pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993 
|
Post by pancakes on May 3, 2017 4:48:53 GMT
Does anyone have both and actually use both? Or maybe you have both and you don't use one of them.
Tell me about your experiences!
|
|
|
|
Post by moraie on May 3, 2017 5:19:17 GMT
I have a Silhouette and can't make a page without it. I truly love it to death because I can customize so many elements for my pages.
I've had a pink Big Shot since they came out, and I'd only used it 4 times in years and years until I realized that there are times it's the more appropriate tool. For example, I like being able to use a doily that matches the colors in my page, but cutting one on the Silhouette takes forever and a day and burns through blades and mats like mad. I bought doily dies in a few sizes I'd like, and I can cut quickly, cheaply, and from a variety of materials. I also bought several of the Hero Arts infinity dies, frames, a few mandalas, flourishes, and 4 or 5 alphabets (plus some cheapie ebay dies) because I like being able to cut from fabric, felt, tissue, fun foam, etc. It's not that the Silhouette can't cut those materials, it's that the process is simpler and more cost effective on the Big Shot.
So I have both, the Silhouette will always be my favorite, but the Big Shot is still dead useful.
|
|
|
|
Post by DawnMcD on May 3, 2017 5:25:48 GMT
I have both a manual and 2 electronic and I use all 3. I actually got the manual one after the electronic. I use the manual one a lot for stamping then die cutting an image with a coordinating die. I also use it for basic circle/oval/square frames when I am only making one or to cards - less work then pulling out my computer to use my electronic ones.
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on May 3, 2017 6:02:51 GMT
I have a Cameo and Big Shot and use both regularly. I love my Cameo but sometimes it's just easier to grab a die and run it through. I also have a number of dies that add extra features like stitching or embossing.
|
|
|
|
Post by anniefb on May 3, 2017 6:05:54 GMT
Like moraie said materials make a difference too. I cut felt and fun foam easily/quickly in the Big Shot without needing to add support to fabric, change blades etc. |
|
|
|
Post by pas2 on May 3, 2017 8:32:03 GMT
I have both a manual and 2 electronic and I use all 3. I actually got the manual one after the electronic. I use the manual one a lot for stamping then die cutting an image with a coordinating die. I also use it for basic circle/oval/square frames when I am only making one or to cards - less work then pulling out my computer to use my electronic ones. Same for me, I got the manual on a deep discount because I wanted to be able to emboss things I cut on the Cameo. Ended up buying some infinity dies and some cheap tiny alphabet and doily dies because it is faster. I love both machines. |
|
Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,469
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
|
Post by Chinagirl828 on May 3, 2017 10:38:53 GMT
I also have both. I like the convenience and speed of using the manual one as well as the embossing. I like the electronic one for the flexibility with creating titles in particular where I'm not limited to the size and font of a manual die. As a sometimes digi scrapper I have a pretty big stash of designs I can pull from to use as print and cut as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 3, 2017 11:01:43 GMT
I have both.
A Zipe'Mate manual diecutter and the original Quickutz Silhouette electronic diecutter.
I don't use the Silhouette anymore. It was just too frustrating for me. The blade dulls. The mats either are too sticky or not sticky enough. The paper tears during cutting or when I'm removing it after it's cut. Sometimes it wouldn't cut where I thought it would. Sometimes there were technical computer glitch problems.
With my Zipe'Mate, I know exactly what I'm getting. I run it through and it's done. So fast and easy.
|
|
|
|
Post by dasmith2 on May 3, 2017 11:05:23 GMT
I have the Cameo 3 and the Cuttlebug. I love both but use my Cameo way more, the Cuttlebug is great for embossing etc.. I've had it for several years
|
|
|
|
Post by Leone on May 3, 2017 12:59:28 GMT
When I moved last year, I got rid of all electronic scrap items. Its freeing.
|
|
|
|
Post by mamatoa on May 3, 2017 13:48:13 GMT
I have both. I rarely use my electronic cutter. I'm glad I have it because there are times when I need it, but I spend so much of my life with screens and computers that I'm not really interested in fighting with it when I'm scrapping. Plus, I find that that it interrupts my scrappy work flow.
My Big Shot is a work horse. It'll cut anything material I want. If I make a mistake I can just run in through again. There is zero trouble shooting. Die are an investment, but I'm OK with that.
|
|
|
|
Post by grammadee on May 3, 2017 14:18:31 GMT
I have a Cricut and a Vagabond (which has an electric motor, but is essentially a manual cutter). I like the convenience of the Vagabond. I have my dies sorted by theme and can find one fairly quickly. I can use scraps quite easily with it as well, and can place a die exactly where I want it on a design on pp or over a stamp. I also like that I can dry emboss with it. I like the Cricut when I need a larger item cut, or when I am looking for a design I don't have a die for. Because I don't use it as much, it always takes me a little longer to fiddle around with it. And the cartridges are sorted the way THEY think makes sense, so finding something specific can take awhile. But although I don't have it connected to my computer, I can google search designs I want and then locate them on my cartridges. Years ago, I had a WishBlade, which was the forerunner of the Silhouette, and I loved it for welded titles using any true type font on my computer. But when I replaced my computer I could never get the new one to talk to the WB  |
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on May 3, 2017 15:21:18 GMT
I have a Cricut, Quickutz, and Epic Six. I use them all.
|
|
|
|
Post by scrapcat on May 3, 2017 15:22:29 GMT
Yes, I have both and use both, but I go thru phases.
I initially had cricuts and used to use them a lot, now I have a Silhouette Portrait. I tend to only use it at crops or when I have a few hours to spare, bcz it's time consuming and takes up space.
I've had my Cuttlebug for years and still find it quickest to use. I keep it in a cabinet next to my dies stores in 6x8 binders, and just pull it out as needed.
I like the abilities of different machines, whether its also embossing on Cuttlebug, and cutting vinyl with Silhouette.
That said, I could probably live without either if I really wanted to! I'm not sure there is a ever a true justification of the expenses of this hobby...hence, why it is a hobby!
|
|
|
|
Post by AngieandSnoopy on May 3, 2017 15:39:25 GMT
I have Big Shot, AccuCut Baby Grande Mark and was gifted a Cricut Expression almost a year ago. I use all but my manual die cutters most. If I had to choose, I'd of course keep the manual. I've got a lot of dies in my 15 years of buying dies. I like that I can cut fabric, mat board and many other specialty items with many of my manual dies.
|
|
sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,020
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
|
Post by sueg on May 3, 2017 15:52:01 GMT
I've got both a Cameo and a Cuttlebug. I use the Cameo most - I nearly always have my computer out and turned on, so it's easier than having to get down my cuttlebug from where it lives and find the dies. One thing we did when I bought the Cameo that helps me use it was to buy a rolling trolley that it 'lives' on, which sits next to my scrap desk. I just have to connect it to my laptop, and I'm ready to go. Sometime soon, I'd like to rearrange my desk set-up, so my computer has a home there too.
|
|
|
|
Post by LisaDV on May 3, 2017 16:57:15 GMT
Cameo and Big Kick. I love both and use both frequently for reasons already mentioned above.
|
|
|
|
Post by caspad on May 3, 2017 20:34:17 GMT
I have a Cameo and a Cuttlebug and I like and use both.
I use the Cameo more for scrapbooking and projects - titles, vinyl on tumblers, heat transfer vinyl on shirts, home decor...
I use the Cuttlebug more for cards and tags - matching die and stamp sets, embossing folders, tags, stitched rectangle panels, banners, circles...
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on May 3, 2017 21:12:09 GMT
I have both a manual and 2 electronic and I use all 3. I actually got the manual one after the electronic. I use the manual one a lot for stamping then die cutting an image with a coordinating die. I also use it for basic circle/oval/square frames when I am only making one or to cards - less work then pulling out my computer to use my electronic ones. This is me too. I use my older primary electronic cutter a lot (need to learn how to use the newest one better), but ended up getting a Big Shot because it just makes more sense for certain projects. For scrapbook pages or other things that have highly customized aspects (or for anything where I need a lot of multiples) it makes more sense to use an electronic cutter so everything can be made to the exact specifications for the layout, but for cards or smaller one-off projects where I'm needing to work fast and fly by the seat of my pants, the manual cutter is just way quicker. I really like having both, and I actually use the manual cutter way more than I ever imagined I would. |
|
|
|
Post by streetscrapper on May 4, 2017 1:37:23 GMT
I have both as well. They are both on my desk and get used all the time. I couldn't part with either.
|
|
GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,291
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
|
Post by GiantsFan on May 4, 2017 1:48:53 GMT
I have the old Quickutz handle and dies, a Cuttlebug, a Cricut Expressions and a Silhouette Portrait. And I do use them all. It just depends on what I'm doing.
|
|
|
|
Post by infochick on May 4, 2017 2:38:08 GMT
I use both all the time. I had the big shot first and bought a nice collection of dies that I love. I have an original Cricut, but didn't ever have enough cartridges to really use it. For some reason I found it intimidating and never really invested. Then I got a Silhouette. I was a bit hesitant at first because of my lack of use of the Cricut, but I have used WAY more than I ever thought I would.
I use my Big Shot to cut things from chipboard...I even have some of the Tim Holtz alphabet dies and use them a lot...I love the look of chipboard letters, topped with patterned paper and finished off with a layer of glossy accents. Totally time consuming, but worth it for the look. I also like the ability to emboss, and to cut things super quickly.
When I'm scrapbooking for a length of time I like to set up my Silhouette. I use it in particular for welding titles and nested shapes. I also like it for cutting different shaped card bases. It's also great to make good use of paper when I'm cutting multiples of things...I can use every bit of paper.
|
|
|
|
Post by garagesaler on May 7, 2017 23:34:52 GMT
I have both electronic cutters, and manual. I use them all for different things. I love the Scan N Cut 2 to cut out stamped images. My most used tool is my Sizzix Big Shot Express. Love using dies. Love embossing. I add adhesive (Elizabeth Crafts ) to the back of the paper before I run it through. It make it so easy to use since I only have to peel off the backing to add it to my project.
|
|
|
|
Post by Night Owl on May 7, 2017 23:44:57 GMT
If you can afford to, it's nice to have both a manual and an electronic cutter. Yesterday I made a layout with a paper pieced title I cut on my Cricut and a stitched circle cut on my Big Shot for journaling. I still think a Big Shot is easier and I have a lot of basic dies like stitched or scalloped squares, rectangles, and circles that I use a lot. But an electronic cutter is nice for paper pieced diecuts and titles.
|
|
|
|
Post by Linda on May 8, 2017 1:27:59 GMT
I have a Cricut, Quickutz, and Epic Six. I use them all. me too. I use the QK handtool more than the Epic Six - it's just quicker and more convenient for the smaller 2x2 dies - the Epic Six is great for the cookie cutter or bigger dies though. I use the Cricut exclusively with SCAL - I've never cut from a cartridge - and I use that for bigger projects (either bigger in size or when I need lots of muliples) or for shapes I don't have a die for (or it's the wrong size) |
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,130
|
Post by scrapnnana on May 8, 2017 3:16:37 GMT
I have a Big Kick that I use for manual die cutting. I also have a QuicKutz and a Cuttlebug, neither of which gets much use anymore. I have more than one electronic cutter. The one I use the most is my Cameo. I recently bought an Explore Air 2 for cutting leather, but haven't done that much with it yet.
Yes, I find it useful to have both manual and electronic cutters. I do use both types in my crafting.
I love the Heartfelt Creations flower dies (thin dies like Spellbinders) that have matching stamps. The ones I like best make beautiful 3D flowers. I also have some steel rule dies which can quickly and easily cut heavier materials. Sometimes it's faster to use a manual machine, but usually the machine I use depends on what I want to cut.
I love being able to set up my Cameo to cut several things. Once I feed in the paper and get it cutting, I can walk away and do something else while it cuts. I also love being able to create and cut my own designs. I can trace a clear stamp set, then cut the outlines and stamp the blanks. I can cut little treat bags and boxes. I can make cards, banners, and anything I want for scrapping, for parties, for whatever.
|
|
tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
|
Post by tiffanytwisted on May 8, 2017 21:56:51 GMT
I have a Cameo, a Slice, a Cuttlebug & the cute little Diamond Press.
Everyone has pretty much covered what I would say, so I'll try to be brief.
Love them all, for different reasons. The Cameo can do so much and it's hands free, unlike the other 3. However, I do not have a computer designated to it, so I have to bring my laptop downstairs to my scrappy table every time I want to use it. It's a pain. I'm still getting to know the machine, so I don't use it as often as I could and definitely haven't scratched the surface of it's capabilities. The choices of designs to cut are pretty much endless, as opposed to the other 3, which either use design cards (Slice) or dies. I was looking for something to cut titles and have more versatility than the Slice (welding, more size choices, more font choices, etc.). It's been worth every penny just for that. I wanted one for years before I actually bought it a year ago and I haven't been sorry for one minute. It's not cheap, but I don't regret the purchase. Would get it again in a heartbeat.
The Slice is a great, portable electric die cutter. It's not hands free and you're limited to what the design cards have, but it's easy to pull out, cut a title & then move it out of your way. I'm not even sure where to buy them anymore, so it wouldn't be something I would recommend if only because replacement blades would be hard to come by.
I use the Cuttlebug mainly for embossing, but it's got some good dies that I use as well. If I had it to do over, I'd probably go w/the Big Shot or Big Kick. A bigger machine would have been the better choice.
The Diamond Press is cute and does a great job cutting for it's small size, but the small size can be a problem. Serious limitations on how big a die you can use in it. I like that it has stamps to go w/the dies. It's purple. It was an impulse buy. What can I say . . .
|
|
