Question about durability of dies

[Ocean County Stamper]

Hi Everyone,
I was given a Big Shot for Christmas a few years ago and I really enjoy using it. OK, that is an understatement. I have bought, well let's describe it as, a generous selection of dies, from a variety of companies. So is there a reason to think that the dies will 'wear out' at some point? Sounds like a stupid question I imagine. I recognize that the mechanics of the big shot can wear out or become jammed etc and that definitely I will need to replace the cutting plates etc. But I'm asking about the metal dies themselves. I have one of a small walking cat and another of some nautical themed items, that I seem to cut very often. Is there some kind of maintenance I'm supposed to do on the dies? Hey thanks, for responding!
Ann

[xayide2]

Not sure, I haven't worn out mine yet. Some of my spellbinders might get a curve in them if I used them a lot, but not really worn out.

[Crafter 4 Life]

Most are made from steel so I don't think they will 'wear out'. Maybe, like the OP said, they might begin to bow/curve a little.

Just keep buying new ones and rotate their use-lol! That's my theory.

[binkiemonstermom]

I haven't heard of any wearing out, but there are several dies that have small pieces or holes in the them. I have heard of the paper backing up in them and reduring them uncuttable. I would make sure all the little pieces are cleaned out after each use, and you shouldn't have any problemes.

[JanaM]

I can only speak from personal experience - I have some that I use over and over and no signs of wear. As a previous poster said with them being steel I expect a long life from them.

[winnieu]

Interesting question! I haven't had any wear out and I use my often. I figure they are reasonably priced and I am getting my moneys worth. If they ever do stop cutting, but then I am sure they have paid for themselves.

[JBgreendawn]

I have some sizzix steel ruled dies that are over 12+ years old and they cut just fine... so, I would think they are going to last as long as my real rubber stamps.

hth

[Ocean County Stamper]

Thanks everyone for responding! I can't tell you how much I enjoy using these dies. They really are terrific and fun.

[jazzytobi]

I teach classes at my LSS and for a class that sells really well I could be making as much as 250 cuts with one die. I have noticed that with one of the older Memory Box dies I use ( the one I used for all of the kitting) it cut slightly worse than a new die of the same design. It might be because the holes weren't always cleaned out every time or whatever, but I noticed the paper didn't pop out as effortlessly as the new ones. Still cuts fine, I just had to manually eject the die cut each time.

[deeth1]

Only problem I have had is with the Spellbinders Nestabilities dies. Seems like the coating on the steel is chipping off and transfers onto the edges of the cardstock I am cutting.

I prefer the Sizzix dies. I have had some of those for several years and they are still cutting great.