A week or so ago, I did a post in which I compared the Provo Craft Cuttlebug and the Sizzix Big Shot. I was struggling to decide which tool to purchase.
It wasn’t an easy choice, because both machines are apparently very good. In the end, I went with the Sizzix Big Shot Universal Die Cutting and Embossing Machine.
Three factors influenced my decision.
First, the Big Shot will handle the Bigz Dies from Sizzix but the Cuttlebug, I am told, will handle some, but not all. These dies are awesome and I know I will want to purchase some sooner or later.
Second, my local craft store, Scrap Arts in North Vancouver, was selling the Big Shot at a better price than you usually find. You had to order it in, but it arrived within a few business days so this was not a big problem.
And a question about the warranty was the last factor that influenced my decision. I am told that the Cuttlebug’s warranty is void if you use any die or folder other than Cuttlebug’s. Although the machine works with most other dies, or so I am told, the company won’t replace it if there is any damage and you have been using a non-Cuttlebug product. I left a message with Provo Craft customer service asking if they would verify this. There was no response. I tend to shy away from businesses who do not respond to customer questions.
So, the Big Shot won out.
So far, I love this machine. It required almost no assembly, other than attaching the handle. It works like a charm on the folders and dies that I have tried.
So far, I have used it successfully with the Cuttlebug embossing folders, a Cuttlebug die, a QuicKutz die and a brass embossing template. All worked well. For the brass embossing templates, I had to purchase a package of Spellbinders 5 Inch by 7 Inch Wizard Enlarged Embossing Pads.
The brass templates I am using do leave a border around the embossed design, which is unfortunate. Apparently there is no way to avoid this, at least not with the templates that I have.
I have a video demonstration of the Big Shot using the Cuttlebug, the QuicKutz and the brass templates.
I want to correct one mistake I made when explaining the use of Tab 1 or Tab 2, or no tab. I said you choose your tabs based on the width of the project. I should have said the thickness, not the width.
Here is the video tutorial:
Note: Since first publishing this post and the video, some kind visitors have left comments or emails telling me how to use the brass templates or stencils without getting the border. You cut the foam mat to be just smaller than the brass stencil. I haven’t tried this yet but it certainly makes sense and sounds as if it should work.
Hi June — i enjoyed your video showing the Big Shot– I have a Wizard and had never seen a detailed explanation of the Big Shot and the platform. Something that might help for embossing brass stencils — if you cut the embossing pad down to a size slightly smaller than the brass stencil, this is supposed to eliminate the outline of the stencil. I have bought a 12 x 12 sheet of the tan embossing mats and can cut out the common sizes of stencils that I use. It does take some fine adjusting of the mat size versus the image to be embossed but it has helped me when I use my Wizard — perhaps this would work in the Big Shot?
Thanks for the tip That certainly sounds like it is worth a try. It should work. Can’t see why not. Thanks again, I’ll be sure to try this.
I love my bigshot, and a good choice. I have a Cuttlebug and a Circut also..
Each machine has it’s purpose…but the big shot and especially the Bigz Dies are awesome for big projects where you want to cut chipboard and lots of an image.
No replacing mats as often and no needles..the machine is pretty durable.
connie paxman
I haven’t yet tried my machine on anything but card stock. Thanks for reminding me about its other uses. I also have a Cricut. For some reason, I have never quite warmed up to it. It seems so finicky to use.
I always enjoy the demonstration video links that you send to Pennywise members. This one was no exception June! I always learn something new from you. To be honest, I have heard of the “folders” that are used for paper embossing purposes but have never used them personally. I do not own a cuttlebug, but have considered it a few times as a good investement, but after seeing your video I think it may be worth my while to make my investment in a Big Shot instead. It seems versatile and I noticed you used different products other than the same Sizzix brand with it. I have also thought of investing in the Stamp Critter, a personal stamp making machine, have you ever heard of it? What do you think of it if you have? I am a frugal crafter and I try to weigh out my major purchases for their long term use. Thanks again for the tutorial, it is nice to have an easy to understand demo without having to take a class!
Hi Jen. Glad you found the video useful. Yes, the Big Shot is universal and you can use products from almost any company with it. I thought long and hard before choosing it over the Cuttlebug. Like you, I try to be frugal and look at the long term use of a tool. I think in the long run, the Big Shot will out perform the Bug. At least, I think it is a good choice, although I have not used the Cuttlebug so really can’t speak from first hand knowledge. I have never heard of the Stamp Critter, sorry.
[…] is glittered, patterned card stock. The blue band is card stock that I have embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder on the Big Shot. The link goes to a video tutorial showing how to do this if you are unfamiliar with the tools […]
[…] To make this Easter card, I have also used an embossing folder from Cuttlebug. This is one of the border folders. If this is new to you, please refer to my video tutorial showing the Cuttlebug Embossing Folders used with the Sizzix Big Shot. […]
[…] The Big Shot played a major role in making this card. If you aren’t familiar with this machine, I invite you to check out my Big Shot Video Tutorial […]
[…] If you are new to this die cutting and embossing tool, I have a video tutorial of the Sizzix Big Shot. […]
[…] I did the embossing and the die cutting with my Sizzix Big Shot Cutting-and-Embossing Roller-Style Machine . If you haven’t used this wonderful tool, please check out my video tutorial of the Big Shot. […]
[…] Video Demo of the Zutter Bind-It-All 2. Video Demo of the Sizzix Big Shot Universal Die Cutting and Embossing Machine 3. Video Demo of the Burnished Velvet Glitter Technique 4. Video Demo of Basic Rubber Stamping, […]
[…] it has quickly become my favorite crafting tool, right after my Fiskars Paper Trimmer. There is a video demo of the Big Shot at this […]
I AM VERY INTERESTED IN BUYING BIG SHOT, BUT I WONDER IF ANY OTHER ACRYLLIC STAMPS CAN BE USED WITH IT ?
THANK YOU
You are quite correct about “Warming up” to the cricut. Some people never do and still make beautiful pieces with their sizzix.
As along as the tools you use add to your enjoyment of your hobby, that is the most important thing,
I’m not following. The Big Shot is not a stamping tool. You can stamp any paper before you put it through the Big Shot, if that is what you meant.
Ridgid Tools…
I love to emphasize the importance of viewing colleagues as a resource. Two heads are almost always better than one. In past postings I promoted Yahoo Groups, Wikis, and social bookmarking as ways to interact and exchange information with other teacher…
I too have a Big Shot also a Cuttlebug and am using the cuttlebug embossing folders in the Big Shot – I am interested in the brass stencil embossing folders small size, by Sizzix and that goes through the cuttlebug also but where would I purchase these from. thank you
If your local craft stores don’t stock them, you could purchase them online from Sizzix. There is a link to Sizzix on the right side of the blog.
[…] Next, I blocked each photo using shapes cut from card stock cut using the largest die in the package. As always, I used the Big Shot. This link leads to a Video Demo of the Big Shot […]
June, thank you for your demonstration. I had purchased a Joy Crafts cutting and embossing plate and someone at the store failed to mention I needed a foam sheet to emboss. After watching your demonstration I was able to use the plates with success. Thank you, Judy
Je viens d’acheter un big shot et lors de mon premier essai quelle fut ma surprise de voir le dessin du créatable resté incrusté dans la plaque transparente. Est-ce normal? j’ai peur de continuer pour ne ma abimer mes plaques.
Merci de votre réponse
I cannot speak French, but if you can speak English, then here is the answer.
When you use the Big Shot, it scratches the transparent plate. This is normal and will not damage the machine.
After you have been using is for awhile, the plates will be a scratched up mess. That is okay. It just means your machine is well loved.