Help - which die cutting machine ?

[Twohootsunderthemistletoe]

Thinking of getting one for Xmas but don't want to pay a fortune for it - am a little unsure about how much I'll use it tbh as the dies seem so expensive. Do you think it works out cheaper to buy the die cuts from places like ebay where they are already done for you??

I've seen an offer on the Quickcutz for £69 with a couple of simple dies - would that be enough for cards & scrapbooking? What's it like?

Or what about a Sizzix machine? They seem to be more universal? But bigger and more expensive...

Or theres the Big Shot but I think that's probably more than I need?

Also don't have loads of space so would prefer something a bit more compact. Anyone have the Quickcutz - do you find you can get dies easily and relatively cheaply for it??

Thanks for any advice - it's a bit of a minefield!

Hi - just an update - went for the Cricut in the end (being delivered tomorrow - got a fab price -yipppeeeee!) but it's for Xmas so will no doubt be put away until then

Have ordered the Tags & Bags cartridge and am after the Doodlecharms and Opposites attract cartridge too! Don't want much lol!

Thanks for all your help x (a v excited TH!).

Ho Ho Ho are you going to have a fun Christmas day. Keep us updated let us know how good it is.

www. have loads of fun xx

Thanks - it's been delivered unpacked from outer wrapping but still in box! I have been allowed to read the user manual tonight - yipee!!!!

Will let you know how I get on with it!

Well DH let me have a go tonight with my new Cricut and it is the best thing ever!!! So easy to use and lovely cut (mind you it's the only die cutting machine I own!). It is really easy -within about 5 mins of getting it out of the box I'd cut my first scrapbook page title!!!

If anyone wants to know anything about them let me know. I think they'll be quite a big thing over here once more people know about them.

I've ordered some additional cartridges from ebay (US) and they have been shipped today so am hoping to have them by the end of next week! They were much, much cheaper than UK models and that was with shipping - I got two for the price of one over here!

what is a die cutting machine?

Magicstar - are you a regular crafter???

It's a machine used to cut out images on card/paper for use on cards/scrapbooks etc.

Hi. I have a zipemate which embosses brilliantly using either folders or brass stencils BUT I am getting very frustrated with its die cutting. I use quickutz, sizzix and thin cuts but none them give a reliable cut as frequently the middle of the die fails to cut. I may be doing something wrong (and would love to know if I am!), but currently am thinking about selling it and buying a Big Shot. Does anyone know if the Big Shot will emboss using brass stencils? Can I use quicktuz dies in it???? Happy New Year!!

Hi Beth

Just seen this as been so busy using my new die cutting machine (Cricut!) that I've hardly been on here. Tbh I don't own any other die cutting machines and was talked out of the Big Shot as a few people had said that the plastic plates can crack quite easily (and also they are apparently bringing out a new 'improved' model v soon).

It depends what you want I guess - I believe Big Shot takes most if not all, dies - you just need adapters for some. Again not sure on this as don't own one.

Hopefully this will bump this up for you and someone who possibly owns a big shot will help...

PS - If you are looking for an electronic die cutter the Cricut is fab! I am in love with it!!!