|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Sept 29, 2024 23:42:34 GMT
My Big Shot doesn’t. I’ve tried numerous sandwiches.
I’ve used combinations including the thin die shim, the metal shim, and even cardboard. Anyone have a recipe they can share? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Margie on Sept 30, 2024 13:49:12 GMT
I also struggled with my Big Shot for years. Besides trying different sandwiches and shims, sometimes I'd run the intricate dies through 4 or 6 times. Embossing folders were a no-go, too. I finally gave up and purchased a Spellbinders Platinum Six. HUGE difference! One pass through and done.  I'm glad I didn't get rid of my dies that I struggled with with the Big Shot. I had added Post-It notes with "Doesn't Work" on them and kept them separate. With the Platinum Six, now they "work." |
|
|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 1, 2024 3:41:19 GMT
Hmmm. Several years ago when my last 15 year old Big Shot finally wore out I wanted to replace it with a Platinum. I actually couldn’t find one anywhere—not even the Spellbinders site. I might just get one especially since they’re new and improved.
|
|
pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,060 
|
Post by pinklady on Oct 1, 2024 17:33:21 GMT
My Big Shot just does not apply much pressure. However, that's why I think the plates on a Big Shot (well at least mine) do not warp. I have to use a cardstock shim to but that's not always enough either.
My Platinum 6 is my go to but man the warping plates are a problem. I've tried the Magic Mat and that works but I find that after a while that loses it's thickness and I'm right back to the cardstock shim or using the regular plates.
There is just zero comparison between the Big Shot and Platinum 6 as far as pressure. The P6 is just far superior in that category.
|
|
|
|
Post by gizzy on Oct 2, 2024 1:06:49 GMT
I had to get a metal (I think?) plate for cutting intricate dies. When I remember to use that, they cut nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 5, 2024 4:11:46 GMT
I also have a Gemini Jr. and that cuts intricate dies perfectly. I lost the cord somehow but found it in the back of a drawer. Yay!
I may be replacing the Big Shot though. I have the one with the fold up platform. When they’re pulled down to use you have to push the tabs into slots on the machine. However it doesn’t completely snap in so the platform isn’t level. Plus it’s kind of flimsy and I’m afraid the tabs will crack.
Seems like ever since Sizzix changed CEOs a while back their products don’t seem to be as well made.
|
|
|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 5, 2024 4:12:09 GMT
Oops
|
|
|
|
Post by riversong1963 on Oct 5, 2024 15:42:50 GMT
My teal and blue Big Shot cuts intricate dies really well. Sometimes I have to add a chipboard shim, but I think that's because the dies themselves aren't always a standard thickness. And I still have my original red and white Big Kick. I had given it to my mother when I upgraded to the teal one; but when she passed away in January, it came back to me. It was very bittersweet. artisticscrapper, I agree with you. Since the new CEO took over, the quality of Sizzix products has declined. |
|
|
|
Post by grammadee on Oct 5, 2024 17:25:55 GMT
but I think that's because the dies themselves aren't always a standard thickness. I used a die the other day that I received as a replacement from Taylored Expressions when I could NOT get the original to cut through. Most intricate dies I can get to cut on my Vagabond if I use my metal shim and run them the sandwich through backwards and forewards several times. |
|
|
|
Post by Night Owl on Oct 5, 2024 19:17:47 GMT
Years ago I saw a demonstration for a mini Sidekick Sizzix machine and I got sucked in, that thing never cut worth a toot. I have the original Big Kick (it's not called a Big Shot but is practically the same thing) and haven't had problems cutting with it (knock wood).
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Oct 6, 2024 5:08:03 GMT
If it’s just one area that doesn’t cut properly, you only want to shim that area. I use small pieces of packing tape on the die in those areas. I use my Big Shot or Revolution and in all the years, have only had one intricate Easter egg die that just won’t cut nicely.
|
|
|
|
Post by riversong1963 on Oct 6, 2024 14:05:38 GMT
I'm not sure if you've tried this already, but I place my dies more toward the edge of my cutting plate. I get a much better cut that way, because the pressure is stronger at the edges. HTH.
|
|
|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 6, 2024 18:12:45 GMT
I was trying to cut a very intricate die from Altenew—the Deco Covered die set. I have a couple of others from them and the Big Shot does not like them. The best I can get, no matter how I shim the best I get is an embossed piece of cardstock. I’ve tried combinations of their plastic shim, metal shim, pieces of cardboard in various thicknesses.
Thankfully I found the cord for my Gemini and the dies come out perfectly.
|
|
|
|
Post by wimom on Oct 6, 2024 22:23:45 GMT
I bought a Sizzix Chrome Precision Plate and it has made a big difference with intricate cuts. And it does not warp!
|
|
|
|
Post by marie on Oct 6, 2024 22:34:55 GMT
I just struggled with an intricate die from Pinkfresh and my Big Shot
What finally worked was platform on the bottom, NEW cutting plate, thin bubble wrap or packing foam, paper, die, cutting plate. It cut the first time with this sandwich.
PF recommended having new cutting plates for intricate dies. The bubble wrap I used was actually a very thin foam used to pack glassware.
|
|
FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 7,276
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
|
Post by FurryP on Oct 6, 2024 23:36:38 GMT
I bought a Sizzix Chrome Precision Plate and it has made a big difference with intricate cuts. And it does not warp! Is it thin like a metal shim? |
|
|
|
Post by Night Owl on Oct 7, 2024 1:34:33 GMT
Sizzix Chrome Precision Plate That's new info for me, I didn't know about those. Glad I read this thread. |
|
|
|
Post by wimom on Oct 24, 2024 21:44:52 GMT
I bought a Sizzix Chrome Precision Plate and it has made a big difference with intricate cuts. And it does not warp! Is it thin like a metal shim? Sorry, I just saw your question. It is the same thickness as the plastic plates and takes the place of the bottom plate. |
|
|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 25, 2024 2:16:18 GMT
The sandwich I usually use is die platform, Magic Mat (no warp), paper, die, Sizzix plate. I tried shims but those didn’t help. I also tried the metal shim and no luck.
I’m beginning to wonder if it’s due to the machine’s folding sides. The pull down and then you push the tabs into the body. They don’t really go in all the way making sides uneven.
I’m looking into a Spellbinder Platinum 6. Black November is only a week away.
|
|
pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,238
|
Post by pantsonfire on Oct 26, 2024 14:23:43 GMT
I have the pink and black big shot (non folding) and use magic mat and the plastic clear top plate and am able to cut intricate dies. I roll one way then back and that is it.
My clear plate warps a bit and I am in need of a new one soon.
For smaller dies I like to use my QK Evolution.
|
|
|
|
Post by artisticscrapper on Oct 28, 2024 2:14:12 GMT
Yep. Tried that combination with zero luck.
I used to have the pink and black Big Shot. I had that for years and years then it finally gave out. Even with brand new plates it wouldn’t even cut basic thin dies. I loved that thing. And it was so pretty.
Thank goodness I have the Gemini Jr. Perfect cuts on intricate dies but I still haven’t figured out embossing folders. It’s so powerful the cardstock comes out flattened.
|
|
|
|
Post by riversong1963 on Oct 28, 2024 10:34:12 GMT
Yep. Tried that combination with zero luck. I used to have the pink and black Big Shot. I had that for years and years then it finally gave out. Even with brand new plates it wouldn’t even cut basic thin dies. I loved that thing. And it was so pretty. Thank goodness I have the Gemini Jr. Perfect cuts on intricate dies but I still haven’t figured out embossing folders. It’s so powerful the cardstock comes out flattened. When I emboss with my Gemini, I just use 2 of the clear plastic plates. It sometimes does warp the paper, though. I try to use heavy cardstock when I'm embossing. HTH. |
|
