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Where in the layering process do you put the metal shim? I used the following layers (starting on the bottom): magnetic plate, metal shim, clear plate, paper, die, top plate. It cut nicely but now I have the die that I used etched on the clear plate. I am thinking that I should put the metal shim on top of the die. Is that correct? Thanks.
The instructions that came with my chrome plate said to put the paper on the chrome plate, then the die face down on the paper, then the clear plate on top. That way the cutting edge of the die hits the metal plate, not the clear one. I didn't see any mention of a magnetic plate at all...
Sounds like you have the right sandwich for thickness, you just need to re-arrange it. I am wondering if a metal plate would block the magnetic one?
I might go then with the mag, clear, flip the die cutting side up, paper, metal and top plate? I don't know if the mag plate will work thru a clear plastic or the die has to be directly on it for it to hold in place. I use tape to dies in place.
Or just put both clear plates on top so the die is on the mag plate directly (facing up) and you still have the thickness?
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Where in the layering process do you put the metal shim? I used the following layers (starting on the bottom): magnetic plate, metal shim, clear plate, paper, die, top plate. It cut nicely but now I have the die that I used etched on the clear plate. I am thinking that I should put the metal shim on top of the die. Is that correct? Thanks.
I don't cut into my metal plate, since that might dull the die over time. I put the metal in the middle and cut into a clear plate. I have the Big Shot and Gemini.
I don't cut into my metal plate, since that might dull the die over time. I put the metal in the middle and cut into a clear plate. I have the Big Shot and Gemini.
That is a good point.
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
Are you suppose to cut into the metal plates????? I haven't seen any videos that show that. I have aall the Gemini's in all the sizes and not one say's to cut into the metal shim. I thoght it was only a shim. Or have I missed something in the directions????
I'm curious too as to the proper use of the metal plates...as a shim or to cut into for fine detail dies. I have had concerns about the edges of the dies being damaged over time with the metal on metal. The acrylic plates are softer and easier on the die's cutting edges I believe. If they are only meant as a shim why not just use card stock or chip board. I thought they were sold to be used so the die cuts into them. I use a cutting mat cut to the size of the acrylic plates to cut into and have had really great results since doing that. They are cheap to replace when worn out too. Get them at Dollar Tree. Don't use them with metal rule dies though...they cut right through.
I use the Magic Mat from Scrapbook.com for the plate that I cut into. If it starts to warp, I just heat it with a heat gun and it flattens out. I have tried in the past to cut into the metal plate and it ruined it. Now I just use it as a shim.
I also use the cutting mats from the dollar tree in my Gemini's. I cut them to fit in the junior and the to go machines. When they warp I just iron them flat again. Eventually when I think they look too shabby I just toss them and use a new one. The price makes it do-able.
Here is a video I watched today to help me with the metal shim:
I have used a shim several years ago and totally forgot how to use it. I needed the help with a very intricate die. This video really helped me get the sandwich correct.
Using a metal shim
