Sizzix vs. Others

I just received a posting from a fellow SU! demonstrator on the differences between the Sizzix/Big Shot, Cricut, Xyron and the Cuttlebug machines. I thought that this might be helpful to more people than myself so I am posting it to this blog.... Thanks June!:

The original Sizzix is similiar to the Big Shot in that it is a plain die cut machine. It's bulky and can only use dies made for the Sizzix. Our machine (Big Shot) is a roller machine. The original Sizzix is a crank thru.

 

The Cricut is a fancy typewriter. It's a bit like a word processor. You get a cartridge and a rubber mat that fits on the keyboard area. You type in the word, words or image that you want and select the size. Then you set the machine to cut. It cuts the letters you want in any size from 1/4 inch to 5 inches. Some cartridges have larger and smaller sizes. Cartridges cost about $100 each.

 

The Xyron is a sticker making machine. You can make any die cut, stamped image, picture, ribbon, or basically anything flat into a sticker. I have a small size that can use images about 1 inch wide and a medium sized machine that goes up to 3 1/2 inches wide. It's great when making large batches of card candy. Refills are available in temporary or permanent adhesive.

 

The Cuttlebug is a roller die cut and embossing machine. It's claim to fame is that you can use any die cut made for any of the other machines out there. You could also emboss paper with it and die cut the same paper in the same machine.

 

The Big Shot is similiar to the Cuttlebug but it is wider and can use the wider dies designed to make baskets and pennants. You can use any of the dies from other machines in it as well. Besides being wider, the other cool feature is that the adjustable cutting mat also has the sandwich lists on it. Basically, you don't have to go running to look for a sheet of paper anytime you want to cut something with another brand of die. Everything is right at your hand.

 

Cuttlebug and Big Shot are approx the same cost