Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
Well I think we have found something for all those machinist hubbies to do when they retire-make new plates to sell cheaper! LOL
That was hysterical about trusting your husband with your life but maybe not your big shot!
I only cut on one plate. When it gets too messed up I switch with the top plate and start a new one on top. I got some spares on a good sale but I cant remember now where...if I do, I'll post it. I do cut a lot at times and never thought of the scrubbing idea. That might extend the life! I'll try that!
It does seem like flipping them stops working after awhile for getting rid of warp. Hot water didnt work for me either and I used very hot that I had nuked first (not with it in it)
If you have a caliper you could measure the thickness of your plates and make sure you get the right thickness of acrylic from the hardware store. It would probably be less expensive. You could probably also use the off-cuts as mounts for stamps too.
Be careful that you don't end up with acrylic that is hard on your dies. It's like using your good kitchen knives on a glass or hard plastic cutting board. NOT A GOOD IDEA! There are all kinds of densities to acrylic and Sizzix has chosen one that doesn't damage the cutting edge of the dies.
I sometimes use the self healing mat from the quilting aisle instaed of the regular plate. It never warps. Maybe th ebrand is AccuCut or something? The machine is just like a Bigshot, but for fabric. I did have to add a cardboard shim, but I just glued it to the back so I wouldnt have to keep finding it.
The Epic comes with a similar self healing cutting mat. I actually have 2 of them. They both warped, but they both work really nice. I have to use them with the smaller dies. Now, that I have the grand Calibur, I'm excited to start really using that. I'm keeping the Epic for the sizzix dies and stuff but very excited about my GrCal.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I still have not tried making my own, although, thanks to all of you, I feel confident doing this. When I sewed I used a self healing mat to cut fabric - is this what you mean? And I certainly don't mind using a shim - in fact, I do sometimes with the acrylic cutting plates. Happy stamping/scrapping to you all!
Yes, the self healing is similar to that. The epic is made buy Quickutz. The mat is slightly thinner than a regular self healing, but not by much. I wouldn't use it with the Steel dies, but the wafers and thinner (i.e. spellbinders) dies works beautifully with it. The epic has a thicker base plate then most of the other machines.
If you have an old self healing mat that you don't mind cutting and repurposing, I would see if it works. I would just be extra careful not to force it, but it is thinner than the acrylic mats so you may have to get creative. You could possibly use it with some shims. It might work instead of the acrylic. Like I said if you have an old one that you don't care to cut up, it's always worth a shot.
Thank you Denverkat - I did check your link and a few other links highlighting the Epic. I've been using the Big Kick all these years and have been very happy with it. I know I do more cutting than most people. I have an adult social group that I run and I love cutting out shapes for boxes, gift bags, Christmas Ornaments, etc. for my participants to create. Then the tops have to be decorated with flowers, leaves, etc. They love "craft days" and that's why I've gone through so many plates in such a short time. Thanks for your help and to everyone's thoughts and ideas. If I do try this, I'll be sure to post my results.
No problem at all blue. I just thought maybe giving the mat a try might save you some mats. No clue if it would work. I got lucky and found the epic along with the letterpress for 50 on Craigs a couple years ago. It worked great, but dropped it and broke off the top clear cover. It still works, but I picked up that Grand Calibur on clearance at Hobby Lobby, just in case it dies. What's even funnier is that there is a Lady on Craigslist that has another Epic for $20 so, I can just shove the one I got in a box and keep it as a back up or give it away. I think I'm going to be even more addicted to die cutting. lol
LOL - Good for you! What a great price too! I did look into "my" crystal ball and it showed addiction for you is right around the corner! I can think of worse addictions to have right? Have fun.............
Oh, I'm full blown addicted. Flowers is my biggie right now. I'm digging those blossom spirals by spellbinders. It definitely keeps my mind out of the dumps and I love sharing them.
I think it was mentioned, but not sure if anyone actually came right out and said the correct answer. Too many times, people use the wrong names for the different types of plastic. I'm almost 100% sure that the plates are actually made of polycarbonate instead of acrylic. That is probably why a previous post said that her homemade plates cracked. Polycarbonate is more flexible, but scratches easier. Acrylic stays shiny, is harder to scratch, but cracks easier.
The people on this site are absolutely amazing - smart, creative, talented.....and "technical teachers" to boot! lol Thanks Turkey for your "two cents!" - who knew? And double thanks for the research!
I keep one plate clean and only use it if the back will show. Otherwise the lines from the well used plate doesn't show. Leaving a warped plate in the machine is brilliant!
One thing to think of when using hot water is the temperature of your water. If your hot water is set low, you might need to turn it up or add boiling water. Ours is set really low because we have kids. I hadn't heard of using hot water before but I can't wait to try it.
__________________ RebeccaEdnie Mixed Media Artist, Paper Crafter, Jewelry Designer SCSDirtyDozenAlumni Www.Boxofchocolatescrafts.Com YouNeverKnowWhatI’mGoingtoMake
I love the imbossed image on this card. What brand is the embossing folder?
I honestly have no clue. I throw the original packaging away as soon as I purchase the folder. I store all of my folders in a wicker basket. Keeps them together and organize and the baskets looks pretty on the shelf in my craft room.
I honestly have no clue. I throw the original packaging away as soon as I purchase the folder. I store all of my folders in a wicker basket. Keeps them together and organize and the baskets looks pretty on the shelf in my craft room.
