Hi, Glad to see your updated video! I watched the other one the other day and as I had ordered the Switch from Hobby Lobby and was waiting for it to arrive -- got it today and it's beautiful and works like a dream! :) -- my heart fell at the difficulties you were having. I was thinking perhaps you got a lemon. Mine is working like a champ, and yes, you do need to use the dies cutting side up. I also have lots of Bigz dies so this was a must have feature for me. I tried out everything I have and the Switch handles it all! So glad you got it sorted out. :) Have fun!!
Just An FYI, Anna recommends cutting into the magnetic mat, it saves the top plate which is more expensive to replace and it also eliminates the need to emboss with the rubber mat. Been doing it for a few years and works great.
Someone posted about using thick plastic to stop the plate from getting damaged by cutting into it. The plastic that comforters come in. You can find the plastic it joanns
When putting dies, embossing folder etc. through the machine, you should slightly angle it so that is doesn't have a big jump to enter into the machine, so that the roller runs evenly over your project giving everything the correct amount of pressure. Just might help.
Thank you for this video! I will give the Sizzix one a try since I'm suffering from arthritis and the turning of the handle is a challenge for me! I appreciate your sharing of content as it helps me make purchasing decisions and whether or not this tool would be a great addition to my craft room. Thank you so much!
I loved the demo, I got an empress for Christmas but I was a bit intimidated because I am a new crafter . After I watched your demo I feel a lot more confident in using my empress
That is wonderful! You are really going to enjoy all the different things it has to offer and how easy it is to use. I put mine on a totally Tiffany turn table and that has been awesome, it's a little narrow on the back feet so I had to split the difference but it works so much nicer to turn it and grab the plates, you can also use a lazy susan that would do the same thing. Happy crafting!
@@funtimecrafts2472 I bought Anna's Lazy Susan to put my large Empress on it. Bought it on her site. Great purchase - made perfectly for the Empress! I truly LOVE everything Anna!! I might have to get the Switch though for the Bigz dies. Thank you for your great video!
Great demo! I sold my Gemini because of plate warping issues and bought Anna’s Empress… Love this machine! I use my Spellbinder Platinum for Bigz dies. Gave my Sizzix Big Shot to my granddaughter. It’s very old but still works great.
Absolutely, got this Gemini 6mo ago, I don't like it at all. Manufacturers sandwich don't work only get warped plates or refuse to go through. I've decided to get a Empress, get rid of this Gemini, and use my Platinum for my bigz also. I'm at my witz ends.😂
After my last comment I received the Anna Griffin Empress machine and I am impressed with this machine. It cuts an intricate die with ease and it comes with the embossing mat and metal shim which you have to buy separately with the Sizzix Big Shot Switch It is definitely a keeper. Thanks for the review.
Thank you very much for the comparison video!! I bought the Anna Griffin machine (with standard and large plates) just about a month ago after seeing Jennifer McGuire's video from a year ago, but I haven't used it yet. Then I saw the Switch was coming out and wondered if I should have waited. After seeing your video, I'm happy I got the Anna and not upset at all that I didn't get the Switch. Good to know the option is there if needed, though.
Kiavonne, I think that you will be VERY happy with your Empress, I bought one a couple of months ago, and it was all about its exceptional cutting capabilities, and I was not in the least disappointed, I was THRILLED when I cut SO easily, a very detailed die that I struggled to cut even having to do MANY passes on my Gemini original machine. With the Empress, it cut like butter in a pass and a return, perhaps it didn’t need the return. What many people assume is that the metal shim for the Empress is to be used for more intricate dies, like it is in other machines. But Anna Griffin designed her machine very differently. The Empress is calibrated first to cleanly cut (and emboss) her thicker dies that are also extremely detailed. For the Empress system, the metal shim is to be used whenever you are cutting any other brand of dies other than Anna Griffin dies as other dies are not as thick, and therefore the metal shim was constructed to make die-cutting of any other brand effortless, plus the beauty of the die-cut of the extremely intricate Altenew Pegboard cross-stitch die was unmatched by what the Empress machine can cut, those extremely intricate cuts were GORGEOUS, plus most will fall out of the die from the cutting process. I can totally understand why you would use the metal shim as it is intended in other machines, so I wanted to explain how it is to be used in the Empress. As well, Anna now cuts INTO her magnetic shim, which is SO superior to other magnetic shims. This is done to prevent warping and wearing out of the cutting plate. I am just starting to use this machine, so I cannot say how fast I will need to replace my magnetic shim, but I hope to be able to purchase a few of the magnetic shims in both sizes, plus to get a whole second set of of the smaller plate system that came with my machine, and to purchase some of the cutting plates in both sizes. I love that you can put your smaller set of plates in two ways, it gives more options for keeping the plates straight and not allowing them to warp. I really enjoyed watching your video, I love your enthusiasm, and I appreciated that you corrected what you had misinterpreted when you first tried out the Switch. How easily this happens to us all, and. I appreciated your integrity of how you handled this. I can tell that you have a lot of fun when you craft, you pass that on to your viewers, that is great! I look forward to watching more of your videos in the future. Sending my best wishes and my thanks for the positive and honest way you handled what you wanted to revise regarding your views on the Sizzix Switch.
You are so funny!! I didn’t see the original video - but it was good that you went back to change the demo and re-evaluated - with a fair review. Thank you for the demo on both machines.
Love your videos and your honesty! Now I ordered the Ann and on a wait list for the Sizzix! Both have great qualities! Thank you for all your time and expertise 😇
Like I said on last nights video.. I have a Gemini, a Big Shot Plus, a regular Big Shot and an Empress. Hands down I use the Empress 98 percent of the time. It’s AMAZING! I can always get the perfect cut every time! I did the same die from TSOL with the lattice with my test cuts when I first got my Empress… was blown away to say the least. Enjoy your new machines and thanks for the updated video! Happy crafting!
I must have gotten a bad empress because mine is so bad. It barely cuts anything that’s not the die that came with it. Have the switch now and it’s a dream. Empress is sitting in my closet
MoganMade, one thought, and Anna Griffin gives instructions for her dies and also for other dies. Her dies are thicker and extremely detailed, and the machine is calibrated to ensure that her thicker dies cut like a dream. Unlike for other machines, the metal shim is intended to be used for the other brand of dies, as they are not as thick. I am wondering if this is why your dies have not been cutting? The metal shim has to be used for those dies. I bought the Empress recently, and I was having a ton of trouble getting my Gemini Original to cut cross-stitch dies which are extremely detailed and are made by Altenew and My Favorite Things. When I used the metal shim, it cut like a dream, NEVER could I get such a clean and beautiful die-cut even when running it through my Gemini MANY times. I am THRILLED with it! I have a Cut ‘N Boss electric machine that I will keep so that I can run thicker dies like Bigz and Heartfelt Creations flower shaping moods. This may not solve your issues but I thought that I would mention it, hoping that it helps you. I see that you made this comment a year ago, I am just seeing it now. Best wishes to you and happy crafting. The Switch is clearly a great machine too especially as it cuts the thicker dies. There is a new Gemini on the market, Gemini II, but the owner of Crafter’s Companion made it clear that this new machine would not have enhanced pressure, although it has some neat options like an available turntable and a place for a tablet, and like the Switch, there’s a place for storage of tools. I needed the additional pressure, and I am completely thrilled with my new Anna Griffin Empress. I am in Canada, and fortunately, Anna Griffin comes to our shopping channel, and I bought the regular-sized Empress there plus the large set of plates. Her magnetic mat is MUCH superior to any others, I watched her cut into her magnetic mat on a demo, also the embossing mat is much thicker as well. I am hoping that she will bring out a foiling system, as I love to foil, and one needs a specific die-cutting machine depending on the foil machine you use. Anna Griffin doesn’t hurry bringing out any of her machines, she is more concerned about doing it well, and I have no doubt that if and when she chooses to develop a foil machine, it will be absolutely awesome!
Really enjoyed your personality the most😂🤣 during this demo. Didn’t know about the sizzix. Nice BIG cutting plates. Pretty color. We R memorie keeper’s had the same storage compartment in their old manual revolution, so sizzix did a nice copy cat on that. I have Anna’s Empress and here was my only beef. The frame die cutting gift was an old die that we all bought YEARS ago, if you have been buying from Anna for years. 🤣😂. I was actually really bothered to get the SAME die she sold years ago that I PAID FOR ALREADY. Oh well. It’s funny how no one ever noticed or mentioned that little fact. Oh well, I do like the Empress and the Jr empress. Aren’t these machines a BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I already have an Anna Griffin Empress and love it!! Your video was helpful!! I like that you compared and it let me know that I do not need to get the Sizzix machine!! I only use thin dies!! Thanks so much!!
I have the Anna Griffin Empress machine and I love it! I purchased the Sizzix switch after watching many videos and seeing the great reviews here, not to mention I have some Bigz dies. I used the intricate die with 80lb paper die facing up and it didn’t cut anything out of the middle of and didn’t even leave an impression. The part where it did cut, everything had to be poked out. Needless to say I packed up and took it back. Maybe I got a lemon!
Excellent demo!! I love the Switch and had been impatiently waiting since the rumors started in late 2019. Like you I have a ton of Bigz dies. 1-The gold thing on top of the Empress is the handle to pick it up. 2-The plates/platform that come with the Sizzix Switch Plus are smaller than the manual BigShot Plus, but the platform, A and B and G from the manual BigShot Plus work in it. (I used all those to test it out because I wasn't sure it was a keeper. It is a keeper!!) 3- Sizzix replacement plates are sold everywhere, but you can only get AG plates from AG and HSN in case you have a "die cutting emergency"
I have the empress Anna griffin. I bought the large plates and they cut large format dies like tonic. Mine stopped working after six months but it is still under warranty and they paid for return shipping and are sending out a new one; customer service was easy, no fuss. I have a Spellbinders platinum 6 and the little mini sizzix machines. Love them all. I also have the glimmer hot foil machine, have not tried to use it in the empress and it’s just as easy to use the platinum which I know is compatible. I never heard of using the magnetic plate as the one for cutting, but have not had major warping issues with the a plates. The magnetic plates are very strong and my one issue with the empress is I like to use every bit of the paper, especially for expensive specialty paper. With the clear acrylic plates of other machines you can position and tape down dies but if you use the empress as in the instructions, you can’t see thru the magnetic plate or the paper to make sure the die is in place.
Hello Beth Rogers!!! If you wanted, when you’re wanting to use up smaller bits of paper or you feel the space on the paper is tight, you can position the die so it’s cutting up into the top cutting plate, so that you can see much better what is happening. There are lots of options. Anna Griffin has been cutting into her magnetic mat which is so much stronger and thicker than for example the Gemini magnetic mat and the Gemini embossing pad, she does this so that she’s not wearing out or warping her cutting plate, but I also find that her cutting plates are thicker and stronger than the Gemini cutting plates, which tend to warp a whole lot easier than the Empress plate system. I am amazed at how well this machine cuts, what I struggled with cutting even though I made MANY passes for example with an Altenew Pegboard stitching die in my Gemini machine, it took one pass and a return using the correct sandwich for a non-Anna Griffin die, and I am wondering if I even needed to do that return. I deal with a lot of pain, so using a manual machine for most of my die-cutting simply will not work for me, although for small dies especially sentiment dies that can over-emboss in an electric machine, my little Diamond Press Marquis cuts manually so well, and there are no sandwiches, just a little plastic folder that looks like an embossing folder where I place my die and the paper, and I don’t have to deal with getting those little holes on the back of dies that are there to poke out the die-cut being embossed on the front of my die where they weren’t intended to be utilized in that manner. So, just remember that Anna Griffin’s dies are thicker and very detailed, and the Empress was calibrated to cut and emboss these beauties very easily. Any other brand of dies tend to be thinner, and Anna created the thicker metal shim to make cutting those thinner dies a total breeze. In most other machines, the metal shim is intended for more intricate dies, but this is not how Anna Griffin designed her wonderful Empress! NO one machine can do all things, whether you love your thick Bigz dies or Heartfelt Creations floral shaping molds, or you may want to do some heat foiling (not with a laminator), but if what the fantastic Empress offers fits your needs, I can tell you from my own personal experience, that I believe that you will absolutely LOVE IT!!! I appreciate how much less energy I need to expend when using this machine too, that is GREAT! I hope that my comments will be of help. I have much to learn regarding this machine and with regards to paper-crafting in general. Sending my best wishes to you.
@@905lovest thank you for the detailed helpful response! I didn’t know that it was okay to cut into the magnetic mat as the instructions say the sandwich is clear plate, paper, die facing paper, magnetic mat, (metal shim if detailed die) clear plate. I’ll have to try the way you mentioned. It would solve the issue of not being able to see the die placement! I do love my Empress! 💗 thank you and all the best to you too!
HI, I really hope you get this message I have just been watching your tutorial you posted on u tube 1 year ago I would just like to say ( A VERY VERY BIG THANK YOU ) for doing a fantastic demo I thought the way you explained everything step by step was just absolutely next to none fantastic job 🥰👍 ………But now a year later please can you tell me in your opinion which machine would you prefer ??? thank you so much ❤️✨ Lin
Great, now you do have a handle yippie 😊 Great Jon Sizzix love the domo!!! Anne Griffin machine also is great, thank you very much foreign truthful and sharing!!! Just came across your Channel have Subscribed...
I got the Anna Griffin mini when i first started out, but realized quickly that I needed a bigger machine, so I got the regular Big Shot. Recently, I got the Switch, which is great! Tim Holtz recommends spritzing a little water on the cardstock before running it through the embossing folder. That does seem to make the impression a bit deeper and you don't have to run it through twice. I will try cutting my dies up, rather than down, but I've also got a chrome precision plate, so I would have to put that on top. The Sixxix machines will also cut Bigz dies, as you said. None of the others that I know of will cut those. Experimenting! Good video, BTW.
I just got my chrome precision plate today, that's the best thing since sliced bread. It should come with the new machines. I was frustrated and struggling with warped plates and plate scratches ruining my metallic cardstock and accidentally came across it while researching. I want to buy another one, it seems some people are using 2. Thanks!
So glad you got better results. It was supposed to be my birthday gift last year. Now for my birthday 60th April I hope to have one. That works. Thank you.
Excellent Review!! I have the Sizzix Big Shot Switch machine and I ordered AG Empress machine so I could compare the two, but after seeing your video I will definitely keep the Switch because you can use the Bigx dies and because you can use bigger dies. TFS
Loved the demo!!!! Ordered and am waiting for my Empress to ship, but now seeing the Switch, I like that one too! Thank you for your hard work in filming this. I'm excited to get the Empress.
Everyone should watch Tim Holtz's tutorial on using the Switch! He explains everything so well...fabulous YT video from a year ago. If you have a Sizzix machine now, you can use all the plates from those machines on the Switch, including ALL dies! Big plus for my in my decision....
I'm going to watch TH video but wonder if you can use the small big shot cutting plates, etc and platform. The switch plates are so huge and probably $ to replace. Does he show how the reverse button works? Instructions are a little sketchy.
Yea your excitement is so fun to hear. I love the Magnetic Mats on AG machine- I am so up in the air about which one - I will say the cut n emboss folder AG’s had more of the detail TY
Really enjoyed your reviews of both machines. Thinking really hard about getting the Switch. I love the color you choose. Not sure if you saw the Tim Holtz Switch review it is worth watching. I always learn something new when I watch him.
On the Anna griffin the “handle” is made to pick it up and move it around. You don’t have to put your hands under it like the switch. I have both sizes Empress
Great demo. Like the idea of being able to cut Bigz dies. However I stopped buying sizzix after they started suing the designers who worked for them. Thought it was just not right. My own opinion. Thanks for sharing Tammy. Great job your excitement is awesome.
@@gheester60 saying they infringed on there design. They died multiple small business. One of those was a longtime employee. Look up The stamps of life and one history there is a long story about the lawsuit. It was horrible! I can’t support this company.
@@dhauxhurst I had no idea. I got rid of a big shot years ago and bought a Cuttlebug. I’ve read the story. I’ll get the Empress just on principle. SMH.
i have 5 die cutting machines and the one I use all the time is the Empress. That is totally my favorite machine. I still love my old Big Kick and it works fine but as I have gotten older it hurts to crank if I'm cutting a lot.
I'm pleased there is now an electric sissix that cuts the big dies. I've got the Small Big Shot which I can use with my big dies. I might consider the electric Sissix when my Gemini dies on me.
I love it. I thought I was in the twilight zone for a minute there when I couldn’t find the other you tube. Whew. I’m glad you red did it. Thank you. You are diligent. You are doing a great job.
I also prefer cutting into a mat and not having to flip over the dies. This is especially important when I have stamped the images and want to make sure they are lined up and dont shift. Im trying the magic mat in different sandwiches. Wish the magic mat came in the exact size as Empress plates. Gosh I hate going through plates!
@@deannapeters211 I get so frustrated using my Empress that I tend to use my Stampin Up manual machine with the magic mat. I really haven't given the Empress a fair shot because it seems I do what is familiar to me. The magic mats do bow but flatten with extended heat from heat gun. Most of the bits that get embedded do scrub out with kitchen scrub sponge and water. They last me a long time. The Empress tends to hate some of my embossing folders and again it's a lack of patience on my part to figure it out.
My Switch has been sitting on the shelf for months. I really don’t like it and I’ve gone back to my Vagabond2. Why, many times you have to coerce the sandwich to go through. I’m going through so many plates. I pretty much have bought and used every brand but the Empress. I will be ordering it soon.
Great video. Been researching. When I’m ready to buy I’m going to go with the Anna Griffin. I already have the Big shot plus and the older black and pink big shot. I still use both for different reasons. Love your excitement. All tho by the time decide to up grade that might change. Lol
Carol you will love Annas machine. I too have both SIzzix machines and use them depending what I’m doing. We have to keep the sIzzix cuz of the bigz dies which I never really use anymore.💕💕💕
You mentioned using a turntable with Anna. Can you share where you found it? Thanks. Great demonstration and comparison. So far I’m holding on to my old faithful manual big shot just because of the bigz dies. Good to know that the switch can handle them. I
Surprise I wouldn't say the EMPRESS IS WHISPER QUITE as the sales people insisted or Anna herself states. But it's not bad. I also am hoping it will cut my Diamond Press Dies. I have a lot of DP dies along with their stamps and a few embossing folders. The DP is ULTRA THIN. Thinner than thinlits. Sizzix sells a helping plate for thin dies like thinlits. So I ordered one to try out with the Spellbinder machines and DP dies and also a couple of other machines I have. But have yet as it just came today. I doubt I should try that with the Empress but time will see. I'll be so thrilled if my Diamond Press dies work with any machine other than just the DP presses. They are marvelous to use but their folding cutting plates are expensive sometimes out of stock at their website and HSN or QVC. I can't keep them straight. Anyway I've worked on a number of hacks to work around their plate problems of severe warping and think I've got one that really is there. It uses thinner plates sold by an off brand that's considered good and I also cut the DP folders in half using one on top to cut into and the new plate cut to fit and match the same size as the folder. You can tape if you need to but I am not a fan of tape of any kind. So I bought the Empress for the two reasons mainly in hopes it will cut DP dies along with my many other brands and off brands along with it was suppose to be whisper quite. I have arthritis in my wrists but also Menieres siince I was 30 and sounds or noise of many kinds can upset my nervous system. I heard some high pitches on your video with the Empress I am hoping mine does not sound like. But I manage just the same. I didn't manage with the horrible noise though with the Gemini I used to use. I have friends who might like the Gemini as a gift. They are interested in dabbling but not sure it's something they want to jump into. As you know it can be expensive. Thank you for your Videos and comparision of both. I am confused if the Pink Switch started to stick or if that video was before or after this one. I did not see your original one you said you took down. I did watch a year later black Switch and thought perhaps you ssent the pink back and exchanged for a Black beauty. I've had issues with my own go around with electric Sizzix Big Shots so I ended up in favor of Spellbinders Platinum machines both 6.5 and 8.5 inch openings. Also invested in their universal plates and platforms. However I actually prefer the original platform and my larger Platinum platform delaminated. The Spellbinder website sent me a lightly used platform to take it's place and I appreciated that a lot. They didn't charge me anything and it was a good year into owning the machine. I asked if I could buy a NEW platform but they didn't sell them for the larger machine. The small one I use more than all my others and it's platform has held up well. Their Universal platform plus plates are a substitute at doing what the Sizzix machines have going. I'm not a fan of them to date. I'm in the process of scanning and printing out a book of all my different machines with their various directions and manuals and then will bind a flip book where all the directions are in one book with tabs. I'm thinking a 5 x 7 book is ideal for this and hope to make about 3 maybe as many as 5 of the books so I always have one at hand and always can turn to the specific machines info. This can take more work than you think. I also collected over 70 stamps in the form of soft line drawings of animals, butterflies, and ohhlala ladies in various fantasy poses with wildlife and plants etc. that would make charming booklets. They are bigger than my heart that I was going to use for pages to make 4-5 different books. So now the plan is to make crisp black prints and scan them and that will allow me to adjust their size to print for the cards. This all takes a lot of forethought and designing templates for the hearts to cut over the printed designs just right. Also if I print via an inkjet I can't raise the print or emboss with powders. However if I use my laser printer I can laminate foil over the prints. But it's more limiting than I had originally planned. So I may forgo the heart and switch to rectangle or square booklets and work in hearts among their pages. This would allow me to use embossing powders in clear or colors to raise the prints and texts where I use wording. Stamping itself becomes another dimension to this craft that's all tied together with the die and embossing machines. One needs to quite ones mind now and again to find the clear path. Mindfulness practice helps with that. Thank you again.
The Anna Griffin Empress cuts like butter! The gold bar on top is a handle for carrying. Also, Anna cuts all her dies into the magnetic pad even tho the instructions say cut up. So I guess it’s personal preference? Remember to put the dies thru again to emboss, using the embossing mat.
@@funtimecrafts2472 yes, to keep your A plates nice. The sandwich from the bottom up is A plate, magnetic plate, paper, good side up, the die cut side down, then A plate. I think the paper will stay nicer that way too by not getting marks in it from the cutting plates. She admits that you’ll have to replace the magnet. I returned a Gemini bc it made such horrible impressions in good paper that made it unusable. I have the empress mini, no warping on plates, magnet is great, doesn’t damage paper over time. Did you use the handle on the Empress yet, lol? It’s nice isn’t it??!!
Good to know thank you that makes sense. I used the heck out of the A plate already, I'll have to get a new one. Yes used the handle, it is fabulous!! And pretty!
Hi, thank you for the demo. I'm still trying to decide between the two. I have a lot of bigz dies and so the switch is winning, how I have a lot of Anna Griffin dies too....ahhh! Lol
The handle is made to pick it up. That is the main reason i purchased it over the gemini which i sold. You don’t need to use the indentations on the sides!
Thanks so much for this thorough review! Just recently heard of the Switch...:) I am on a spending freeze until the end of the year, but hope to find a good deal on them then! :) New Subbie!! Great Videos! God Bless :)
Question - my Switch cut the BigZ dies easily. But it also cut through the score/fold lines - too much pressure even though using the recommended sandwich- I reached a point where it was no longer worth my time trying so many different sandwiches/shims, etc, to make it work so returned it. Has anyone else had this issue with the BigZ score lines or did I just get a lemon? I may reconsider.... Thank you for this video!
Thanks so much for the video, I just ordered the Empress and am waiting for it to be delivered. I was wondering about the new sizzix and hoping I had ordered the right machine for me…. Your comparison has set my mind at ease. Can’t wait for my Empress to get here! I’m still a little confused about the proper way to cut, should it be facing up, down, etc.? So you are supposed to cut into the magnetic mat?
You'll be happy you bought the Empress, the instructions say to cut with the dies up and into the cutting plates, however Anna said to cut with dies down and into the magnetic mat so you can emboss and cut all at one time and that's what I do now. It works Great and you get embossing and cutting in one pass.
Thanks for the demo and comparison between machines. My biggest question is do the plates warp. In my GeminiPro they warp terribly and I hate it. I’m really interested in knowing if they warp (and how quickly) in the Empress. Thanks, Patti
If you don't rotate them, they do. If you use the magnetic mat to cut into, they don't, and you just rotate and flip the magnetic mat. But it will still need replaced once in a while.
The main thing I've learned about cutting plates is that they all need to be replaced eventually, but there are things that can impact how often that needs to happen. I have a manual machine, a Gemini, and the Empress. I flip and rotate my plates on all of them. It does help. I don't use the exact sandwiches recommended by the manufacturer. Also, I use only the plates that I need in order to get the cut. Some machines use more pressure than others...even within the same brand. It can cause your plates to wear even faster. My machines didn't need all of the recommended plates at once. I would recommend that you use only the plates that you need to get the results that you want. (It doesn't void your warranty to do that.) You'll save money, and your plates won't bow as much/as fast.
So, since you put out this new updated video (where it cuts fine for framelits and all AG stuff) you have been having the problem with the bigz dies and the plates getting stuck? Sorry for my confusion. Thanks for clarifying that. I have LOTS of the steel rule thicker dies and your feedback would impact my decision.
I have a problem when using my switch. The lines on the cutting plates from prior cuts indent my projects. Any suggestions? And I do use the smaller sizzix cutting plates as they say you can but the warp easy. I have both machines. When I got my switch I put my Anna Griffen away. I really need to do a comparison. But help with my switch problem
That's an easy one, the switch; it died after only 10 days and that was the second one I tried! Sizzix did replace it. I gave the new one they sent me to my mom. She has used it maybe a dozen times and it is still going strong. If this was the Empress or the go power and emboss machine, unfortunately I would kick and scream to give it up but it would be the Empress and that is ONLY because the go power and Emboss will do heartfelt creations moulds and steel rule dies. They both cut the same, which is extremely well. The sandwich is thinner thus easier to handle on the Empress so I use it most of the time for my medium to small die cutting. Hope this helps!!
Awesome demo, thanks. I don't own the switch, but I do own the Vagabond 2 and when my plates are even a little crooked going in, they get stuck and I have to reverse them. I have really been wanting the switch since I saw it at convention, but then it disappeared for a very long while and now it is out. I wonder if it has issues that delayed the release of it? I think I will wait a little longer before I invest in it, to see if it has other issues. But def huge thanks for the demo, and putting it through the paces. That is very helpful to give me a complete view of the machine. thanks.
Me too, I love her dies! I’m actually looking for an Eileen Hull discontinued die, a house die that only works in the Sizzix Pro machine ( so if I find that die, I’ll have to get the Sizzix Pro machine!) I really love dies that create 3 dimensional projects. I love creating home dec projects, Christmas ornaments , seasonal,decorations and little villages and house for different seasons. So any die that makes a 3 D house like the Eileen Hull Scoreboards Pro die 656836 is one that I am going to hunt for. If you know anyone that would be willing to sell this die, please let me know. I’d pay a REALLY good price.
That’s what I wanted to know. I think using the magnetic plate made the difference in the cutting. Need to get an answer on if you can use the magnetic plate on the big shot?
I don’t believe the empress plates can be used with other machines. I have the empress and a spellbinder platinum (and can use sizzix plates with that).