery:o

so, big shot rather than cuttlebug?

do any of them come with dies that i can practise with do you know? be a shame if i can buy the machine today but have nowt to play with! are the dies etc really expensive?

You have to buy the dies as extra although I did buy mine of ebay for £70.00 + postage and got lots of dies with it and they posted it really quick if you look on the sizzix web site they sometimes have a clearance section with dies on either that or i get mine of ebay

li'l_p

I think it's very much a personal preference and you need to think about what you will use it for and then work backwards. Both the Cuttlebug and Big Shot tend to take 'most' of the dies on the market although I think there are slight differences.

I had the Big Shot a few years ago but then sold it and got the cuttlebug instead, as I found the BS a big long/bulky storage wise, whereas the CB the sides fold in or out so I can just slot it in my craft cupboard and take up half the room. You can get extended plates for the CB now which means you can use some of the Bigz types dies. I haven;t got any myself so I wouldn't know, but it's something I looked into not long ago when there was a die I wanted.

Try and see if someone near to you has either and you can have a peoper go of, at least you will get a feel for it. Plus there are tonnes of videos on YouTube so have a look at these for hints and tips.

Check out the offers on line as there are often good deals on line where you get a machine & extras, so worth looking into that so you get more for your money. I got mine from Craft at Home www.craftathome.co.uk but other places such as www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.uk www.countryviewcrafts.co.uk and www.craftsulove.co.uk areother online craft retailers I frequently use. Cutting Edge Crafts and Country View Crafts offer free P&P too.

crumbling

well i managed to wangle a die off the guy in the shop so at least i've got something to play with.

if you don't mind me asking, how big was the die you used for your box?

blooming expensive play time this is going to be.......... maybe i shouldn't have bought it:o

one more question - how can you emboss with brass stencils? the man in the shop said i could use them but i've put one through and its hardly left a mark on the paper:(

crumbling

li'l_p wrote: »

I think it's very much a personal preference and you need to think about what you will use it for and then work backwards. Both the Cuttlebug and Big Shot tend to take 'most' of the dies on the market although I think there are slight differences.

I had the Big Shot a few years ago but then sold it and got the cuttlebug instead, as I found the BS a big long/bulky storage wise, whereas the CB the sides fold in or out so I can just slot it in my craft cupboard and take up half the room. You can get extended plates for the CB now which means you can use some of the Bigz types dies. I haven;t got any myself so I wouldn't know, but it's something I looked into not long ago when there was a die I wanted.

Try and see if someone near to you has either and you can have a peoper go of, at least you will get a feel for it. Plus there are tonnes of videos on YouTube so have a look at these for hints and tips.

thank you:)

i'm beyond worrying about the storage space now as my house is a complete shambles! every time i try to get organised, i get distracted and start on something else:o

i want to make something - anything!! - with it but i'm stumped at the moment unless its a small flower or a nesting square!