Best Manual Die Cutting Machine

Hi all,

I am new to the forums. I was wondering which manual die cutting machine is the best for the money? I am going to add one to my Christmas list and want to be sure I get a good one!!

Thanks,
Jennifer

Admin Note: Take a look at these two great resources on die cutting to learn more.

Die Cutting Questions and Answers
Complete Die Cutting Guide

Hi

I've just gone through my second Cuttlebug so I will be getting the big shot next but I know many other people have been happy with their Cuttlebug, if your short on space then go with the Cuttlebug as it folds up.

I have never seen a Spellbinders machine so I can't comment on those.

Just my thoughts.
PK

If you want a machine that does it all....cuts all...embosses all....go with the big shot pro!!! I love mine!!!! But you do need the space, it is big!!!

I'm considering a Big Shot. What's the difference between the Big Shot and the Pro?

It is bigger so it handles the biggest dies down to the smallest. And handles the biggest nesties down to the smallest. It does everything the big shot does but more1!!!!

I have a Sizzix and love it. But I don't know anything about the other machines. I got mine at a yard sale for $5 and dies for $2 each and since then have bought more and still love using it. I store it in an empty plastic bucket(used to be a container for the cat litter I buy) with a lid, makes it easy to tote around with some dies and supplies and keeps it safe from the rain. The machine is heavy but with the handle on the bucket it's no big deal.
I used to be in a group where multiple people had the Sizzix and we would share dies, so none of us went broke buying more, know what I mean?!

Love my big shot!

It also depends on what dies you use, I really want a Grand Calibur because I can cut and emboss the spellbinders dies in one step. However it won't cut the thick sizzix dies so if you plan on using them it wouldn't be a good choice. I use my spellbinders all the time and they are my favorite so I would love to skip the extra step of embossing with the cuttlebug/big shot

I'm really happy with the Sizzix Big Kick that I just bought (read my post called "I bought a Big Kick!). From what I've read, the Big Kick and the Big Shot work pretty much the same. I bought the Big Kick at Michael's because that's what they had there. With both die cut machines, you can use other brands of dies besides the Sizzix brand. You can use 12x12 paper with the Big Shot Pro, but it's really expensive.

Hope this helps,
Kimascrapper

big shot pro!!!! I love the big pro dies that are 12X12...and there is supposed to be 12X12 embossing soon. Plus you can cut ANY dies out there!!!! One machine does it all!!! Yes, it is expensive although I got mine at a DEAL....you save money because you only need one machine.

• CorrieW Said:

I don't think you can cut AND emboss in one step. It's a two step process.

• CorrieW Said:

you can't skip that step with a big shot,,,,,you still have to turn the die over and emboss.


I want the grand calibur, just so I can cut the grand dies.

I will still keep my Big Kick though, so I can cut the thicker dies,,,,,,

I took her post to mean she uses Nesties a lot but wants to skip the extra step of embossing that you have to do with a CB or BS.

However, I don't think the Grand Calibur lets you skip a step...I think you use it the same way as the other machines. Cut and then emboss.

• tinacome Said:

I have seen blogs and video's showing how to skip the extra step. I haven't done it myself but I have been told you can do it. I remember even getting the instructions with a set of dies once but it doesn't have it in the new packaging. I am going to post this on their facebook page

• CorrieW Said:

but if you can skip a step, then wouldn't you be able to do that with ANY machine and not just the GC? You still need the tan embossing mat with the GC to emboss. I looked at all my dies with old packaging and didn't see anything suggesting to skip a step.

I'm also thinking that it might not be good for the machine. By skipping a step, you'd have to use the wrong plates somehow. You'd either use the cutting plate while you emboss (you're not supposed to do this) or add a lot of shims to the embossing plate and mat. It would add more pressure to the sandwich and probably void any warranty if it broke the machine.

Spellbinders website says it's a two step process, so if they're not suggesting to skip a step, it's probably because it's bad for the machine. Otherwise, they'd say to do it.

Did you hear back from them?

I too have the Sizzix Big Kick, and I LOVE it. I wrote Sizzix to ask the difference between that and the Big Shot, and they said they were exactly the same... did all the same things... just the colors and housing were a little different.
I am so amazed at how far the cutting machines have come since I bought my first sizzix.