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Post by mayceesgranny on Nov 4, 2021 15:22:09 GMT
Ok - confession time. I've scrapbooked for over 20 years and I've never owned a manual die cutter! I have a Cricut Explore Air 2 - which I do use for regular die cutting and projects, but I've never owned a Big Shot, Sidekick, or Evolution.
I was thinking of adding a die cutter to my Christmas List.
I love the look of die cut textured flowers and embossing. What is a good die cutter to start with? I have no idea what I need. I saw an ad for Crafts Direct that had some bundles that included plates and some thinlits. Would that be a good way to start?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
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Post by jjpeapea on Nov 4, 2021 15:48:15 GMT
Just as a data point, not "this is the only thing, you must buy it", I had owned a Cricut Expression and then August 2020 an Explore Air 2 but I admired the nice edged and stitched features that metal dies can create, so last month I got the Stampin' Up Cut and Emboss machine. It is very sturdy, easy to figure out, and makes good cuts. Every once in awhile the handle is hard for me to turn, if things are thick. It is 6" wide, which covers my entire (tiny) collection of metal dies.
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Post by mayceesgranny on Nov 4, 2021 15:59:58 GMT
Oh Thanks! That's what I'm looking for - something that adds that edged and stitched look!
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Post by kmage on Nov 4, 2021 16:48:20 GMT
Ok - confession time. I've scrapbooked for over 20 years and I've never owned a manual die cutter! I have a Cricut Explore Air 2 - which I do use for regular die cutting and projects, but I've never owned a Big Shot, Sidekick, or Evolution. I was thinking of adding a die cutter to my Christmas List. I love the look of die cut textured flowers and embossing. What is a good die cutter to start with? I have no idea what I need. I saw an ad for Crafts Direct that had some bundles that included plates and some thinlits. Would that be a good way to start? Thanks in advance for your suggestions! I was in your shoes, was a dedicated Cricut user for years before I ever got a Cuttlebug. Got one right before they were discontinued. I just love it! I know that plates are no longer carried for it, but our local Ace Hardware will cut plexiglass to size if you ask. So when/if my plates break, I know where to go. I agree, especially if you make cards at all, nothing can do that stitched line or embossing and it looks so nice. If I was going to get another manual diecut machine, I would just make sure that it could do dies at least 5.5 inches wide. I know a friend who got the mini TH one and she hates it. She upgraded right away. |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Nov 4, 2021 17:20:31 GMT
I use a big shot. It’s easy to use, don’t have problems finding plates. I do have a scan n cut, but I have space issues so it’s been gathering dust for years. Most of my die cutting is for cards so the size works for me. I prefer the look of manual die cuts because the edge looks more finished and stitching detail. Plus I can emboss.
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Post by kkrenn on Nov 4, 2021 20:47:19 GMT
I have a Vagabond 2 which is an electric die cut machine and I honestly couldn't craft without it (I'm disabled). However, if I had to choose a manual machine I would look at the Spellbinders one and the Stampin Up Cut and Emboss as they are very smooth and have excellent pressure plus the plates are easy to replace.
Do you have any crafty friends that have one you can take for a test drive?
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Post by julieinsweden on Nov 5, 2021 8:52:07 GMT
I had a second hand cuttlebug that recently died after 8 years of my using it for the few dies I have. I brought myself a Sunlit die cutting machine as the replacement. I was charmed by the much cheaper price and the fact that the pressure adjustments are done in the machine rather than with plates and shims. www.sunlitstationery.com/cutting-embossing/1573565874911.htmlI've only had a week. I've been cranking out Christmas cards with it. I'm totally in love with it. It cuts a Tim Holzt perspectives butterfly beautifully, that I never managed on the old machine. I also love the solution for attaching the handle, that makes it quick to take off for storage. The only down side is that it has a plastic cheap feel to it. But when it cuts so nicely for 1/3 of the price then I'll put up with that feeling. |
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camcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,148 
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Post by camcas on Nov 5, 2021 9:09:24 GMT
Gemini junior for me- electric so no handle to crank
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Post by riversong1963 on Nov 5, 2021 13:02:49 GMT
Big Shot. It's a workhorse. My original Big Kick (same machine) has been going strong since 2004, and my mother still uses it. My Big Shot works great, and I've had it for about 4 years now.
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Post by tealpaperowl on Nov 5, 2021 15:06:31 GMT
I LOVE my sizzix - but I have the electric one so no cranking. I have it in a custom cabinet on a shelf that pulls out. I just slide the dies in and press the button. I'll never go back to cranking again. I use mine ALOT - likely more than my silhouette for dies and embossing  |
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Post by mayceesgranny on Nov 5, 2021 16:16:11 GMT
Thanks your suggestions are much appreciated. You've given me some things to think about. I have some arthritis in my hands and would like something that doesn't take a lot of effort. My hands get sore doing fussy cutting, so I want to avoid too much manual effort.
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Post by Linda on Nov 5, 2021 16:16:47 GMT
Gemini junior for me- electric so no handle to crank same here - DH got it for me for my birthday and I'm loving it |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,448
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Post by scrapnnana on Nov 5, 2021 16:26:14 GMT
I use my Sizzix Big Kick the most. It’s easy to find replacement plates.
I have more than one electronic cutter, and I am pretty adept at using it, creating my own designs, etc. No matter what I have tried, the only thing that gives a nice stitched line are those thin dies.
I love stitched lines. Queen and Co. make almost all of their dies with stitched lines, and they are one of the more affordable companies for dies. They are usually for shakers, but their Foundation dies are especially helpful for scrapbookers and card makers. They also have great customer service. I have no affiliation with them, just spend a lot of my money on their products.
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Post by joblackford on Nov 5, 2021 17:36:02 GMT
For ease of use if you have hand issues I think the Gemini Jr or similar is probably the way to go. If cranking wasn't an issue I would buy a Spellbinders Platinum 6 if I were shopping for a replacement for my Big Shot, just to have the flip up platform for a smaller footprint.
Good news, November is a great time to buy! So many Black Friday deals. I found the various Big Shot bundles very confusing when I was shopping for mine a few years ago. I don't think I've used the plain dies that came with my machine very much - I prefer the stitched dies as a rule.
ETA: if you get a Gemini, some people put it on a lazy susan to make it easier to catch the plates coming out. I thought that was a good idea.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,500
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Nov 6, 2021 0:06:13 GMT
I have and love my Spellbinders Platinum 6. It's a manual hand crank machine. I don't have any hand problems but if I did I would get a Gemini Jr. I've used one and it's so easy to use. Intricate dies are no problem which is not always the case with my P6.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,950
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Nov 6, 2021 16:43:00 GMT
I have a Gemini and love it. Messed up my hand with cranking.
I heard ppl love the Spellbinders Platinum 6 and you can always buy the hot foiling kit for that if you wanted down on the road.
Spellbinders have $30 off of $100 right now and free shipping.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,658
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Post by basketdiva on Nov 6, 2021 16:52:58 GMT
Another one here with hand issues/ I love my Vagabond. It can be left open or closed on my craft table.
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Post by whipea on Nov 7, 2021 14:43:20 GMT
In the same boat. Looking at replacing my 2000's Big Shot. The handle keeps falling off and the rubber hold down on the top is deteriorating and sticky. Still works great though. It is just a bit bulbous and looking at streamlining devices. Seems the Gemini Jr has a smaller footprint than the Sizzix, so that is a plus. But I do not like the idea of having to get different plates as I still have plenty for the Sizzix.
A bit torn between electric or crank. No physical issues, just not sure which is best for what I do, no production work and scrap/card maybe five hours a week.
Have been thinking about the Sizzix Foldaway? Does anyone have it and if so what do you think about it? Or does anyone have any other recommendations?
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Post by papersilly on Nov 8, 2021 21:19:01 GMT
i have owned a manual die cut machine since sizzix first came out with that red albatross. today i have the Big Shot foldaway, the original Cuttlebug and the sidekick. i probably don't need all three and I guess if i had to get rid of one, it would be the cuttlebug. i used to have the the Vagabond too.
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vexedangel
Full Member
Posts: 401
Nov 4, 2018 20:14:04 GMT
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Post by vexedangel on Nov 8, 2021 22:50:12 GMT
I have a big shot and it's my favorite manual I've ever had. I had the Sizzix original, and sidekick (and I did love the sidekick), then a Cuttlebug that I really loved but it just lost pressure over time. So I have had the big shot and I have really enjoyed it. But I get sick of cranking and when my carpal tunnel acts up, I wish I had the motorized kind. I loved my sidekick so much and missed it for small dies and quick cuts, so I did buy a Spellbinders Prizm when it was on a super good sale for $10.
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Post by Night Owl on Nov 9, 2021 1:10:51 GMT
Years ago my husband bought me the Big Kick from QVC, that was about 20 years ago. When the Big Shot came out later (same machine just a different name) I liked the colors better than my Big Kick. But my Big Kick won't die. It just keeps ticking.
I did eventually end up buying a Big Shot for a great price as a back up and let my daughter use it. She was rough on it and it stood up to that and works great.
So long story short I highly recommend a Big Shot or another Sizzix (Ellison) cutter.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,980
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Nov 9, 2021 3:20:07 GMT
I have & recommend both the Sizzix Big Kick & Sidekick. Both are used frequently. The smaller Sidekick is convenient for cutting a quick label, tag, letters, etc., while the Big Kick handles embossing folders & larger dies/several letters at once/etc. Note the Big Shot was recently spotted at Tuesday Morning for $80, per this thread. |
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Post by mayceesgranny on Nov 9, 2021 15:25:01 GMT
From the comments it does look like the Big Shot is a fan favorite - I also like the idea of the Sidekick for small dies....I think I'll put the Big shot on my Christmas list. Thanks so much for the opinions!!!
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