Friday, November 5, 2010
Advice for a new die cutter.
Okay... I am in the market for a larger Die Cutter. I have a Revolution and squeeze. I need something to work with the larger dies. I have thought about getting an epic but I know some people have had issues with this cutter. I would like to get some input as to what you guys are using. I have use of a Cricut already. I am looking for something that I can easily travel with. Let me know..
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11 comments:
For portability, I would say the Epic - I've had mine since they came out and other than the handle coming off, which was easy to screw back on, no issues for me. Also, keep you eye out for the Tim Holtz Vagabond machine. Its electronic, not sure that's what you want, but looks like a vintage suitcase, will emboss acetate, its strong and they're saying is quieter than most.
I have had repeated shoulder surgeries recently and was unable to use any of the die cutting machines until I purchased the Sizzix Big Shot Express Machine. It cuts all types of dies and I just push a button and don't have to turn a handle which makes it possible for me to die cut again. Good luck in your search.
I have the Epic, too, but if I were in the market to buy a new machine, I think I would definitely consider Spellbinder's Grand Calibur or Tim's Vagabond.
I have the squeeze, revolution, improved epic and cuttlebug. I am so glad I have my cuttlebug, and with the longer plates, I can cut everything. I have heard good things about the Sizzix Bigshot too, but the cuttlebug is so easy to use!!!
I would go with the sizzix bigshot or now days its the bigkick. I can cut ALL dies with this machine. You will not need another one.
I'm on my third Epic and I think it's an absolute disaster! None of th handles stay on, the boards warp horribly, the "new and improved version" was to add a piecs of clear plastic to the top of the grey cutting mat. It's really difficult to crank through, and my mats crack. In short, I hate it.
I would spend the extra money and get the nice big sizzix or the vagabond.
I have had/still have: Spellbinder's Wizard, QK squeeze, Zip'eMate, Epic, Revolution, Big Shot(basically the same as a Big Kick, both are still available), Big Shot Express (electric), a Cailbur, my Vagabond arrives next week, and a a Big Shot Pro is coming in December, courtesy of DH Santa. I have used the CuttleBug and an old Sizzix a lot - my best friend has had those.
That said: if you can have only one machine, and cranking is not an issue, then the only one is a Big Shot(or Kick). Yes, the BS is heavier... it is made of metal. It has a larger "footprint" - so that it cannot be tipped over. It will last, unless abused, forever. It is very portable, though a bit heavier... and the BS "Doctor's Bag" from Sizzix will hold it and all its accessories - I use mine for the BS Express also. The other machines are lighter, which is nice, but that is because they have lots of plastic parts. If cranking is an issue, then the Vagabond would be the best one(it is stronger than the BS Express, has 1 more horsepower). The Vagabond does fold up.
For Tamera, and any others with mats warping terribly:
I don't know if any of the other newer machines info leaves this out - I know Epic does - but to have your mats stay flatter, flip the top one over every other run through or so - makes a huge difference! (This info was from the old Zip'eMate by Dayco, before Accucut bought them out.)
I have to agree with shinystamper on the BigShot. I have/have had Sidekick, Squeeze, Revolution and the BigShot, (just in manual cutters, I also have digital/ electronic cutters). The only downside to the BigShot is the size and weight, as far as portability is concerned, but it's not too big and heavy to take to a crop. The doctor bag tote is fab too.
The Epic is an epic failure. Do not waste your time and money. I had one of the original and also the replacement "fix" Epic and the fix is pathetic. Doesn't matter how you flip the cutting mats, they are virtually worthless after very few cuts - and by few I mean a dozen or so, not a couple of hundred!
I've heard negatives about the Cuttlebug in that it's unstable if the suction cups don't hold so you really need an extremely level surface. Personally, I don't like the suction idea anyway.
I've heard only good things about the Grand Caliber but haven't had an opportunity to try it, or the TH Vagabond either.
HTH. :)
I love my Sizzix Bigkick. I never got the Revolution, because I already had the Sizzix. You will need to get the extra long platform and cutting plates, in order to do thin type of borders (like Quickutz). It works great on embossing folders too. No need for any other machine.
I have every die cutting machine available other than the Grand Caliber and Vagabond although the Vagabond has been ordered; just not here yet. I also bought an Epic which arrived a few days ago but haven't had the chance to use it yet. My Wizard is also still in a box and I've had it awhile. I will get a Grand Caliber when the I can get it for a great price. Hands down, with all the machines I own, I always go with my electric Sizzix machine. It's the easiest to use although I do get tired of holding down the button while it's cutting. For portability, I would take my Cuttlebug.
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