Die Cut Systems - Help Before My Head Explodes!

[MamaCrush]

Okay-- I'm about to break down and buy a die cut system. I mostly want to use it for alphabets, but will probably expand from there once I have it. But I am totally confused on what to buy. I'd love to hear everyone's input before I make this investment. General thoughts/questions:

I tend to like the Quikutz fonts better than Sizzix. But I notice on different boards that Sizzix seems to be the most popular. Why is that? Does Sizzix have a particular advantage over Quikutz?

Also, other than alphabets for titles, etc., what are the other popular uses?

What's the difference between the Sizzix regular model and the Sidekick?

See how confused I am?? Help!

 

[left210]

I would love to hear responses on this too. I have been debating whether to buy a system too and Hobby Lobby has Sizzix 50% off this week. Any input would be great.

 

[Twigs]

I had been thinking on and off for about a year on getting a die cut system. Sissix does seem to be the most popular system. My friend has one and it is easy to use and I can borrow hers whenever I want to. I did a lot of looking around, and on lifetimemoments.com and two peas, I read a lot of the product reviews. I have ordered a wilzard made by spellbinders. I haven't gotten it yet to tell how well it works, it should be shipped this week. It is more expensive than a sissix, but you can use it with any other companies dies. You can use the qsuickutz, sissix, sisslets, accucut and any brass stencil. There are a lot of other things you can do with it too. The webiste is http://spellbinders.us. I think the price can deter a lot of people, but DH told me I could order any system I wanted to (it was part of a gift) so I went for it. I hope I do not regret it!

 

[TinkerKat]

Hey Twigs, you sure that website is correct? It sent me to a website for a club called spellbinders!

 

[TinkerKat]

In answer to the questions regarding die cutting systems.

Ladies as I have an "addictive" personality I own both the Sizzix & the Quickutz.

Sizzix has just come out with some adapter pads that are supposed to allow you to use quickutz as well.

I love my sizzix. It is easy to use, the kids can use it for school projects
and buying dies is a "must have 40% off coupon" event.
I also find you can make multiple cuts at once.

The quickutz on the other hand, is kinda tuff in the "repeatative stress" kinda way. I use it for "must have embellishments", and embossing.
But the size range is very limited. Sizzix gives you a wide variety.

As for alphabets, I only use the sizzix ones, The sizzlets are cool cause you get multiple letters with each cut. (2 caps, 2 lowercase) per die.

Most stores carry sizzix. Here in NY quickutz are hard to come by. I have to order them online. Crazyscraps.com is my favorite. I think I covered all my "opinions". Please feel free to ask anymore questions.
Kathy

 

[cobbler]

I just learned and here is the knowledge that I have. Quickcuts is more portable, where as a sizzix isn't so much. That is where the sidekick comes in. That is more portable and can be used with the sizzlets. I guess if you are using the sizzlets (the small flater squares) then the sidekick would be good. But if you like the larger diecuts then the regular sizzix is good. Again sizzix is not as portable as quickcutz.

I learned some things about them this past weekend. Not a whole lot but maybe it helps some.

 

[bananiem]

I got a Sizzix because it was easier to get dies for where I live. It is heavy, but I don't take it to crops. I rarely go to crops now but when I did I would plan the pages ahead of time and die cut the letters before going or leave the page blank to add at home. I have been looking at the Sidekick. I'll probably break down and get it too.

 

[Twigs]

tinkerkat, it is in my favorites so I do not have to always type in the address, and when I give it out I always forget that it is spellbinders.us not .com. I am going to fix it on my post.

 

[ksjayhawks]

I have the sizzix and just love it! I just got the sidekick, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. Our church women's group has a monthly scrap night and the community chest now has a sizzix!!! So, I can grab my alphabet dies that I need for the pages I am donig and not have to lug the machine with me!

 

[nicki dahling]

I have the sizzix and the sidekick. As soon as the adaptors make it to Michaels or AC Moore I will be able to use the quickutz. I like the sizzix because of price and the fact that I can use a coupon to save on them. I also really love their dies. I doubt I will have as many quickutz dies and I also like the bigger sizzix dies for some things ( hence the reason I own the big sizzix machine and the sidekick ).

Cyndi

 

[scrapperjill]

I have a sizzix...but have often wondered if I made a mistake with not getting the quikcuts...they have soooo many ABC's in some cool fonts...but I have notice sizzix is comming out with alot more fonts.... and with the addaptor (to be able to use quickcuts with the sizzix machine) comming...i'll be able to have the best of both worlds. ...also with the Sizzix you do have the option of the larger dies...like others have mentioned.

 

[tubachick]

I have a sizzix, and I love it. I also just bought the quickcutz adapter for the sizzix, Now, I'll have to buy some more alphabets .

 

[bubbasmom99]

I have a QK and a Sidekick. I bought the QVC QK special but did NOT like the hand tool at all. Now I have the adaptors so I just feed my dies through the Sidekick. Love it!

 

[cobbler]

Ok, so I broke down and got a sizzix machine. I went to Hobby Lobby and stocked up on dies and some alphabets - hubby said I could have it for my mothers day present

Ok, so this converter for quickcutz. Is it the same little converter that make it so you can use the sizzlets or is it something else?

Anyone have a picture of it they can post??

 

[TinkerKat]

It's something else. If you go to Sizzix.com and type in adapters, it'll come up. They resemble the little Making Memories setting mats.
It's a pack of ten for I think... $5.99
Sadly, I haven't been able to get them anywhere, they are sold out!

I'm hoping someone finds them and can send me a set....
Enjoy your mother's day gift!
Kat