Sizzix Sidekick question

[Ilovetoscrap]

Hello all!

I had a question. I just bought the sizzix sidekick and I wanted to know if anyone knows if we can use those small sizzix dies. I know it uses the sizzlits.. But I seen those single small ones in little boxes and i wasnt to use if those worked on the sidekick or if they are only for the sizzix machine..

Thanks!

 

[laura&fam]

No, they won't work. They are too fat/tall to fit through the sidekick.

I also just got a sidekick (for under $100 for the machine and an alphabet set!). I love embossing on it. Have you tried that yet?

 

[tigger95]

hey, I also just got one to use my quickutz in. works great! (you just need to make sure you have the adaptor for it, they come in packs of ten). I think you can also use other thin dies in it as well. Also, target is now selling ellison dies (compatible with the sidekick). kate

 

[laura&fam]

I'll check Target - thanks for the tip.

I actually like my Quickcutz better. I like the big letters that they have, but they are too expensive. I was able to buy the Sidekick and an entire alphabet set (upper & lower case with shadow) for less than just the upper or lower case of Quickcutz. I guess I'm switching to the Sidekick for pure economic reasons.

 

[Ilovetoscrap]

I just went and bought some Ellison Dies and they are pretty cheap.. $4.99 each die and they work great.!.. I also bought some of ebay for about the same price..

 

[UP Disney]

I got our flyer from Michael's this week and it shows the Sidekick on sale for 40% as well as the die cuts. Don't know if this would help anyone. I'm hoping to get to ours by Saturday (1-1/2 hours away) to pick one up if they have any left.

 

[PixieDust32]

I don't understand anything about the sizzix cutter, I want the die cut machine and the ABC set, but what's the sidekick or how they work?

Thanks

 

[piratesmate]

It might be helpful to go to the Sizzix site to look at the machines, but here's a summary:

Sizzix (aka big machine)
- This guy is very heavy! It's not something you'd want to put in a closet & take out to use - or take to a crop. (I know...I tried! )
- Takes all sizes of their dies, alphabets & embossing plates, including the Sizzlits, except the borders. (at least I think it doesn't)
- Needs a converter (additional $14) so you can use the Sizzlits 'cause they're so thin.
- Allows use of QuicKutz & other super thin dies with additional converters $5/10 pk (must also use the converter)
- Can cut multiple layers

Sidekick
- Lightweight & portable
- Does NOT take the large/thick dies (red, yellow, green) or alphabars
- Allows use of QuicKutz & other super thin dies with additional converters $5/10 pk
- Takes the border dies (requires a 13" cutting pad)
- Requires you to pull apart embossing folders & reset in "Sidekick folders" using their adhesive
- Cuts only a single sheet

Hopefully that about covers it.

 

[peapod1]

cool! thanks for the explaination piratesmate. I always look at the qk dies since some of them are so cute... may have to get the sidekick.

 

[piratesmate]

cool! thanks for the explaination piratesmate. I always look at the qk dies since some of them are so cute... may have to get the sidekick.

Glad to help, peapod1.

Unfortunately, when I went to the Sizzix site to make sure I had the name of the adapter/converter right I found out that you CAN use the QK dies with the big machine! I've never looked at them because I only have the big thing - so I thought I was safe from the temptation of a new place to spend money! But there are instructions right on the site showing you can use them with either machine, so now I need to go check with a friend on where she buys hers!

 

[laura&fam]

Glad to help, peapod1.

Unfortunately, when I went to the Sizzix site to make sure I had the name of the adapter/converter right I found out that you CAN use the QK dies with the big machine! I've never looked at them because I only have the big thing - so I thought I was safe from the temptation of a new place to spend money! But there are instructions right on the site showing you can use them with either machine, so now I need to go check with a friend on where she buys hers!

This was the deciding factor for me to buy the Sidekick instead of the Sizzix machine. I bought the sidekick because it wouldn't take the big dies so I wouldn't be tempted to buy them!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

It might be helpful to go to the Sizzix site to look at the machines, but here's a summary:

Sizzix (aka big machine)
- This guy is very heavy! It's not something you'd want to put in a closet & take out to use - or take to a crop. (I know...I tried! )
- Takes all sizes of their dies, alphabets & embossing plates, including the Sizzlits, except the borders. (at least I think it doesn't)
- Needs a converter (additional $14) so you can use the Sizzlits 'cause they're so thin.
- Allows use of QuicKutz & other super thin dies with additional converters $5/10 pk (must also use the converter)
- Can cut multiple layers

Sidekick
- Lightweight & portable
- Does NOT take the large/thick dies (red, yellow, green) or alphabars
- Allows use of QuicKutz & other super thin dies with additional converters $5/10 pk
- Takes the border dies (requires a 13" cutting pad)
- Requires you to pull apart embossing folders & reset in "Sidekick folders" using their adhesive
- Cuts only a single sheet

Hopefully that about covers it.

Is there a new version of the big sizzix machine now? And it has a crank handle? Is it available now or is it going to be coming soon? I briefly saw it on the home shopping network but I don't know too much about it. And is it better than the current sizzix? Sorry for all the questions - just want to be informed before I buy.

 

[PixieDust32]

Thank YOU so much.

 

[piratesmate]

You're very welcome PixieDust32!

Grumpy's Gal - I just got an email from Sizzix last week or the week before about the new machine being available at Target in some locations. I haven't seen it or read much about it, so I can't answer your question. Here's a link about it though: http://www.ellisondesign.com/?p=machine_accessories

I'm pretty sure that's what you're talking about since it does have a handle/crank. It says it's lighter than the regular one & wider, which would be a big plus! I get annoyed with having to trim the paper before I put it in the machine. However, the regular price is higher $120 vs $80 regular price and I don't know about coupons for the new one.

 

[laura&fam]

Thanks Piratesmate for the website with participating Target stores. I drug my grumpy 18 month old to Target and couldn't find any. I was thinking about draging him to another one when I looked at the link.

They don't carry them anywhere in Utah. It's probably some agreement with Provo Craft (that makes the Ellison Sizzix). At least now I won't waste my time searching.

One other thing that may or may not matter. Provo Craft is releasing a new computerized cutting system (it looks like a small fax machine). I am a little concerned that they will stop making or carrying the Sizzix. But that is a complete guess on my part.