Using the tonic stamp platform

I think that like all tools, we each have our own preferences. I do not have a MISTI, so I cannot compare, but I really like the Tonic version.

I tried a very wide variety of stamps in my Tonic platform when it arrived. All stamped well. The only time I had a problem getting a complete stamp was when I tried using the MISTI corners that I had ordered to use with my Tonic. Based on a video I had seen, I thought they were supposed to work with the Tonic, but they kept me from getting a completely stamped image.

I watched a variety of videos about the platform while waiting for mine to arrive. They were helpful.

FWIW, I assume you have tried the same solid stamp in your MISTI that you tried in the Tonic platform. Whatever worked in the MISTI should work in the Tonic. I have a very thin foam that I use with CTMH clear stamps that is thinner than fun foam but works well with clear stamps. I think it would work well in the Tonic if needed. Some packing foam is similar. I keep such foam whenever I get any as packaging material, just for stamping clear stamps. Since they have no foam, they stamp differently than rubber.

Solid stamps are sometimes difficult to get a good, clean image, regardless. The ink you use can make a difference. I was using Momento ink pads yesterday and felt that they were not giving me the best results with solid images. I switched to CTMH inkpads and got a better image. In case you wonder, no, I am not a rep, never have been. Also, if you used a distress inkpad, it will be more difficult to get a solid image with a solid stamp. They are called distress inkpads for a reason. I would recommend that you try a variety of inkpads and see if you get different results.

One thing I found is that if I pressed too hard with one particular clear stamp, that I got a blurred, messy image. I tried again using a new piece of cardstock and without so much pressure, and I got a great image.

I personally plan to get some graph paper and laminate it for using in my Tonic platform. I do think it would be helpful. I also plan to keep some thin foam handy, because some stamps may need it, just as some dies need a shim to cut properly.

I found that the Creative Corners were too tall for my Tonic. I also found that the Misti magnets were taller than the magnets that came with my Tonic so I don't use those either. Same with the bar magnet. I actually have gotten a better image with my Tonic, especially near the bumpers. I never could get a good image near the bumpers of my Misti. If you are getting a good image using your Misti with the exact same stamp and ink and paper as you are using in the Tonic I wonder if you have a defective one. Might be worth contacting customer service.

I use a transparent graph grid with additional lines printed horizontally and vertically to indicate exact center. I have them printed up in three card sizes. I downloaded them, maybe from the Misti site, don't remember. Anyway I had them printed up on transparency at a Staples store. I put the transparency down on the card piece, then line up the wobbly hard to place sentiments on top of the transparency, close the door and remove the transparency, and stamp. That works for the really hard to line up and center stuff.

I love my platform and sold my Misti. I only have one stamp (bare rubber) that needed padding. I used a silicone rubber mat and it worked perfectly.

Dritz template sheets are a good idea. I'll check it out.

I am surprised that your TH is not stamping better. I also did a three layer Altenew today and even with my not so hot ink got a good image with two passes. Seems like they all should stamp the same. That is disappointing.

About the Creative Corners: they seem to fit when using the rubber stamp side, just not the clear stamp side.

I just tried the Creative Corners more toward the middle on the clear stamp side and stamped a tag. The image wouldn't stamp completely until I placed two other tags underneath the first. Worked nicely on the first try. I was even using an Aliexpress stamp. So as long as i raised only the paper and not the corners it worked.

I stamped out a set of Lawn Fawn Merry Christmouse with the Tonic. I had several areas where the Tonic did not stamp the image at all, no matter how many times I tried. I gave up and just moved the stamps to another section, and it stamped well then. I think I will buy some thin fun foam and cut it to fit the Tonic. There are just some areas that seem to be , for lack of a better word, "dead spots" that won't stamp on the clear side. It did stamp well on the stamps after they were moved to different areas.

My magnets were not near my stamps that would not stamp. The magnets were on the top, no where near the stamps that would not stamp. It was really strange that they would not stamp on some spots.

I've mostly been stamping in the upper left corner, and have had no issues at that spot, but it is good to know there may be dead spots. I'll keep my foam handy.

Thanks for all the advice - it's good to read the different experiences and what is working.

Are these ones that are not stamping well everywhere the newer version 1707e? I have the 1708e from the U.K. and I'm not having problems. I stamped an 81/2 X11 piece of 110 Papertrey Ink cardstock in every possible place including within a half inch all around the bumpers. I used a clear Hero Arts flower outline stamp and black Versafine ink. They did change the bumpers on US later model. My whole black ruler is a wide raised bumper. The 1707 has a thinner bumper. I'm just wondering. Anyone getting a poor image on the U.K. one? FYI I also stamped the same image in my mini Misti which gave me a good image also next to the bumpers. Is there a difference in brands of stamps, not just the photopolymer but the thickness? I don't always get a good image next to the bumpers of my Misti. Just wondering out loud.

If you scroll down there is a picture posted on SCS that shows a stacked view of the bumpers. The U.K. One is on the top.

www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-f128/have-you-seen-tim-holtzs-stamp-positioner-t615574-17.html

I have the UK version because that's what New Zealand was supplied with.

streetscrapper that's frustrating. Are you using the foam with the cling stamp side if the plate? It'll definitely be too thick for the clear stamp side.