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hi, I recently got a sizzix because I wanted a custom die, and found a place that makes custom dies to go with the Sizzix at a very reasonable price. so now I have this die, and I plan on using it a TON! like thousands of times if it'll last that long.
so my question to you is this. how far down do you push the handle, and will it hurt my die if I press down too far?
the directions say to only push the handle down 4" past where you start to feel resistance. so I came as close as I could figure that was (without getting out a ruler), and it did cut throught what I'm cutting (I'm cutting felt not paper). but I ended up almost pushing the handle all the way down. but then it left what I would concider a fairly deep cut mark on the cutting mat. does this mean I'm pressing too hard? I really want this die to last as long as possible!
do any of you have dies that you've used a LOT!? are you finding that they wear out easily with use?
any tips are greatly appreciated! I want this die to last!
thanks,
Michelle
Usually I end up pushing all the way down on mine even when I use cardstock. I found that if I don't it sometimes does not cut all the way through. I also always pull the handle down atleast twice. I haven't had any problem with it hurting my dies. You are suppose to replace the cutting mat every so often anyway. I have had mine since Christmas and haven't replaced mine yet, but it is starting to get worn. I will flip it over and get some more life out it. I use mine about 1 or 2 times a week and lately been cutting fun foam.
HTH!
And please post a pic of your die, I'm interested in finding out more about where you got it.
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Laura J
"Cleaning your house while your children are still growing is like shoveling the walk while it's still snowing." --Phyllis Dillar
I have the Sizzix hammer and paddle punches set. I haven't used or even ever seen the Sizzix machine, but I use the paddle punches to make die cuts because the blades are sharp which produces a really defined cut and you can place the punch anywhere on the paper. This comes in handy when you want a palm tree cut out smack dab in the center of your 12x12 cardstock. Let me know how the machine works out for you?
I am new at this!! But I also got my sizzix for Christmas and I was wondering the die cuts that you call love. I look at all the choices and wonder which ones to start with.
I push all the way down too. I also kind of bounce the handle a few times against the cushion pad to make sure the die has cut. As far as I was concerned, you were meant to mark the cutting mat with the die and when that side is worn too badly, you turn it over, and then when that side is badly worn you buy a new cutting mat, they are only a few dollars.
I push all the way down. I think the handle even hits the black pad. And yes, the die does cut the white pad. That is why they are replaceable. I've had my pad for almost 2 years. I use mine alot too.
And please post a pic of your die, I'm interested in finding out more about where you got it.
I don't have a pic of my die, but I got it at www.cross-cuts.com I believe is the web site. it was about $26 plus shipping (for priority it was like $5 I think), but that was a great bargain compared to the other quote I got ($145 for one die that would only work with a $300 die cutting machine). I sent them PDF file of the drawing I wanted for my die, then they created the drawing how it would fit on the die, once I approved it I just paid by paypall, and they made it and shipped it out. it took about 3-4 weeks, but seeing as how it was made in China that's not too bad lol!! they're made of wood, and
work wonderfully with the sizzix.
thanks for your feedback.
Michelle
Steel rule dies are the regular thick dies that sizzix makes (as opposed to their thin sizzlets). One the actually "die" side there is a steel piece that makes the cut into your paper. I push my handle all the way down and bounce it a couple of times. The die cut machine we use at school is also made by Ellison and we have been using the same dies for 10 years with very little problem and everyone "bounces" the handle when they cut. I think there is only one letter that need more than the normal of two "bounces"
do you have a sizzix? I have a question.
