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?
I need new ideas about how to separate dies that must be cut apart, such as TE or Concord&9th dies that were made in China. I have tried wire cutters and/or snips, followed by filing the sharp points, but still struggle to get them smooth. Ugh! I much prefer the dies that don’t have to be cut apart! Anyone have a new/different idea for smoothing out those sharp areas?
I try to cut as close as possible so that there is as small a nub left as possible, and file it with a small metal file from my jewelry making days. It seems to work better than non-metal files. I think if it isn't cut close enough and there is a point sticking out, it is harder to get smooth.
Kathy, thanks for your reply. I do what you described, but I occasionally get a set of dies that is connected so closely to each other that I am not able to get the cutter into the limited space, which makes it nearly impossible to cut it close.
Usually the dies you have to cut apart are made in the USA, at least the ones I have purchase were. Like Kathy, I try to cut close to the die and get rid of the nibs. Those that are so closely connected that I can't separate, I hand to my husband and walk away! He uses his fine tools that I will not touch.
I use a button shank remover, it gets right up next to the die. There are many available, do a search on your fave store - Amazon, Walmart, Joann, Mikes, etc. https://www.joann.com/favorite-findi...xoC-1cQAvD_BwE
Thanks, Vic! As soon as I read your post, I knew that was the tool I had previously used that worked well! I had just forgotten! Thanks for the reminder! I was able to separate the dies, removing most of the nibs, before my button shank remover fell apart in my hand. Lol! It is probably 25 or more years old, so I guess it’s time to replace it. A friend had given me this one as a birthday present during the years we were scrapbooking together long, long ago.
lovinpaper, I may resort to asking my husband to grind off the remaining nibs with his grinder, or maybe show me how to use the grinder. I’m sure a dremel type tool would work well, but I don’t know if we own one. He isn’t especially fond of doing fine detail work such as this.
Last edited by ozarkstamper; 04-24-2023 at 06:39 PM..
I clip them too and file them. But I don't care anymore if it is not totally flush. As long as it is close, not sharp and wont cut me. The metal file does make all the difference. I have not had a nesting set come attached so I dont have to worry about spacing if I want to make a frame.
I had not seen a shank tool before. Interesting. Thanks Vic.
__________________ Margot
I am a proud fan club member
I use my rotary cutter (Dremel tool) with the round metal blade. Sparks fly like a birthday sparkler but don't be afraid of that. First I carefully separate the dies then grind smooth. Sometimes I snip them apart with the tools mentioned above first then grind. Just grind a tiny bit at a time so you don't go farther than flush with the border of the die. Note: It's a good idea to wear eye protection for safety.
The following 2 users liked this post by Cre8ive Mind:
Thanks, Cre8ive Mind! I looked at a less expensive version of a Dremel at Harbor Freight yesterday. I didn’t purchase yet, as I need to go explore the tools in the garage first. We might already have one.
Last edited by ozarkstamper; 04-26-2023 at 10:08 AM..
Reason: Corrected spelling error.
I couldn't help by laugh at: "Hand it to my husband and walk away!" Too funny! I, too, use the button shank tool...seems to work for me.
Thanks!! Sometimes I just need to walk away as he will do this, but is not too thrilled when they are tiny and take a bit of work to separate. He has small tools for working on his guitar and I will not touch those tools.
Frankly, I just keep them attached until I just have to cut a piece apart. Then I use clippers, but it is difficult to find a pair that have hardened steel blades that don't wear away quickly. I will look at some of the suggestions in this thread. Great discussion.
The gallon bag is a great idea. I've been sniping in between paper towels. I don't have a metal file and I started using the "neck" area of my snips to rub/wear the sharp areas down.
Question about separating dies
