Tips on buying a die-cutter?

[sweetsandmemories]

Hi all,
I've noticed this category on the forum is very quiet but hopefully someone could help me out.
I've been looking at the various die-cutting machines available and wondered if anyone has any tips on buying one.
It seems, after looking around, that the Sizzix Big Shot is very popular and very adaptable to other die-cuts from other makes & models.
I've also seen one that begins with 'x' but can't remember its name. This seems to come with a book of die-cuts rather than individual ones so wondered if anyone knew how this worked and if it is any good.
Sorry for the long winded rant, but basically just wanted some advice.
Many thanks in advance

Angie
____________________

http://uk.ebid.net/stores/Crafty-Craftz-

[OaktreeCraft]

Hy
The one you mention with an X is i think called the XCut, i have the Big Shot an it is FANTASTIC.
Regards

[paintinglemonjane]

Hy
The one you mention with an X is i think called the XCut, i have the Big Shot an it is FANTASTIC.
Regards

Gosh I was watching this post and was hoping for a bit more info, like where would you purchase one. :D
Where are the cheapest sites to buy from. What is the best for your money etc. I hope that is what the OP was looking for as well.:)

[Stampsandcraftsupplies]

Hi

I've had 3 die cutters the Quickutz, Sizzix and Big Shot. The Big Shot was the best for me and is so easy to use. It's also a lot lighter than the original sizzix and has a carrying handle which makes a difference as it's still fairly heavy. I use all my quickutz dies and other thin cut dies on my big shot which the help of a converter. I haven't tried the X-cut although it does look very good. I hate to say it but I purchased all 3 of my machines from the 'other' auction site as it was by far the cheapest and almost half the price of other places! Hope this helps. Stampsandcraftsupplies

[sweetsandmemories]

Just found the name of the other 'x' one. It's a Xyron Personal Die Cutting Machine. From what I can understand with this one, it looks like you get design books with it but not sure how it works. Has anyone used this before?

Looking at the 'other side', there seem a lot of deals for cutting machines with loads of die cuts included, some are the Big Shot and some the ordinary Sizzix. They seem really good deals. (Although it seems as though I'm cheating by looking 'over there' but there is more for sale).

[OaktreeCraft]

Gosh I was watching this post and was hoping for a bit more info, like where would you purchase one. :D
Where are the cheapest sites to buy from. What is the best for your money etc. I hope that is what the OP was looking for as well.:)

OK then try EBAY, I doubt one will be one here. Sorry to sound glum but there you go.

[sweetsandmemories]

I understand that some people are unhappy with the treatment they received on the 'other side' but if I search here and can't find what I require surely I am entitled to look elsewhere.

I think it's unfair to be like that when I have tried here as my first port of call and on looking 'over there', found numerous products for sale.

Sorry :(

[OaktreeCraft]

I understand that some people are unhappy with the treatment they received on the 'other side' but if I search here and can't find what I require surely I am entitled to look elsewhere.

I think it's unfair to be like that when I have tried here as my first port of call and on looking 'over there', found numerous products for sale.

Sorry :(

I Totally agree

[paintinglemonjane]

OK then try EBAY, I doubt one will be one here. Sorry to sound glum but there you go.


I know there are non on here for sale but that wasn't what I really meant. :confused:

I wanted to know more about them. I was really interested in learning more about them and price wise as well as which was the best to buy:D I was just being naturally nosey:D

[paintinglemonjane]

I understand that some people are unhappy with the treatment they received on the 'other side' but if I search here and can't find what I require surely I am entitled to look elsewhere.

I think it's unfair to be like that when I have tried here as my first port of call and on looking 'over there', found numerous products for sale.

Sorry :(


Sorry!! I don't get your meaning:confused:

Why shouldn't you look elsewhere. Just because you are on here doesn't mean you can't look elsewhere. Who would tell you differently. If you can't get what you are looking for on here, as a buyer you have every right to look for it wherever you like and nobody should be saying anything different.:)

[hlsweb]

Hiya

I bought the big shot back in May and love it. Very simple to use, however it is not very portable. I also bought its little brother the tag a long in September which is portable.

I looked at everything at the time and dont regret buying it. It takes different sizes of dies and it really depends what you need the machine for in order to give you the best advice. If you are only going to use it for certain things it may be too much for you.

I have not heard good things about the Xyron, it is very limited in its uses.

My supplier has now stopped stocking Ellison and Sizzix as they now supply me with the new Double Do which they believe is much better than the old machines and the dies are cheaper.

Why not email me on crafts@helshop.co.uk and let me know what you want to use it for and I will give you what advice I can including cheapest place to buy depending on what you need.

If us crafters cant help each other out what is the point!!

Helen

[Hip Chick]

I had a Sizzix machine a whilte bakc - loved it.

I have just purchased a Bog Shot, love it too BUT, the thin cuts are not worth the plastic they are made from.

Firstly if you try to use card over about 190gsm, the card sticks to the die cutter and you have to pull it away,worse still, you end up having to use your scissors to cut out the bits the die cutter has missed. Works great on paper, just not on decent card. I tried using 330gsm and the machine just laughed at me!

Secondly, I pressed out around 50 shapes from one die, now the die is of no use whats so ever. You can see the metal in the die and its sharp.

While saying this, I would still highly recommend the Big Shot over the Sizzix machine (only due to weight), the Big Shot is brill and fab as long as you are using Thick Cut Dies or Sizzix Dies.

[OaktreeCraft]

I had a Sizzix machine a whilte bakc - loved it.

I have just purchased a Bog Shot, love it too BUT, the thin cuts are not worth the plastic they are made from.

Firstly if you try to use card over about 190gsm, the card sticks to the die cutter and you have to pull it away,worse still, you end up having to use your scissors to cut out the bits the die cutter has missed. Works great on paper, just not on decent card. I tried using 330gsm and the machine just laughed at me!.

Hy
The Thin Cuts were made for exactly that, Thin Cuts, i had problems too with the paper sticking to the die but solved it in one foul sweep.
I bought some sticky backed foam and cut a square shape the exact size of the die, then just ran it through my Big Shot. I peeled the excess off and the foam sits quite proud on the die now, so when paper is cut on the die it is easier to lift off, try it.
Also i have found that if i cut the clear plastic sheet to the exact size of the die it lasts longer and dosn't curl up as much.I can provide this plastic sheeting if anyone is interested ? it is not the type people have reccomended from places like B&Q as the stuff they sell cracks going through the machine and is of little or no use.

[sweetsandmemories]

Thanks to everyone for the replies, they have been really helpful.
Just one little question - what is the difference (if any) between the red sizzix machine and the big shot machine?

[Hip Chick]

Hiya

Nothing really apart from with a Big Shot you do not need a convertor to use Sizzix Dies.;)

With the Big Shot, their Thick Cut Dies are the same size as the sizzix die!:)

My only moan is with the thin cuts, but as pointed out they are meant to be thin and then maybe I shouldn't be using 190+gram card...

ALSO... You can use Wooden Dies with the Big Shot.

Having had both machines, I really do like it.

Hope this helps:eek:

[sweetsandmemories]

Well I've decided to go for the original red Sizzix machine to start with. Got quite a good deal on the 'other side', machine with 24 die-cuts for £100. (At least I think it was a good deal!!!!)
If I get to grips with it and decide in the future to go for the Big Shot, I can always sell the first one.

Angie
Crafty Craftz

[snagz]

Only just got to this thread...late as usual LOL
But if it's crafting hints and tips you're after or advice on equipment etc.
there is a specialist forum of very talented crafters at:
www.auntysforum.com
friendly bunch and always willing to share their know how.

[cepher0]

I have only just seen this thread so i'm sorry if my little tip comes a bit late for some of you :o

This tip is for anyone who is using a sizzix die cutter or the equivalent type of cutter.....

NEVER use the plastic cutting pad that comes with the cutter, it will blunt your dies so they won't last you long, i know cutting cooking foil will sharpen them up for a short while but it's not for long....

What you need to do is...cut a 4½" strip off the long side of a self-healing cutting mat....then cut some MDF or something similar to the same size and put underneath the 4½" mat strip, build it up to the same height as the plastic pad, it will be a bit of trial and error for a few go's so please be patient while you are building this up, use scrap paper etc...then THROW AWAY the plastic pad !!!

Now when you use your dies the blades will 'sink' slightly into the self-healing mat and they will never be blunted, this also gives your dies cuts a gently rounded edge instead of a raw one.


I have been using this way of cutting for almost 4 years now and have never had to sharpen or replace a die...it really does work !!! another 'bonus' is, depending on the size of the self-healing mat you use, you can set up as many dies as will fit along the length of it which means you can cut up to 4/6 sizzix dies at one time and all the 'spare' left over bits can be used on a Sidekick or Quickcutz cutter, or even for punches if it's only paper you are cutting :)

I hope this helps a lot of you save ££££s in new dies and plastic cutting mats

Take care All
Hugs, Cepher0

[inchworm]

Only just got to this thread...late as usual LOL
But if it's crafting hints and tips you're after or advice on equipment etc.
there is a specialist forum of very talented crafters at:
www.auntysforum.com (http://www.auntysforum.com)
friendly bunch and always willing to share their know how.

I'm a member of this fantastic forum, it really is THE best place to go for advice, hints & tips, challenges and swaps (circle journals, ATC's, toppers, inchies...the list goes on and on)
we love to welcome new members and we love to see others work and creations, even if you lose your crafting mojo for a while theres still LOADS to do, games, jokes, bingo, quizzes and above all chatting!

go on... join up, it's free and I promise you that you'll love it there.



*waves to Rich*

[inchworm]

hehehehehehehe... forgot to say......

I have the original sizzix machine and use a converter/adapters to use my quickutz and thin cuts dies.
I recently had a cricut machine, which is brilliant!
you get the 'basic george' cartridge with the machine and can cut text and shapes from 1" to 5" high, you can cut block shadows so that the letters above contrast with the shadow beneath
It is rather pricey... mine cost £180 off ebay... but as it cuts everything with ease (you can adjust the tension for thicker paper and card) i love it
I wanted to buy a complete alphabet for my sizzix but when I realised how much that could cost (and you only get the alphabet in one size) then it made sense for me to buy the cricut instead.
I'm currentle waiting for delivery of a new cartridge for my machine from america, as most sellers in the uk charge double, sometimes treble what I have just paid for a cartridge.

[CrowlasCrafts]

Hi

I have been reading this thread with interest, as i had just come to the craft section of the forum to see if i could start a thread about die cutting - and hey preto there is one right at the top of the list!! :D

I am new to all this - I already buy cards with apetures cut into them - but I am planning to make boxes for them to sell as gift sets and I would like to cut nice neat squares into the top of the box. Obviously this will need to be done before the box is stuck together. All the punches I have seen are short reach and not the right size squares.

Can anyone give me any advice please? I am not familiar with the machines you refer to and I don't know quite how they work. At the moment I am using a ruler and craft knife!

Thanks!! :)

[technored]

Check out Craft ROBO by Graftec. I got one for cutting out vinyl decals and then for cutting specific black shapes for Gauge O Railway modelling. Does a perfect job as you can adjust the depth of cut to suit so not only can you cut all through but also create creases as well. Had it quite a while so it may have been superceeded by now. (my model does not work with Vista so it's XP only) If you want to know more email me direct. Regards Maurice

[kescrafts]

hi,
I am new here, but i do have a big shot machine, you can use almost every die on this machine, including x cut dies, you have to get a multi platform thing that costs around 12 pounds. Most suppliers will advise which dies can and can't be used. I picked mine up for 69.99. It is a fab machine, the price of the cutting plates are around about £8 for a set of two. I have to replace mine about once a mth, depending on orders. I also have a silhouette, but i waste so much paper on it, but great for creating my own die cuts. I do prefer the big shot and the sizzix dies are so cheap, i pay about 2.50 - 3.00 per die ( sizzlets ).
Hope this helps

Kes x x

[cepher0]

hi,
I am new here, but i do have a big shot machine, you can use almost every die on this machine, including x cut dies, you have to get a multi platform thing that costs around 12 pounds. Most suppliers will advise which dies can and can't be used. I picked mine up for 69.99. It is a fab machine, the price of the cutting plates are around about £8 for a set of two. I have to replace mine about once a mth, depending on orders. I also have a silhouette, but i waste so much paper on it, but great for creating my own die cuts. I do prefer the big shot and the sizzix dies are so cheap, i pay about 2.50 - 3.00 per die ( sizzlets ).
Hope this helps

Kes x x

Hi Kes,

So nice to see you here :)

If you follow the instructions i posted earlier on this thread for a Sizzix Cutting Machine, and adjust the width size you cut from a self healing mat...ie, usually they are green cutting mats...then you will find you NEVER have to buy cutting plates again...and your dies will last years longer too because they are not 'chomping' on a hard surface to cut.

This applies to ALL Die Cutting Machines !!!

Any Manufacturers of Die Cutting Machines would 'NEVER' give this 'Tip' to their Buyers...They need you to 'Buy More' Cutting Pads and Dies to keep 'Their Sales' at the 'Maximum' they can get...

Give it a 'TRY' Kes...if it doesn't work for You, You have lost nothing...If it does then You have Gained £££'s

Take Care,

Big Hugs...Arline. xxx

[nuttynedscrafts]

yes i must admit the big shot is great but i havent tried any other machine so carnt comment. the good thing thing about big shot is you can have your own designs made into dies!!!! i luv it!!!! im just wating for my new dies off my supplier. cant wait!!!!!

[cepher0]

yes i must admit the big shot is great but i havent tried any other machine so carnt comment. the good thing thing about big shot is you can have your own designs made into dies!!!! i luv it!!!! im just wating for my new dies off my supplier. cant wait!!!!!

Hi there nutty...

I know your name from 'the other side' and have bought goodies from you in the past :)

Most dies are usable on the 'Big Shot' with adapters... but i have to admit i am waiting for New Dies that are compatable with an original 'Sizzix Die Cutter'...

If your new dies fit in with this...

Please let me know....

Hugs, Arline xxx

[sparklybits]

i have a cuttlebug maching and i love it the new embossing folders which i will have on here as soon as i can are absolutely gourgous and you can use other dies in it as well not just cuttlebug , i dont know what i would do without mine now you can even use the nestability dies which cut and emboss on it , best thing i ever brought