Cuttlebug Die

Die Cutting: Big Shot Machine Vs Cuttlebug Machine

Cuttlebug Vs Bigshot

Well this debate has been going on for as long as I care to remember yet, there still doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to which is the best die cutting machine? These two die cutting machines are clearly the market leaders but its worth noting that they don't really have much in the way of competition.

Thus, I've decided to write and article on the pair of them to help people decide once and for all which is better.

For the purpose of this review I will use a 5 star system on the following criteria Price, Availability, compatibility, usability and reliability.

Price

Cuttlebug: Normally sourced for around £54.95 – £64.95 – 5*

Sizzix Bigshot: Again found around £54.95 and £64.95 – 5*

 

Compatibility

 

Cuttlebug: Compatibility – plates can be arranged to accept a range of different dies. 5*

 

BigShot: Compatibility – Multi purpose platform allows use with nearly everything. 4.5*

 

 

Availability

 

Both machines are relatively good for availability however, when forced to pick between them the Big shot 4* has been known to be out of stock more often than the Cuttlebug 5*.

 

Usability

This is where in my opinion the big shot take a clear advantage. Having a wide base and slightly heavier weight the big shot can be operated with one hand while using the other to feed the die in. Compared to the Cuttlebug being lighter and not so wide it does have a tendency to tip over or slide back and forth. Thus it requires two hands to operate leaving feeding a die in problematic.

 

Bigshot 5*

Cuttlebug 3*

 

Reliability

Both die cutting machines offer great reliability and should see you crafting away for many years to come. However, having said that, recently the big shot has been prone to arms snapping off, leaving a question mark on an other wise great record.

Big Shot 4* Cuttlebug 5*

 

Totals: C = 23* B = 18.5*

 

In conclusion the winner is the Cuttlebug just tipping the scales on reliability and availability. However, the big shot give sorting out some reliability and availability issues has the potential to dominate the future opinions.

 

 

 

About the Author

Love Hobbies

What is he difference between all of the die-cut machines out there?

The Sissix, cri-cut or cuttlebug? What's the difference and which is the best? I need to know so that my hubby can buy it for me for christmas! lol. Thanks for any help =)

Luckily I own both original Sizzix & original Cricut. : ) Both given to me by the hun hun <3.

The ORIGINAL Cricut can cut up to 5 1/2 inches. Smallest size 1". Its electronic & requires "Cartridges" which contain graphics, alphas, sayings etc. (depending on which you want). It contains a blade which cuts the paper. You stick the paper to a sticky sheet which will keep paper still while Cricut is cutting it. Paper size is up to 6"x12". Can cut most papers. Rumors has it that the new Cricut Express can cut more than just paper. I wouldnt know since I dont own one......yet

I will say this though, the Cartridges are expensive!!! When on sale $49.99 at Michaels. Regular price $89.99. You can check Walmart they have a few & they are cheap priced. Unfortunately you cant use Michael's coupons on ANY CRICUT ITEM. The blade & mat (which holds paper still) DO need to be replaced. The mats give out quick so they dont last long...the downside. Mats can range from store to store between $7-12 for 2 mats. Blades can range between $3-10 from store to store as well. Walmart sells both of these items separately but cheap.

You will need the Tool Kit & a Tote. The tool kit contains Scissors, Craft Knife, Scoop, Bone folder, Scrapper & the baggie it comes with. Too cute. If you buy separate more expensive. The average cost for this tool kit can range from $14-30. Unfortunately what I consider the most import thing for "lifting" the images, letters isnt included. The tool kit does not come w/ a Spatula. Which helps a lot. Average price $8-15. The Tote, is to store the Cricut & accessories. All items coordinate the theme color---green. BTW, they do have an accessory kit which contains a few things (link provided) IF you prefer something bigger & more potential to it. You can get the CRICUT EXPRESS. Which can cut the same as the Original just BIGGER IMAGES!!! Mat size 12x24

PRICE: Between $180-299 (Original Cricut)
PRICE: Between $250-499.99 (Cricut Express)

SIZZIX
The sizzix isnt as in anymore since the Cricut is STILL the new sensation. & its more modern. Whoever, it has gotten a bit more modern in color, things it can do etc. The Sizzix REQUIRES dies to make it work. The downside to the Sizzix, the dies are too much "clutter" The dies arent as expensive. They range from $6-30 sometimes. And their almost always on sale. They do have alpha sets for this. Prices are still a bit high on it. $69.99-169.99. The dies have like a blade around them, so when you press the paper into it the shape gets cut out. It has a handle which you press down evenly (kind of a lot of work pressing a lot.) Unlike the Cricut, Sizzix can cut through almost anything & more of just one anything. Example, it can cut through 2+ sheets of paper. But not over doing it. Doing this will cause you to press down on the handle more so that the image goes through all papers. The dies are squared or strips. Collecting them will mean having a lot of room available to store them. This is why the Cricut is easier, having one Cartridge containing more than 40+ images. & it doesnt weight too much like the Sizzix. They do have a converter for those small image dies so that they fit ok. The only thing that seems to need replacement is their mat. Which does last a great while. They do sell a kit which contains the Sizzix & a few other things for $99.99. If you check the website (link provided) you will find several great deals. The mat isnt as expensive. I have had my Sizzix for a while & have yet not to replace it. Probably around $8-15. depending store. You can use the Michaels coupons on the Sizzix!!! : ) They also have more than just one Sizzix. They have the Big Kick Sizzix Machine, Big Shot Sizzix Machine, SideKick Sizzix Machine & the Original Sizzix Machine (Which is the one I own & talked about)

PRICE: For Original Sizzix unknown since its fairly cheap now. Probably less than $100 or so

As for Cuttlebug, its about the same as the Sizzix just not aware of its full potential.
I hope this helps in finding out what great gift your hubby can give you!!!
Which ever you get, enjoy fellow crafter

Cuttlebug Die-Cutter and Embosser with Die and Folders

Tags: cutting, cuttlebug, cuttlebug die cut machine, cuttlebug die cuts, cuttlebug die cutter, cuttlebug die-cut & embossing machine, cuttlebug dies, personal, sale,, totes,

This entry was posted on Monday, July 27th, 2009 at 10:19 am and is filed under scrapbooking. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.