MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Aug 25, 2024 11:51:36 GMT
I use mine the same way pinklady and scrappymeg do, but my cutting plate messed up pretty fast. Probably since I cut a lot of the stitching dies, which have a million little holes. The magnetic board is full of tiny little dots of white paper that I can't seem to remove. I wonder if I could soak it and then scrub it with a nylon scrubbie to remove them? I was using my most used die yesterday, which is the A2 card front size, and it would not cut all the way through. I have to run the die through twice - once and then turn it around and run it through again, before I get a clean cut. I don't know if it's my die or the magnetic plate. |
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Post by craftmepink on Aug 25, 2024 12:56:08 GMT
MDscrapaholic, have you tried putting the thin metal shin underneath the magnetic mat? That usually works for me, especially for intricate dies or harder to cut dies. I use a small metal spatula to remove the small dots. I learned the hard way that it needs to be removed right away. If I put it through the machine again, the dots seem to seep into the mat.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,954
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Aug 25, 2024 18:11:58 GMT
MDscrapaholic have you tried the bubble mailer trick. You cut into it and helps with all the little holes and intricate pieces.
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Post by MichyM on Aug 26, 2024 15:41:44 GMT
HOLY COW and THANK YOU. Switching the paper and die orientation has made a world of difference in how the machine cuts. 1,000% thank yous girls! Though I am disappointed that I now have 2 chewed up clear plates. And now my world makes sense again  |
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Post by MichyM on Aug 29, 2024 19:48:00 GMT
MDscrapaholic , now that you've used the turntable you purchased at Amazon, do you have any thoughts about it? Is it working well? Do you think that I could I go with one a little smaller? I'm specifically looking at this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5HJM69H/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A2W6JCYVCTY0YQ&th=1 And any other thoughts about using a turntable with it? Also, has anyone figured out something to "catch" the plates as they come through the machine? I'd love to be able to turn my attention to something else for a second while I run something through BUT, if I let the plates come out on their own and fall to the table top, they clatter loudly which I find bothersome. If I put something just a little soft like foam on the table, the plates then don't slide out of the machine. I also tried putting a flat surface an inch or so lower than the slot where the plates come out, but they also won't push all the way out and the machine keeps running. Am I even being clear, and it this a unicorn thing and I should just deal with it? Lastly, if Anna Griffin wanted to make this machine nearly perfect, IMHO it would automatically "take" the plates when they are set in their slot, like the GeminiJr does. Because we to also push the "run" button, we need both hands available when running the plates through. I know, teeny tiny pet peeve Meanwhile, are y'all loving it? Ryann , has yours arrived?
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,954
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Aug 29, 2024 21:50:38 GMT
MichyM you can look into small rollers that you can add on the bottom of your machine to spin it around instead a turn table. With my Gemini I have a box next to the machine that the plates can continue on and I don't have to catch it. With that machine I use sizzix plates for everyday cutting because the way it goes thru it cuts the time much shorter. Maybe try to use a shorter plate so less downtime. Hope this makes since 🤣
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Aug 29, 2024 23:49:07 GMT
MDscrapaholic , now that you've used the turntable you purchased at Amazon, do you have any thoughts about it? Is it working well? Do you think that I could I go with one a little smaller? I'm specifically looking at this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5HJM69H/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A2W6JCYVCTY0YQ&th=1 And any other thoughts about using a turntable with it? Also, has anyone figured out something to "catch" the plates as they come through the machine? I'd love to be able to turn my attention to something else for a second while I run something through BUT, if I let the plates come out on their own and fall to the table top, they clatter loudly which I find bothersome. If I put something just a little soft like foam on the table, the plates then don't slide out of the machine. I also tried putting a flat surface an inch or so lower than the slot where the plates come out, but they also won't push all the way out and the machine keeps running. Am I even being clear, and it this a unicorn thing and I should just deal with it? Lastly, if Anna Griffin wanted to make this machine nearly perfect, IMHO it would automatically "take" the plates when they are set in their slot, like the GeminiJr does. Because we to also push the "run" button, we need both hands available when running the plates through. I know, teeny tiny pet peeve Meanwhile, are y'all loving it? Ryann , has yours arrived? I think that turntable would be fine, MichyM. Mine is 11" wide, and only 1/2" high, so the Empress doesn't sit high off my table. It makes it so much easier! I always have to "catch" the plates as they come out the back, but that's okay. This really beats getting up from my table and walking over to my Big Shot every time I want to cut something! Just don't use the Empress for your BetterPress! I still need the Big Shot for that. |
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639 
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Aug 30, 2024 1:13:35 GMT
It's on the way, but ETA isn't until Tuesday. Can't wait to get it!!
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Post by MichyM on Aug 30, 2024 17:00:57 GMT
MichyM you can look into small rollers that you can add on the bottom of your machine to spin it around instead a turn table. With my Gemini I have a box next to the machine that the plates can continue on and I don't have to catch it. With that machine I use sizzix plates for everyday cutting because the way it goes thru it cuts the time much shorter. Maybe try to use a shorter plate so less downtime. Hope this makes since 🤣 I'd love to use those, thank you but I'm afraid that after repeated use, they will mark up the tabletop. With the turntable, no ball bearings will touch my worksurface. |
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Post by MichyM on Sept 20, 2024 18:55:47 GMT
Hi girls. I have a question about the magnetic mat wearing out.
I've been working on TSM events die cutting, and am having a heck of a time with some of the dies. I've been using my Empress quite a bit since I got it about a month ago. I'm wondering if my mat needs replacing (and of course they're OOS right now...I'm on the waitlist). Or, is it the dies? Oh and yes, I'm using the metal shim when necessary.
How often are you having to replace your mat? Is it as often as you did with your SBdotcom magic mat with your Platinum 6? Less often, more often? Thanks a bunch!
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,058
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Post by pinklady on Sept 20, 2024 19:06:11 GMT
Hi girls. I have a question about the magnetic mat wearing out. I've been working on TSM events die cutting, and am having a heck of a time with some of the dies. I've been using my Empress quite a bit since I got it about a month ago. I'm wondering if my mat needs replacing (and of course they're OOS right now...I'm on the waitlist). Or, is it the dies? Oh and yes, I'm using the metal shim when necessary. How often are you having to replace your mat? Is it as often as you did with your SBdotcom magic mat with your Platinum 6? Less often, more often? Thanks a bunch! I was going to ask how everyone is liking their Empress. I've been doing a ton of die cutting for the TSM & C&C events and noticed very early on that I had to start using a cardstock shim under my magnetic mat to get things to cut. I was having issues on very basic straight line cuts. I did have a question, do some people turn it over and use both sides of the magnetic mat? |
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Post by MichyM on Sept 20, 2024 19:18:57 GMT
Hi girls. I have a question about the magnetic mat wearing out. I've been working on TSM events die cutting, and am having a heck of a time with some of the dies. I've been using my Empress quite a bit since I got it about a month ago. I'm wondering if my mat needs replacing (and of course they're OOS right now...I'm on the waitlist). Or, is it the dies? Oh and yes, I'm using the metal shim when necessary. How often are you having to replace your mat? Is it as often as you did with your SBdotcom magic mat with your Platinum 6? Less often, more often? Thanks a bunch! I was going to ask how everyone is liking their Empress. I've been doing a ton of die cutting for the TSM & C&C events and noticed very early on that I had to start using a cardstock shim under my magnetic mat to get things to cut. I was having issues on very basic straight line cuts. I did have a question, do some people turn it over and use both sides of the magnetic mat? I've been using both sides of the magnetic mat, as well as flipping my clear plates. One of my clear plates is markedly warped already :/ That makes me not want to use the metal shim unless I absolutely HAVE to, to try and prevent that from getting worse. I'll have to try using a CS shim instead, thanks or that! |
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Post by MichyM on Sept 20, 2024 19:19:55 GMT
Oh and BTW, I have the little turntable I linked above, it works great. Do not feel that in any way I'm missing out by not have the official Anna Griffin one.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,058
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Post by pinklady on Sept 20, 2024 19:27:14 GMT
MichyM I've never used the metal shim just a cardstock shim. My plates have not warped at all. I also am not planning on using this machine exclusively. I'm mainly using my Platinum 6 unless I'm doing a boat load of die cutting.
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Post by MichyM on Sept 20, 2024 21:31:20 GMT
MichyM I've never used the metal shim just a cardstock shim. My plates have not warped at all. I also am not planning on using this machine exclusively. I'm mainly using my Platinum 6 unless I'm doing a boat load of die cutting. Ahhhh. That's good to know. I'm going to buy new clear plates and the magnetic mat when I can and try it your way. I put my platinum up on a shelf to use with embossing folders and betterpress/foiling. I think I could count on one hand the number of times I've used it for die cutting after opening up the Empress. It, on the other hand, is literally 2 feet from my right elbow on the (added) top of a large rolling cart. So handy! I couldn't do that with the platinum as it needed to be on a more steady work surface. |
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Post by mrsp on Sept 20, 2024 21:42:05 GMT
I cut into my magnetic plate and find that things work much better if the die isn’t hitting the machine straight on. So I try to tilt my paper and die as much as possible. My plates get a little warped if I’m running bigger dies through them (the same with my Platinum 6). I got my machine in January and am still using the original magnetic mat. I haven’t cut into the back of it though. I did buy a magnetic mat on Amazon that is almost exactly like the original one that came with my machine. And now it looks like that vendor is carrying cutting plates as well—but I don’t have those and can’t speak to the quality. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CPLWSYM8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&th=1 |
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Sept 21, 2024 17:19:49 GMT
MichyM , I'm using my Empress almost exclusively, and my plates have not warped at all. However, the magnetic mat looks awful! I should get a couple more to have on hand. Glad you like the turntable - I love mine (from Amazon). No need to spend $$$ for the AG one.
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Sept 21, 2024 22:28:56 GMT
I finally used mine earlier this week to cut out a bajillion C9 floral dies. I am in love. I'm cutting into the magnetic mat, but have only used that and the two clear plates thus far. No shims yet. I'm flipping the top clear plate around and run my sandwich upside down through the machine out of habit. Dies always placed on the diagonal rather than straight onto the magnetic mat.
I have an AG cart started with the extended size plates & magnetic mat. I only recently learned these existed. I'm waiting for a sale code before buying though.
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Post by craftmepink on Sept 22, 2024 12:53:33 GMT
I find rotating between magnetic mats helpful to extend the life and it gives your mats a "rest."
Also, if you already haven't tried this, it's helpful to die cut in different areas in your mat and will help extend it's life.
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Oct 5, 2024 16:09:54 GMT
I am looking to purchase the small size magnetic mat that came with the machine, and am not having any luck. Anna Griffin site is sold out, other sites only sell the extended size, which means I'll have to buy the complete plate set for around $72.00.
Does anyone have a good place to purchase the small mat?
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,058
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Post by pinklady on Oct 5, 2024 19:18:33 GMT
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Oct 5, 2024 20:10:24 GMT
Thanks pinklady , I'm going to order one. I just tried my magnetic Magic Mat that I got in a C&CD box (I think) and it works well too. |
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Post by MichyM on Oct 5, 2024 22:46:55 GMT
MDscrapaholic, I too am waiting on AG to get them back in stock. I am tempted by the Amazon one, but it’s more $$$ than the AG, so I’m holding out. Hopefully they’ll be back in stock soon!
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Oct 7, 2024 19:10:08 GMT
The Anna Griffin extended plates (8.6" x 13.5") are $30 off on Amazon right now. Marked down from $72 to $42. I ordered a set so I can cut those extra long PinkFresh dies. |
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Post by MichyM on Oct 7, 2024 19:26:14 GMT
Thank you MDscrapaholic ! Considering that the small set is $50, that is a great deal and I placed an order. Oh and cutting the PF washi tape dies is going to be awesome now! If anyone is interested, I emailed Anna Griffin last week and asked when they expect the magnetic mats back in stock. Their reply this morning was that they’ve put me on their notify list. I’ve already been on it for weeks, maybe a month, so that wasn’t helpful. How hard is it to say in general terms, “hopefully by the end of the month,” or if they have no idea, it’s ok to admit that too, ya know? I hate that I feel like I’m going to have to buy several and hoard them when they finally do get them in again. |
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Oct 7, 2024 19:34:28 GMT
I think I saw somewhere - don’t ask me where - that AG is coming out with a new machine. Can’t give you any specifics, but they may not be interested in supplying the plates for the old ones. I hope this is not the case
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Post by MichyM on Oct 7, 2024 22:04:09 GMT
I think I saw somewhere - don’t ask me where - that AG is coming out with a new machine. Can’t give you any specifics, but they may not be interested in supplying the plates for the old ones. I hope this is not the case That part about not supporting the old machines cannot be true. The outcry would be immense and I’m sure they realize that. Crossing everything just the same 😉 |
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,632
Location: Down by the bay....
Jun 25, 2014 20:49:07 GMT
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Oct 9, 2024 1:23:17 GMT
My plates came today. They are huge!
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Post by MichyM on Oct 15, 2024 19:22:08 GMT
My plates came today. They are huge! Mine arrived a few days ago as well, and yes, they ARE big! I went back to Amazon to buy a second set, and they are sold out. As a brand new Empress user, I am pretty peeved and completely unimpressed that I cannot find anyone with the magnetic mat and clear plates for sale in the “small” size. I’m also peeved that I reached out to AG asking when we might expect them back in stock and their only reply was to put my email in their notify me. <——- I already did a month ago. I don’t expect an exact date, but a more complete reply would have been appreciated! I haven”t purchased anything from AG before, and right now I’m not inspired to in the future. |
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Ryann
Pearl Clutcher
Love is Inclusive
Posts: 2,639
Location: PNW
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Post by Ryann on Oct 15, 2024 19:37:18 GMT
My plates came today. They are huge! Mine arrived a few days ago as well, and yes, they ARE big! I went back to Amazon to buy a second set, and they are sold out. As a brand new Empress user, I am pretty peeved and completely unimpressed that I cannot find anyone with the magnetic mat and clear plates for sale in the “small” size. I’m also peeved that I reached out to AG asking when we might expect them back in stock and their only reply was to put my email in their notify me. <——- I already did a month ago. I don’t expect an exact date, but a more complete reply would have been appreciated! I haven”t purchased anything from AG before, and right now I’m not inspired to in the future. This Amazon listing has small clear plates / magnetic mats. They are the off brand ones listed above (I have not used before). |
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