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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 6, 2019 2:32:07 GMT
I found an Evolution Mini kit at TM, and am trying to decide if I should keep it or save the money for something else. Please advise me!
Background: I currently have a Cuttlebug. I don't use it very much as I don't find it works well for whatever I want to do. I would like to use some of the mini/thin dies in there and I have a terrible time coming up with the right sandwich. And I really have to CRANK it and make it really tight to get things to cut through. So I just usually skip the die cutting. It takes so long and I feel like I'm going to break the Cuttlebug every time.
I would really like to be able to use a few thin dies though, and cut a lot of the same thing again and again without it being a huge pain/effort. Those dies are quite small so I don't know that the size of this would be an issue. I don't really emboss anything.
Do you think this would be a good cheap way to cut thin dies, or should I save my money for something more versatile?
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
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Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on Oct 6, 2019 4:19:03 GMT
Personally I would find something more versatile. Eventually you might find the bigger die that you really like and will not be able to cut it with the mini. Why limit yourself like that? Isn't the mini kit $25 or something like that? Occasionally TM gets the big shot, and as long as you don't care about the color, I think you would be getting a good price too. Not $25 but certainly a bargain price.
Crafting is not cheap, and for that reason I try to avoid spending my money on things that I may regret. However, you know yourself better, and maybe you are not interested in bigger dies at all.
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Deleted
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Apr 24, 2024 6:46:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2019 5:50:50 GMT
That's so funny cuz I have a cuttlebug and have had it for about 10 years. I love that stinker and I'm afraid for when it breaks - but so far - never a single problem. It cuts so well. And I only do ABC (for cutting) or ABB (embossing) sandwiches.
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Post by hop2 on Oct 6, 2019 5:51:19 GMT
I have the little sizzix that’s similar. I’ve had it for 10-11 years. It’s on my desk all the time and I use it every time I craft. I find it easier to use than the big machine. If my die fits thru it I don’t wheel out the big. machine. The sandwich is simple, gray plate for wander dies & clear plates for sizzlet dies. I would assume that machine would have a similar ‘sandwich’
I have no issue with the size, 80% of what I cut fits thru the small machine. You’ll have to decide if that’s how you craft. But I do have a bigger machine if I need it. I can’t tell you how well the evolution works because I don’t have one, yet, if my sizzix mini died I’m not buying any sizzix any time soon.
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Deleted
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Apr 24, 2024 6:46:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2019 6:54:34 GMT
I had to look up the Evolution Mini. It is so cute. I like the smaller machines. I don't think they are a need at all if you have a big machine but I think it's a fun luxury. This is just my personal take but one of the things I like about the smaller machines it is like having a punch. Lot of times I just want to cut something small and quick, which is the majority of my punches & having a smaller die cutter I can do that. Yes, it's a couple of extra steps than using a punch. Storing a small die cutter & thin dies is a lot better than storing a large amount of punches.
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Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 6, 2019 19:48:34 GMT
I agree with FurryP. If you’re into dies you’ll probably at some point buy one that won’t fit in the smaller machine. Of course you could use this one and then use your Cuttlebug for the occasional larger die. This thread has made me wonder if I might like a smaller machine. I have the Big Shot but the idea of a simpler sandwich is tempting. |
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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 7, 2019 1:15:14 GMT
Isn't the mini kit $25 or something like that? Occasionally TM gets the big shot, and as long as you don't care about the color, I think you would be getting a good price too. Not $25 but certainly a bargain price. Crafting is not cheap, and for that reason I try to avoid spending my money on things that I may regret. However, you know yourself better, and maybe you are not interested in bigger dies at all. Yes, you got it, the $25 bundle. I entirely agree with your thinking about getting the right thing the first time and spending the money on that. Do you have any idea about how much the Big Shot runs when it shows up at TM? |
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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 7, 2019 1:18:36 GMT
I had to look up the Evolution Mini. It is so cute. I like the smaller machines. I don't think they are a need at all if you have a big machine but I think it's a fun luxury. This is just my personal take but one of the things I like about the smaller machines it is like having a punch. Lot of times I just want to cut something small and quick, which is the majority of my punches & having a smaller die cutter I can do that. Yes, it's a couple of extra steps than using a punch. Storing a small die cutter & thin dies is a lot better than storing a large amount of punches. Exactly! Definitely more fun luxury, easy to put on the table and then put away. So cute! Would this be more "fun and easy" and then I would end up using and liking dies a lot more? If it was more like using a punch, I might really take to them (when so far I haven't with the Cuttlebug). |
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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 7, 2019 1:22:34 GMT
I agree with FurryP . If you’re into dies you’ll probably at some point buy one that won’t fit in the smaller machine. Of course you could use this one and then use your Cuttlebug for the occasional larger die. This thread has made me wonder if I might like a smaller machine. I have the Big Shot but the idea of a simpler sandwich is tempting. It's something to consider, right? Currently I don't use or own many dies, with this maybe it would get more more into using dies (esp. the thin ones that I can't get working well in the Cuttlebug). I can always get the Cuttlebug out to cut something bigger.
But I am duplicating something I have, and maybe something bigger and all-purpose would be more functional. Tough decision! |
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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 7, 2019 1:24:46 GMT
I have the little sizzix that’s similar. I’ve had it for 10-11 years. It’s on my desk all the time and I use it every time I craft. I find it easier to use than the big machine. If my die fits thru it I don’t wheel out the big. machine. The sandwich is simple, gray plate for wander dies & clear plates for sizzlet dies. I would assume that machine would have a similar ‘sandwich’ I have no issue with the size, 80% of what I cut fits thru the small machine. You’ll have to decide if that’s how you craft. But I do have a bigger machine if I need it. I can’t tell you how well the evolution works because I don’t have one, yet, if my sizzix mini died I’m not buying any sizzix any time soon. Glad to hear how you are using and liking having a "big" and "little" machine! I am wondering if I will take to die cutting more with the simplicity and small size of having it out a lot. |
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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 7, 2019 1:26:29 GMT
Thank you so much for all your thoughts and comments. I can tell you all "get it" with this little scrapbooking "should I or shouldn't I" purchasing debate!  |
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Post by Basket1lady on Oct 7, 2019 9:23:10 GMT
I only want one machine, so I went with the BS. However, I do use different sized plates, depending on what I’m cutting. I usually use the 6” x 8” plates, but if I’m cutting something small just once or twice, I’ll use the small Sidekick plates that are 2.5” x 5”. It will run the die through the machine quicker since you don’t have to crank very much. I still use the magnetic platform, but just use the smaller cutting plate over the die.
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 7, 2019 13:44:27 GMT
I don't have the Evolution Mini, but I think if I saw it for $25 I would buy it. I like the smaller platform for cutting. I have an old machine that works great, with a 5x12 platform. It's annoying to crank through 12" for a 4" long die cut.
Now THAT is a first world problem.
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Post by auroraborealis on Oct 20, 2019 19:42:26 GMT
UPDATE: I decided I really wanted to try it, so I decided to keep it. It is really nice!!
It is even tinier than I expected, but it fit every thin die I wanted to use. It worked so much easier than my cuttlebug with the thin dies! A fraction of the force needed, really smooth, even cutting, a simple sandwich. It was easy to cut something, set the machine to the side, and grab it again whenever. I realized I do stand up and have the Cuttlebug and its supplies further away (where there is space), and this little thing I just stay in my seat and grab it. Simple and effortless!
I am hoping they will sell replacement cutting mats, which I didn't see with a quick internet search. It seems like a winner!
Thanks again, everyone!
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