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Post by kmage on Dec 5, 2022 18:35:54 GMT
paper...
I bought a die that was 16.99 thinking it would be awesome and basicially it only cuts patterned paper. Even the 60lb cardstock is too thick for it. Am I doing something wrong? It is a normal thin die, running it through my cuttlebug with the correct sandwich, and I did shim it thinking it may help but no luck. Any suggestions appreciated!
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Post by MichyM on Dec 5, 2022 18:49:17 GMT
Well that is frustrating, BTDT (SSS snowflake dies I'm specifically speaking to you). Have you tried shimming it with more layers? Chipboard and/or several layers of CS...
Have you ever tried a metal shim (I know nothing about cuttlebugs)?
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 5, 2022 19:01:36 GMT
After you added the shim, did you run it through (back and forth) at least a few times before removing and checking to see if it cut through? Or add a thicker shim, such as thin chipboard?
The thickness of the shim can be tricky, though. You need it to go through the machine without having to force it through, potentially breaking your machine.
I have a few intricate dies that are really difficult to get a clean cut. One in particular has to have a permanent shim taped to the back of the die, plus be run through back and forth several times to cut clean. For the intricate dies, I tend to use my Gemini Jr., because it’s easier than cranking multiple times with a die that is harder to get a clean cut from it.
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 5, 2022 20:09:03 GMT
For intricate dies I place the die cut side up. So my "sandwich" from bottom to top is base plate, the plate I normally use on the top*, paper, die cut side up, the plate I normally use on the bottom. Also try putting the die and paper on a different section of your plates so it's not centered. Or put the die and paper slightly askew.
*I always use the same plate on the top and the same plate on the bottom so I have only one plate that is cut into.
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pinklady
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Post by pinklady on Dec 5, 2022 20:21:24 GMT
Are you sure it's a die and not a hot foil plate? Ask me how I know!  Glimmer plates can cut thru printer paper but that's it. They just emboss on cardstock. |
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 5, 2022 20:27:21 GMT
I noticed you are using a CB. I'm sorry to say that it might be the problem. My CB was a workhorse...until it wasn't. The rollers can wear down and not cut as well. My shims were getting thicker and thicker. So I broke down and bought a Spellbinders P6. I couldn't believe the difference. If you know someone who has die cut machine ask them to try to cut the die for you. Then you'll know if its the die or your machine.
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Post by CardBoxer on Dec 5, 2022 20:27:35 GMT
Which company made it? Does your ‘bug cut other dies well? And dumb question but did you try cardstock in it too? Some dies don’t like cutting paper that is too thin and flexible. They just indent thin paper, since regular dies don’t have actual blades. And yes about shimming more and/or trying a metal shim if you have one. I got mine from A Cherry on Top years ago. (I had a Cuttlebug. Actually still have though use an electric one now. Nice little workhorse.) www.acherryontop.com/shop/search/metal%2Bshim/sort/relevance/176778 |
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Post by Embri on Dec 5, 2022 21:14:24 GMT
While it's most likely an edge density issue - intricate dies are harder to cut than simpler ones - it's worth taking a close look at the die itself and checking it against a known working die. Sometimes they get cooked too long in the manufacturing process and the edges wind up too shallow to work properly because of it.
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Post by papersilly on Dec 5, 2022 21:48:02 GMT
*I always use the same plate on the top and the same plate on the bottom so I have only one plate that is cut into. me too. |
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leeny
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Post by leeny on Dec 6, 2022 1:07:22 GMT
I might check in with the company's customer service just to be sure you didn't get a bad die. That does happen from time to time.
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FurryP
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Post by FurryP on Dec 6, 2022 1:10:14 GMT
Are you sure it's a die and not a hot foil plate? Ask me how I know! Glimmer plates can cut thru printer paper but that's it. They just emboss on cardstock. That is funny  |
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Post by kmage on Dec 7, 2022 14:26:59 GMT
Thanks everyone. I think it may be the Cuttlebug. So sad. Well that is frustrating, BTDT (SSS snowflake dies I'm specifically speaking to you). Have you tried shimming it with more layers? Chipboard and/or several layers of CS... Have you ever tried a metal shim (I know nothing about cuttlebugs)? I have tried shimming it, to the point I was worried about breaking my machine...but I have not tried a metal shim. Are you sure it's a die and not a hot foil plate? Ask me how I know! Glimmer plates can cut thru printer paper but that's it. They just emboss on cardstock. Oh no! Nope, definitly a die, I bought it because I saw someone use it online and it was so pretty. I noticed you are using a CB. I'm sorry to say that it might be the problem. My CB was a workhorse...until it wasn't. The rollers can wear down and not cut as well. My shims were getting thicker and thicker. So I broke down and bought a Spellbinders P6. I couldn't believe the difference. If you know someone who has die cut machine ask them to try to cut the die for you. Then you'll know if its the die or your machine. I think you are correct. My CB is old, very old. I think it may have reached the end of it's lime green life, at least where intricate dies are concerned. I am going to think about which machine I want next...although it makes me sad. I love my little bug. |
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GiantsFan
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Post by GiantsFan on Dec 7, 2022 16:17:24 GMT
Thanks everyone. I think it may be the Cuttlebug. So sad. I noticed you are using a CB. I'm sorry to say that it might be the problem. My CB was a workhorse...until it wasn't. The rollers can wear down and not cut as well. My shims were getting thicker and thicker. So I broke down and bought a Spellbinders P6. I couldn't believe the difference. If you know someone who has die cut machine ask them to try to cut the die for you. Then you'll know if its the die or your machine. I think you are correct. My CB is old, very old. I think it may have reached the end of it's lime green life, at least where intricate dies are concerned. I am going to think about which machine I want next...although it makes me sad. I love my little bug. Here is a link to Jo-Ann that has the Spellbinders P6 on sale for $83.30, which is a really good price. |
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Glimmer plates can cut thru printer paper but that's it. They just emboss on cardstock.
