Best Die Cutting Machine?

[Angie Ninde]

Hi. I'm new to Paper Craft Planet and new to cardmaking. I'm thinking about getting a die cutting machine. I am very interested in using Nestabilities. What is your favorite die cutting machine and why? Thanks. Angie

[Jana Yoder]

Hi!
I don't have much experience with Nestabilities, but I've been shopping for the die cut machine for a while. I was not interested in an electronic one, because of the price and portability issues.

I was eyeing the QuikKutz but didn't like the results - it did O.K. on fairly thin paper, not so great on cardstock and the varieyt of dies was limited. Currently, I own Sizzix Big Shot and love it! It can emboss (unlike electronics) and the steel cut dies will cut through all kinds of stuff, including chipboard; you can die cut your chipboard and patterned paper at the same time, so it's all done in a cinch. Also, I love the fact that Big Shot is sturdy, yet portable and relatively light weight. It is easy to use, and you can use dies from other manufacturers as well. Also, there are quite a few dies for 3-D projects - boxes, baskets and such.

[Paula Bigelow]

My favorite is the Cuttle bug because it is priced well, travels well and doesn't take up a large footprint when stored. I use Nesties in the bug all of the time. I rarely make a project these days that I don't use the Bug. I can use lots of dies and cut many types of material with this machine. With the nesties I often cut two or three pieces of heavy card stock in one pass. The big shot will allow you to cut heavy chipboard and the bug wouldn't be so good with the heavy stuff. It will do thinner chipboard easily. If I ever need to replace my machine, I might go for the big shot but I don't care for the book platform of plates. I would rather have the plates free instead of bound together. I think Sizzix has a hello kitty big shot for around $30 on their web site with coupon.

[Teal Jones]

I have a big kick and just love it, you can use everyone else's dies in it. I got mine by using the 40% off coupon at Michaels. As far as the "book" type platform plates, I took mine apart (little screws holds it together). I also have a Silhoutte and a Cricut, each one of them has a different purpose for me. If I were you, I would start out with the big kick.

[Heather]

I am also new here. I have the cuttlebug and love it. You can use other manufacturers dies in it. There are "sandwich recipies" available all over the net. These tell you what plates to use when using dies from Sizzix, Nesties etc. I really do love mine and suggest you look at getting one.

[Carol Horton]

I have several die cutting machines. I use the quickutz revolution but it is only 4" wide, which is too limiting for me, but it does have a 13" long cutting plate. I also just got a cuttlebug. It does everything the revolution does PLUS so much more. I can use my dies that I had from my sizzix in it. I don't think I can use the larger dies, though.
I also have the tiny sizzix and the older red sizzix machines. I plan on giving some stuff to my granddaughters if I can force myself to part with them. After all, they each have their purpose!

[Joan Osborne]

I have a Cuttlebug, and I am in love with it. Why? Because it small, needs no electric power, portable, and does a beautiful job with the embossing folder, nestabiltities and spellbinders. And if you get lucky you can catch a good sale and it doesn't brake the bank. Hope this helps. Joan

[Jo Pegrum]

Hi Angie, I'm new to this too. I have the Cuttlebug and love it. I use the embossing folders, nestibilities, QuickKutz dies, and sizzex in mine and they all work brilliantly. It is really compact and very portable. Hugs Jo x

[Martha]

i love my Cricut and cuttlebug.
And for nesties I usually use my quickutz for the smaller ones, if not I use the cuttlebut.

for first time buyers, I would say go for the cuttlebug or even big shot to use with your nesties.

[Cynthia M Loizeaux]

There is a new digital die cut machine called "ecraft" I believe, being introduced at the January 2010 Cha Show so that should be available shortly thereafter I would suppose. Tim Holtz just announced on his blog that he is teaming with sizzix to produce a die cut machine and dies also. He is such a talented man, I would hold off on any purchases until after the winter show to see what's new. I am computer challenged or I would have posted links but a google search should work for finding the above products.

[Carolyn]

my cuttlebug cracked, just from adding a thin piece of paper cardboard to sharpen the cutting. Now, I have
a wizard, which has no plastic parts to break, feeling secure again in my use.

[Mindy]

I really like my Big shot and my Cricut Expression! They are my fav!