Die Cutting Machines: A Comparison

A lot of folks have been asking me about which personal die cutting machine to get.  I'll be honest:  There are a LOT of different personal systems out there now for the consumer.  What I like may not be what you do, so you need to make a decision based on what your personal needs and wants are in a machine and whether or not it meets them. (wink!)  I am primarily a card maker, so keep that in mind as well!

The following is limited to comparing 3 machines, not every single one available on the market, and is based on information gleaned online, and my own personal experiences only with the Big Shot, which I ordered first, and the Cuttlebug, which I ordered when it became available, just because I got so excited to see it finally released (insert sheepish grin).  I ordered my Big Shot through Costco.com and the Cuttlebug through Joann.com

The Cricut by Provo Craft CANNOT pressure/dry emboss, and card stock is most likely the thickest material it can cut through (no felt, chipboard, fun foam, leather, stencil plastic, etc.). It requires electricity and operates on computerized die cartridges; the cartridges can only be used on a Cricut machine and no other. The Cricut cannot use steel rule dies, of course, nor die cartridges made for other brand electronic die cutting systems. MSRP* on the machine is $299. MSRP on the cartridges is $89, and can feature perhaps a hundred+ die shapes in various sizes, per cartridge.

The Big Shot by Ellison is manual, operating on a roller pressure system. It has its own series of Thick Cuts dies (steel rule) (similar to Sizzix Originals), and Thin Cuts (similar to Sizzlits) Cuttlebug and Sizzix steel rule dies are compatible with the Big Shot, as are Sizzlit and QuicKutz Wafer style dies, although you may need an adapter or shim to get the best cut on these. MSRP for the Big Shot Basic Starter Kit is $119, and the system features pressure/dry embossing folders based on brass templates. With the addition of an optional Big Impressions Starter Kit (which features a silicone rubber sheet and impressions pad), you should also be able to pressure emboss using other brand brass templates, as per the manufacturer's claims.

The newly released Cuttlebug, by Provo Craft and designed to compliment the Cricut, is a manual roller based pressure system, nearly identical to the Big Shot, however, it features a revolutionary platform that folds up, saving counter space. It ends up taking only half the footprint in storage that the Big Shot requires. MSRP is $80. Cuttlebug machine has its own line of dies and is also compatible with Big Shot Thick Cuts, Thin Cuts, Sizzix Originals, Sizzlits, and QuicKutz dies (with the appropriate adapter plate), and has its own line of embossing folders that are made completely of plastic (no brass). Although the manufacturer does not make any claims, some folks are finding they can emboss with non Cuttlebug brand brass templates if they can find the right medium that will cause the paper to be pushed up through the brass templates. Some have tried thick old fashioned mouse pads and claimed success and others have reported dismal results. 

Good friend and now, fellow die cutting maniac!!! (chuckle!), Ellen Hutson, has discovered that the Wizard Charm Embossing Kit (the Wizard, by Spellbinders, is yet another personal die cutting and embossing tool) actually enables her to dry emboss with all her old brass stencils, on her newly acquired Cuttlebug, with great success.  Please read up on her discoveries at her blog, if you're interested in exploring that!

I discovered that both the Cuttlebug and the Big Shot, because of their manual systems, can easily flatten new, unused bottle caps (found at home brew suppliers)! (serious bouncin'!) aaaaaaand, Mooshie_stamps, over at Splitcoast, discovered that she can actually set multiple eyelets all at the same time on her Bug!  COOL BEANS!!!  Thanks for sharing that tip, Mooshie! (grinnin'!)

Thick Cuts, Sizzix Originals, and supposedly Cuttlebug (?), will cut through all the following, when used with either the Big Shot or the Cuttlebug:  text weight paper, card stock, fabric, lightweight chipboard, coaster chipboard, felt, fun foam, leather, thin sheet metal, polyshrink, acetate, and plastic stencil material, etc.  Although Cuttlebug dies are classified as "wafer" dies, the manufacturer states they will cut through the aforementioned.

Sizzlits, Thin Cuts, and QuicKutz are wafer style dies that will perform best on textweight paper and cardstock, as opposed to any thicker/heavier type materials.

So..................

WHICH MACHINE DID I KEEP???

In the end comes down to personal preference and whether or not the fold up platform of the Cuttlebug is of vital importance to you for storage purposes.

One thing I did notice after giving each machine a serious workout?  If the Cuttlebug's suction gizmos disengage, for whatever reason, all the weight on that machine is located dead-center.  The machine can teeter while cranking, and you'll have to steady and anchor the machine firmly with your other hand on the top, or stop to raise and re-lower the platforms to re-engage the suction, which would require pulling the die back out to do so, of course.  There's nothing "wrong" with that; just something you need to be aware of.

The Big Shot, on the other hand, has the weight evenly distributed across the entire platform.  While it might slide or shift a little on the table surface during cranking, the machine itself cannot teeter, due to its design.  I naturally place my left hand on the carrying handle of the Big Shot while cranking with my right, so any shifting is minimal if any at all.

Other than that, the two machines are equal in capabilities, and cross compatible with each others dies and embossing products.

After a LOT of deliberation, I decided to keep the Big Shot and sell the Cuttlebug to a friend who will give it a good and loving home. (chuckle!)  My reason for keeping the Big Shot over the very obviously cute, celery, and more compact Cuttlebug?  I suffer from tendinitis in my hand and arm.  The handle grip on the crank of the Big Shot simply feels more comfortable in that bum hand, and for me, that outweighs the other admirable, but, for the most part, "cosmetic" attributes of the Bug.

Happy die cutting to all!

*MSRP = Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. I quote these based on what I've found on the internet, and sales or discounts available at various retailers, whether B & M or online, are NOT taken into account as they vary considerably from retailer to retailer.  Check out the manufacturers' websites for more info on price ranges of dies for the respective machines.  Deals abound; do your homework!

Comments

[katerina]

Hi there!!!

I am just an amateur in crafts. I saw the Sizzix machine a year ago while I was on holiday in australia and I was very interested in buying it but I found it very heavy to carry it all the way to greece!!! I searched for it here in greece but it was impossible to find. I found it on the internet and purchased for th us and i am wating from some relatives to send it over. I am very excited eventhough I have no idea how to use it... I got some information a few days ago on my email for the big shot ans I am really disappointed because I think I bought the wrong machine..I should have bought the Big shot instead of Sizzix!! What do you think??

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[carolyn]

Have just bought a Cuttlebug diecut for my Zipemate - it won't go through - seems too thick - someone said they use them on their Zipe - help!!!!

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[Tonja]

What I would like to know about the Cuddlebug and QK Revolution....
1--Can the Cuddlebug use the QK big dies?
2--Does the Revolution also cut thin metal and all the other materials the Cuddlebug claims to cut?
3--Do you know what guage of metal the Cuddlebug (or Revolution if applicable) will allow?
Thanks!
Tonja

[Tessa]

Thank you for sharing all of this info! Not sure I can come to a conclusion yet, but I know I want to sell my sizzix and get either a Big shot, Big Kick or Cuttlebug!!!!!!!!! I just love the embossing I have seen on projects! I have a Xyron Personal Cutter and love it, have 2 friends who have cricuts and love them so we all share!

[Bagpuss]

Thanks for doing the research for us! I've just bought a Cuttlebug... and read this afterwards (hmmm, one day I'll do things in the right order!) but I think I made the right decision as space is a big issue for me. I haven't even tried it yet (my folders and dies have only just arrived) so I'm going to play now!

[Jill]

Julie ~

I just recently bought the Big Shot and am having a hard time cutting coaster chipboard. I haven't quite figured out the correct order of all the pieces yet...can you help me out?

[COPDLUNGS]

i have the zip e mate got it off ebay i have dies from my old Sizzix
the same dont be hoiight eough to cut or one to big to go thur
any thoughts oh what i could be doing wrong i have that part for the sizzix to let cut smaller dies but it wont work for my zip emate or am i doing it wrong ,thank you so much for letting me post here
i want be able to use my zip emate my old sizzix hard to drag out and harded to push down to use for me .
agan thank you for all your time .
i am darla hope to hear from you all soon,

[mary puskar]

Julie: Have read your posting on die cut machines and am ready to take the plunge for the first time. Some of these machines are not available to me locally. Sizzix seems simple and straightforward and I like the weight. It feels sturdy and "unbreakable." But the Big Shot is intriguing. I have a couple questions though. Is the Big Shot and the Big Kick essentially the same thing. And what does the Big Shot offer over the Sizzix? You still have to cut your paper to the proper width first correct? I am not into scrapbooking but like cards and collage and altered things. I am first and foremost a quilter but all this paper stuff just blows me away. And how does price compare on the Big Shot and Sizzix. Thanks so much for any help you can offer.

[Kay]

I just have to say how much I am loving the Cuttlebug. I love that it is small and compact. I love, love, love the embossing folders and alphabets and I also love the dies. Having never owned or even used a die cutting machine in my 7+ years of scrapbooking and cardmaking I am like a kid at Christmas with this little beauty. I really appreciate all the good advice you have given here and I am so inspired by your beautiful work. Thank You.

[Linda]

I feel so "out of the loop". What does "WWHRRD" mean?

[Crystal]

I have the Quickutz Revolution. I love it, no backgrounds as of yet. BUT, it too has a sturdy base, and nice handle that I love using. Thanks for all the information on the other machines. It makes me feel better, about what I have. I just have to wait from some embossing type templates.

[Teri]

I personally have the acc-u-cut machine the grande mark 4. its just as awesome its alot heavier than all these other ones and make it hard to transport but.. it cuts it all and to boot has an ebossier plate you can get separate.and after 7 yrs of use i havent worn out any dies and used it way too often for shows and friday night crops. just a thought all.. Teri

[Maria Bell]

I wanted to add to the first comment by Jennifer Benner. . .I have a Zip e-mate and it works with every type of metal dies and embossing folders including Cuttlebug, Sizzix, Sizzlits, Accucut, Quickutz, brass stencils, and even plastic stencils. There needs to be a slight adjustment to the platform to accomodate the various dies and embossing folders but if you have a Zip e-mate, don't get rid of it or buy a new machine. I wish I could contact Jennifer Benner and let her know. The Cuttlebug embossing folders work perfectly on the Zip e-mate.

[Jen]

Thanks Julie!! My MIL had ordered me zip e'mate for Christmas and 2 wks later we find out that acccut aren't going to make them anymore so I have no clue if they're going to keep making the diecuts so we exchanged for big shot! now i'm wondering my mom had ordered me a font for zip emate now I was wondering if that'd work with the big shot?

How do I make the other brands work with big shots? I had been looking on the internet looking for ideas how to make the other brands to interchange with big shot? Any tip where to look?
THANKS again!!

[Rhonda Maynard]

Julie, all the info you've provided is so valuable especially since I'm new to all these die cut machines and I have die cut envy!!! I was so excited to read your articles about the Big Shot when you first got it and decided maybe some day I'll get one but have now been torn after reading all the posts on SCS about the Cuttlebug. I'm thankful that you are willing to go out on a limb and test out these products for us (me) so we can read all about your ventures and decide what will work best for our needs. (That is the real reason you went out and bought the CB even though you had the BS already, right? wink, wink!!) Thanks again, keep your beautiful creations coming so we can see all the cool stuff you can do with your Big Shot!! (I keep alomst writing Big Sh*t!) Oops!
~Rhonda :o)

[Connie]

So, I just ordered my Christmas present to me, and it's a big shot. Now, I need to figure out where to keep it -- YIKES! Thanks for the info!

[stampez]

Great review Julie - thanks for all the info!
I have a sizzix - just can't justify the upgrade to the bigshot - yet! I will get it sometime though as a half price item!

I wanted to share though that another thing you can do with the sizzix - and possibly the Big Shot I have not tried it yet - is the Tag maker tags - you can press them with it - and do not need that tag maker dohicky! I love making my own metal rimmed tags and was pumped to try it and have it work! yipee! Try it on your big shot and let me know if it works!

[Jackie]

Thanks for this info - I am waiting for my Big Shot to be delivered and am anxious to try some embossing, especially with the Cuttlebug embossing plates - the large ones.

Will I need the Multi-Purpose Platform for the Big Shot? Amd what exactly does that platform do?

[jessi]

Thanks for the awesome review. The end result suprised me- I have to say.

Maybe you could paint your Big Shot Celery? (Altered Art?)

[Terry]

WWHRRD! This CRACKS me up!!!!

[Jen]

Thanks for the detailed, logical review of your die cutting machines. I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us!

[Ellen]

Maniac?!? Who me??? LOL! It's all your fault you know! You brought your Big Shot over here and I watched as you and Lis just cranked out the goods and I just KNEW I could never use my Sizzix again. It was just too dreadfully slow and now with all the new added attractions... I'm done for :D

[Kathy D]

Julie, thanks so much for taking the time to share your personal opinion about the die cut machines that you have had in your hot little hands!

I only went yesterday and got a 'Bug at Michael's using my 40% off coupon...BUT, I bought it for my hubby to give to me as a Christmas gift, so I can't play yet. Space is a premium in my crafting area, so I'm thinkin' that your review validates my choice.

Kathy

[Theresa]

Thank you for the information regarding die-cutting machines. I have the Sizzix but would like a smaller, more partable version of a machine. This Thanksgiving weekend I purchased the Cuttlebug but have been thinking maybe I should wait until the table-top version of Quickutz comes out....Hmmmmm...life is tough! LOL! Thanks again for the info!

[Lisa Strahl]

Oh cutie Cuttlebug, come to momma....! :D

[Kathyc]

Julie, "you had me at hello"!!!! I already made my choice but I am SOOOOOO loving all the info you've supplied here ond on SCS regarding these machines; I ran out and bought the Cuttlebug on 11-17 after reading the LONG thread about it and I am more than happy with it! I truly appreciate all the efforts you put into sharing your findings with us. Thank you!

[Danita (MoberKitty)]

THANK YOU for the very detailed summary of these cutting machines. I've been quite curious but not enough to put the money into finding out. I've bookmarked this entry for future reference.

btw, shall we all get t-shirts with "WWHRRD" on them?? Love it!! :)

[Judi]

Julie

Great comparison. To add to the mix I have a ZipeMate machine that replaced my old Sizzix machine. I find it hard to use and feel like the plates are going to snap each time I run something through it.

I was going to replace it with a Big Shot but have been waiting to see about the Cuttlebug AND the soon to be released Sizzix Big Kick (which looks just like a Big Shot but it's red/white).

I have quite a few of the Accucut dies and I found they all worked on the Cuttlebug except the "professional" thick die which needs a super duper machine like in a LSS or school.

I also can't believe I passed up getting a Cricut last week from our local Michaels. They were having an unadvertised sale of $179 and the manager was going to let me use the 25% off coupon. I resisted and thought I could buy a heck of a lot of stamps and paper for that money. Should I have remorse?? WWHRRD?

[Emily]

Lots of great info! Thanks for taking the time to type it all up, Julie!!!

[Mary]

Thank you for your input. It is a tremendous help! These companies should give you complimentary machines!

[Sue Symens]

Thank you so much for your time and detail with describing everything. I want, I want, I want!!
Happy holidays! Sue

[Adelle- mnhyrkas]

Thanks for the recap Julie! Its been fun investigating the new products out there hasnt it! Adelle- mnhyrkas at SCS

[stefanie]

Thanks so much! This is great info. I bought then sold the old Sizzix. Bought and sold the Xyron Personal Cutting machine and I just ordered my Big Shot from Costco. So excited! Thanks for the reviews!

[cindy harris]

Thanks Julie for some amazing info! You have really done your homework--I'll use your info in deciding which one I 'need'! Thanks again for sharing your creativity!

[tracy f]

Ohh.. I'm glad you kept the Big Shot! Not that I'm biased or anything.. ;)

[Taylor]

WOW!! You are amazing! Thanks for sharing all this info. I was recently bit by the Bug and I'm loving it!