oh scrap, I need help!

[pixie]

ok, last night I broke out the big shot. First time I have used it. It didn't seem that tricky, until I tried to cut out some spellbinders dies on it. They didn't cut and no matter what I tried it didn't cut or part of the die cut but part of it didn't.

What am I doing wrong? The directions didn't seem terribly helpful.

I know you guys are the best and smartest, please help me with my new toy! It's driving me nuts!

Thank you,

Barb

[milamemories]

are you using your multi purpose platform? If not then you need to make your sandwich like this: multipurpose platform, plastic plate, die of choice, paper, and then then second plastic plate. The are two sides to those dies, an embossing side and cutting side, make sure you are usng the cutting one. Hope that helps

[Karen W]

If you have the multi purpose platform, make sure you are using the tab that creates a shim.

I have the BSExpress with the 12 " plates. I needed to buy a special Sizzix 'shim' plate for thin dies. This is needed to cut dies such as QK or Spellbinders.

www.sizzix.com/product/1298 Dani would may be able to get this in for you.

If you have the extended platform:
Your sandwich would be the thick white platform, the adaptor I mentioned above, the clear cutting plate, you spellbinder dire (cut side up, you paper (right side down, clear cutting plate.

If you have the multi purpose platform: The thick white platform, with the shim tab, and then the clear cutting plate, you spellbinder dire (cut side up, you paper (right side down, clear cutting plate.

Hope this helps
Karen

[Basketlady]

Barb, I don't have any wisdom to impart, I just wanted to say, "Keep trying!" It will be so worth it to get the right sandwich!



Michelle

[AnnaMatrix]

Mila and Karen are right, Barb. Spellbinders will cut just fine. Check which platform you're using, if it's

ESSENTIALS PLATFORM (has no tabs, is longer), then you need to purchase a "Wafer-Thin Die Adapter", which is a thin plastic shim to cut QK or Spellbinders dies. The sandwich would be (bottom to top): Essentials Platform, Wafer-Thin Die Adapter, Clear Mat, Die (cutting surface facing up), Paper (good side down), Clear Mat.

MULTIPURPOSE PLATFORM (shorter, has tabs), then cut with all the tabs closed (all layers laying over the platform, none folded back). The sandwich would be: Multipurpose Platform, Clear Mat, Die (facing up), Paper (facing down), Clear Mat.

Hope this helps! PM me if you have further questions! Gail

[pixie]

Thanks everyone. I tried again this weekend and if I run the die through the machine twice, it cuts. I think I have a wonky spellbinder die. The fluer de Lis. Beware, its a pain in the butt. All those little pieces have to be popped out and I have to make 50 of em.

Half done.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I sure appreciate it.

Barb

[Basketlady]

Barb, shim it with a piece of card stock. It may need just a bit more to encourage the cut.

What are you working on to need 50 fleur de lis?



Michelle

[pixie]

*l* Michelle, I'm shimming that thing to death. And it works. It's just a pain in the butt to work with. I'm getting ready to teach my annual fall card classes and I'm using the fluer de lis like a snowflake. Two per card and layered.

*phew*

Barb

[Basketlady]

Barb--how "innovative!" (remember the double dip challenge?) I would LOVE to see a picture of this!

Have you tried other wafer thin dies? Do they cut ok? I'm pretty sure that a Big Shot is going on my Christmas list and I know lots of others use their BS to cut QK.

Michelle