I have a Cuttlebug, regular Sizzix, and the Sidekick but am thinking about adding a new machine. Any recommendations on the Bigkick vs Big Shot? Thanks!

They are exactly the same machine except for the colors. I have the big kick, my d-i-l has the big shot. We both love them, you can use the regular big sizzix sideways. and with the adapters you can load about 6 Sizzlets at one time. The major dif is you roll the dies thru rather than pressing with the lever, pushing the die halfway thru(on the big original dies) and pressing again. Of course, you can purchase larger dies but they are not that much larger. All of your sizzix dies (and Sizzlits and Cuttlebug and EZ cuts) and any other brand will work with the proper adapter. Since I got the Big Kick (or Big Shot? can't tell the dif) I hardley ever use the Sizzix machine. I'm sure you will get many different opinions and they will all be right.

Kate, if you have that many dye cutting machines, you might want to think about the cricut. I love mine.

I have both the original sizzix and the big shot and they are great because you can cut thru the soft metals,fabrics and 2-3 layers of cardstock with the thick dies. I am looking/drooling over the cricut as a future addition to my die cutting family

sunflower - as long as you are making your wish list, I would highly recommend waiting for the cricut to go on sale and definitely go with the Expression. I've had both and highly recommend the Expression.

Lynn,
I'm new to this message board, but see that it looks very informational. However, why do you recommend the Expression?


Angela

Here's my reasons.

I had the original small cricut and really did love it, but found the expression on sale one day and decided to upgrade. I sold my cricut to my sister.

After getting the expression, here's the reason I like it better.

You can cut thing up to almost 12" for your pages. I use a lot of circles, scallops, etc. on my pages, so I like them big. If you haven't seen my Amazon Mission Trip Scrapbook, I'll give you the link. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=us...56837&albumId=772019
I used the cricut on almost every page.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: crafty grandmommie,

Ok ... I'll push the Wishblade... it is computer based and not portable unless you use a notebook! I don't go to crops (untill the last couple of weeks but I can cut titles before I go) there are tons and TONS of free files on line. Now there is also a Pazzles that will cut 12x12! The wish blade cost more in the beginning but I have only bought a set of cutting pads. I don't have nearly as much money in mine as some ladies because you have to purchase cartridges for the Crickit! and I've heard that some have 10 carts... @ $69. and up... I know that they do look for sales!

I'll post a comparrison chart later.. I'm not on my computer!

Clarinda

You are right that the cartridges do get expnsive with the cricut, but I do always try to find mine at a good price - Don't think I've paid more than $59.00 on most of mine, and less on some of them.

AAAAH Now you've got me spinning in cropped circles So much info on all of them. Well the wishblade is out for me or anything that uses a computer. This is the extent of my tech ability Have you ever noticed I don't post pictures...theres a reason for that LOL. Anyway,I may look into the expressions. And I know the cartridges are pricey but that's what birthdays and Christmas is all about

Great info...thanks! I must admit, I LOVE my Cuttlebug. Use it all the time. But sometimes I want to do bigger stuff and I've heard the Big Shot is the way to go. I'm great with manual stuff but not sure I could handle the Wishblade or Cricut machines!

CaptKate: Yes, you can handle a cricut. There is nothing to it. You put in your little cartridge, press a few buttons and it cuts what you want. People on here will help you with anything you don't understand or can't follow in the instruction book. I had a friend who had one and I thought the same thing at first but it is very easy. I have the smaller cricut and love it. I don't cut large items so don't need the big one. So if you are in the market for another cutting machine, don't be intimidated by the electronic part of it. It really is simple to use.

If your head isn't spinning enough....and $ is not an deterrent, I'd go for the Pazzles Inspiration...a little learning curve compared to a cricut....but versatile, and the software is pretty user friendly.

Sunflower - that's exactly my thoughts on the cricut. I know I have quite a bit of money in it, but most was pretty much purchased with money given to me at the time, and I love it.

Kate, as far as handling the cricut - it is very, very simple and if you have any questions getting started, there's always someone on-line that would be glad to help you.

Lynn,

I'd love to see you Amazon Mission Scrapbook, but I'm not computer savvy enough to navigate MySpace and just clicking on the link doesn't bring it up.

Unfortunately, my granddaughter's not around - she's the computer savvy one.

Thanks. Angela

It could be me, let me check it out.

Can someone test this link for me for the Amazon Medical Mission Trip and see if it takes you to the photos of the pages?

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=us...56837&albumId=772019

CG..Do you have to be signed up inorder to get to your link. I opened it up and it doesn't take you to your pictures...

I'm still trying to figure it out. lol Guess you can tell I don't know much about my space.

I'll keep trying.