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Post by joteves on Dec 22, 2019 22:28:18 GMT
I have a Big Shot plus that I recently bought second hand and I'm not sure I like it.
a) it's really big and takes up a lot of space
b) it seems to cut too hard, if that makes sense. I always get indentations on my die cuts
I'm thinking of selling this one and getting something smaller.
What manual die cutting machines do you guys recommend?
PS: I only use it for cardmaking
TIA
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,009
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Dec 22, 2019 23:22:53 GMT
A just purchased a WRMK evolution mini at TM for $25 the cutting area is 6×3 what I like. You are using only 2 plates what a really like.
Hate to bother with layering the plates.
The other that I have is a Gemini junior I know its electric but its great when you are doing lots of die cutting.
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,704
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 23, 2019 1:57:46 GMT
I love my Spellbinders Platinum 6.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Dec 23, 2019 2:25:05 GMT
I don't think Ive ever used a die cut machine that didn't leave the impression on the edges of the cut.
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Post by don on Dec 23, 2019 3:16:32 GMT
I think it only turns hard over the die. I don't know about indentations, unless you mean on the plates. You have to pay attention to using the right "sandwich" for whatever you are doing. Did you get a manual with your machine? If not www.manualslib.com/manual/1246396/sizzix-big-shot.html |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Dec 23, 2019 6:10:39 GMT
I think she means indentations from the inside edge of the open die pressing into the paper. I used to think there was something wrong with my die cutting, but if you look at the close up pictures online of card makers, they get the same marks. This isn't an issue for closed/solid dies. But dies with the open center make those marks.
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Post by joteves on Dec 23, 2019 10:52:20 GMT
I think she means indentations from the inside edge of the open die pressing into the paper. I used to think there was something wrong with my die cutting, but if you look at the close up pictures online of card makers, they get the same marks. This isn't an issue for closed/solid dies. But dies with the open center make those marks. [br Yes, there are dies with open areas which leave indentations on the die cut, some have a kind of metal bar across the open area, which doesn't cut but leaves a mark on the die cut. Very annoying. I'm using the sandwich that came with the big shot plus, platform, adaptor A and cutting plates. |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Dec 23, 2019 14:31:31 GMT
joteves I think any machine that gives enough pressure to cut will also leave those marks. The best I can think of is to smooth the paper from the backside the lessen the impression? I have noticed that it's not just us, the big designers/crafters have the same issue. I think if there was a fix, they would be the first to let us know. Truthfully, I don't let it bother me anymore because I love using die cuts and open dies allow me to line up patterns and designs if need be.
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Post by joteves on Dec 23, 2019 18:51:54 GMT
joteves I think any machine that gives enough pressure to cut will also leave those marks. The best I can think of is to smooth the paper from the backside the lessen the impression? I have noticed that it's not just us, the big designers/crafters have the same issue. I think if there was a fix, they would be the first to let us know. Truthfully, I don't let it bother me anymore because I love using die cuts and open dies allow me to line up patterns and designs if need be. Thanks for the info. I thought it was my machine. I will try smoothing out the paper. Guess I don't need to buy a new machine afterall, which is good news! 😀 |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,637 
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 23, 2019 20:36:52 GMT
I think she means indentations from the inside edge of the open die pressing into the paper. I used to think there was something wrong with my die cutting, but if you look at the close up pictures online of card makers, they get the same marks. This isn't an issue for closed/solid dies. But dies with the open center make those marks. Yes, there are dies with open areas which leave indentations on the die cut, some have a kind of metal bar across the open area, which doesn't cut but leaves a mark on the die cut. Very annoying. Do you have a link or photo to show us the metal bar across the open area. Or brand of die? I don’t know if I even have any dies like you describe, but maybe I’m not understanding? |
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Post by hop2 on Dec 23, 2019 21:53:52 GMT
In most cases, especially with regular shapes where the opening is just the same shape as the die, I like the ‘pressed Edge’ look die cutting creates. In fact I prefer it to my silhouette.
I don’t like when a die has weird intricate markings that don’t really make sense.
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Post by anniefb on Dec 25, 2019 5:20:47 GMT
I love my Big Shot. Have also heard good things about the Gemini and Gemini Junior.
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Post by don on Dec 25, 2019 6:45:36 GMT
I see what you mean. You need another piece of paper, like junk mail. Insert it between the die and your work.
As for buying a new machine, they are all about the same. The choices are electric or hand crank. I have a Cuttlebug, a Big Shot Plus, and a Vagabond. The Vagabond has broke down. The Cuttlebug is compact and travels to shows and meets. The Big Shot sits on the bench. I like the larger plates to run many dies in one pass. I also invested in all the specialty plates to make better cuts. |
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Post by cmpeter on Dec 25, 2019 20:35:51 GMT
I have the Evolution and like it quite a bit. I use it if I want something quick and maybe just a few items. I use my Gemini Jr if I have a lot of items to cut out.
Besides adding a sheet of printer paper to your sandwich, you can try running the cut die back thru the machine on it's own to smooth out any indentations. Make sure your plates are smooth or they can also emboss marks into your cut.
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ditzydoodle
Junior Member
Posts: 81
Jun 2, 2019 19:02:16 GMT
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Post by ditzydoodle on Dec 26, 2019 13:01:33 GMT
joteves I think any machine that gives enough pressure to cut will also leave those marks. The best I can think of is to smooth the paper from the backside the lessen the impression? I have noticed that it's not just us, the big designers/crafters have the same issue. I think if there was a fix, they would be the first to let us know. Truthfully, I don't let it bother me anymore because I love using die cuts and open dies allow me to line up patterns and designs if need be. You can run the die cut through the machine again using clean/unscratched plates, and that should remove all or most of the marks. |
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Post by joteves on Dec 28, 2019 16:52:17 GMT
Update: I tried using a cut up self-healing mat instead of the cutting plates and I ran the die cut back through the machine without the die and this really helped to smooth out the indentations!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
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