Customer Reviews

Sizzix Big Shot Express Machine, Black

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I think I have them all. I'm now trying to give away most of them. This has become my favorite. Why? 3 reasons: I'm lazy. I have no patience; I want it to work immediately, with no learning curve. And I'm running out of storage room.

The Sizzix will cut everyone's dies. AND you don't have to turn a crank (I did mention I'm lazy, right?) Actually, I tend to get hand and wrist pains and anything I can do to prevent further degradation is wonderful.
Surprisingly, it doesn't take up any more room than the crank machine (which I gave to a friend) ... the motor takes up the room the handle used to.
The platform provided(used to compensate for the various heights of different manufacturer's dies) has pictures and is very self explanatory.

If you want my comparison regarding other machines I've tried:
I do love my Slice but that's a whole other category!
I love the Quickutz Revolution and the way the dies snap into place; but all those dies will work in the Sizzix so I've put away my Revolution (sigh).
I had a problem with the Cuttlebug; the first time I used it, it slid on the table and one of the dies actually cut into the machine. We had to use a screwdriver to get the die out! ProvoCraft very kindly replaced the die but there's still the chunk out of the machine. Still, the Sizzix will cut and emboss all the Cuttlebug dies, so I don't need the Cuttlebug.
The Zip'e Mate is kind of clunky. It doesn't have a handle for transporting anywhere (even from here to there).
The handheld Quickutz was difficult for me to use; I don't have enough strength in my hands.
The Wizard is too heavy. It's still sitting on my shelf so I really can't describe how well it actually works.

The alternative cutters (not using compatible dies):
The Slice is great.
I have a Cricut and a bunch of cartridges but never get around to getting it out. There's also a learning curve with the paper vs. blade settings that I've never quite caught on to ... a friend uses only one brand of paper so she never has to change the setting.
I had a Wishblade but replaced that with a Pazzles Inspiration and now need to find time to play with that.
I was so looking forward to the Quickutz Revolution Love ... electric ... larger dies (yippee); but it was cancelled/postponed indefinitely.

So, for now the Sizzix Big Shot Express is it for me.

Addendum: Anyone who has made 200 wedding invitations knows the creative thrill of designing the invitations and the tedious downer of the production line. In making the monogrammed label to close a trifold pocket, I used a Spellbinders Nestabilities die (Labels One). I could center the small die over my printed monogram and cut 2 larger dies with contrasting paper. Where the fun comes is in actually sitting down through the whole process ... loading the paper & dies and hitting the forward switch, then the rewind switch. Somehow this double pass also engraved the edges without the embossing pads. And I'm still sitting down. And not cranking a handle. And not measuring cut lines.

I was so excited when I bought this Big Shot machine and used it for a little while during Christmas to make a couple of cards.
Last night when I decided to use it again, after cutting 6 tags the machine stopped working, like the motor died or something. I called the seller 5 times today and finally someone called me back saying they will TRY to refund my money but it passed the 30 days warranty so I am pretty much screwed!

I had to run to the store and buy a Cuttlebug manual die cut machine and am using it to finish the project I started last night!

I guess I should have gotten the manual Big Shot, not the electric one... lesson learned!!!

The motor died during my third cut of small dies. I haven't heard back from Sizzix yet & am hoping they cover this.

I, too, have many die cutting machines. The Sizzix Express is easy to use, easy on the hands/wrists, and just delightful to work with! It's my new go-to machine, and I am totally enjoying using it. Take the plunge, you will NOT be sorry you bought it!

Glad that I purchased the electric version over the hand-cranked type. Easy to use. I don't use it often but so far have had no issues with it.

I have had this for over a year and I find that I do not use it. I can use the original Sizzix Cutter faster and easier. I do use it when I am cutting the long Sizzilets. I think I have a problem, if they make it for scrapbooking I think I have to own it!!!

I received the Big Shot Express for Christmas this year, so haven't had it long. I was a bit nervous about putting it on my "wish list" as another family member had purchased one of the other models of this machine, it was broken before it was out of the package and the maker did not repair or replace it. Still, the promise that this machine would utilize ALL of my other dies, thus allowing me to donate my other four machines, was more than I could resist!

So far I'm THRILLED!! The machine cuts and embosses every die and embossing folder I have in my stash (Sizzix Sizzlets, Original, Bigz, Quick Kutz, Cuttlebug, Spellbinder) AND cuts all of the materials as promised, even framing mat board! I've used the chipboard die cuts to create rubbing plates as well as ephemera for my art projects. I've been able to cut several sheets of paper and card stock at one time with no problem. I've cut fabric shapes for applique as well as felt flowers for garlands.

The one time I jammed the machine I was able to successfully reverse the sandwich and remove it from the machine.

The Sizzix Big Shot Express was a Valentine gift from my husband. It's a delight to work with, does an excellent job of diecutting and embossing, and is joy and wonderful toy to play with and experiment. Card making is easier, quicker and lots more fun! My Stampin' Up demonstrator uses hers in our camps and also just purchased a Vagabond. We were sorry to know that the Big Shot Express had been discontinued, but that's how we ordered from Amazon.com through Karen L. = Our first experience with your firm was efficient and most satisfying. We will search for various items when the need arises and look forward to doing business with you again. A review was previously sent to Karen L. to advise how pleased we were with her offer.