We R Memory Keepers magnetic mat instead of Sizzix Magnetic Platform

[irie93]

Hello out there! Has anyone ever tried using the We R Memory Keepers self healing magnetic mat to die cut, instead of the magnetic platform by Sizzix? I have a mini one being shipped to my local Staples and can't wait to see if it will do what I am hoping for.

[fionna51]

What machine are you using?

The important issue is that the sandwich that you use (meaning the entire stack of everything you run thru the machine) has to be exactly the right thickness. The difference in thickness of one sheet of paper can make or break your machine...literally.

[irie93]

I have a Big Kick and the newest Big Shot. But what I am interested in finding out is this: Has anyone ever tried using the We R Memory Keepers self healing magnetic mat to die cut? Is the magnet in it as strong as the magnet in the Sizzix platform?

[irie93]

By the by, my daughter's name is Fiona (we spell it with one N). It is such a beautiful name. :p

[fionna51]

Well, I assume you plan on using the magnetic mat instead of one of the cutting plates in your sandwich. But it isn't going to be exactly the same thickness as a cutting plate. So just replacing the plate with the mat won't work. And you can't add the mat between the cutting plates, because then it will be too thick to go thru the machine.

Essentially, you would need to figure out how much the thickness difference is and find some hard material that doesn't compress at all that will make up the difference in thickness...exactly. And it needs to be hard because if you try to shim with paper, the paper compresses just enough that the die will not cut. (ask me how I know this one ;) )

I have read many times of people who break the Big Shot (or Big Kick...same machine) by using the incorrect sandwich, or trying to force something through the machine that isn't the right thickness. I have even found that I can die cut an edge on 80 pound Neenah paper, but 110 pound is not possible. It won't go thru the machine. That's how sensitive the machine is to the thickness.

Personally, I don't think I would attempt to use other materials than Sizzix platforms and plates and directions in the Sizzix machines.

That said, I just got myself a magnetic platform the other day...using a coupon at Hobby Lobby.

[irie93]

Yes I do plan on using the magnetic mat in place of the cutting plate. I am loathe to buy another sizzix platform (I have 3: one short one and two long ones) I use one acrylic plate in my sandwich (on top) when die cutting. My bottom layer in the sandwich is a self healing mat and is balm to my soul because it does not warp up, it remains flat.

So when I saw that there is a self healing mat with magnets , (woo-hoo!!!) I ordered it with the intention to replace my regular self healing mat with the magnetic one.

I appreciate your advice and will make sure to come up with an appropriate sandwich formula. Breaking one of my sizzix machines would be a catastrophe :( !!!!

Thank you for taking time out to share.

[TheOtherMeg]

Irie93, you can fiddle around and find the sandwich that works in your machine(s). Just be careful not to force anything through. Before all the different platforms came out for the different machines and dies, I just shimmed with various combinations of chipboard, cardstock, and thin computer paper to get something that worked.

Just be careful and you should be fine. And please come back and tell us how it went!

[irie93]

I will come back and share. The mat should be delivered to my local store on January 23rd. Waiting with bated breath!

[Lainey50]

Hi,
Would you please give an update on your experience with the magnetic mat? I'vebeen thinking about trying a Sizzix magnetic platform or a metal cutting plate and have read so many differing opinions I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks!

[YorkieMoma]

subbing

[prairiecrafter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lainey50

Hi,
Would you please give an update on your experience with the magnetic mat? I'vebeen thinking about trying a Sizzix magnetic platform or a metal cutting plate and have read so many differing opinions I would appreciate some advice.

Thanks!

I have the magnet platform and do like using it. I know some people do not, but I have not had issues with mine.