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Post by scrappykaren on Oct 3, 2011 12:47:33 GMT -5
With all the new Die-version dies that were just introduced, I am in need of a new die cutting machine. I have told my self that if I was to replace my Revolution, which I do love, I was going to purchase a Big Shot. But with so many new die cutters out there now, I'm having a hard time deciding. So what do you Diva's use as a die cutting machine? Which one would be the best with all the new wider and bigger dies coming out? Thanks in advance for your help!  |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2011 13:14:32 GMT -5
For bigger (as in more than 6" in width) dies, I use my Grand Caliber. For everything else, the Vagabond, especially if I'm cutting a lot of the same thing. If the electricity goes out, then I'd use the Rev. But my most often used are the Vagabond and the Grand Caliber. Happy shopping! |
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Post by 1whoscraps on Oct 3, 2011 13:34:10 GMT -5
Well I have ahem the squeeze  , the revolution, the cuttlebug and the Grand Caliber. Honestly I tried to use my squeeze a few times but it just doens't work like I want it to.. Right now I think I use my cuttlebug for most of my work. I think it's just easier, handier and I can whip die cuts out fairly quick. I tend to use the Grand Caliber for some of the larger dies and I use the revolutuion mostly for the long 4x8 fonts..I'm crazy I know..but they are all right there and it's just whatever I find easiest at the time..so far this is my routine. I have to say that the Grand Caliber can cut some pretty huge dies and it is very light weight which I was surprised by and the overall footprint is fairly small so it doesn't take up a ton of room. I am very happy with it. |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Oct 3, 2011 13:55:45 GMT -5
Karen, I think the first question to ask yourself is whether you are going to want to cut steel rule dies, like Sizzix. If so, and you want only one machine that will cut all your dies, then you'll need a Cuttlebug, Big Shot, or Vagabond. The Grand Caliber cuts only the wafer thin dies like Spellbinders and QK/LC. If the thick dies aren't a consideration, then I'd choose the Grand Calibur - it cuts and embosses beautifully, and can handle the larger, "Grand" Spellbinders dies. The large cutting plate means you can cut a bunch of small dies in one pass. It's lightweight, well-made, and quiet. Like the Cuttlebug, it has a suction mechanism which engages to hold it to your table. If Sizzix dies are going to be used, then cost will be the issue - if you can afford it, the Vagabond is my personal favorite - it cuts beautifully, is sturdy, and much quieter than the Big Shot Express (no longer available). If you want the most economical choice that can handle all dies, then go for the Cuttlebug - mine is still going strong after several years cutting anything and everything. I love the way it folds up, and the small footprint. Also nice is the suction mechanism which helps hold it in place on your work surface. This is the machine I take to scrap on the road or at crops. Disclaimer - I own the Vagabond, Grand Calibur, Cuttlebug, Revolution and Squeeze...  I love and use them all!!! HTH  Gail |
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Post by Nikki on Oct 3, 2011 14:25:07 GMT -5
My next one will definitely be the Vagabond! I've got it on my Christmas list for my in-laws to get me, lol. I love that it's electric!
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Post by Karen W on Oct 3, 2011 14:29:11 GMT -5
I agree with Gail, that was pretty much what I was going to tell you.
Karen
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Post by Noelle on Oct 3, 2011 17:25:51 GMT -5
Cuttlebug or big shot
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Post by Susan on Oct 3, 2011 17:32:59 GMT -5
okay - you asked... don't do Cuttlebug - plates that come with it aren't long enough for 4x8 fonts, 12" borders and many of the new/cool boxes and CC dies! I never did buy a Big Shot - because the footprint size drove me crazy. BUT it is nice and light weight! I have a Vagabond - and you all know that I love it to PIECES! Love that it's super-sturdy, but folds up with a footprint that is a snap to deal with! Love that I can put anything through it - any brand, etc. I really want a Grand Calibur, because I have a bunch of unusable Grand Calibur shapes {don't ask...LOL} I say - if price is no object get BOTH the Grand Calibur and the Vagabond. You know - in a perfect world! But if you're not worried about huge GC dies - then go the Vagabond route - it's a rockin' awesome machine!!! If size is what you're looking for - the go the Cailbur route!  |
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Post by Noelle on Oct 3, 2011 17:42:08 GMT -5
What's footprint size mean?
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Post by crazy4pink on Oct 3, 2011 17:48:07 GMT -5
My go to machine is still the Revolution  I have most of the others too, except for the Big shot. (I have not gotten into the Sizzix, etc stuff and do not plan on it) The Grand Calibur works very nicely too. I only wish they would have thought a little bit longer about it and made it 1/2 inch wider and 1 inch longer  then I would not need to cut a 1/2" off a regular sheet of paper Cindy |
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Post by crazy4pink on Oct 3, 2011 17:49:22 GMT -5
What's footprint size mean? I think they are talking about how much room the machine takes up for use and storage. Cindy |
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Post by scrappykaren on Oct 3, 2011 18:04:26 GMT -5
Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions! I really would like to get some of the new Solo Sentiment dies that just arrived. I like the Christmas one. They looked too large to go through my Revolution. The majority of my dies are QK/Lifestyle Crafts. I might have to look at the Vagabond. Thanks again Diva's! |
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Post by midmiscrapper on Oct 3, 2011 18:28:11 GMT -5
I cannot give you any better information on die cutting machines as all I have is QK/LC made (Squeeze, Revolution and Epic). BUT, I just looked and the new SoSent dies and they will fit onto your Revolution! They are 3.5 x another dimension. SO, unless you don't have the extended 12" plate for the Revolution, you can use them on it.....just sayin'!!  Pam |
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Post by scrappykaren on Oct 3, 2011 20:21:15 GMT -5
Thanks Pam! I looked at the dimensions and saw that the So Sents were 3.5 x 4.75 and thought it wouldn't work. I guess I was looking at the 4.75 and thought it would be too wide. But you are right!  Thanks for catching my over sight. Now I can order a few and get busy on my Christmas cards!  I'm still on the look out for a new die cutter though. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Karen |
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Post by Basketlady on Oct 3, 2011 20:31:02 GMT -5
My favorite machine is the Revolution. It's a great size and I love the magnetic platform. The Solo Sentiments fit on there perfectly, as well as the 4x4 dies.
Really, there isn't one machine out there that does everything. Well, the Big Shot Pro. But that's a huge machine and pricey!
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Lorie Ann
Student Diva
Unless your name is Google, don't act like you know everything.
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Post by Lorie Ann on Oct 3, 2011 21:56:28 GMT -5
I have the Revolution (with just the 4x4 plate) and the BigShot. The only negative I have about the BigShot is that the platform is not magnetic. I am so used to it with the Revolution. But it cuts awesome!
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Post by Susan on Oct 4, 2011 0:07:21 GMT -5
it's so interesting to hear how everyone's opinions are so varied...
the magnetic platform of the Rev was my least favorite feature! Drove me bonkers.
I tried to pry the little round magnets out of the 12" platform several times...only ever got one to pop out!
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Post by Basketlady on Oct 4, 2011 6:09:01 GMT -5
Crafty Girl. I see ol' Joe has been busy cardmaking!
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Oct 4, 2011 7:06:13 GMT -5
As Susan said, the plates that come with the Cuttlebug are too short for the 4x8 alphas and 12 inch borders, but longer plates are readily available, allowing you to cut anything on the market other than the Grand SB dies... And yes, all the SoSents cut just fine in the Rev - go for it!! You'll have your Christmas cards done in record time!! Gail |
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Post by scrappykaren on Oct 4, 2011 18:05:38 GMT -5
HMMM! Maybe I should look at the Big Shot or Big Kick. I guess I would like a die cutter that is still manual. That was my first thought of getting either one of those. Decisions, Decisions!!  Karen |
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Post by Dania on Oct 4, 2011 22:35:29 GMT -5
I have the Big Shot and it works well. My Rev is now in the closet as a back up. Don't know about the other machines but they great as well. I guess it comes down to what you will use it for.
I cut all my QK and I do own some Sizzix, and other metal dies like Spellbinders, and Die-versions.
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Post by crazy4pink on Oct 5, 2011 0:43:37 GMT -5
My first tool was the Squeeze, which is limited when they came out with the Revolution.
Second, of course, was the Rev. I probably would not have any other machine if it were not for my sweet generous husband.
I do love the Grand Calibur for larger dies.
All the others are only used occasionally, or if Sisters come to play.
Cindy
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qkmary
Student Diva
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Post by qkmary on Oct 5, 2011 3:46:04 GMT -5
Well all the machines you mentioned I either own or have tried. None of them with the exception of the Grand Calibur cut the Big spellbinder dies. That being said, I am tired of having to buy a new machine everytime a new style of die comes out. I just purchased a Big Shot Pro to replace my 2 Rev., Squeeze and my big shot. It will arrive Friday . Hoping that this is the last machine I have to purchase. ( right). If they come out with dies that are bigger than 12 inches, I most likely will not be purchasing. But then you will never know. |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Oct 5, 2011 6:58:16 GMT -5
Well said, Mary! I think that's how most os us have accumulated our die-cutter "collections". I keep searching for the one machine that will do everything, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't exist!! Good luck with the Pro. I'm intrigued by it, but the size and cost keep discouraging me! Gail |
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Post by Basketlady on Oct 5, 2011 9:46:26 GMT -5
Mary, how exciting! You will have to put up pictures of the new addition to your family! |
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