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I bought some Sizzix dies (flowers, branches & leaves) and I am have trouble with them. I've only used framelits, so these are new to me. I have a big shot and can't figure out how to get them to come out clean & easy. Any hints, suggestions or ideas welcomed!
When you say you can't get them to come out clean and easy, do you mean that they seem to cut fine but you can't get the diecut pieces out of the dies? Or are they just plain not cutting nicely?
If it's the first, I will second Crazysuziestampers suggestion - I've tried the fabric softener sheet method and it blew. my. mind. Seriously - dies that I avoided using because the thin parts would tear when I was trying to get them out of the die are now usable. It's amazing.
If it's the second, you might want to try a metal shim. You can buy them, but mine is just cut from a piece of roof flashing - I taped it to a spare cutting plate so I wouldn't lose it. I use platform, cutting plate, metal shim, die (with the cutting side up), cardstock and 2nd cutting plate and that has fixed the dies that I had that didn't want to cut quite right. If it's only missing in on certain spot on the die, you can also shim just that spot on the die with a layer or two of scotch tape on the non-cutting side of the die.
I've been on the Spellbinders team for going on 5 years and I have never seen this trick. WOW! I'm sooooo gonna try this. I have about a million intricate dies that I avoid. Thanks for the link!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazysuziestamper
Shelley. check out this video. I've tried this and it really works! HTH
The dies I have are hard plastic on one side and the flip side is a soft foam, with the design cut into it. When I use them it's like part of the die isn't cutting all the way through. I really like them, but I'm frustrated with them!
So I sure hope this helps you. I don't have the big shot, but I have one that cuts similarly. I did a search and I found a blog that has a sandwich cheat sheet.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my sizzix dies do I sure hope that this works for you so you can enjoy them.
The dies I have are hard plastic on one side and the flip side is a soft foam, with the design cut into it. When I use them it's like part of the die isn't cutting all the way through. I really like them, but I'm frustrated with them!
It is possible that the plates are too warped or the dies are defective. I doubt it is defective dies. If part of the die isn't cutting through, try putting the die through the machine at an angle if possible. I've heard that can work and move it through the machine a few times.
I'm sorry!!
btw, I use waxed paper between my dies and cardstock to get the cardstock out easily and to keep dies from leaving a residue on the cardstock.
good luck
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
The dies I have are hard plastic on one side and the flip side is a soft foam, with the design cut into it. When I use them it's like part of the die isn't cutting all the way through. I really like them, but I'm frustrated with them!
Silly question, but what are you trying to cut, are you using just regular cardstock? I ask because when I was new to die cutting, some of my first attempts were with felt and it was disastrous with some of the thin wafer dies.
Another thought, have you run them back and forth in your Big Shot two or three times? Sometimes my dies don't make a clean cut on the first pass. Tape the paper to the die with washi tape or painters tape so that it doesn't move shift and cut in a different spot (I figured that out the hard way too!) Also, on the subsequent passes, rotate the die. The pressure isn't always even so some areas cut better than others.
If nobody's suggestions are helping, I would contact Sizzix because that seems odd that they're not cutting all the way through.
OK, so can I say that this is one of my pet peeves. This isn't directed at Sizzix dies, but I see threads all the time like this for various products, where people give all sorts of helpful tips to get it to work right. We shouldn't need all these tips, shims, wax paper, you name it...
A product should work smoothly, period. The user shouldn't be forced to somehow use all sorts of tricks and workarounds to make it work.
Certainly looks good, but haven't I read that using dryer sheets rusts the dies?
Can you post this info please.
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Certainly looks good, but haven't I read that using dryer sheets rusts the dies?
I've never seen or heard anything thing like this. I did a Google search and searched the forums here but couldn't find anything. Would you post a link to where you saw this?
I can't think of any reasons it would rust them since most are made of steel. Would think that moisture could cause them to rust. There is some kind of film on dryer sheets but there is a film on wax paper, bakers's paper, parchment etc. which other's have reommended in other threads so don't see a problem.
Update: I found out they are Sizzix Sizzlits. This morning after reading all your suggestions, I set out to conquer and I did! Turns out the Michaels recollections cardstock was what I was having trouble getting a clean cut. SU card stock and vellum both gave me clean solid cuts!! Exactly what I wanted! So happy!! Thanks all for your replies!
Also, be sure to have your Sizzlets (thin blade die with foam) facing blade/foam side up. Having them face down can damage them and, make sure your acrylic plates are not warped when cutting dies.
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I have a question for you all. I have been saving my used dryer sheets for this but I have found that they leave a filmy residue on the die cut. Then you cant stamp on them. Anyone else have this happen? I use the store brand.
Blessings.
PS It does work!
I only use the dryer sheets for the really intricate dies like the new SU butterfly thinlets and I don't stamp on them, although I have inked the edges without any problems. Die cuts for sentiments or images like labels and ovals I don't use dryer sheets. Can you stamp first then die cut where you have this problem?
I have a question for you all. I have been saving my used dryer sheets for this but I have found that they leave a filmy residue on the die cut. Then you cant stamp on them. Anyone else have this happen? I use the store brand.
Blessings.
PS It does work!
I not understanding this?? since the dryer sheet touches the back of the card stock. What am I missing?
re dryer sheets rusting dies. I have seen reference to this happening several times on various Facebook groups, though of course I cannot now find them! I haven't had it happen, maybe it's just one of those stories that gets passed around.
I have a question for you all. I have been saving my used dryer sheets for this but I have found that they leave a filmy residue on the die cut. Then you cant stamp on them. Anyone else have this happen? I use the store brand.
Blessings.
PS It does work!
For the technique of getting the die cuts out of the dies you don't use used dryer sheets. They must be new. I use used sheets for another technique but you need new ones because they are coated yet. Maybe if you used a static pad across your die cuts you could stamp on the. I haven't tried stamping on die cuts.
Well?...
I have been using used dryer sheets and its remarkable how easily the die cuts fall out of the dies. I will start using them only for cuts that dont need stamping and I will try the great suggestion to stamp FIRST then die cut. Thanks ladies,..you always know something that will help!
Well?...
I have been using used dryer sheets and its remarkable how easily the die cuts fall out of the dies. I will start using them only for cuts that dont need stamping and I will try the great suggestion to stamp FIRST then die cut. Thanks ladies,..you always know something that will help!
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Blessings.
Well now you have me curious. I'm going to try used sheets and see what happens! :-)
I'm glad its working for you amber. I tried using the word die "love" from the thin expressions thinlits and it wouldn't come out of the die with my used sheets. Came right out with the unused ones. I wonder if brand makes a difference? Or how intricate a die I use? Those word dies are very thin.
All I can say is...Shut The Front Door! I am one of the most patient people I know, and the thought of picking and poking paper out of a die really doesn't bother me to much if a particular die is the just the right one I want to use for a card, but if I have to make 25 identical cards and the dies are intricate the time used cleaning out the die really adds up. I tried the dryer sheet method this morning and it worked like dream. Thanks crazysuziestamper for posting the video.
All I can say is...Shut The Front Door! I am one of the most patient people I know, and the thought of picking and poking paper out of a die really doesn't bother me to much if a particular die is the just the right one I want to use for a card, but if I have to make 25 identical cards and the dies are intricate the time used cleaning out the die really adds up. I tried the dryer sheet method this morning and it worked like dream. Thanks crazysuziestamper for posting the video.
I have one of the Spellbinders Cardmakers dies that cuts the most beautiful lattice frame. I mean, gorgeous. I used it ONCE, because there must be over 100 tiny bits of paper to poke out, and then it seems to be a 50/50 shot at best that I can get the frame part out without tearing it. Tried it with the fabric softener sheets and everything just fell right out of the die. Best. Tip. Ever.
I have one of the Spellbinders Cardmakers dies that cuts the most beautiful lattice frame. I mean, gorgeous. I used it ONCE, because there must be over 100 tiny bits of paper to poke out, and then it seems to be a 50/50 shot at best that I can get the frame part out without tearing it. Tried it with the fabric softener sheets and everything just fell right out of the die. Best. Tip. Ever.
I gave that die away BEFORE I saw the tutorial! Rats!
I gave that die away BEFORE I saw the tutorial! Rats!
You should see it work with a Memory Box Winterland Tree - lots of swirls and very thin bits of paper. That one was a little easier to get out of the die, but it has a solid backing and needs you to use the poke holes. The dryer sheets just pull it all right out. I wanted to use that die on Christmas cards this past year, but couldn't quite wrap my head around trying to cut 50 of those trees. Guess what's on my card for next year!
I can't wait to try this! I just finished 25 intricately cut Valentines and there I have been, poke, poke poke on each one. I even used almost an entire roll of waxed paper. Nothing came out as easily as on this dryer sheet video. Like I said, "Can't wait."Thanks for sharing. SCS is the best.
I can't wait to try this! I just finished 25 intricately cut Valentines and there I have been, poke, poke poke on each one. I even used almost an entire roll of waxed paper. Nothing came out as easily as on this dryer sheet video. Like I said, "Can't wait."Thanks for sharing. SCS is the best.
Loyce - one thing I will mention: for my Big Kick, it works best with only 3 sheets folded in half. If I use 4, the die cut sticks to the fabric softener sheet so well that it's a little hard to pull off of there (still easier than getting it out of the die, though). So when you try this, don't hesitate to play with the number of dryer sheets that you use.
There are some dies, various manufacturers, that I must run through, flip around, and run through again. Pressure is different on the machines and if one area does not have enough pressure, it won't cut through. By flipping the cutting mats, both sides get cut evenly. I learned this from watching "The Frugal Crafter" on Youtube.
Update: I found out they are Sizzix Sizzlits. This morning after reading all your suggestions, I set out to conquer and I did! Turns out the Michaels recollections cardstock was what I was having trouble getting a clean cut. SU card stock and vellum both gave me clean solid cuts!! Exactly what I wanted! So happy!! Thanks all for your replies!
I've had issues with a couple of sizzlits dies in the past making me reluctant to use them. I ended up shimming them and they seemed to work much better.
I not understanding this?? since the dryer sheet touches the back of the card stock. What am I missing?
if you rub the die itself with the drier sheet and then cut, the good side of the card should be in contact with the die so any residue would be on the stamping side of the card. not sure how it would come in contact with the back of the card. you've confused me!!!
an alternative is to dust the die with an anti-static bag and brush off any residue once cut, or put a sheet of wax/greaseproof paper between the die and the cardstock.
I not understanding this?? since the dryer sheet touches the back of the card stock. What am I missing?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kathleen Mc
if you rub the die itself with the drier sheet and then cut, the good side of the card should be in contact with the die so any residue would be on the stamping side of the card. not sure how it would come in contact with the back of the card. you've confused me!!!
Y'all are talking two different techniques Kathleen - what crazysuziestamper is talking about is from the video - after you run the die and cardstock thru the machine, the cardstock is stuck in the die. Then you run the die (with the stuck cardstock) thru the machine with the cutting side down on top of a stack of folded fabric softener sheets. The fabric softener sheets grab the die and all the little chads and pulls them right out of the die - no poking. So the only thing the fabric softener sheet touches is the back of the cardstock diecut. (I actually made a mistake with one of my experiments and used the fabric softener sheets right away when I cut, and even that seemed to work, which could mean one less pass thru the machine.)
What you're talking about is another tip that I've read, where you rub the die with a fabric softener sheet to make it more slippery and ready to release the diecut. I've tried that, and it works, but trust me - not nearly as well as the technique in the video. But you're right - that would put the residue on the stamping side of the card.
I love all the great tips here..thanks ladies! But I am not totally thrilled with the dryer sheet technique. I don't like the sticky residue left behind on my paper and dies. Really I don't mind poking the bits out..if there are any but I do put packing tape (sticky side down) on all my dies as soon as I receive them. This is really helpful with words and fine swirls. They seem to slip right out.
I havent had a chance to try it. Any one like it? I was excited when I got it but no one has metioned it so I'm wondering.
I was taught to run all my dies with waxpaper a couple of times in the beginning so they get a coating on them and will release ok but that has been only partly successful. It's better if I run it with the wax paper with the paper cut.
I love that vid! Not only is it a great trick but she's a riot about poking/lottery, etc. LOL And so true for me that peeling it out is very hit/miss without tearing.
REally, why should we have to go thru all this. Yes, the wax paper helps, yes, the dryer sheets help a lot, it just adds another step to the process, starts to make it more work.
Help needed with dies
