I purchased the Sizzix Original Die Cutter (the red monster) because I was looking for an affordable way to precision cut wool felt for applique purposes. The machine arrived quickly, and it included to die cuts that I did not expect to receive. I had concerns that the machine might not be able to cut fabric, being instead a scrapbooking tool. I immediately tried it out on wool felt and was impressed by the quality of the cut. I folded the wool felt twice to see if it would be possible to make multiple cuts, and it performed without a problem. Tried a four-fold and again, the machine cut perfectly. Four-folds would be the limit for felt due to the thickness and the ability to slip the die under the machine, but each of the four cuts was clean and perfect. I selected the Original because I thought I might have more control over the cutting and placement of the fabric as opposed to the more automatic machines in which the fabric/paper rolls through by use of a drum roller. I really like the ability to control the Original with the pull lever, giving me more control over the cutting process. The Original machine does have limitations due to the available die patterns, the newer larger machines seem to have more pattern options, but if you are looking for the basic die cutter I would strongly recommend the Origial Sizzix. The price is very reasonable and if you shop the Sizzix site you can purchase a wide variety of original die patterns for bargin prices on Tuesdays. If you are new to the die cutter world, and if you are satisfied with the options offered by the original die patterns, then I would highly recommend this machine. Best needlework purchase I have made this year!
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The best of the Sizzix die cutting machines. The press style lever machine is by far superior to the roller style. It's faster and easier to operate and produces the best results in comparison to the roller style. Add the systems adapter and you can utilize the small sizzlit dies if you don't happen to own the Sizzix Sidekick. The Sidekick is another worthwhile investment.
I purchased the roller style BigShot in order to accommodate the larger dies, but have only used it a handful of times as it cannot compare to the original machine. It was not a prudent investment as the larger dies are few and not impressive. I had also thought that bigger and newer may have translated into better and improved, which is certainly not the case.
Original Sizzix press style lever machine-two thumbs up. The Sizzix Sidekick-two thumbs up. The Sizzix BigShot-two thumbs down.
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I sort of adopted my mom's old Sizzix which she never used (I think we only had one die, a camera shape, and I have no idea where it might be at now...). Anyway, I discovered the die-cutting section at Michaels and was re-inspired to start using it again! I bought the system converter to be able to use the Sizzlits dies and embossing folders. This machine is great for making shapes you need lots of, like tags, and for cutting through thicker materials that are too thick for the electronic die-cutting machines. For instance, just yesterday I used my Sizzix to turn an old purse made of thinner leather into a whole bunch of nice leather tags!
The only downside to the old Sizzix is the size. You can't use the Bigz dies (they're too wide) and you can only use the A2 size embossing folders, nothing bigger. I don't think they make cutting mats in the right size to use the long dies, either.
Still, as long as you don't need to cut the big stuff, it's great! And of course, with the lever it allows you to control the force of the cut, allowing you to make just line impressions with the cutting dies if you want.
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I love this machine it is so easy to use. I recoment this & all of the Sizzix products over the "CRICUT" the sizzix products are much less expensive and so much easier to use and you don't need to keep buying bladfs and thing to have them operate. the die cuts are not expensive and the can be bought at Sizzix.com for just a few dollars compaired to the store. the embossing machine is excellent as well and the dies fo it can be bought for as little as .49 cents from Sizzix. I love this maching and I would suggest everyone in scrapbooking /cardmaking to have one...
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This machine is the tops Iam a retired letterpress printer (Time Served 6 years Apprenticeship) who has die cut on industrial printing presses inking rollers removed of course which cost thousands of BP £s to buy.
This little sizzix machine for the cost and quality of die cut it produces is excellent.
If you have some die cutters made must be for a (label press others for platen machines are too thick) you will have to build them up to the same height as the Original Sizzix RED CUTTING DIE DEPTH.
Easiest way is to use 3mm thick plastic as used by builders merchants etc with card from serial packets as spacers, do not place directly against the back of these dies as the blunt blade edge will impress into the soft card, were as the plastic stops this.
Good Luck
Billy Wizz
