This week I’m sharing all about the new Stampin Cut And Emboss Machine from Stampin Up. I’ve been asking around to find out what questions you have about this machine, and many of them relate to how the machine is similar to or different from the Big Shot, the machine we previously offered. So today we’re discussing the Cut And Emboss Machine vs The Big Shot. We will discuss three main categories of differences and a few topics within each one. Let’s get started!
Features
Similarities
Both the Stampin Cut And Emboss Machine and the Big Shot feature comfortable, sturdy handles and cranks. They are both durable, well-built machines that will last for years. They have anti-skid feet to keep them in place during use, and you should be able to use any dies or embossing folders on the market with both of them, as long as you follow manufacturer instructions for doing so.
Now let’s talk about some differences.
Appearance
The Big Shot was designed years ago, and you can definitely see the aesthetic differences. The Cut And Emboss Machine is white with gray and silver accents, while the Big Shot is all black.
Folding Sides
The Cut And Emboss Machine features folding sides, while the Big Shot doesn’t. This feature of the new machine allows you to close it when not in use or during travel. This is a wonderful feature. It takes up less space when not in use, and it’s not so clunky to travel with!
Numbered Plate System
The Big Shot had a numbered plate system, as does the new Cut And Emboss Machine. The system for the new machine is more inclusive, and slightly more intuitive in my opinion. Even the clear cutting plates are numbered, which will be especially helpful for those learning to use the machine. The specialty plate for 3D embossing folders is also numbered.
I’ve had quite a few questions about the sizes of the machines, so our discussion of the Cut And Emboss Machine vs the Big Shot will continue to answer those questions!
Size
When Open
The Big Shot measures approximately 8 1/4″ wide by 14″ long. The Cut And Emboss Machine measures approximately 10″ wide by 14″ long. These measurements do not include the crank handle.
When Folded Closed
The Big Shot doesn’t fold, and therefore still measures 8 1/4″ x 14″. The Cut And Emboss Machine, when folded closed, measures 10″ wide by 6 1/2″ deep. Again, these measurements do not include the crank handle.
Inner Clearance
With the Big Shot, there is very little clearance space on each side of the plates when they pass through the inside of the machine, which measures 6 5/8″ wide. The gap is larger with the Cut And Emboss Machine, which measures 6 1/2″ wide. This seems like a small difference, but it will be enough to help prevent damage to 6″ wide embossing folders that aren’t lined up perfectly with the plates.
Length Of Platform
Am I the only one who has been annoyed (possibly a million times) because as I was ‘creating my sandwich’ on the platform of the Big Shot, that everything tipped off the edge because the platform isn’t very long?
It’s hard to measure the length of the platform because it continues into the center of the machine, but my estimate is that the Big Shot platform length is about 1/2″ or 3/4″ shorter than that of the Cut And Emboss Machine. This sounds like a small difference, but it makes all the difference! When using the new machine, I have to pull the plates out a long way before they tip off the edge. This is a huge win!
Now let’s talk about performance of these two machines!
Performance
I loved my Big Shot. In most cases, it was wonderful, but there were certain dies and embossing folders that didn’t work very well with it. I decided to put my new machine to the test with these ‘problem’ dies and folders.
I’ll discuss these tests more tomorrow, but the main point is that I was extremely impressed with the results. One die in particular used to take me six or eight cranks through the Big Shot and still not cut perfectly. With one pass through the Stampin Cut And Emboss Machine, and one pass back, it cut perfectly.
Video Overview
I discuss all of these similarities and differences in the video below. Please join in and watch along!
Thanks for visiting for today’s round of the Cut And Emboss Machine vs The Big Shot. The new machine really is a great one. I encourage you to learn more about it by checking out my Stampin Cut And Emboss Machine Resource Page.
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Hi Anna~
I came to your blog to find out more details regarding the comparison with the Big Shot and the new SU! Cut and Emboss Machine. I was particularly interested in the difference in clearance. Here in your post you said:
“Inner Clearance
With the Big Shot, there is very little clearance space on each side of the plates when they pass through the inside of the machine, which measures 6 5/8″ wide. The gap is larger with the Cut And Emboss Machine, which measures 6 1/2″ wide. This seems like a small difference, but it will be enough to help prevent damage to 6″ wide embossing folders that aren’t lined up perfectly with the plates.”
You state that the gap is larger with the Cut and Emboss Machine, measuring 6-1/2″; but just before that you state that the Big Shot measures 6-5/8″. I believe you are trying to telling us there is more distance across the opening of the Cut and Emboss Machine, but 6-5/8″ is actually wider/larger/bigger than 6-1/2″.
I watched part of one of your videos, and I think you stated there that the measurement for the Big Shot is 6-1/4″, which is indeed smaller/narrower than the 6-1/2″ of the Cut and Emboss Machine.
So, did you actually mean 6-1/4″ here in this post, instead of 6-5/8″?
Thanks, Shauna
Hi Shauna, thanks for visiting my website. I’m impressed that you caught this, and yes I did make a mistake. You’re right that the Big Shot clearance is 6 1/4″, not 6 5/8″. Its not a huge difference from the new Cut And Emboss Machine, but it makes a noticeable difference in keeping the plates and folders from hitting the sides as they pass through the machine. Please let me know if you have other questions!
My big shot also takes the thick dies (I have rather a lot of them!) does the new machine also do this?
Yes it does!!
Hi,
The CUT & EMBOSS machine you are discussing here, is it the New MINI cut & emboss machine?
Thank you.
Coleen
Hi Coleen, no this is the regular, large sized machine. I do have a post on the mini machine if you want to know more about it.
I started with a SU Mini and the purchased a used Big Shot.
I need new plates for the Big Shot. Would the SU plates for the large SU Cut and Emboss Machine work in my used a Big Shot?? Thank You
Hi Cris, yes, absolutely our plates work with a big shot