Recommendations for a manual die cutter

[Waterlily]

I think my GC will be giving up the ghost soon. I was thinking of getting another one but wondered what your thoughts were on different brands. I want one that takes A4 sheets.

[pyjama princess]

XCut Express for me WL. It's A4 and has an adjuster dial on the top. It's quite heavy and when open takes up a lot of room but folds up to 'handbag' size.

[Jacksmissis]

Can't fault my HappyCut (same as the Joy Trouvaille only white) but don't think they make them anymore. If I had to go for another, I'm so tempted by the Gemini.

[PurplePenny]

Another HappyCut fan here. Hochanda's own brand machine was also the same. During a Joy Crafts show recently Dave mentioned the Joy Trouvaille and said that he didn't think it was currently on the website. Jo agreed, but the implication was (it seemed to me) that they were going to carry it at some point, and they did sell the Trouvaille Mini. (Which Kev bought me for my birthday last month )

[RozMinis]

I've always liked the look of the Spellbinders thingie. It looks soooo big though, as is the Sizzix thingie. Hardly ever use my GC, only for anything that won't go through Mr 'bug, or hurts him. If anything did happen to him, then i would have to replace him as I need a machine that cuts the Bigz dies. Dot had one of the X-cut machines, she, Christine and Carol didn't like it.

roz

[Waterlily]

Thanks ladies

The Joy is rather expensive compared to the GC £40ish difference - saw one at £109.99 and one at £119.99 the GC is £69. I had a look at the x cut but can't remember how much it was, it looks as if it takes up quite a bit of room so I'll probably go for another GC.

[pyjama princess]

The X Cut is about £100 or just under and yes it does take up a lot of desk top when it's open. It's like 2 A4s laid end to end.

[Chalet School Fan]

I bought my XCut in a Hobbycraft sale and I have been very happy with it, especially as I paid under £70. It was a toss up with the larger Sizzix machine (I have a Big Shot, which is great), but the fact that the XCut folded up swung it for me. Some dies can be hard work to put through - not an issue for me, but might be for some people.

[Jacksmissis]

Gosh WL that's a good price - GC's have certainly come down haven't they. I can remember when they first came out and all the whoo-arr about doing A4 we were all so excited !! Same as all the millions of dies we can get nowadays, when 'way back when' we used mountains of ribbon bows and decoupage (hand cut too !). I'd keep the old one for spares if you do get another, you can always shove it in a box somewhere!

[Waterlily]

Thanks again ladies.