Cutting machines
04-01-2020, 03:48 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
After doing a lot of research on cutting systems, I decided to purchase a Sizzix Big Shot Plus. The reasons I chose the Sizzix were:
- Lower cost for the initial "machine" as well as for the cutting dies than the Accuquilt or Cricut. For example, a die to cut 2-1/2" strips is $40 for Sizzix compared to $80.45 for an Accuquilt die on Amazon.
- I can cut through 8 layers of fabric at one time.
- Sizzix can use a wide variety of dies, even some that are paper thin. My Sizzix can use Accuquilt dies, but Accuquilt cannot use Sizzix dies.
- My Big Shot Plus takes up minimal space in my sewing room, and because it has a built in handle and is light weight, I can carry it downstairs to do my cutting on the kitchen table.
- The Big Shot Plus is a manual system that does not require an electrical or computer connection so I can easily take it to a sewing bee or Quilts of Valor sew-in.
- There are lots of Sizzix scrapbook dies available. So I can also use my Sizzix for other projects in addition to quilting.
- The pieces cut on the Sizzix are always 100% accurate.
04-01-2020, 04:00 PM
#13
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,383
I have Accuquilt Go and probably 100 or more dies. I seldom cut fabric with a rotary cutter and ruler unless it is a specialty ruler. I love the BOB dies the best. One crank and I have six complete blocks ready to sew.
04-02-2020, 05:09 AM
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 133
I’ve been keeping an eye on the accuquilt go big electric. I don’t know why I’m ignoring the Sizzix - there’s so many logical points to picking that one.
Anyway- Accuquilt has a deal on the Go Big Electric: buy it and get the go cube specialty set ($280 value)
I’ve been waiting for the best deal on this? Do you think this is the one (the best deal)?
Anyway- Accuquilt has a deal on the Go Big Electric: buy it and get the go cube specialty set ($280 value)
I’ve been waiting for the best deal on this? Do you think this is the one (the best deal)?
04-02-2020, 06:39 AM
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,383
The Go Big is seldom more then $100 off so if you think you will use the dies in the qube set it is a good deal. There is a facebook group called Accuquilt and Beyond that is extremely helpful about all the die cut machines and the sales. Lots of dealers post there.
04-02-2020, 07:29 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
I have the Accuquilt GoBig (the electric one) and it's a life-safer--especially if you have any shoulder, arm or wrist issues (i.e. carpel tunnel!). yes the dies are pricey, but can be so interchangeable. And there are blocks that I wouldn't even think about doing without the Blocks On Board (BOBs). Why I really like the Accuquilt system? Service--my 4yr old machine was being cranky, possible because I "overloaded"it a few times,but who knows? they had me send it back with $30 repair or replace fee---wasn't repairable, so they sent a new one with extended warranty--and free shipping! Great service.
04-03-2020, 04:47 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,431
I have the Go Big (electric) and a go baby. I love the using the system for cutting. Nice and easy along with limited exposure to a rotary blade. We have two presentations each month at our LQS by a national educator.I'm really missing those right now.
If you have an embroidery machine, many of the designs are free with the applique dies.
If you have an embroidery machine, many of the designs are free with the applique dies.
04-03-2020, 06:03 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 922
I got the Accuquilt Go! a week ago, and I am in love. I have arthritis in my hands and a bad shoulder, so I was a bit worried about the cranking, but I have no trouble at all. They were running a special with a Qube set and a strip die cutters, and it was a good price. I chose the Accuquilt because that is what my LQS handles, and they do all kinds of classes using it. I finished my first quilt a couple of days ago. I never thought I was a bad rotary cutter, but the accuracy of the Go! made everything fit perfectly. No tugging, no easing. Both the blocks and the rows went together easily. I have only used the four patch, square, and strip does so far. I have to finish quilting my current quilts before I will allow myself to piece any others, but I am going to do something with half and quarter square triangles next.
