Sissix big shot express machine (electric)

[hollymae]

Hello group!
who can tell me how to use the 3D EF in an electric Sissix big shot express machine. I just received today, was hoping for some instructions.

[UnderstandBlue]

Hi Holly! I've moved your thread to a forum where it might get more views!

I don't know what EF you're referring to, but the ones I have basically replace a plate. So I use the same sandwich as for embossing folders (non 3D ones) but use one plate instead of two.

[hollymae]

Hello Lydia,

My EF is a Tim Holtz 3D, Stampin Up magnolia3D and simon says 3D EF

I received my new machine yesterday, it came with 2 clear plates and a base plate.
no instructions fir using 3D plates.

I did try base plate, 3D plate and a clear plate and it wouldnt go through.

Holly

[fionna51]

My experience is that 3D embossing folders vary widely in thickness. VERY widely! Therefore, you will need to do some experimenting as to what sandwich to use. Start with what Lydia says above...put your 3D folder with cardstock inside on the platform and try one cutting plate on top. Some folders work just fine that way. Others don't. You may need to use shims of cardstock layers. Sometimes you need a 3D embossing plate instead of a regular plate. I find that my various rubber pieces are sometimes what I need for a shim, on a few of mine, with the platform, rubber, and the folder with NO plate. Experiment, but never force the sandwich into your machine.

[fionna51]

Maybe I should have said that like this:

Start with platform, folder and regular plate.
If that's too thick.....
.....then you need to use shims and no plate.
If that's too thin.....
.....then try platform, folder and embossing plate.

If that's too thick but a regular plate is too thin, then you need shims with the regular plate....

The whole process is complicated by the various different tabs on the Sizzix multipurpose platform. You can also add or remove tabs to your sandwich. You'll need to keep experimenting with each folder until you get it just right.

I've decided to do two things with my folders. I'm going to measure the thickness of each one (using a caliper) and write that on the folder. Then I'll make a cheat sheet for sandwiches for each thickness of folder.

[hollymae]

Wow! Thank you Diane.

I am just so afraid of breaking this machine. I broke my Gemeni Jr, because of forcing these 3D folders through.

I tried my new machine earlier and used the main platform, extended thin die adapter, the 3D folder with Watercolor paper, and the rubber mat from my Gemini Jr and it made a great impression.
The rubber mat moved around a lot, so I out it under the extended thin die adapter plate.

Seems like a fix.

Thank you for your assistance.

Holly

[fionna51]

Yes, I found that if I use a rubber mat as a shim, it shouldn't be on the top. Tends to get crunched or possibly wrapped around a roller. I put it somewhere below the embossing folder.

But every folder is different. My 3D folders range from 4/32 inches (1/8 inch) to 7/32 inches (almost 1/4 inch) thick. That is a LOT of difference!!!

[wavejumper]

I agree with Fionna. Even regular EFs can be different but the 3Ds are harder.

I have to admit I am getting cranky about how many shims and stuff there are now. Rubber embossing and metal plates (which can curl the first time you use them) and thin plastic shims..ugh.

If you feel like you have hit the wall so to speak-email the mfg. They know how to build the sandwich for all the machines. I get it-manually you can stop but the electrics could be bad.

I also will print it out on my label maker and stick it to the back of the EF so I know for the future....like say after lunch. LOL If I had the wall space I would do a directions page and frame it near the machine.