Onebyone

There are things to learn about using the die cut machines. Knowing how to put the fabric on the die according to the grain line, how to fan fold the fabric for long cuts, when to use two layers, four, or six, why the fabric may shift when cutting, shapes with bias, etc. Watch the videos and read the instructions on the die package. Some may have special cutting layouts. Everyone that I have heard complain about the machines not cutting accurately has been user error. I go to most of the dealer classes and there is always someone bringing in a die and saying this does not cut through or not right. The dealer will have the person use the die and yes there are misscuts. Then the dealer will use the die and have perfect cuts. The exact way she used the die is on the die package instructions. A few dies maybe flawed and she will replace them right there on the spot if she has one, bought from her or not. That's why she is a profitable high seller dealer in this area. No one leaves unhappy.

juliasb

I looked at several different machines and decided on the Accuquilt. I don't have any real reason on why I chose Accuquilt. DH got me the GoMe for Christmas and I loved it right away! It was only early Feb. that I knew I want the larger machine so I started first looking on Marketplace for one and found a slightly used one that I purchased with 8 dies for a great price far under the price of a new one. Around $100. Heck I have already forgot what I paid! The machine and dies added to my growing supply of dies. I then sold the GoMe and got back what I originally paid for it. I would suggest you look for a used one just to save money there are different brands that may interest you a great deal I am in love with my Accuquilt Go. I don't mind cranking the fabrics through and I love the exacting cuts. Do your research and then decide what is best for your needs. I love my Accuquilt!

Mazo

I’m a huge fan of buying used. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for an Accuquilt.
So, I’m a little disappointed with Accuquilt right now for selling their mask dies for the price they’re asking. Yes, a portion of the proceeds go to feeding children with COVID. I don’t know how much they’re donating, but some companies will only donate a fraction just to say they’re donating. If all proceeds went to a good cause, I’d think differently. Maybe it’s just me.

Onebyone

I agree the custom dies are very expensive to have made but that is the buyer's decision to make. If a company doesn't say how much they are donating from the profit made then I tend to think it is very little.

QuiltnLady1

I did a lot of research and though I wanted the Sizzix but I needed to have an electric because of hand and shoulder issues. I got the GO Big and love it. I buy the dies as I need them and I mark the dies so I have guidelines for where the cutting blades are and also lines for the minimum extra fabric that is needed. I can cut so very many pieces at a time and they are so accurate. Love it. It's pricy, but I got a good deal when I bought it and usually try to buy the dies on sale. The biggest issue I have is making sure I have enough room for some of the longer dies (the dining room table works best and the Go Big is easy to fold up and carry.

sewingsuz

I have the electric Go and like it a lot but the dies are very expensive.

BonnieJP

Sizzix also makes an electric cutting machine. It's called the Vagabond and sells for about $140.

Austinite

I have a Sizzix Big Shot Plus and I love it! I use it all the time, I just used my 4.5" x 8.5" rectangular die (finishes at 4x8) to make a lovely patchwork for a friend, it took less than an hour to cut out, then when it was time for binding I used my 2.5" strip die for that. No wrist, arm, or shoulder pain, I'll never go back to doing all my own cutting.

pros: no pain, easy to use, no electricity needed, Sizzix dies are available on Amazon and on their own website and very reasonably priced., super accurate cutting (you do need to make sure to use the dies correctly), you can use Accuquilt branded dies with an adapter which I have
cons: Big Shot Plus doesn't fold, uses more fabric than rotary cutting, the plastic that goes under and above the die does get used up and need replacing (I went to a plastics company rather than buy them from Sizzix), have to find a place to store the cutter and the dies, and like I mentioned, you need to lay the fabric the correct way or you'll get super stretchy bias edges.

BonnieJP

I have the Big Shot Plus too. I saw a YouTube where someone replaced the Sizzix clear acrylic pad (the one that winds up so scratched) with a self healing cutting mat. I bought an oversize (24" x 36") self healing mat and my husband cut it down to size for me. The self healing cutting mat cost $28 and will give me 3 self healing "pads". I can use both sides just like the Sizzix acrylic pads, but the mat self heals and should last a lot longer than the Sizzix acrylic pads that get scratched with each cut. You do have to layer the pieces a little differently though. I found the best cuts were made when I stacked my pieces as follows (starting from the bottom up):

1. cardboard
2. Sizzix die
3. fabric to be cut
4. self healing mat
5. old (very scratched) acrylic pad