I have no long purchased this machine. I have tried and tried to Die Cut, even checked the instructions on line but it seems that when I set up plates etc it is not high enough under the machine. So turning the handle does not take the plates etc through. Can anyone please help? I bought it new from Spotlight.

cobbe - 2021-03-30 14:30:00

I have a cuttlebug and have to put in extra thick plates, it even then it’s not that great TBH.

Maybe try and get some additional plates?

I also used extra (old) cardboard to pack it out a bit.

Edited by lakeview3 at 8:49 pm, Tue 30 Mar

lakeview3 - 2021-03-30 20:48:00

lakeview...thank you for your message. My machine is a Crafters choice. I happen to see a video on Youtube and a lady had the same trouble , she uses a silicone mat, but I will look at the video again first. Your idea I will try also. Cheers!

Edited by cobbe at 11:32 am, Wed 31 Mar

cobbe - 2021-03-31 11:32:00

I thought you were calling out to me at first, with my name being close.lol

Anyways, you need to be sure that you are using your cutting plates correctly. They need to be in the order that the youtube shows.

Even on a Big Shot, or some of the other known cutting machines, a die won't cut, so you can use a 'shim', which is basically something that will help the die to stay in place, and to allow better pressure, as the die goes through the machine. That 'something' can be cardstock. You may need to fold it, to give it some thickness, that will take away any spare space, that is stopping the die from cutting your paper.

Does that make sense? Give it a go.

Editing to add, that once you have the thickness right, and you are passing it all through your machine, you will hear noises, and it will feel tight. That is normal. I remember I freaked out the first time I used mine. I thought I was breaking the plates. You have to have tightness for the cutting.

Also, when you are layering your plates, and have your die and paper ready to roll, just nudge the plates through before you start turning the handle. That just gets the place in and ready to be turned with the handle.

Edited by crafters_corner at 2:19 pm, Wed 31 Mar

crafters_corner - 2021-03-31 14:13:00

cobbe wrote:

lakeview...thank you for your message. My machine is a Crafters choice. I happen to see a video on Youtube and a lady had the same trouble , she uses a silicone mat, but I will look at the video again first. Your idea I will try also. Cheers!

ah! A silicone mat! Yes that’s good thinking. Might try that myself, I kind of got over fiddling with all the plates and cardboard and put the damn thing away for a while!

lakeview3 - 2021-03-31 16:27:00