“Ken is a chemical engineer, and he’s going to use words none of us can understand…” I can’t tell you how excited that sentence made me! 😂 My little nerdy heart was like, “Ooooo! New words! Learning! Knowledge! Yay!” Edited to add: Ken’s explanation was wonderful! There were new phrases for sure (I can’t say “glass transition temperature” has been an everyday phrase for me 😅) but the explanation was still perfectly understandable! My little nerd heart thanks you for including the science behind the method! I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed watching wonky plates become straight ones again. 😁
I'm married to a brilliant chemical engineer and my daughter just finished her second year of chemical engineering study at Colorado School of Mines. When they get together, it sounds to me like they are speaking in a foreign language! Love my nerds so much!!
Thank you so much for the research, testing, and sharing:). I am a retired home ec teacher who LOVED the marriage of science and life (food, nutrition, fabric, clothing, household materials . . . ). Whenever I think of Ken I think of Press-n-Seal traveling from kitchen to craft room♥️
Get a Magic Mat and your top plate for your Big Shot shouldn't warp ... at all! I got the Magic Mat and absolutely no warping from my Big Kick. I LOVE it. But my Gemini warped it! So I won't ever use my MM in the Gemini again.
Who knew our plastic plates had glass in them and that stain glass windows could flow …! So interesting, thanks, Ken! And thank you, Jennifer, for being so tenacious in finding solutions for us crafters! ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you Jenifer for confirming what I have been doing for years. We need your videos and benefit from them greatly. Bless Ken, he is a super wonderful chap. I too am from an engineering family and we see things differently to other people, it is a blessing and it has taken years to be happy being a square peg in a round hole type of person.
I have a Gemini and used your technique to flatten my plates and it worked like a dream. I did one thing different though. I didn't remove them after 20 min or so, I actually waited till the water cooled right down. My plates came out perfectly flat. One plates had one die cut mark in it and you can't even tell anymore, its gone! , talk about a WOW moment. The other plate's marks decreased significantly but can still see some remnants of die cuts in it. But all in all, I couldn't be happier for them now being the next best thing to new :) Tyvm for sharing this with us!! ... and I thank your hubby too!
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. I´ve been doing the hot water procedure for more than a year, except that I leave the plates in soapy water to loosen the paper fibers trapped in them, since hot water expands the material it´s easier to brush off the residue. It works for me.
I am so glad you showed the double sided Gemini plates. I purchased a set when they came out over a year ago, and kept asking on tons of videos if they could be used on single dies. No one ever responded that I can recall... I even questioned on the Facebook Crafters Companion posts... A few months ago i broke down and started using one, and to my absolute amazement and shock, it has NEVER warped and has cut great. I think they will be my only future purchase on plates. I have the warped clear plates, and plan on using your boiling water method to try and straighten them out. Taping my plates did not work for me. I love my Gemini Jr... and with you sharing this tip others will not be afraid of using the double sided plates for regular dies. I guess I was afraid my dies would somehow warp themselves using these fantastic plates and be ruined. Thank you so much for helping us crafters out who may not have the resources you have... sharing your info has been a life saver for many of us ! Thanks to Ken too... His explanation makes perfect sense ! Happy Crafting !! Stay safe...
So glad I saved all of my warped plates! I stopped using my gemini because of the warping. I should be going to bed but boiling water instead lol. You are a rock star!
I have spent all day cleaning and organising my craft room. I am now going to take my warped plates back out of the bin to try this process so thank you so much 😊
My crafting has been elevated to new heights by watching your videos. You and your videos are TOTALLY AWESOME as is your desire to share you ideas and spread the joy! My first attempt at "unwarping" was not as successful as I had hoped, but I determined the reason was that the pot of water that I set on top did not have enough weight. I had much better luck when I added more weight to that top pot. Rather than getting a bigger pot with more water (and the chance of it spilling out), I put a pizza pan on top of the pot and added an item that was very heavy. THANK YOU for this video and all the others, too!
Thank you so so much!! Spent all morning cleaning all my die plates and worked beautifully!!! Whoo hoo- money saved to buy the pretty stuff!! Thanks Jennifer and hubby!!
Thank you so much for all the research and sharing that you do. Thank you also to Ken for sharing is knowledge! I have to admit, I loved his video where he snuck into your craft room and made a card. A nerd with a great sense of humor is a win-win!!!!!
I heated water a small(5”) and medium (8”) flat-bottomed saucepan til boiling. Put plate in 9x13 heavy aluminum cake pan in the sink. Poured water from medium pot in the pan over the plate and put small pot with boiling water on the middle of the warp. (Small pot pressed on the middle bulge.) Filled a larger 10” pot with tap water and balanced it on the medium pan for weight! After about 20 min, I poured the water from the large pot into the pan so the plates would cool and harden with the weight of the small pot still on it. Poured water from the medium pot also (can scrub with a bit of detergent and a brush if needed. Good improvement in the 6 warped plates I tried.
Thank you so much! I was literally just now staring at my plates wondering how to fix the warping! All I could think was "I'll have to go buy more..." . You're awesome and I just love your videos! Thank you to Ken as well!!
I had 2 very badly warped clear plates and a warped shim. I tried your system but gave them much less time, I could actually see them levelling out, but it still worked 😊 thank you for the idea.
Trying this out today. Glad I hoarded my warped plates. I never tried putting them in the oven because I was leery of the chemicals so this is an awesome alternative 😊
From one nerd family to another, thank you. This was great and the explanation was clear and very interesting. Your husband and my husband would have great conversations, LOL. By the way, Jennifer, you are the best crafting teacher on the UA-cam. I have learned so much from you.
Jennifer, "thank you" doesn't seem like enough, not just for your wonderful videos through the years, but for this one especially because it is geared for everyone who uses a die-cutting machine. If there was a Hall of Fame for crafters like you who produce such highly informative and professional videos consistently, you would surely be nominated every year in the category of "Best 'Sharing' Crafter through Video Excellence".
Thank you Jennifer and "resident nerd" hubby. I'm going to try this on my warped plates. I'm subscribing as you and your husband saved me from spending money as I'm on a fixed income. Be well and stay safe.
Jennifer in February I bought a Platinum 6 machine and within a month my plates were warped and I was beside myself on what to do. I of course ordered new plates, but they took time to arrive. So I put the old plates in the dishwasher without much success. They were cleaner, then I decided to rotate them with every cut. This was easy because Spellbinders has printing on one end of each plate. When I finished die cutting I would insert the Label end in differently each time I die cut. This helped to straighten out my plates and LOL I am still using the old plates and they work beautifully. I will try straightening out my Gemini plates with your method and I ordered the double sided plates. Thank you so much for all this information, you are the best.
Oh my gosh! My cutting plates were so warped I had already added a new set to my next order. I had seen the video for the oven method, and thought what the heck I’ll give it a try as I will have a new set coming if it didn’t work. Then, I saw your video and tried it instead. It worked! Total game changer!! I have removed the cutting plates from my order as my old ones are like new! I am going to wait a couple of days before using them just to give them more time to set. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Blessings to you!
Thanks for the wonderful tips, I’ll definitely try these. I bought the double sided plates by mistake and when I realized it, it was to late to return them. I don’t own any double sided dies. They’ve been taking up space in my craft room for about a year, now they’ll come in handy.
Just this afternoon I threw out a couple of warped plates and ordered more. Came into craft room and found your post. Dug the plates out of the trash and started this video. Couldn't wait stopped video ran into kitchen and put a pot of water on to boil. Came back and watched the rest of this wonderful informative video. I also had tried the hot water method but it didn't work for me but placing the hot and heavy pot on the plate makes great sense. I can't wait to see the results. Time is up I am going to go and check. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for this tip. I tried it yesterday on a couple of plates that were badly warped. They are not perfect but are a ton better than before. Thank you too for the explanation of how it works and the dangers of heating the plates in the oven. As usual you did not disappoint in any way.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I used your hot water fix today on 6 warped plates YEH it worked on them all! BUT WAIT THE BEST THING OF ALL--- I accidently used a die that was a deep cut die whoops big cut in my plate. THE HOT WATER METHOD took out the groove it had put in my plate with no problem! Also i had a problem with my pot covering the plate completely so i found a metal pan to fit over the plate and then put the weight pot in it! Problem solved. Thank you again I love your shows. Stay safe wherever you are
awesome! Thanks Jennifer and hubby!! I tried the oven thing last year on a couple warped plates and your hubby is right .... plasticides!!!! i didnt notice any foul odors, but I never used the oven method again cause it really made those plates brittle and one cracked in half while I ran it through my Vagabond! the other kept crackin, and was never the same again.... gonna try this boil method tomorrow!! thanks so much for this awesome vid, Jennifer !!!!!!!
Hi Jennifer! Your video on un-warping cutting plates came at the perfect time for me. I was lamenting the fact yesterday that my one month old cutting plates were already warping. I’m doing your process right now and it worked on two of my plates bi have 2 more warped ones to straighten out. I am a novice at card making and your videos have been informative as well as a God-send. Thank you for contributing so much to my world. Best wishes and blessings, Nancy Powell
So glad you are now doing this. I wrote it in a comment on a video of yours a year or 2 ago. I’ve been doing this for a few years to straighten warped plates. Good to learn about positioning dies at a angle to prevent warp. Will try that.
I'm new to die cutting. I was given a well loved big shot machine a couple of weeks ago. Now I'll know how to take care of these items and how to fix the plates. Thanks for the explanation not going over the head of us newbies so we can learn this well researched information as well. I believe good techniques being taught, should be able to be learned by crafters at any stage of using their items. You nailed this. 👏 Thanks again for showing this information.
I just tried this, and although my 3-year-old plates aren’t warped (I turn them over every run through), I was amazed at how the boiling water cleaned my plates! I usually wash them every few months to remove residue from tape, but they have NEVER BEEN THIS CLEAN EVER! I can’t believe how much paper fiber and dye was embedded in the crevices. I’ll be doing this on a regular basis from now on. 😁
Thanks Jennifer for your months of checking out machines for us and of course your tips. I have all of the Manuel die cutting machines but bc I now have arthritis and it hurts my hands to keep manually rotating those handles I'm buying a electric machine in at the end of this month (Jan 2022) I' ve been leaning towards a Gemini but now I don't know if it should be Anna Griffin's or a Gemini. If there are ladies out there that can give me their opinion if they have either or both I'd appreciate the feedback as this is the LAST one I want to buy. Jennifer, I had to laugh when you introduced your husband as a nerd because I am extremely proud of my physicist/scientist nerd husband and all our nerdy friends. If I don't have an answer one of them will! lol They come in extremely handy. 😁 Please thank your husband because I understood exactly what he was explaining. Thank you too for all the things you share with all of us in the card crafting world. I know I started watching you yrs ago. Take care!
I don't know which one to recommend but there is also a new electric one by Sizzix out that is called the Sizzix Switch. You might want to look into that one as well.
Have only just seen this but will be trying it as soon as I find my double sided cutting plates. Thank you for all of your hard work to find a solution to warped plate also.
I tried a method that was on UA-cam. You heated water in an oven in a shallow pan, I can't remember the temp, but then you timed it, took it out and put something heavy on top of it. It cleaned it as well. It worked, but it probably took longer than your method which I am sure works because of the same heating. Also, I bought the Tonic Tangerine machine. The plates are made out of a heavy plastic, they are not clear. They are never going to warp because of the thickness and the material they made them out of. I wish the other companies would start using that kind of material. Thank you so much for a great and informative video. I bet those double sided plates are closer to the material they use in the Tonic. :)
This is a really great video. It's super helpful, thank you!! When you use a card stock shim, do you reuse that same piece of card stock or do you recommend just using it one time and throwing it out? I bought a self-healing mat for my Platinum 6 and use that on the bottom of the sandwich, instead of my bottom cutting plate and I have no warping anymore! Thank you for all you do
THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this video! I have had my little green Cuttlebug Bug for over 15 years - always rotated my plates & never warped. I splurged at Christmas last year & got the Platinum 8.5. After only a few weeks my cutting plate is humped & warped terribly. Sure wasn’t expecting this. I tried this technique & I am amazed! THANK YOU! ♥️
What brilliant advice, I have wasted so much money on plates. I have ruined 2 machines also. Recently purchased a junior and regular Gemini again but still they warp. Thank you so much for helping with this. Have to go soak some plates now very very grateful. From Jenny in UK
I have a Spellbinders Platinum and because the feeding area is wider, I can feed the cutting plates in sideways. I still flip the plates and put the dies in different areas but since I've been doing this, my plates are still flat and are lasting. Thank you for all the great tips Jennifer.
Thanks so much for this video. I recently had a used embossing/die cutting machine given to me. It was in great condition; only the plate was badly warped. Your boiling water technique worked like a charm.
I've replaced warped plates for my Big Shot 2-3 times in only one year of cardmaking, but I saved the warped ones hoping I'd someday I'd come across a way to fix them. Fantastic.
After watching your video I bought the double sided green plates and what a relief they were. I'd just bought a full size Gemini and was so disappointed with the plates that I stopped using it. I straightened the cutting plates with hot water and then used them with the green plates and no warping, it was like a weight had been taken off my shoulders. Daft really but that's how I felt. Thank you again Jennifer, always feel uplifted after watching your videos.
It works… I followed the instructions as close as possible., I tried on my Gemini plates and Sizzix plates. I prefer this idea than the oven technique., I had melt some of my plates before …lol. Both techniques works but I prefer this idea it seems safer for me, but I had to be extremely careful no to burn with hot water. Thank you for sharing this idea.
This is awesome! I have a Gemini Jr and have had trouble getting good cuts. I bought a self healing mat and it was a total disaster...that thing warped up like a lasagna noodle! My magnetic shim got trashed long ago. I’ve been rigging my own shims but there are so many plates and finagling all the time it is becoming very cumbersome 😑One of my clear plates is really bad....I’m so glad I didn’t toss it yet! Gonna try your tips! Ty also to Ken...I’m a total nerd and understood everything he explained (I also knew ahead of time why your method worked but I’m just not quick enough to think of doing anything like that in the first place lol). You are a true pioneer and I cherish every video you post! TYFS!! ❤️🦋💜
i did find them and Jennifer, you are a crafting Gaudian Angel. It works!!!!! The double sided cutting plates and the clear plates taped together works!!!! I use the most intricate die I have and I cut thru thin paper, thick paper, glitter paper, embossed paper. etc....and it works!!!! No shims, no magnetic plate nothing else but this lovely sandwich you shared with us!!!! Thank you soooooo much!!!!!!
Ah, I really needed this video, right now! My Gemini Jr. plates are looking wonky and I haven't even had it every long....And, my Big Shot greenish plates with glitter inside are REALLY warped. I ordered a new set. So, I can use your boiling water technique to "fix" the warped ones, and still have a spare set. Thank you! Always enjoy your videos. Your voice is very pleasing, and you don't try to talk, while filming, and you don't have to go get something you've forgotten, in the middle of the video. And thank you Ken! Great explanation!
this is great to know, I just threw away a shim plate and a cutting plate because of severe warping and purchased new ones, now I know how to save them by cutting them properly and how to fix them if they get so warped again...thank you for all your great hints!
Thank you so much for making this video! I don’t have a dishwasher and I know a lot of people use that method but I tried your method and it worked beautifully! My husband got so excited, he thought I was making dinner! I told him “No silly, I’m straightening my plastic plates!” Wish I could of taken a picture of the look on his face. 😂
Genius, and from another nerd - Material Science Masters - your husband’s explanation is spot on. I will be doing this. BTW, if you have a Scubby, they work great for cleaning a cutting plate or a self healing mat on an ongoing basis. Thank you for this video.
I just started using die cutting stencils & love it! I have a very small "Craft Buddy" machine and the plates warped - SO I am so happy to have found your video and will try to unwarp my plates ASAP!! You & your husband explained everything in laymen-nerd terms - AWESOME!! Thank you both!
Thank you so much for this video. I went and tried it directly and what can I say, my plates which were seriously warped are straight again. Really appreciate you sharing it. 👍😊
Just saw your short vid in IG so I watch here for the full process and I’m gonna do this today, thank you for this idea because I tried in the oven but now I know it’s better the hot water. Thanks for the information.
Thanks for this tip on warped plates. I have been putting mine in the dishwasher when I run it to wash the dishes. It has been doing a good job of both cleaning and straightening my plates but your method would be definitely worth a try also.
Thankyou very much for this VERY helpful information. I live in the UK and have never seen this idea before, but I DO have VERY warped Gemini cutting plates and I hate that "crunch" you get when they go through the machine. Im going to try all your tips both on warping and cutting so thanks VERY much. Love Lyn xx xx
Thank you Jennifer and your husband too. My husband has what we call his Nerd Herd with lots of love and affection. I still have several large Gemini plates I want to try this on!
OMG.....THANK you so much for this!!!! Almost 60 and just started working with such things in the last year! I don't make cards, but have been using second hand tool and card dyes and plastic plates for other craft ideas, like aluminum pop and beer cans!!!! 💖 Total appreciation! Thanks again!
Thanks so much! I've had good luck using a hot iron and old tea towel to flatten out my cutting plates. I stress using an old towel, because like the water trick, the paper grunge comes out into the towel! It's the only thing I use my iron for these days, unless I need to "sew" (stitch witchery!).
I’m brand new to die cutting without a cricut and my first project with an embossing folder resulted in me warping my brand new plate and folder. This is so helpful thank you so much!!!!!
Jennifer, Thank you very much for all your research on cutting plates and the time you spend in researching this problem some issue. I will most definitely will be following your advice. I understood your husband's explanation and tell him thank you for his input. Again thank you for sharing this with us
Excellent tutorial I will be trying the boiling water later today 🙂 a tip I have been doing for about a year now is to use the "C" plate from my old Spellbinders Grand Calibur that I had and use that with my Gemini and my Spellbinders Platinum, those "C" plates never warp....so I will flatten my old clear plates and use them with my Grand Calibur "C " plate in either machine 🙂
this was one of the most helpful videos i have ever come across. can't wait to treat my cutting plates and finally use the plates for double sided dies! you are a star and great input from hubby too xx
Thank you so much Jennifer and Ken for giving us such a fantastic explanation. I have 4 badly bowed plates and can’t wait to try your suggestion of boiling water. You give so much to the crafting industry and I for one very much appreciate all that you do. God bless you.
Thanks to you and your hubby for the way to fix the plates and the “how” behind it. I’m fascinated by the facts of glass and how it stays liquid. That so cool… and now can’t wait to examine some stained glass windows again!
Thank you so much for the clear cut instructions. Just got my 1st Gemini Jr & have been intimidated to use it. Just broke out manual today so this is perfect timing. 💕 And thanks to your hubby who explained it very clearly.
Thank you so much for the tips & tricks for warping. Can't wait to try this tomorrow when I have time after work. Tell Ken Thank you for helping us understand the why's of how this works and why not to use your oven. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you for this video! My only machine is a Cuttlebug so I need to keep it happy. Thanks to Ken for the science behind this. I learned something new - glass flow. I will never look at stained glass, or any old glass, the same.
I just flattened my very warped Big Shot cutting plates after watching your video. Thank you Jennifer, for sharing your wisdom and, of course, your never-ending inspiration!
I cant believe how well the double sided plates work. I had to add card stock shims to the whole thing, but once I had it cuts like a dream and there’s zero warping so far after twenty run through with cover plate dies. Usually that would have made a mess of them. These two? Still flat as pancakes. Incredible.
Started the partial die cutting card and had to stop to do this to my warped cutting plate. Tidied the kitchen and did dishes while I waited. Let it cool while I ate lunch and less than hour later I was back to work in my craft room. How easy this was!
OMG thank you so much for this tip. I just tried it and it worked with no problem. I'm amazed. YAY!!! I bought these doubled sided cutting plates by mistake. Now and can used them.
“Ken is a chemical engineer, and he’s going to use words none of us can understand…”
I can’t tell you how excited that sentence made me! 😂
My little nerdy heart was like, “Ooooo! New words! Learning! Knowledge! Yay!”
Edited to add: Ken’s explanation was wonderful! There were new phrases for sure (I can’t say “glass transition temperature” has been an everyday phrase for me 😅) but the explanation was still perfectly understandable!
My little nerd heart thanks you for including the science behind the method! I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed watching wonky plates become straight ones again. 😁
Love nerds!
I feel the same @Sarah P!
I'm married to a brilliant chemical engineer and my daughter just finished her second year of chemical engineering study at Colorado School of Mines. When they get together, it sounds to me like they are speaking in a foreign language! Love my nerds so much!!
You are a godsend to the papercrafting community, which this video demonstrates so well, and I just want you to know how much we cherish you!
You are so very sweet. Thank you
Thank you so much for the research, testing, and sharing:). I am a retired home ec teacher who LOVED the marriage of science and life (food, nutrition, fabric, clothing, household materials . . . ). Whenever I think of Ken I think of Press-n-Seal traveling from kitchen to craft room♥️
Tried this method last night. All I can say is THANK YOU Jennifer! Worked like a charm!
I wish I had known about this years ago. I have gone through so many big shot plates. THANK YOU! And nerds make the world go round.
Get a Magic Mat and your top plate for your Big Shot shouldn't warp ... at all! I got the Magic Mat and absolutely no warping from my Big Kick. I LOVE it. But my Gemini warped it! So I won't ever use my MM in the Gemini again.
We may not make the world go round, but we keep the gears oiled, and the thing tuned up!! 🧐🤪🤭
Who knew our plastic plates had glass in them and that stain glass windows could flow …! So interesting, thanks, Ken! And thank you, Jennifer, for being so tenacious in finding solutions for us crafters! ❤️🇨🇦
Thank you Jenifer for confirming what I have been doing for years. We need your videos and benefit from them greatly.
Bless Ken, he is a super wonderful chap.
I too am from an engineering family and we see things differently to other people, it is a blessing and it has taken years to be happy being a square peg in a round hole type of person.
I have a Gemini and used your technique to flatten my plates and it worked like a dream. I did one thing different though. I didn't remove them after 20 min or so, I actually waited till the water cooled right down. My plates came out perfectly flat. One plates had one die cut mark in it and you can't even tell anymore, its gone! , talk about a WOW moment. The other plate's marks decreased significantly but can still see some remnants of die cuts in it. But all in all, I couldn't be happier for them now being the next best thing to new :) Tyvm for sharing this with us!! ... and I thank your hubby too!
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. I´ve been doing the hot water procedure for more than a year, except that I leave the plates in soapy water to loosen the paper fibers trapped in them, since hot water expands the material it´s easier to brush off the residue. It works for me.
Sounds great!
I am so glad you showed the double sided Gemini plates. I purchased a set when they came out over a year ago, and kept asking on tons of videos if they could be used on single dies. No one ever responded that I can recall... I even questioned on the Facebook Crafters Companion posts... A few months ago i broke down and started using one, and to my absolute amazement and shock, it has NEVER warped and has cut great. I think they will be my only future purchase on plates. I have the warped clear plates, and plan on using your boiling water method to try and straighten them out. Taping my plates did not work for me. I love my Gemini Jr... and with you sharing this tip others will not be afraid of using the double sided plates for regular dies. I guess I was afraid my dies would somehow warp themselves using these fantastic plates and be ruined. Thank you so much for helping us crafters out who may not have the resources you have... sharing your info has been a life saver for many of us ! Thanks to Ken too... His explanation makes perfect sense ! Happy Crafting !! Stay safe...
So glad I saved all of my warped plates! I stopped using my gemini because of the warping. I should be going to bed but boiling water instead lol. You are a rock star!
My green plates are a little smaller then my clear plates. Will this cause one to break?
I have spent all day cleaning and organising my craft room. I am now going to take my warped plates back out of the bin to try this process so thank you so much 😊
My crafting has been elevated to new heights by watching your videos. You and your videos are TOTALLY AWESOME as is your desire to share you ideas and spread the joy! My first attempt at "unwarping" was not as successful as I had hoped, but I determined the reason was that the pot of water that I set on top did not have enough weight. I had much better luck when I added more weight to that top pot. Rather than getting a bigger pot with more water (and the chance of it spilling out), I put a pizza pan on top of the pot and added an item that was very heavy. THANK YOU for this video and all the others, too!
Thank you so so much!! Spent all morning cleaning all my die plates and worked beautifully!!! Whoo hoo- money saved to buy the pretty stuff!! Thanks Jennifer and hubby!!
Thank you so much for all the research and sharing that you do. Thank you also to Ken for sharing is knowledge! I have to admit, I loved his video where he snuck into your craft room and made a card. A nerd with a great sense of humor is a win-win!!!!!
I agree!
I heated water a small(5”) and medium (8”) flat-bottomed saucepan til boiling. Put plate in 9x13 heavy aluminum cake pan in the sink. Poured water from medium pot in the pan over the plate and put small pot with boiling water on the middle of the warp. (Small pot pressed on the middle bulge.) Filled a larger 10” pot with tap water and balanced it on the medium pan for weight! After about 20 min, I poured the water from the large pot into the pan so the plates would cool and harden with the weight of the small pot still on it. Poured water from the medium pot also (can scrub with a bit of detergent and a brush if needed. Good improvement in the 6 warped plates I tried.
I keep reviewing this video. It is so comprehensive. It took me years to find these tips out. Bless you
Thank you so much! I was literally just now staring at my plates wondering how to fix the warping! All I could think was "I'll have to go buy more..." . You're awesome and I just love your videos! Thank you to Ken as well!!
I had 2 very badly warped clear plates and a warped shim. I tried your system but gave them much less time, I could actually see them levelling out, but it still worked 😊 thank you for the idea.
Trying this out today. Glad I hoarded my warped plates. I never tried putting them in the oven because I was leery of the chemicals so this is an awesome alternative 😊
From one nerd family to another, thank you. This was great and the explanation was clear and very interesting. Your husband and my husband would have great conversations, LOL. By the way, Jennifer, you are the best crafting teacher on the UA-cam. I have learned so much from you.
Jennifer, "thank you" doesn't seem like enough, not just for your wonderful videos through the years, but for this one especially because it is geared for everyone who uses a die-cutting machine. If there was a Hall of Fame for crafters like you who produce such highly informative and professional videos consistently, you would surely be nominated every year in the category of "Best 'Sharing' Crafter through Video Excellence".
and instead of a statue, she should get a crown!
Thank you Jennifer and "resident nerd" hubby. I'm going to try this on my warped plates. I'm subscribing as you and your husband saved me from spending money as I'm on a fixed income. Be well and stay safe.
Thank you so much, Jennifer! This has been an unpleasant issue for so long. I am really happy to straighten out my old plates with water :-)
Glad it was helpful!
I have been using the double sided plates for more than a year. I have almost no warping at all with any of my plates. Win
Hi. That's great. Which machine do you have please?
If i ever get to a sink without dirty dishes in it I will have to give this a try lol
Lol you’re so funny and so my kinda crafter😁🤗
🤣🙌🏻🤩🙌🏻🤣
Die cutting plates and machines are the biggest conundrum of my crafting journey. Thank you so much for tackling the science of these problems!
Thank you for your time, effort and interest in keeping us crafters up to date on what will work best, but still giving us options. "You ROCK!"
Jennifer in February I bought a Platinum 6 machine and within a month my plates were warped and I was beside myself on what to do. I of course ordered new plates, but they took time to arrive. So I put the old plates in the dishwasher without much success. They were cleaner, then I decided to rotate them with every cut. This was easy because Spellbinders has printing on one end of each plate. When I finished die cutting I would insert the Label end in differently each time I die cut. This helped to straighten out my plates and LOL I am still using the old plates and they work beautifully. I will try straightening out my Gemini plates with your method and I ordered the double sided plates. Thank you so much for all this information, you are the best.
Oh my gosh! My cutting plates were so warped I had already added a new set to my next order. I had seen the video for the oven method, and thought what the heck I’ll give it a try as I will have a new set coming if it didn’t work. Then, I saw your video and tried it instead. It worked! Total game changer!! I have removed the cutting plates from my order as my old ones are like new! I am going to wait a couple of days before using them just to give them more time to set. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Blessings to you!
Thanks for the wonderful tips, I’ll definitely try these.
I bought the double sided plates by mistake and when I realized it,
it was to late to return them.
I don’t own any double sided dies.
They’ve been taking up space in my craft room for about a year, now they’ll come in handy.
Just this afternoon I threw out a couple of warped plates and ordered more. Came into craft room and found your post. Dug the plates out of the trash and started this video. Couldn't wait stopped video ran into kitchen and put a pot of water on to boil. Came back and watched the rest of this wonderful informative video. I also had tried the hot water method but it didn't work for me but placing the hot and heavy pot on the plate makes great sense. I can't wait to see the results. Time is up I am going to go and check. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for this tip. I tried it yesterday on a couple of plates that were badly warped. They are not perfect but are a ton better than before. Thank you too for the explanation of how it works and the dangers of heating the plates in the oven. As usual you did not disappoint in any way.
Spent all Tuesday morning unwarping my plates! You and the husband are geniuses! It works!
Will have to try this boiling water technique. Your husband's intake was helpful and interesting. Make sure to thank him for me.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I used your hot water fix today on 6 warped plates YEH it worked on them all! BUT WAIT THE BEST THING OF ALL--- I accidently used a die that was a deep cut die whoops big cut in my plate. THE HOT WATER METHOD took out the groove it had put in my plate with no problem! Also i had a problem with my pot covering the plate completely so i found a metal pan to fit over the plate and then put the weight pot in it! Problem solved. Thank you again I love your shows. Stay safe wherever you are
awesome! Thanks Jennifer and hubby!! I tried the oven thing last year on a couple warped plates and your hubby is right .... plasticides!!!! i didnt notice any foul odors, but I never used the oven method again cause it really made those plates brittle and one cracked in half while I ran it through my Vagabond! the other kept crackin, and was never the same again.... gonna try this boil method tomorrow!! thanks so much for this awesome vid, Jennifer !!!!!!!
Hi Jennifer! Your video on un-warping cutting plates came at the perfect time for me. I was lamenting the fact yesterday that my one month old cutting plates were already warping. I’m doing your process right now and it worked on two of my plates bi have 2 more warped ones to straighten out.
I am a novice at card making and your videos have been informative as well as a God-send. Thank you for contributing so much to my world. Best wishes and blessings,
Nancy Powell
I can see how the boiling water and pressure would do the trick. Thank you for all the work you did finding a solution.
Thank you for all of the ways to keep from warping. And please thank your hubby for doing the techie part. Thanks again to you both.
So glad you are now doing this. I wrote it in a comment on a video of yours a year or 2 ago. I’ve been doing this for a few years to straighten warped plates. Good to learn about positioning dies at a angle to prevent warp. Will try that.
Jennifer, thank you so much for these low tech, practical solutions! My craft budget can always use a break😉❤
You are so welcome!
I'm new to die cutting. I was given a well loved big shot machine a couple of weeks ago. Now I'll know how to take care of these items and how to fix the plates. Thanks for the explanation not going over the head of us newbies so we can learn this well researched information as well. I believe good techniques being taught, should be able to be learned by crafters at any stage of using their items. You nailed this. 👏
Thanks again for showing this information.
Thank you so much Jennifer (and nerdy husband). Love the explanation. Definitely giving the fix a try with my warped Gemini plates.
You are so welcome!
I just tried this, and although my 3-year-old plates aren’t warped (I turn them over every run through), I was amazed at how the boiling water cleaned my plates! I usually wash them every few months to remove residue from tape, but they have NEVER BEEN THIS CLEAN EVER! I can’t believe how much paper fiber and dye was embedded in the crevices. I’ll be doing this on a regular basis from now on. 😁
Thanks for always taking so much of your time to research & investigate ways to help improve our crafting. Your husband was also a wonderful addition.
Thanks Jennifer for your months of checking out machines for us and of course your tips. I have all of the Manuel die cutting machines but bc I now have arthritis and it hurts my hands to keep manually rotating those handles I'm buying a electric machine in at the end of this month (Jan 2022) I' ve been leaning towards a Gemini but now I don't know if it should be Anna Griffin's or a Gemini. If there are ladies out there that can give me their opinion if they have either or both I'd appreciate the feedback as this is the LAST one I want to buy.
Jennifer, I had to laugh when you introduced your husband as a nerd because I am extremely proud of my physicist/scientist nerd husband and all our nerdy friends. If I don't have an answer one of them will! lol They come in extremely handy. 😁 Please thank your husband because I understood exactly what he was explaining. Thank you too for all the things you share with all of us in the card crafting world. I know I started watching you yrs ago. Take care!
I don't know which one to recommend but there is also a new electric one by Sizzix out that is called the Sizzix Switch. You might want to look into that one as well.
Wow! I just used your technique to straighten out my original cutting plate, and it worked on my self-healing cutting plate, too! Thank you.
Wonderful!
Have only just seen this but will be trying it as soon as I find my double sided cutting plates. Thank you for all of your hard work to find a solution to warped plate also.
I tried a method that was on UA-cam. You heated water in an oven in a shallow pan, I can't remember the temp, but then you timed it, took it out and put something heavy on top of it. It cleaned it as well. It worked, but it probably took longer than your method which I am sure works because of the same heating. Also, I bought the Tonic Tangerine machine. The plates are made out of a heavy plastic, they are not clear. They are never going to warp because of the thickness and the material they made them out of. I wish the other companies would start using that kind of material. Thank you so much for a great and informative video. I bet those double sided plates are closer to the material they use in the Tonic. :)
Great video Jennifer. After I used the boiling water method to fix the warping, I now store my plates under my Gemini machine. This works for me.
This is a really great video. It's super helpful, thank you!! When you use a card stock shim, do you reuse that same piece of card stock or do you recommend just using it one time and throwing it out? I bought a self-healing mat for my Platinum 6 and use that on the bottom of the sandwich, instead of my bottom cutting plate and I have no warping anymore! Thank you for all you do
I reuse the cardstock shim until it's all weird-looking and warped itself. The cutting mat for bottom plate is genius. Tfs
THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this video! I have had my little green Cuttlebug Bug for over 15 years - always rotated my plates & never warped. I splurged at Christmas last year & got the Platinum 8.5. After only a few weeks my cutting plate is humped & warped terribly. Sure wasn’t expecting this. I tried this technique & I am amazed! THANK YOU! ♥️
What brilliant advice, I have wasted so much money on plates. I have ruined 2 machines also. Recently purchased a junior and regular Gemini again but still they warp. Thank you so much for helping with this. Have to go soak some plates now very very grateful. From Jenny in UK
I have a Spellbinders Platinum and because the feeding area is wider, I can feed the cutting plates in sideways. I still flip the plates and put the dies in different areas but since I've been doing this, my plates are still flat and are lasting. Thank you for all the great tips Jennifer.
OMG thank you for this. I tried it and my plates are better now. Still a slight warp but barely noticable.
Thanks so much for this video. I recently had a used embossing/die cutting machine given to me. It was in great condition; only the plate was badly warped. Your boiling water technique worked like a charm.
I've replaced warped plates for my Big Shot 2-3 times in only one year of cardmaking, but I saved the warped ones hoping I'd someday I'd come across a way to fix them. Fantastic.
After watching your video I bought the double sided green plates and what a relief they were. I'd just bought a full size Gemini and was so disappointed with the plates that I stopped using it. I straightened the cutting plates with hot water and then used them with the green plates and no warping, it was like a weight had been taken off my shoulders. Daft really but that's how I felt. Thank you again Jennifer, always feel uplifted after watching your videos.
It works… I followed the instructions as close as possible., I tried on my Gemini plates and Sizzix plates. I prefer this idea than the oven technique., I had melt some of my plates before …lol. Both techniques works but I prefer this idea it seems safer for me, but I had to be extremely careful no to burn with hot water. Thank you for sharing this idea.
This is awesome! I have a Gemini Jr and have had trouble getting good cuts. I bought a self healing mat and it was a total disaster...that thing warped up like a lasagna noodle! My magnetic shim got trashed long ago. I’ve been rigging my own shims but there are so many plates and finagling all the time it is becoming very cumbersome 😑One of my clear plates is really bad....I’m so glad I didn’t toss it yet! Gonna try your tips! Ty also to Ken...I’m a total nerd and understood everything he explained (I also knew ahead of time why your method worked but I’m just not quick enough to think of doing anything like that in the first place lol). You are a true pioneer and I cherish every video you post! TYFS!! ❤️🦋💜
i did find them and Jennifer, you are a crafting Gaudian Angel. It works!!!!! The double sided cutting plates and the clear plates taped together works!!!! I use the most intricate die I have and I cut thru thin paper, thick paper, glitter paper, embossed paper. etc....and it works!!!! No shims, no magnetic plate nothing else but this lovely sandwich you shared with us!!!! Thank you soooooo much!!!!!!
Ah, I really needed this video, right now! My Gemini Jr. plates are looking wonky and I haven't even had it every long....And, my Big Shot greenish plates with glitter inside are REALLY warped. I ordered a new set. So, I can use your boiling water technique to "fix" the warped ones, and still have a spare set. Thank you! Always enjoy your videos. Your voice is very pleasing, and you don't try to talk, while filming, and you don't have to go get something you've forgotten, in the middle of the video. And thank you Ken! Great explanation!
this is great to know, I just threw away a shim plate and a cutting plate because of severe warping and purchased new ones, now I know how to save them by cutting them properly and how to fix them if they get so warped again...thank you for all your great hints!
Thank you so much for making this video! I don’t have a dishwasher and I know a lot of people use that method but I tried your method and it worked beautifully! My husband got so excited, he thought I was making dinner! I told him “No silly, I’m straightening my plastic plates!” Wish I could of taken a picture of the look on his face. 😂
Genius, and from another nerd - Material Science Masters - your husband’s explanation is spot on. I will be doing this. BTW, if you have a Scubby, they work great for cleaning a cutting plate or a self healing mat on an ongoing basis. Thank you for this video.
I just started using die cutting stencils & love it! I have a very small "Craft Buddy" machine and the plates warped - SO I am so happy to have found your video and will try to unwarp my plates ASAP!! You & your husband explained everything in laymen-nerd terms - AWESOME!! Thank you both!
Thank you so much for this video. I went and tried it directly and what can I say, my plates which were seriously warped are straight again. Really appreciate you sharing it. 👍😊
Just saw your short vid in IG so I watch here for the full process and I’m gonna do this today, thank you for this idea because I tried in the oven but now I know it’s better the hot water. Thanks for the information.
Thanks for this tip on warped plates. I have been putting mine in the dishwasher when I run it to wash the dishes. It has been doing a good job of both cleaning and straightening my plates but your method would be definitely worth a try also.
Thankyou very much for this VERY helpful information. I live in the UK and have never seen this idea before, but I DO have VERY warped Gemini cutting plates and I hate that "crunch" you get when they go through the machine. Im going to try all your tips both on warping and cutting so thanks VERY much. Love Lyn xx xx
Thanks for the tip. I saved 6 plates. Works like a charm.
Thank you Jennifer and your husband too. My husband has what we call his Nerd Herd with lots of love and affection. I still have several large Gemini plates I want to try this on!
OMG.....THANK you so much for this!!!! Almost 60 and just started working with such things in the last year! I don't make cards, but have been using second hand tool and card dyes and plastic plates for other craft ideas, like aluminum pop and beer cans!!!! 💖 Total appreciation! Thanks again!
Thanks so much! I've had good luck using a hot iron and old tea towel to flatten out my cutting plates. I stress using an old towel, because like the water trick, the paper grunge comes out into the towel! It's the only thing I use my iron for these days, unless I need to "sew" (stitch witchery!).
I’m brand new to die cutting without a cricut and my first project with an embossing folder resulted in me warping my brand new plate and folder. This is so helpful thank you so much!!!!!
Thank you for always being kind and positive and sharing your knowledge ❤
How nice that you have your own nerd!! They're like gold... I have nerd grandkids and I wouldn't make it without them
Jennifer, Thank you very much for all your research on cutting plates and the time you spend in researching this problem some issue. I will most definitely will be following your advice. I understood your husband's explanation and tell him thank you for his input. Again thank you for sharing this with us
Great video Jennifer. I have several machines and look forward to straightening my plates. I appreciate you and your husband!!
Excellent tutorial I will be trying the boiling water later today 🙂 a tip I have been doing for about a year now is to use the "C" plate from my old Spellbinders Grand Calibur that I had and use that with my Gemini and my Spellbinders Platinum, those "C" plates never warp....so I will flatten my old clear plates and use them with my Grand Calibur "C " plate in either machine 🙂
I'm a bit of a nerd myself and thoroughly enjoyed this video and the details! 💕💖 Thank you! 😊
Thank you, Jennifer, for this much needed advice. My Gemini plate is NOW FLAT after using the hot water technique!
this was one of the most helpful videos i have ever come across. can't wait to treat my cutting plates and finally use the plates for double sided dies! you are a star and great input from hubby too xx
Thank you so much Jennifer and Ken for giving us such a fantastic explanation. I have 4 badly bowed plates and can’t wait to try your suggestion of boiling water. You give so much to the crafting industry and I for one very much appreciate all that you do. God bless you.
You are so welcome!
Thanks to you and your hubby for the way to fix the plates and the “how” behind it. I’m fascinated by the facts of glass and how it stays liquid. That so cool… and now can’t wait to examine some stained glass windows again!
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much for the clear cut instructions. Just got my 1st Gemini Jr & have been intimidated to use it. Just broke out manual today so this is perfect timing. 💕 And thanks to your hubby who explained it very clearly.
Thank you so much for the tips & tricks for warping. Can't wait to try this tomorrow when I have time after work. Tell Ken Thank you for helping us understand the why's of how this works and why not to use your oven. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WOW! I noticed the "crud" right away! That is amazing!
I just tried this and it worked!!!!!! So happy! Thanks for taking the time of making this video!!!!!!
Thanks for creating this technique video. Now will go and flatten my Big Shot plates that are now 17 yrs. old.
Thank you for this video! My only machine is a Cuttlebug so I need to keep it happy. Thanks to Ken for the science behind this. I learned something new - glass flow. I will never look at stained glass, or any old glass, the same.
I just flattened my very warped Big Shot cutting plates after watching your video. Thank you Jennifer, for sharing your wisdom and, of course, your never-ending inspiration!
I cant believe how well the double sided plates work. I had to add card stock shims to the whole thing, but once I had it cuts like a dream and there’s zero warping so far after twenty run through with cover plate dies. Usually that would have made a mess of them. These two? Still flat as pancakes. Incredible.
Try adding 20 ml vinyl to your shimming. See my comment.
I fixed warped big shot plates! Thank you Jennifer for this tip!
Started the partial die cutting card and had to stop to do this to my warped cutting plate. Tidied the kitchen and did dishes while I waited. Let it cool while I ate lunch and less than hour later I was back to work in my craft room. How easy this was!
OMG thank you so much for this tip. I just tried it and it worked with no problem. I'm amazed. YAY!!! I bought these doubled sided cutting plates by mistake. Now and can used them.
Thanks so much for explains the green plates…I have some and had no idea how to use the So glad you included them in this video!
thank you so much cutting plate scientists! your demo, explanations and research are very much appreciated!
Thank you Jennifer and thank you Ken for sharing the dangers of putting plastic in a hot oven. Much appreciated.
You are so welcome!
Great tips. Love your rainbow nails. Thanks.