Magic Mat plates layering for Cuttlebug

[lesliespringer]

I just received Magic Mat for die cutting in my Cuttlebug. Directions indicated to use normal plates and to use cardstock shims as needed.
I used plate A, plate, Magic Mat and plate C, does not work with Magic Mat, too thick to go through machine. Then I used Plate A, Magic Mat, Plate B and another plate B. Still to thick to go through Cuttlebug.

Then I used Plate A, Magic Mat and 7 pieces of heavy card stock. Did not go through die completely. I added another piece of heavy card stock, it cut snowflake die but bent die.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mac4551]

I gave away my Cuttlebug after I split a C plate on the first use. As for the Magic Mat, I used my Gemini Jr until it quit about 2 months ago, but now use the Spellbinders Platinum 6. I replace what I'd normally use as the cutting plate with the magic mat. So in my Spellbinders, from the bottom up, I use the base, the magic mat, cardstock, die and then clear plate. When my Gemini Jr was working, I used the same sandwich. All machines are calibrated differently, so you basically have to play around with the sandiwch formation. Just, never force the plates through any machine. sometimes, you can get away with just using a piece of cardboard as an extra shim if the die doesn't cut the entire way through. I love my magic mat.... it cuts down on how often I have to replace plates. Good Luck !

[lovinpaper]

I would suggest Plate A, magic mat, then plate C. Well place the paper and die before plate C, but use only 1 plate with the magic mat.

My magic mat is sized for my Big Shot Plus so I can't try it in the Bug, but it replaces one cutting plate.

[rpnjn]

I have not had any problems using my magic mat with the Cuttlebug. For cutting dies, I use A plate, Magic mat and C plate. Depending on the die, I may have to add a shim of light cardboard. I cut my Kleenex box up and use that. It works great. Embossing folders all very......I struggle with that sometimes.I have used a rubber mat and cardboard and skipped a second plate when the folder is so thick. I hope this helps. I never have had anything other than my Cuttlebug!

[Craftlover]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesliespringer

I just received Magic Mat for die cutting in my Cuttlebug. Directions indicated to use normal plates and to use cardstock shims as needed.
I used plate A, plate, Magic Mat and plate C, does not work with Magic Mat, too thick to go through machine. Then I used Plate A, Magic Mat, Plate B and another plate B. Still to thick to go through Cuttlebug.

Then I used Plate A, Magic Mat and 7 pieces of heavy card stock. Did not go through die completely. I added another piece of heavy card stock, it cut snowflake die but bent die.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

My 17 year old cuttlebug died on me.
Be careful when forcing the plates. That is exactly what happened to me.

[Cre8ive Mind]

I broke a Cuttlebug with too thick of a sandwich too. With any cutting machine I think the best way to avoid the possibility of bending the dies is to put the metal die cutting side up. If the upper plate starts to bend flip it over next time. The reason to put the die first is that the base plate is the thickest and keeps the die flat through the whole process and not just going through the pressure of the roller surface area with "give" underneath the die. So in my new/used Cuttlebug (lucked out at a thrift store one day). I use the:
1. white thick base plate A
2. a B plate preferably a nice flat one
3. the die cutting blade up
4. the self healing mat
5. another B plate
6. shim (I use cereal box cardboard).

I am using an old Epic cutting mat, but I think any self healing mat that will fit the width of your machine would work. I have used my mat hundreds of times. Don't use with Bigz dies they cut right through the mat.
I used to get bent/rolling dies but not any more with this method.
Gook Luck!