Self Healing Mats in Place of Cutting Plates in Your Die Cutting Machines
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Use your self-healing mat in place of your cutting plates in your die cutting machines. This works in both electronic and manual machines. Here are the sandwiches I used in the different machines. Yours might be different. Just experiment until you find the sandwich that works for you! Thank you to Devi Evans for sharing this idea on Facebook. Here is the link to the mat I used:
www.amazon.com...
Here is a link to another one suggested:
www.amazon.com...
Here is another Self Healing Mat by Olfa that is already sized at 6 X 8
www.amazon.com...
GEMINI
Purple Plate
Metal Shim
Clear white plastic
Magnetic pad
Die (face up)
Paper
Self Healing Mat (Clear mat from Amazon)
SIZZIX SIDE KICK
Cutting plate
Die (face up)
Paper
Self-healing Mat (Clear mat from Amazon)
4 pieces manila folder
CUTTLEBUG
A plate
1 or 2 layers manila folder
B plate
Self healing mat (olfa)
Card stock
Die
B plate
CUTTLEBUG (option2)
A plate
Double pieces of manila folder
Olfa Cutting mat used as a shim
Self Healing Mat (Clear from Amazon)
B cutting plate
BIG SHOT
Magnetic Plate
2 Layers of manila folder
2 layers of self healing mat (Olfa)
Paper
Die
Cutting Plate
I’ve just bought a second-hand cuttlebug & was worried when I found out that the plates won’t be being made any more. This is a brilliant idea to preserve the plates you have. Feeling happier now & will definitely try this. Thank you!
Thanks Margaret! You will love it!
Hi, I have been using a self healing mat in my Epic machine for a few years now, they do start to curl and bend, but I put them into very hot water and put a heavy weight on it until it cools, I also scrub it to get the small bits of paper out of it and then use then again and again, and it is cheap to replace them, Cheers Anna.
That is good to know! I have not been using them long enough to have that problem but I will do that when I need to! Thanks so much for watching and for your comment!
Also, use a lint roller on it. (The dollar store ones work just fine)
You would be shocked at how many fibers get embedded in them even the plastic plates.
Thanks Anna, I have the epic myself. I actually have 2 lol. That was what I hated about the self healing mat that came with the epic. I'm going to do that hot water and heavy weight. Mine warped so bad it was hard to do any of my sizzlets. I have several machines too but I am excited to read about the flattening them so I can continue using them. @Dscrapie Thank you too for such a good idea. I didn't think that I could create a new one from my cutting mats I have several that could be repurposed!!
Thank you for sharing your great idea!
Hi, Do you guys think this would work for sizzix dies cutting fabric? I am a quilter and have a sizzix pro and the plates cost a fortune and warp and wear out cutting 8 layers of fabric at a time.. I think I will have to give the mat a go. I may have to put some card stock underneath my die to get the right thickness but think it might work :-)
I know this video is a few years old but I still wanted to pop in and say for anyone that is using the self healing cutting mats? You can extend the life by soaking them in lukewarm water for about an hour once a month or so. Basically when you notice that the cuts aren't healing as quickly... The reason they stopped healing is because they get dehydrated and soaking takes care of that problem. They don't last forever but it definitely extends the life.
Good to know! I hadn't heard that. TFS!
Wow, I never heard that before, but I have quite a few mats that have seen better days, so I'll give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, great information. I just found this today, went right over and found an old self healing mat by Fiskars...cut it and used it! It works amazing, the pieces just fall out! I love you and am so happy I happened across your video today! Blessings!
Hi thank you so much for sharing the info about the self healing mats, I've been die cutting for quite a few years now & get through so many replacement cutting plates, so this is a brilliant idea as the origional plated get so scratched, which can get very frustrating. It will save a lot of money to. So many thanks for this great idea. From Alison.
I tried it on my big shot it didn’t work I’m glad it work for you it is a money saver tfs💕
Keep experimenting with different sandwiches. It works in my Big Shot. Should work in yours. Good Luck!
Thank you SOOOOO much for Sharing. If this works for me, I will be ever grateful as Cutting plates are pricy. I have several machine and have switched to the electric machine because Of my arthritis..
This is so helpful - thanks!
I've noticed lots of people are using manual machines a lot. I have a Grand Calibur and a Gemini - but I wondered if there is a problem with electronic machines which is why people are using manual machines.
I think the price of the electronic machines stops some people from getting them. They are a lot more expensive. Also it depends on how much die cutting your do. I have arthritis in my thumbs which is why I have both. I do know some people say the electronic ones don't last as long. TFW!
For myself, and I'm sure others, the price, size, and the fact you're limited and can only use the electronic machines where there's an outlet to plug is a downside for me. Manual machines are much cheaper, portable, and much smaller than most electronic machines I've seen.
My name is Debi Evans, but not the one you are talking about.
I’m thinking the people who gave this a thumbs down, are the people who will lose money from selling those awful clear acrylic plates that need to be replaced often.
You’re probably right! Those acrylic cutting plates seem like a racket to me! I’ve used mine literally for a few hours today (that’s it! I JUST received my die cutting machine) and I’m following the directions perfectly. But my acrylic cutting plate is ALREADY WARPED!!! WTH!?
Or those who were currently working on the magic mat that's now out 🤣
I’ve used Score-Pals self healing mats with my big shot for several years. I too got tired of replacing warped acrylic plates. In fact I shared this idea with my Stampin’ Up demonstrator, she has workshops 2 weekends a month & was needing to replace plates every month. The paper-crafting industry needs to realize the need for this and manufacture them for the die cutting machines❣️
Yikes! Then the price goes up!
I glued a piece of cardboard to my cutting mat so that its the same thickness as a cutting plate and use it in my Big Shot instead of one plate. In this way my sandwich is the same as before.
I have tried this and it works perfectly with the Big Shot too, even using with the magnetic plate. Thanks for sharing this super money saving tip.👏🏽 🙌🏽 🤸♀️
Thanks
Thank you very much for this video and especially your recipes for different machines. That's really very helpful.
I remember watching this vide a couple of years ago and it has made a big difference in my success with cutting. Since not all of my dies are from the company that my press is from, sometimes it won't cut well. You taught me about adjusting the "sandwich" to get a better cut permormance. I still struggle with getting what I need but it is a bit less frustrating knowing that I can do something about it.
Also, I've been able to get self healing cutting mats in small sizes from the dollar tree and I cut it down to fit my small sissex machine.
thanks.
Thank you Metqa! I am glad it has been helpful to you!
I've been doing this for about 6 months, so far I've tried it in every brand machine I own and I love it. I'm glad people are catching on to this.
Thankyou for the share .It's 5 years later but I will try it. Im replacement mats alot and I'm rotating. Not to mention I hate that cracking sound and I do cut my large dies at a angle.
I just started using self healing- great money saver- I don’t no what’s wrong with the companies…I can’t stand the warping on my new plate after one time..I try diffferent sandwiches..
I'm so glad you shared this!! when I stared paper crafting, I always wondered why they didn't use self healing products. Such waste! Thank you so much!!
The reason I would guess is they want to make money from the machines but where they make their real money is replacing the cutting plates that do not really last that long and can be expensive to replace :)
Thank you for your informative video. Also, I appreciate that you discussed the Gemini because the Gemini Jr. is the only machine I have. I bet the die cutting machine manufacturers will go mad as this catches on more and more. Shame on them for charging so much for replacement plates. Thanks again.
I also have a Gemini!
I competlly agree with you, costs for new plates are just enormous, you buy them few times and it exceeds the cost of machine itself! So I soon started to look for cheaper replacements. I found alternative materials which do not bend, but I like this tip too, I will put it over my cut plate and it will be protected from cuts and will last for ever... as it does not bend... fot top of sandwich I use 3mm metal plate... it really is a releif to find other materials, cause it is kinda crazy to pay such price for original plates...
@@zdenkamlinaric9137 What machine are you using? Would you please share the sandwich you use? All green mats are not the same, some do bend, warp and are different thicknesses. You need to rotate them. Thank you for your time!! 😀🌺
This is cool. I've got a self healing mat that I was going to toss because of some minor damage and replaced with a glass mat. Now I can use it for this. Thank you for this.
I use the Recollections 8x11 self healing mat in my Spell Binders Platinum. It is fantastic. Cheap too.
I've had a Cuttlebug for a few years and am just now getting into die cuts so this info is a godsend. I live in Europe and find brand names hard to find. Plus, I love DIY instead of spending money on all the extras one seems to need after the initial buy. Thanks so much for sharing.
I used a box cutter we had around the house. I just kept slicing until I went through the mat. I got a nice clean cut using a metal ruler to guide my cut. I loved this idea the first time I saw your video introducing this idea to me for the first time. I have shared the idea with any of my friends who use a die cutter.
This is such a great idea! I've had an old mat for years that needs replacing, so this would be a great way to use it rather than throwing it away. Also, while I haven't tried it myself yet, some people are using the Dollar Tree cutting mats (you have to trim them a little). They aren't self-healing, of course, so they wouldn't last as long as the ones that are, but for the price, it might be worth trying and would be cheaper than buying replacement cutting plates.
I’m going to try this, as now I can’t find Cuttlebug “B” plates anywhere, and Circuit has announced they have discontinued making them (and are no longer making the Cuttlebug). Can’t believe they would do this to us faithful Circuit Cuttlebug customers!!!!
I purchased a Cuttlebug 2 weeks ago, without knowing it was discontinued & there are no replacement plates to be found. I think it is bad to sell a product & say "out of stock" or "sale" & not inform customers they are discontinued. Thus info is great, as I only have the plates that came with it. After searching for the past 2 days, I have found nothing fit Cuttlebug, but A plates, a few folders & dies.
I saw Cuttlebug B plates for sale on eBay last month. 😀🌺
What if we don’t have either plates just the cuttlebug
I went to Home Depot and they cut 2 mats for me from some clear plastic they had. I took my current plate with me for them to match the size. I need to figure out how to make the “sandwich” by adding layers of cardstock and the plastic plates they cut for me. Works pretty well! At least I can keep making fun cards!
@@tanyameza8929 I don't have a Cuttlebug. You need to find someone who has one with A and B plates who will give you the measurements of each one. 😇🌺
This is so exciting. I can go to Michael's and use my 50% coupon and get a bigger mat that I could cut up a lot more mats. Thanks so much.
Oooo, I never would have thought to do this.
I have an A3 cutting mat that has a warp in it. I did think about cutting it up for smaller mats, but I already have a couple of A5 mats and an A4 mat.
Now I know what I can use it for :)
Thanks so much for this. Are going to try it in my Big Shot as I am tired of warped plates because they do warp some of my open dies as well
CraftingMyWorld I have a Big Shot as well. How did this work for you?
@@susanb974 cut dies face down on a new cut plate, and then place a new do not cut plate on top always. you will never have warped plates this way. at least i haven't since i learned this trick, and its been months. it used to be a few days to a week and id start warping pretty bad.
Hey!
I m very new to the die cutting machine and plan to buy a sizzix big shot. I dont understand how this works though. 🙈 and whts all the accessories we need for it!
You just need the plates that come with the machine and a self healing mat cut to size. That is all you need. After you use it a few times watch the video again and it will be clearer as to how you do it. Good luck!
I am one of those who spent money on replacement mats, no more, thanks for the tips great stuff!
Very much appreciate your posting info on self healing mats
Hi when i first bought a gemini junior about 4 years ago, I was finding my acrylic mats were shot very quickly and I used this idea. It did work very well but the mat that cut up to use did eventually warp and made a lot of mess on card - I had cut up an expensive mat which I did rotate etc and found it lasted just about the same time as the gemini acrylic plates so I reverted back to acrylic. By then I had found on ebay lots of companies selling the same thickness acrylic already cut to size for most machines (or they will cut to size if you contact them). I’ve bought for the gemini and gemini junior electric machines also the really large long plates for the Big Shot Plus. I’ve bought all three sizes for the Big Shot so dependent on what I’m cutting I can use my Big Shot Plus but don’t have to use the largest plates every tine for smaller dies. These equivalent plates are generally sold as pairs at less than half the cost of brand names with free p&p and I’ve found they do as good a job and last equally well.
Notably I am based in the UK but you must have similar companies who sell acrylic cut to size in other countries… worth checking it out if you prefer to stick with acrylic.
Both self heal and alternative acrylic have been used by me to good effect. They’re all consumables at the end if the day and will always need replacing sooner or later but either can make a good saving as an alternative.
HELP please… whilst I am here…
I recently bought the gemini midi (same size as gemini junior only manual) and it’s good but it has a plastic wallet instead of cutting plates which feeds in hinged side first. The hinge came apart in a couple of weeks and it doesn’t always feed in as two separate plates one will often slide and being manual you only have one hand to feed it whilst the other cranks. I’ve got replacements on order but I wonder if any of you know of alternatives for the midi that I can try? The folders are very slim and the hinges a bit flimsy. Thank you❣️
I have bought 2 of the self healing cutting mats for my big shot. Have not used them yet.soon I hope. Still new to the big shot.Thanks for Sharing these ideas.
Iv'e finally managed it... yeah ! O.K. so ive a Gemini, full one. Got Helix A4 Cutting and Craft Mat from Amazon. I had Clear plate on the bottom, then die face up, then card, then healing mat, then clear plate on top. Not only did it cut out perfectly, better than ever but also it embossed a bit at the same time
I am glad to hear you got it to work! Sometimes it just takes a little playing with it. Thanks for letting me know!
according to a group that I am in and many people trying out this way of cutting, the results would seem to be that it is the thickness of the self healing mat that counts. My one as mentioned is 4mm thick but also tends to emboss the die as well so I think a 3mm one might be better. Still wont be using the magnetic plate though which is a shame.
I have tried a thick self healing mat and one that is about half the thickness of it. They both worked for me. I would think it is the shims you use. Every machine and mat is different so the shims you use will vary. I am really glad you were able to work it out! Happy Crafting! TFW!
I tried to cut with tim holtz sissors and the Fiskars sissors - I could not do it. I used a pair of tin snips (large), and is easy to do.
Such a great money saving idea! You can use a feeler gauge to determine the thickness of your existing plates.
I hope it catches on and manufacturers will provide self healing cutting plates. I see a new market.
I told the same thing to Provo Craft! TFW!
It’s already been done; & I’ve been using it for at least 5 years, the same original mat from lifestyle crafts. I don’t have a Cuttlebug, and understand from posts it’s too wide. It works fabulously on my big shot & big shot pro. I was using an olfa mat prior to purchasing the lifestyle crafts platform & mat. Thought I’d add no shims required on my machines, and have 2 self healing lifestyle crafts mats that came with it, one for cutting and thinner one for embossing folders. I’m thinking Cricut’s history of suits against companies is the reason they don’t make one to fit the Cuttlebug. I’ve posted a link where you can purchase a free custom cut size if you purchase from them. Their mat prices start around $12.00 www.speedpress.com/products/2/2
Thank you so much Linda! I am surprised to learn that it has been that long and no one else is doing it! All of a sudden it seems to have taken off. Thanks for the link!
Linda Anne Calderone
Ppppp
You don't need permission from Provo Craft to do anything on UA-cam. They'll tell you that using anything except the recommended accessories is going to void your warranty so you're wise not to say a word. (From someone who worked with Provo Craft for years. "With", not "for" 😉.)
That is exactly what they told me but I wanted to make sure I wasn't violating any rules. TFW!
Would this work for Accuquilt? Their plates are much softer than Cuttlebug or Sizzix. So expensive and they don’t last nearly as long as the acrylic plates.
Honestly, I am not sure. I have never used one. You could try it and see.
Great idea, I just bought new plates from sizzix for my vagabond and within 40-50 cuts my plate was bending, not only that I purchases a turquoise plate as my top plate and the dies are digging into that one as well! I will definately try this
Lori, how did it work for you?
OMG...just tried it...it’s awesome! I was worried that just getting into card making I was going to have to buy a new die cutting machine as I have the cuttle bug also! And I was not aware that they are discontinuing items! Definitely game changer...just made my holiday! Thanks to one one that came up with the idea and thank you for posting the video!🎆
I cut my self healing mats up to fit my Gemini, Gemini Jr, and Cuttlebug, and it works GREAT on all of these cutting machines!!!! Everybody should know about this... Saves you $$$ on warped B plates!!!!! Just add a cardstock shim if you need one.
What sandwich are you using with the reg size Gemini?
This has been a very helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. I bought a self healing mat just for this purpose.
Thank you! I hope you love it as much as I do! TFW!
What about replacing B plates which are no longer available? Found anything different?
No, sorry to say I have not heard of an alternative.
Hi, Has anyone used this method on the Vagabond Machine 2? If so, how did it work? Thanks, Carol-Lynn
Hello ladies, thanks for the tips.Bought a Gemini and the plates especially milky shim are warping so much and the cracking noise is off putting as you dont know if you are damaging die, or machine. Will try the self healing mat and post my results.
I absolutely love this idea and works like a charm!! Thank YOU!!
This is a game changer. Thanks for sharing
I was watching a craft video and this of yours showed up. I'm so excited to see this. I have an embosser cutting die machine. I use lots of metal die cuts for cards and scrap booking pages. I was just going to order more plates...in stead I'm getting some self healing matts, they are cheaper.
ME TOO! SUCH A GREAT TIP. I JUST BOUGHT 4 CUTTLEBUG 12X5ISH A PLATES FROM THE CRICUT SHOP SITE, AT $4 EAH. I PLAN ON CUTTING THEM IN HALF TO USE. BUT, THIS TIP, IS A MONEY- SAVER! THANK-YOU
Thank you for sharing this. I just got back to scrapbooking after many years. I stumbled upon the Cuddlebug at a yardsale and she had tons of stuff with it even 2 extra b plates. It wasn't till I got home that i found out that they didn't make anything for it any longer and I was afraid I wasted my $20. I mean it does have the extra plates but they will only last so long. Thank you!!!
I have a Gemini and my top and bottom are warped will this work?
I use the mat in my Gemini and it is fine. Just be very careful with the sandwich you use. You don't want to get a thicker sandwich can the Gemini can handle. It might get stuck and ruin your machine. I have used the mat for several years and have not had a problem. Good luck!
Hi, new to card making and I have just run across this video so have a couple of questions. Does anyone have a Vagabond machine? I was wondering if this method works with it and also could you share the stacking order for your Vagabond machine using the self-healing mat? Thanks, Carol-Lynn
I have not heard of anyone talking about using this in the Vagabond. I would think it would work but can't give you info on stacking order.
I am looking forward to trying this. I hope I have success with my Gemini machine as it is expensive replacing plates and it's disappointing when you put through a brand new shiny cutting plate and after one run through it scratched already. And thanks for going to so much trouble and taking the time to share this tip and also for giving the various recommendations after your testing.
My mat still warps after a few cuts. I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong
Sorry to hear this. I wonder if your sandwich is too thick and the rollers are pressing down too hard on the mat. Also, I rotate my mat. Mine sometimes warps but if I am diligent about rotating and placing the dies on different sections I don't have that problem. I'm still using the same mat as shown in this video! Good Luck!
The cutting plate will always warp. I’ve owned a big shot for more than 15 years. I disagree that you won’t need to buy anymore plates. I think you’ll buy less since you won’t need 2 to create a sandwich.
omg why didn't I see this video long before???! I could have safed so much money and frustration, especially when it comes to these intricate cover plates. Now I know the magic number (8 mm) and what I did wrong all the time. If course I've heard about the cutting mat method, but it would never work. Here a 30 x 40 cm mat is 3 Euros only and it is 2 mm. So 2 cutting plates makes 6 + 2 = 8 mm. Perfect. And it really does cut phenomenal. They really pop out, no more poking forever. Now I only have to figure it out for my big shot pro (here the mat fits in as if it was made for) and the big shot plus. Any idea how the sandwich must be?
Wonderful idea
i like that good work thank you
This is very useful thanks for the great video it was very helpful
I have a question on this what if you dont have any of the plates and only the cuttlebug. How can i make the three plates needed
You could not use the mats in place of all the plates. You will still need the hard plates. The mat only takes the place of one plate. I understand they do not make plates anymore for the cuttlebug. I am not sure where you could get a set. Look on ebay or classified ads to see if you can find something. Sorry!
Diane Simmons thank you
Oh my goodness I just tried this technique with the mat and I am AMAZED!!!! I even have a precision mat with my Big Shot and this still worked worlds better!!!! Plus after shattering a warped plate last night I was ready for a less lethal technique. You are a genius :-). Thank you so much for this information.
Glad you like it! TFW!
Great, thanks! They're now promoting them as Magic Mats I think.
Yes, I think you are right. It is a much better way! TFW!
I'm using my old cricut mats but i have a pretty used up self healing mat that I'll try also. Thanks for the video.
Sorry to ask this but exactly WHY do you need so many different machines? 🤔🤔🤔🤔
I recommend inexpensive kitchen shears to cut if needed, not any scissors you’re fond of (like Tim’s). My teen son makes a lot of stuff so I got him some spare kitchen shears and it also saves his hand from struggling to cut through thick cardboard. I have a pair too. Love them! ;-)
Thanks for the tip. I will give it a try next time.
So could you tell me how long the healing mat lasted?
I am still using the same mat. It is still working great!
ME ENCANTARON ESTAS MAQUINAS
I have a cuttlekids die cut machine I purchased when they first came out, and I can’t even buy replacement cutting plates for the machine. In fact the cutting plate has a crack in it. I’m just waiting for the day, it will break altogether. I’m going to try the self healing mat to see how it will work.
Thanks for this helpful info, but how come the dies cutting side has to be sometimes down or sometimes up, depending on which machine i'd be using, i just ordered one die cut embosser machine called the AccuCut Zip e-Mate, would you know which way i'd put on my die for this?
I know on the Gemini you put the cut side of the die face up so it won't cut into the magnetic mat. It cuts into the plates. The self healing mat takes the place of one of the cutting plates so you want to cut into the self healing mat on the other ones. They can go down. I am not familiar with AccuCuts machine. I am sure it will be in the instructions on how to use it or how to do the sandwiches. Hope that helps!
@@dianesimmons875 Thanks for replying, my 1st embosser was the Sizzix Sidekick a smaller (3 & 1/2") one i'm quite happy with it for smaller projects, then i wanted a larger one, i bought the 6" wide Evolution & had to return it, it was very hard to open the side drawers & it had no suction cups, etc, then i bought another embosser die/cutter called (Nurxiovo), well it won't even emboss without some type on mat that wasn't even included & it was supposed to be sharp enough to even cut leather, well it would even barely cut light weight cardboard, also in the description it was said to have suction cups, which it surely didn't have, so i was very unhappy with this product & just returned it too. I finally decided on an older style the Accu-Cutter Zip Mate..
I expect it by this Friday, well i hope i finally picked a good one, this is getting frustrating to me. Well i just wanted to write my disappointments here, so no one else has to experience what i had to go thru. Bye!!!
@@j.m.england6828 Thanks for sharing! Hope it helps someone. Hope this works out for you this time!
@@dianesimmons875 Thanks a bunch, yup i believe the Accu-Cut ZipMate is an older type of model, but i think i got lucky, because instead of Amazon, i found this one on EBay, there's quite a few for sale on there.
The one i picked had everything still included, even the original box, wih a price at $129.99, including larger sized instructions, the self healing mat, etc. It still appeared virtually brand new, even suction cups, all this for under $50.00 ;-).
Do you have a picture of the layout on the mat when you cut all the plates? I have a Cuttlebug, Big Shot and a Gemini - just curious.
Hi Carol. I do not have pictures of the layout. Sorry. I just laid the plates on the mat, marked it and my husband cut it out. TFW!
Just had to say thank you so much for the great video which has been very useful indeed! I have a Gemini & a Gemini Junior which are now cutting even better than ever before. I have to thank one of your viewers too (Dorne Dawn) who's comment gave the sandwich information for my machines. I've just dragged out all my extremely intricate dies - which needed a few passes even on the Gemini - well haha not any longer! I'm going to stock up on self-healing mats immediately!
Jeanette, which "sandwich" do you use for your Gemini machine? Thank you
@@brendajones7756 Hello Brenda
I put my clear cutting plate on the bottom of the sandwich with my self healing mat on top of it. I then put my cardstock on top of that with the die(s) low tack taped onto it with the cutting edge face down - so they cut into the self healing mat.
Then my purple cutting plate goes on the top.
Both my cutting plates are unmarked and show no signs of warping. I’ve been using the same pair of plates since my original comment!
I don’t think any of the official CC sandwiches mention self healing mats.
I was happy to risk breaking my machine and would’ve had to buy another because it was out of warranty.
Thankfully this hasn’t been necessary.
Hope this helps. Happy Crafting 😊
This didn’t work at all, my self healing mats got all squished down and warped. Ugh.
I am sorry it didn't work. It sounds like your sandwich might have been too thick maybe? If it was electric it might have had the power to push it through. I would try it again in another machine or make the sandwich smaller. I have tried it in several machines and didn't have this problem. Good Luck!
Diane Simmons I tried multiple variations with multiple platforms. The sandwich was either too thin for the cut to work, or the mat got squished way too much.
@@Meilandra I just had a thought. Maybe it is the mat you are using is too soft? There is a link to the mat I use in the description box. Maybe that is the problem. Try a different mat.
It has worked with the ones I get from the Dollar Store for 5 dollars. Beautifully, and i get two. I only own the Cuttlebug btw.
Brilliant solution to the cutting plate replacement issue!!
Tfs. I have gone through so many magnetic plates this is going to help me a lot. I was shocked when I had to replace magnetic plate 5 x's so this will help so much.
I’d just like to say a
BIG THANK YOU for sharing this fabulous money saving idea. Well done!
O M G !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!
great tip. you mentioned that the Dahle Vantage was thicker. Do you have to use the additional shims with it? I have a Big Shot.
Yes, I use two thickness' of a manilla folder. You just have to experiment and see what works for yours. Someone suggested using a plastic cutting mat. I am going to try that one! TFW!
Hi! Your video is great, thank you for sharing! I love your idea and look forward to trying it. Do you mean the manilla file folders? I have a Cuttlebug that embosses great, but i have never been able to successfully cut a die. I've tried different cardstock/paper thicknesses to no avail. It never cuts all the way through and i'm so frustrated that i just gave up on dies. What am i doing wrong? Thank you!!!
Yes, I use Manilla folders for the shims. I am not sure why you can't cut out dies. I know there are several videos on UA-cam on cutting out die cuts. Maybe you can watch a few of them. There are different techniques out there on how to do it. I wonder if your rollers in the machine are off? Maybe you could call customer service and they might be able to help you. Good Luck!
Thanks for this video, very helpful. I have a Big Shot and have tried it and it works perfectly. I also have a Gemini, can you tell me why you use the die facing down on your Cuttlebug but facing up on the Gemini?
It is done that way so it doesn't cut into the magnetic mat. All the machines have different sandwiches. TFW!
Wow! Definitely a game changer. Thanks for sharing 🎉
Hi,
I have the Big Shot Plus, Could you tell me what is the sandwich for it and have you talk to Sizzix about it? I just saw this video and it's the 23 of February of 2019, could you tell me also since more or less a year has pass how it has turn out before I try it? ! Thanks
Should be the same as to the Big Shot
Hi Mirta, Sorry, I do not get notifications on comments and I just saw this. The sandwich is in the description box. I still LOVE cutting with the mat. I have not gone back to the cutting plate and my mats are still in great condition. Love it!
After watching your video I purchased one of the Dahle cutting mats that is linked in your video. My husband easily cut it to a usable size using his bandsaw and a fine blade. I smoothed the cut edge with a sanding block. Let me tell you, it worked perfectly in my Big Shot Plus as a substitute for the top plexiglass cutting plate of course placing the die cutting side up so it cuts into the self healing mat. It is the same (or within a hair's difference) thickness as the original cutting plate and so doesn't require a shim thus I wouldn't try any of the other maybe cheaper brands. It IS helpful too that the mat is clear as it helps with the placement of materials. I can cut 3 mats out of the 24 x 18 size which I paid under $18 for from Amazon. I won't be cutting any more until I see if I even need a replacement as I can see these lasting almost indefinitely if they hold up like my other self healing mats have for rotary cutting. Why the die-cutting machine manufacturers haven't improved their products by offering these, I don't know? Thanks for suggesting this hack...it has made my die cutting experience so much more pleasant and less hair splitting. Have a great day!
Thanks! So glad you are loving it! It has been a year since I started doing this and I still love it and have not had any problems!
Wonderful suggestion..but what was the name of the clear matt from amazon? I checked there and cannot find clear mats as you show.
Hi Michele, there is a link in the description box. TFW!
This is great! Thanks for the share. I know this is an older video. But looks like people are still using them. It’s worth a try considering how often I have to replace my mats.
Still using them and loving the way my dies cut!
I was just wondering about this and you have just confirmed it... thankyou
I have a Vagabond machine would the same sandwhich work as on the Big Shot. I would sure love to give this a try, i go through so many cutting plates and it does cost a lot of money. Thanks for the great tips. Lil
I would think it would work in your Vagabond. Just experiment with the sandwich. I have never used one but it worked in my other electronic machine. Good Luck! TFW!
Thank you!! I am new to die-cutting but I can see how this makes perfect sense!
I glued two of the healing mats together and it worked great with one clear mat for my sandwich
i only cut fabric. will these mats work with fabric?
Thank you for sharing! This is news to me. Will be buying self healing cutting mat for my die cutters!
Ow this changes a lot! I hate the cuttingplates, bending and cracking all the time. Have 3 mats upstairs, going to cut them right away! Thanks!!!
I am excited to try this! It would save money I could use on stamps, etc. Thanks
What a fantastic idea. Thank you so much. I have a spare mat so can't wait to cut it up and try it.
I’m confused. What am I missing? I thought the self healing mat was in place of cutting plates but you are using the B plates as well as the self healing mat
You still need the original cutting plate on top. The dies cut into the self healing mat instead of a cutting plate. You save all the wear and tear on a cutting plate and keep the top one looking nice. So it just replaces the one cutting mat that you cut into. I guess I didn't make that clear in the video. Hope that helps! TFW!
Donna Hooper you can use just the self healing mats with no plates. It works. You may need to shim them a bit more. There are several UA-cam videos showing that way too.
Hi the C plate used with the b plate is the normal cuttlebug sandwhich, here the c plate has been replaced with a cutting mat, a couple of shims(Cereal box cardboard will do, cut to the same size) with the other b plate to push the die thròugh the pathe paer into the cutting mat). 2B plates are used in embossing.
id like to know if the cutting mats dull the dies though
@@mintea2779 I have not personally tried this, but I would think the dies will last longer, since the material it is cutting into is softer than the acrylic/plastic plates. My Fiskars Fuse die cutting machine came with a material even softer than this that was glued to the cutting plate. It is replaceable for a very reasonable price. I have used it for many dies over the years and never once had a problem.
I hope that helps to reassure you a little bit.
mintea dies are not usually sharp anyway, so unless you used them so much that they completely flattened, it shouldn't be an issue. I find my knife blades last longer cutting on a self healing mat, because it's softer. So I think if anything it would protect the dies 😊
I have been complaining about the clear plates warping so quickly for ages now. I wrote to everyone selling the plates and the answers were always the same old solution which does not work for anyone. They want us to continue to buy these plates lots so they make money. It is very frustrating to say the least. I am waiting for someone to come out with a machine that does not warp the plates to the point that they are unusable. Maybe if they see your video they will do something to correct the problem. Love my Big Shot machine but I hate the plates that we have to deal with. Thank you for your video on this subject. I will try it for sure.
I have already talked to Provo Craft about it. Wither or not they do something remains to be seen. Someone mentions We Are Memory Keepers has a machine with a self healing mat. I hope it is something that works well for you! TFW!
I just looked up the We Are Memory Keepers mat you mentioned and it says it's compatible with the Big Shot. And it's magnetic! It sounds like a great alternative to the plates.
I purchased the self-healing mats you recommended from Amazon and am soooo glad I did. It works wonderfully. The mat is the same thickness as my Big Shot Plus plates and I did not have to add a shim. One of my plates just broke before I watched your video so the timing was perfect. Thanks so much for taking the time to post this video. Very much appreciated!
Your welcome! I am so glad you found it in time. I really like this mat the best of the ones I've used. Hope you love it too! TFW!
Which one is the one you like best? green olfa or clear one? Thank you
Personally, I like the clear one. TFW!
Dsscrapie thank you very much. Thanks for sharing!
The clear one. Love it!!!
omg did i miss something or i don't know ur still using the cutting pads in ur sandwich, I don't understand 😱 please help
I also have the same question
I just use one cutting plate and one cutting mat. Use the mat for the die to cut into.
Thank you for the information with self healing mat.