Die Cutting Machines

Sep '04

I'd return it too.

Sep '04

I have a QuicKutz, and while it is great for on-the-go, it isn't very flexible. (Since I've never gone to a crop, the portability doesn't seem like such a big deal.) In addition, you can only cut one sheet at a time, and I think it can only cut paper and cardstock.

I haven't tried the other machines, but I think I would prefer to have something that can use multiple companies' dies. Sizzix can use QuicKutz dies PLUS it can emboss, and cut multiple kinds of materials, and can cut multiple sheets at a time. I think that's the case for the Wizzard and the Zip E Mate, as well, but I don't know as much about those.

HTH,

-Lynn

Sep '04

I have sizzix and QuicKutz. The quick kutz requires a strong wrist. I like them both for different reasons, but if I had to choose, it would be sizzix

Oct '04

I have a Sizzix & about 200 dies & 2 Alpha Sets, I bought Sizzix mainly because it is the easiest one out there to find dies for, (or at least that you can buy dies with a 40% off coupon) which really cuts costs. I have had mine for about a year & use it ALL THE TIME! I take it to crops & everyone else uses it then.LOL And I cut for my Mother & Aunt whatever they need so mine really gets used A LOT & I have not had any problems with it.

BUT the Sizzlits only cut 1 piece of paper at a time & they want cut all the materials that the "Classic Dies" cut. I returned the set of Sizzlits I bought because of that. Just something to think about, I only like the Classic dies, I cut a bunch of Foam shapes & letters for kids crafts & the Sizzlits want cut that.

Dena

Oct '04

I am inclined to get a Sizzix machine for myself; while I like my QuicKutz, I really like that Sizzix can cut multiple kinds of "paper", including foam and fabric, and multiple sheets of CS at a time. It also embosses, which I really want to do!

Also note that Sizzix warns against using their dies in other companies' machines. Here's a clip from their web site:

"Other companies who have recently jumped on the die-cutting and embossing bandwagon with unproven technology claim their machines will work with our dies. However, we have received some troubling feedback, as well as other serious questions and concerns raised by crafters about the compatibility of Sizzix products in these machines.

From the initial tests we have conducted, we have seen premature aging and severe damage to Sizzix Originals when used in other manufacturer's "ratchet or roller" systems. They appear to cause undue wear and tear on the dies at an accelerated rate."

Doesn't sound too good to me; I know I've read various posts from people using Sizzix dies in other machines and hearing pretty horrid squeaking sounds. That kind of scared me off the other machines. Call me chicken, that's OK. LOL

Oct '04

I did quite a bit of research before I bought my Sizzix, the main reason was ease of finding the dies (Micheal's, Joann's, ect) & PRICE!! The sizzix was a LOT cheaper than some of the other's that are in the same style, (meaning I wasn't interested in the hand-held machines) I have been VERY pleased with my Sizzix.
I just wonder if by premature wear they are talking about using it a Million times as opposed to 1.2 million times, & would the adverage person EVER wear-out the die in EITHER machine???
I do perfer the Sizzix Classics, for the reason they cut multipul materials, infact I just bought the LARGE Square die to cut squares for quilting, & I am going tomorrow to get the LARGE Diamond to use for 2 fairy costumes I have to make, I was not about to cut 200 "pedals" to go on the skirt of the costumes, they will just be Diamond shaped, it will be SOOOO much easier!
I cut Foam for kids craft projects, ALL kinds of uses OTHER THAN SCRAPBOOKING! Of course that was why I bought it in the beginning.LOL

Oct '04

Has nayone heard about the Sizzix Sidekick? It is supposed to be used with Sizzlits and is much less expensive that the big machine. A friend gave me a set of Sizzlits, but I don't have a machine to use it (thanks a lot)...:0

Oct '04

I use an ACCUCUT machine. It is large and heavy, but I love it! It is made for the accucut dies, which are thicker than Sizzix, but I simply use a block of wood under my Sizzix dies to make up for the difference of thickness. It works like a dream! Most of my dies are Sizzix.
The downside for travelers.....It is not great for portability. But, I have a large scrapbook area, and most of the scrap parties I attend are held at my house! So, I don't usually travel with it.
I bought it on Ebay

Oct '04

I have a sizzix machine. I got it last year. I used a 50% off coupon at Michaels and got the machine itself for about $40. I also got the lollipop font for half price with a coupon bringing it to about $75. Luckily I had receieved several Michaels gift cards for Christmas and only spent about $20 or so of my own money. I like the sizzix because both Michaels and AC Moore carry the dies and they always have coupons for 40 or 50% off. So you can build up your die collection fairly quickly and inexpensively.

Nov '04

Has anyone tried the ZAZ?

Feb '05

I just bought a Zaz ... I havent gotten it yet... I was told it cuts accucut zip e cuts and qk... and if you get a special pad it will emboss and cut sizzlits.. anyone else ever hear this or know anything about it? I really hope it does as I hate dragging the sizzix machine out for sizzix since I broke one of my cutting pads on my sidekick the first time I used it... Please help... I love my sizzix and zip e'mate and buying the dayco ecutter this week... I will post on that too when I get it and use it (its like the accucut mark Iv i am told)

Feb '05

I don't have a ZAZ--but I have the big Accucut machine. LOVE IT! It never met a die it couldn't cut with! I'm curious to know how you like the Zaz. Keep us posted, addicted2scrapn

Feb '05

Who carries the Wizard and where can I find a picture of it?

Feb '05

http://www.spellbinders.us

Feb '05

Spellbinders is coming out with a brand new wizard..i think the release is date is sometime this week....I have a wizard and I love it. I got mine online at joann's using the 40%off coupon. and i buy sizzix dies and sizzlits at micheals with my micheals coupon..Wizard also embosses with those cute brass stencils that we all have but never use

Feb '05

I love Sizzix!

Feb '05

I cropped with it all day!
I have an origional wizard, and let me tell you the improvemements make a
real difference. It is soooo much easier to use. it did not take any muscle at
all, and I was able to operate it ONE-HANDED with no problems!!! The sandwiches do not shoot out like they do on the origional. ALSO it is cheaper! the origional was $149.00 and you had to buy all of the converters separate. the new one is $120.00 and comes with EVERYTHING!!!! It takes up
less table space, has little grippy rubber feet, and is lighter weight.

The dies themselves are way cool. They are a thinner metal, like the qk and
stuff, but they are made soooo much better. The design goes all the way
through the die- no need to have ejection foam and the cuts are really nice
and clean. Also, you have the option to simply cut, simply emboss the
image, OR cut and emboss on the image, all on one die! the dies that are
$24.99 have anywhere from 3-6 images on them. They are way cool. Also,
storage is great, they all fit into CD cases. In my case, I will put them
into the CD binder I already have my sizzlets and QK dies in.
The texture plates are two sided, and have a different texture on each size.
The alphas come with a free "mystery die". One had a foot. it was cute.

Feb '05

Wow! I really thought I had set on the zipemate, now I feel I have to have a new Wizard. Hope I can find one to try like AimeeIn Ohio. I refuse to spend that kind of money without first hand info. But it sounds Great!!! Thanks for all the insight.

Feb '05

Aimmee...did you have to buy the updated wizard or did they allow you to trade it in?