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I saw this demonstrated at CK in Tulsa and the lady was selling metal cutting mats and using them with her dies to cut tin (such as cans) for some really cool effects. But, curious as to anyone who has done this - will it damage your dies over time?
Metal plates I have seen are for shims and you dont cut on them but use them beneath the cutting pad. I have not cut metal such as soda cans so I will let someone else chime in on that.
Blessings
I'll just post a caveat that using accessories not made specifically for the cutting machine you're using the accessories with could possibly damage the cutting machine (and void any machine warranty).
That said, lots of creative people use accessories not made for their machines; some/many people do so with great success.
Just be aware that you are taking a chance so that you can do risk assessment and decide if you want to assume the risk.
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
I have used a metal plate for one thing...I have a PTI cover plate that I was told was made for embossing but I was also told that if I used a metal cutting plate and went back and forth a few times, that it would cut out the little shapes rather than just emboss them. My husband cut me something from what he had in the garage and with a few passes I got the most beautiful card front that I had ever seen!!! Now, the cover plates from PTI are also made of metal so I am not sure if this would work with any other type - this is just my own experience.
__________________ "For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack" ~Rudyard Kipling my gallery
I've cut soda cans, beer cans and heavy foil (like pie plates) with my Bigz dies without needing to use anything other than what I already have, which certainly doesn't include a metal cutting plate. I wouldn't like to try the low-profile dies (like Nestabilities, Memory Box and so on) with the soda cans, but they will certainly cut perfectly through the heavy foil dishes. And since I often tend to cut the same things (birds), I can't say that I've noticed any deterioration in the die itself.
I don't use the metal plates, but I use the steel dies (sizzix and TH) and they will cut right through aluminum cans. I also have this copper sheeting that I bought years ago. I made a beautiful Eiffel Tower with the TH Eifel tower and Flur de le (spelling?). I also did the TH gears. I show no wear or tear and I cut through everything, shrink plastic, foam, card board, chip board, aluminum cans, thin metal sheeting for crafts. LOVE THE STEEL DIES!!
I agree with Cook22, I wouldn't use the lower profiles no matter with a metal sheet or regular. I would definitely see them damaged, dulled at the very least.
I found a metal roof tile (I thing it is some kind of flashing in the roofing section at Lowes or Home Depot for $1.19. I chomped the corners with my corner chomped to keep them from cutting me and it works like a charm. It measure 5"x7". Just be sure to use it on the bottom of the sandwich - I put it on the top of the sandwich once and it curled up into inside my Bigshot - I had a devil of a time getting it out.
I love the metal cutting plate! It cut copper for me easily although still needed about 10 passes. One thing I don't like is that after a while, with heavy use it curls. No amount of turning or baking or anything will flatten it. It still works fine though. Frankly, you don't need it for just cardstock but for metals and other really tough material it is wonderful.
I also have a metal cutting plate - I believe I purchased it from Cherry Lynne Designs and if you go to their website, they do have a video for cutting with it. I did find the metal plates cut very intricate designs much better than the acrylic ones, but they do get warped very easily. Try their website - they have many techniques on video there.
Metal plates I have seen are for shims and you dont cut on them but use them beneath the cutting pad. I have not cut metal such as soda cans so I will let someone else chime in on that.
Blessings
I've heard others say this too, but if you go to cheery Lynn designs, they show using it between acrylic plates and that's how I use it. Other wise what would make it so special? If you just want a shim, any thin piece would work. The metal shim is made to help cut intricate dies. Here's the sandwich: acrylic plate, metal adapter plate, die cutting edge up, paper and acrylic plate. At least that's how they did it on the cheery Lynn video. That's how I do it too.
I've heard others say this too, but if you go to cheery Lynn designs, they show using it between acrylic plates and that's how I use it. Other wise what would make it so special? If you just want a shim, any thin piece would work. The metal shim is made to help cut intricate dies. Here's the sandwich: acrylic plate, metal adapter plate, die cutting edge up, paper and acrylic plate. At least that's how they did it on the cheery Lynn video. That's how I do it too.
Use in sandwich but not cut into. This is what i was trying to say.
Blessings
Metal Cutting Plate - Have you used one?
