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Thank you all for the input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonnieJP (Post 8374334)

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.

I absolutely my Sizzix Big Shot Plus. My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner to make my quilting projects more enjoyable with more accurate and faster cutting. You might want to check out some of the YouTube videos about the Sizzix cutting system. There are several videos showing how to use the Sizzix system and at least one video comparing Sizzix to other cutting systems.

This is exactly why I love my Sizzix!! Someone read my mind and wrote it out for me, LOL love it. It isn't carried in as many stores but dies & machines easily found online, Amazon, Walmart, etc. For some reason Accuquilt is marketed much more but I think the Sizzix has more to offer.

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.

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)?

I totally agree that the Sizzix has more to offer than Acuquilt. I love my Sizzix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mazo (Post 8374480)

Do you think this is the one (the best deal)?

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.

I used the Go Crank for yrs...but it is hard on your wrists and shoulder...I finally treated myself to the Electric Go and Love it...

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.

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.

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.