spellbinders or big shot machine?

hi everybody! I'd love to buy a die cut machine. which is the best between Big shot and Spellbinders? could you give me advice please? it's urgent!!! thank you

I like the spellbinders,,,,,,it's larger, cuts more dies on the cutting plate at one time, can cut an 8.5x11 piece of paper without trimming, cuts the larger dies, and the embossing is absolutely superior.

Having said that,,,,,I pretty much exclusively cut the chemically etched dies (like spellbinders),,,,

if you cut the thicker dies like sizzix or Tim Holtz dies, the Spellbinders Grand Calibur won't cut those, so go with the big shot/big kick.

What Holly said.

It's all about what you want. If all you want to use is the thinner dies like Spellbinders as well as the embossing folders, the Grand Calibur rocks for all the reasons she said. It can also fit the largest of the Grand Nesties dies, which the Big Shot can't (from what I am told). However, if you want to cut the thick dies like the Bigz, Tim Holtz, etc, then you need a Big Shot/Big Kick. Basically, I guess you need to figure out what you will be cutting the most and go with that. They're all fun to use.

If you want to cut any of Tim's dies you will need the big shot. I you want the perfect it would be the big shot pro it cuts all of the grands and all of the larger dies.

I love my Grand Claibur, but I use the Spellbinder dies and embossing folders exclusivly.

You can use some of the spellbinder dies in a Big Shot/Big Kick, but you need the additional plates to make the proper sandwich.

Actually you can use all Spellbinder dies in the Big Shot with the plates that come with the machine, no need to get anything extra. The only exception being a couple of the very largest of the Grand Nesties, which don't fit.

I haven't seen the embossing from the Grand Calibur so I can't comment on its quality. I do think the Big Shot is the most versatile of the two.

First of all- I LOVE MY BIGKICK and would defend it to anybody's death. If you're going to ever want to use any Sizzix dies (and I can't think why you wouldn't- or at least, I don't like to imagine a world where that could happen) -then get the BigKick.

Everything you'll need to cut with Spellbinders dies comes with the BigKick. The multi-purpose platform can handle any brand/any die. EXCEPT for one thing- the largest of the Grand Nestabilities.

I recently got my first Spellbinders M'bossabilities (think I got that spelling right) embossing folder (the kind where it's two folders in one- you flip it depending on which pattern you want to use) and it worked just fine. It had a weird sandwich recommendation to use it with the BigKick, but I experimented with a 6in trip of some pretty thick chipboard and it worked great-

And because I do love Spellbinders- I would probably buy a Grand Calibur if I found one at a great price or was feeling particularly crazy on a given day. I've caught myself trying to justify it- 'Kory, you know you'd like the GRAND Nestabilites..." but then I just realize if I need a piece of paper cut into a cool shape, I have my Cricut and tons of cartridges, and as I like to say, 'if the shape isn't in Elegant Edges YOU DONT NEED IT!' *

Yes, I said if you want a piece of PAPER cut in a cool shape- cuz cardstock is as thick as you can cut if you go strictly Spellbinders- another reason I love my BigKick- you can cut anything with it- even a slab of concrete**)

Well. I guess I've run out of things to say.

-kory

*exaggeration
**another exaggeration

I had a Cuttlebug for years and got a Big Shot in the last 6 months. I love the BS soo much more. Mainly because it stays put and rolls so much easier. I had no problems w CB, but had pre-ordered the new TH Wordplay die and figured out it wouldn't fit width wise in my CB. I could have just not got the wordplay die, but.....I figured that was about as good of an excuse as I was going to get. I LOVE the wordplay die by the way.
I just wouldn't want to put out the money for a Grand Calibur and then have myself limited from thicker dies. Because you never know.

That's confusing. According to the Spellbinders web-site you need their tan embossing mat and white cutting plate to make the correct sandwich in the Big Kick/Big Shot machine. Plus I have read that shims are sometimes required. That was one of the main reasons I bought the GC.

This is from their web-site:

"Big Shot® by Ellison Design™ (Blue)

This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Die. You will need Spellbinders
White Spacer Plate and Tan Embossing Mat to cut and emboss in the Big Shot machine.

Cutting Sandwich - (Stack from bottom up)
1. Place the Big Shotsâ„¢ thick white mat down first.
2. Place one Spellbinders White Spacer Plate onto the thick white mat.
3. Place Spellbinders Die, cutting side up (that would mean the side with the ridges) onto the white
spacer plate.
4. Place paper over die.
5. Place two Big Shot acrylic mats over paper and roll thru the BigShotâ„¢ machine.
Embossing Sandwich-(Stack from bottom up)
1. Remove the Spellbinders Spacer Plate while leaving the die in place.
2. Place Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mat over the paper and die.
3. Shim with 3 pieces of card stock.
4. Place two Big Shot acrylic mats on top of Tan Embossing Mat and roll thru Big Shot machine.
5. Turn die over and use like a stencil with inks and chalks for added detail.

Big Shot™ (Black & Pink) by Ellison-Sizzix® and Big ShotTM for Stampin Up by Sizzix®

This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Die. You will need Spellbinders
two Tan Embossing Mats to cut and emboss in the Big Shotâ„¢ machine.

Cutting Sandwich - (Stack from bottom up)
1. Place large platform down first with all tabs closed.
2. Place Spellbinders die face up, (that would mean ridges or bumpy side up).
3. Place card stock on Spellbinders die.
4. Place two Big Shotâ„¢ acrylic mats on top of cardstock.
5. Roll thru Big Shotâ„¢ machine to die cut shape.

Embossing Spellbinders Dies in the Big Shot™ by Ellison-Sizzix® and Big ShotTM for Stampin
Up by Sizzix®

Embossing Sandwich-(Stack from bottom up)

1. After cutting, remove acrylic mats from cardstock and die.
Leave the Spellbinders die in place with paper die cut out still in the die on the multi-purpose platform.
2. Place TWO Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mats on top of die.
3. With one piece of 12x6 card stock tri-fold for a shim and place on top of the Tan Embossing Mats.
4. Place ONE Big Shot acrylic plate on top and run thru the Big Shot machine.
Big Kick™ by Sizzix®

This machine is capable of cutting and embossing any Spellbinders Die. You will need Spellbinders
two Tan Embossing Mats to cut and emboss in the Big Shotâ„¢ machine.

Cutting Sandwich - (Stack from bottom up)
1. Place large platform down first with all tabs closed.
2. Place Spellbinders die face up, (that would mean ridges or bumpy side up).
3. Place card stock on Spellbinders die.
4. Place two Big Kickâ„¢ acrylic mats on top of cardstock.
5. Roll thru Big Kickâ„¢ machine to die cut shape.

Embossing Sandwich-(Stack from bottom up)
1. After cutting, remove acrylic mats from cardstock and die.
Leave the Spellbinders die in place with paper die cut out still in the die on the multi-purpose platform.
2. Place TWO Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mats on top of die.
3. With one piece of 12x6 card stock tri-fold for a shim and place on top of the Tan Embossing Mats.
4. Place ONE Big Kick acrylic plate on top and run thru the Big Kick machine.

I use Spellbinders in my BigShot all the time and I have no idea what a "Spellbinders White Spacer Plate" is. The only additional thing I had to buy were the tan mats.

I do sometimes have to add some cardstock, depending on the die, for embossing. Never for cutting.

I've never heard of the "White Spacer Plate" either. That instruction must be old? This is what the FAQ says about using the Big Shot:

To cut: Platform with tabs closed, then Spellbinders die template (cutting ridges up), Paper or cardstock and Two acrylic mats
And to emboss: Platform with tabs closed, Spellbinders die with cut ridges facing up and die cut inside of the die, two Spellbinders W-023 Tan Embossing Pads, three pieces of cardstock to shim, one acrylic mats.

ETA: I actually rarely use the shims, instead I open up one tab (or both if it's a thick piece of paper) and just use both acrylic mats.

I love my BigShot....never had an issue using any die or embossing folder (except as the others have said, the very largest ones) and I absolutely love that it cuts fabric, grungeboard, chipboard etc...

Alison

This is one of the reasons I had the hardest time making a decision. All the information was conflicting and confusing. I am glad I chose the GC and the Spellbinders dies. I really love how it works for me.

I keep thinking I'll buy a Grand Calibur but to be honest I'm too confused to buy anything right now. I decide on one then get swayed to the other.

I really am confused. I've ordered some nesties and sooner or later I need to order a machine so I can use them.

That was my problem. I was so confused and all the inforamtion I found was conflicting. It took me 3 months to make a decision. I finally decided that since all I really was interested in was the Spellbinders I might as well go with the GC.

All the dies, no matter what company, are so expensive. It wasn't like I was going to by a huge selection of all of them.

Yeah, definitely you're going to want to go with whatever it is you think you're going to use MOST - in my case, I wanted to be able to both use Spellbinders (LOVE THEM) and all of the Tim Holtz and other Sizzix brand dies (REALLY LOVE) and then I started finding and liking all those Quickutz dies, too. SO I picked the BigKick.

I forget what it was I saw that made me want a die cutting/embossing machine- I think I saw something made with it- then started looking at the dies- then started watching videos on youtube this was about 10pm at night. By Midnight, I was mad that Michaels wasn't open 24hours so I could run in and pick up my BigKick.

k

thank you so much to each of you!!! I have to think about it and then I'll take a decision. thank you very much!!!!!

thank you. this is a detailed description. I need it! thanks

Just another person to chime in and repeat it depends on which kind of dies you want to use. For me, I wanted to use the basic and decorative shapes that Nestie's offer, and less the "themed" shapes that the thicker dies offer, and lots of embossing, so I went with the Grand Calibur. That's not to say a big shot or Vagabond isn't impossible in the far future, I just have no interest in those big honkin' dies right now. Careful w/ the GC tho, if you get a sandwich not right it can totally warp your tan embossing mat (cough cough).

I'm so confused. I've just purchased a Spellbinders Platinum: it's still in its box because I'm moving. I read elsewhere that it would suit most needs but I'm starting to think otherwise. The reason I bought it is I'm doing the graphics fairy ecourse with Heather Tracy - it is so good - and the background is embossed. I'm sure it will suffice but stumbled upon this and wondered if I've done the right thing (if the Big Shot/Kick would've been better).

Adore my Big Shot!!!!

Both machines are comparible. We have a 60 day money back guarantee if you've had a change of heart. Just call our customer service at 1-800-SCRAPBOOK (1-800-727-2726). Thank you!

The info above your post is referring the Spellbinder's OLD machine, the Grand Caliber. The machine you bought, the Platinum is new and cuts both thin and thick dies. It does everything the Big Shot does but has a wider 9" wide path. That means you can cut wider paper and use wider dies.

I am partial (I design products for Spellbinders) but have use both machines. I find the Platinum an easier machine. The mechanics inside are different, making it much easier to crank. I have a lot less fatigue in my wrist and shoulder when I am cutting thick materials and doing big batches of cutting.

I hope that helps!

I like my Vagabond.

i love my big shot

I know this thread is old BUT I am in need of help now. Years ago I purchased a Cuttlebug Die Cutting machine (the original). I purchased all kinds of dies from the fat Sizzix dies to QuickKutz to ? Anyway, I haven't scrapbooked for years and I am now wanting to scrapbook my daughter's wedding album and get on with the family albums.About 2 years ago I bought some Spellbinder d-lites and some Tim Holtz tree dies. Now I find that I had forgotten that I had a broken C plate on Cuttlebug (no longer being made). My question: will both the newer Sizzix Big Shot and the Spellbinders Platinum be able to accomodate all these dies? (Probably the first dies I would give up using would be the fat Sizzix dies but I have tons of Quick Kutz dies.)

Yes, you CAN still get C plates! Good heavens, don't pitch out a perfectly good machine because of a broken C plate. There are companies other than ProvoCraft that make Cuttlebug-compatable plates. Just have a search for them on-line. Ask me how it know? Yeah, I managed to bust a C plate myself a while back, which -- as you know -- takes some doin'.

Good luck. Don't give up on your 'bug just yet.