have you tried cutting aluminum cans with your sizzix dies?

gale · 05-08-2009

Check this out-do you suppose this person must have used a sizzix die? Has anyone tried this? I'm curious whether it comes out just like this or if it has to be manipulated somehow.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php...ng_id=24733791

Metalcharm · 05-08-2009

I have cuts lots of aluminium with sizzix dies .. haven't tried sizzlets but the larger dies certianly work with it. I used actual aluminium in a roll - not a cut up can but it's the same stuff.

gale · 05-08-2009

When you do, do the edges kind of roll like in that etsy shop? I guess I could just try it but I don't have any regular soda cans, just izze cans. Might be about the same weight.

Metalcharm · 05-09-2009

No - must say they haven't .. just look like an ordinary diecut.
Got me wondering now how she has done it. LOL

gale · 05-09-2009

OK I tried one and not only did I poke my finger with a sharp can edge, it also did not have that rolled edge. I tried with the crease pad and it was kinda rolled under a tiny bit but nothing like that seller.

cheris · 05-09-2009

I used a coke can with the manhatten flower for imprint and then rolled it thru with the butterfly die.

It does roll up a bit, but for the butterfly - that is a good thing. When I don't want it to roll, simply adhere with sticky strip.

Here ya go:

gale · 05-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheris

I used a coke can with the manhatten flower for imprint and then rolled it thru with the butterfly die.

It does roll up a bit, but for the butterfly - that is a good thing. When I don't want it to roll, simply adhere with sticky strip.

Here ya go:

That looks really cool!!

cheris · 05-09-2009

a couple of other things....

first, I am fairly certain they had that hello kitty die at our Joann's yesterday for about $6 - there were a bunch of sizzix hk things in the clearance row.

And,

I noticed where you were both from..... Gale, I am in Indy, where are you in Indiana? And, I didn't live in the outback - but Surrey Hills, Victoria was my home for over 6 years - met my husband there and our daughter was born in Kew!

cheris · 05-09-2009

someone else can't sleep!

gale · 05-09-2009

I'm just about to go to bed-way too late as usual. I'm about 90 miles from Indy. About an hour drive from Kokomo. Unfortunately our J's never had any sizzix. Bummer.

kgsilva · 05-09-2009

Yes, I have done this many times. It is important to be careful cutting the cans apart. Then use a trimmer (either a rotary trimmer or a guillotine type) to even up the edges. This makes it less likely that you will cut yourself. Then I iron the metal flat between towels. If you want, you can color the metal with alcohol inks at this point. I use the sizzix bookplate, hinge, and photo turn dies to make metal embellies with my 'free' metal!!! You can also emboss this metal with Cuttlebug embossing folders. The effects you get are fabulous.

MSBetsyZ · 05-09-2009

I always keep a couple cans around just to sharpen my punches... I have run the metal through my Cuttlebug and Big Shot as well... Those rolled edges do look nice though... I don't get those. Wonder what extra step is being done to get them?

Paper Junky · 05-09-2009

I'm wondering if it matters which side of the aluminum you have facing the die. Today, for the first time actually, I was using the CB dies to cut from an aluminum can, and it did roll the edges and the colored portion of the can was on the front of my diecut like the above pic. Make sense? Unfortunately, I can't remember, though, which side of the aluminum I had facing the die.

Stampin'HappyInCT · 05-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gale

do you suppose this person must have used a sizzix die?

Why not contact the seller and ask how she did it?

gale · 05-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Junky

I'm wondering if it matters which side of the aluminum you have facing the die. Today, for the first time actually, I was using the CB dies to cut from an aluminum can, and it did roll the edges and the colored portion of the can was on the front of my diecut like the above pic. Make sense? Unfortunately, I can't remember, though, which side of the aluminum I had facing the die.

I tried it both ways and it does roll the tiniest bit when it's upside down but nothing like the ones she makes.

gale · 05-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stampin'HappyInCT

Why not contact the seller and ask how she did it?

I guess if I was making something unique I wouldn't want to tell others how to duplicate it so I don't want to ask. I'm going to buy one though-the hello kitty magnet would look great in my craft room.

vensung1 · 05-09-2009

The trick is to have it backed with another material like cardstock or in the case of the Etsy seller she states hers are backed with foam. (fun foam maybe)

I have used craft metal and adhered it to cardstock and used my accucut and I got really sweet rolled edges: Let me attach a pic... no sharp edges

I don't see why this wouldn't work with the any other the personal cutters as well. HTH

lindsaymay · 05-09-2009

It works great! they emboss well too just iron the can in a towel to keep it from curling!

Sophia_77 · 05-09-2009

Thanks for the pointer about ironing the cans! I almost gave up using them because they were such a pain to store ...

I was using my Bigz heart locket die last night and noticed that I got rolled eges on the part that was facing down. I haven't noticed it with any other die, so I don't know why it does it with this particular one.

HTH!

craftymomto2 · 05-12-2009

Here is a link showing how to do things with foil:
http://www.scrapnstamp.ca/2009/04/14...um-craft-foil/
I know this is kind of off the subject, but it is interesting!

lacyquilter · 05-13-2009

Sign up for email notices from sizzix.com. They have weekly specials on select dies like Tuesday Teasers (1 day only), but 50% off isn't unusual, and for some of the older alpha, etc., even more off.

I'm not sure, but I think the minimum on-line order is $25.

I punch a slit in the can close to one end with a steak knife, and then cut around the can with old scissors, cut it open and flatten by gently sliding it against a counter edge. Then you can store the cans flat. It's a good idea to trim the edges fairly smooth, so there aren't any tiny spikes sticking out ready to grab your fingers. Don't ask how I know this - OUCH!

FunkyRecycling · 05-13-2009

[quote=gale;14012145]Check this out-do you suppose this person must have used a sizzix die? Has anyone tried this? I'm curious whether it comes out just like this or if it has to be manipulated somehow.

Hi there Gale!

It's me Funky Recycling!

You should get your Hello Kitty soon. I do indeed use sizzix and other brand dies. You are all on the right track. I came up with all of it by just messing around and experimenting.

However...I do only use my dies for cutting aluminum...I do not cut paper with them so I am not sure what it would do to the life of dies going back and forth. (aluminum / paper)

Happy Crafting!

Christine

Stampin'HappyInCT · 05-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkyRecycling

I do indeed use sizzix and other brand dies. You are all on the right track. I came up with all of it by just messing around and experimenting.

Thanks, Christine, for your reply.

I think what everyone is wondering is how you got the edges to curl under. Did you do anything special when running the die through your machine?

Thanks.

FunkyRecycling · 05-13-2009

Nope...nothing special. Aluminum is mounted on foam and is placed face down - foam up. All brands of cans seem to be of different thicknesses...so results can really vary. Hope that helps...I cant give away all my secrets...

check out my etsy store - funkyrecycling.etsy.com

gale · 05-13-2009

Oh yeah please don't give away your secrets. I seem to be bad about this but the last time I found a neat item I posted about it on here and it wasn't a few days before someone else had stolen the idea from the lady who originally made it and started advertising it. I hope that doesn't happen with you. And thanks-I can't wait to get my magnet.

And I totally recommend everyone look at the store-the earrings are adorable!!

stamps4funGin · 05-14-2009

I thought the can cutting would be fun, so, although I don't have a die cut machine, I forwarded the idea to 2 friends who do. One of them contacted the sizzix manufact. and they said they don't recommend it. my other person, mentioned being on blood thinners, and not wanting to cut herself, so we haven't ventured there.

Stampcrazy82 · 05-14-2009

My Hubby said the same thing, he said it would eventually 'roll' the edge of the die, making it no good for paper.... of course, if you only did it once or twice I am sure you would barely notice the impact, but if done on a regular basis, you can say god bye to your fave dies!!! he did say however that it would probably work for your metal even after it does not work for your paper... SO when a die is almost done, and you are going to replace it, don't throw it away! keep it for your pop cans!!!

Hubby also said that the aluminum cans would work in your hand punches and in fact probably even sharpen/make them better, he explained that the difference is that the punch does a proper 'sheering' job where as the die works solely off of pressure.... Hope that help clarify some things for you!!!

S

gale · 05-14-2009

Doesn't the Big Shot advertise that it can cut so many materials including metal? Is that only certain metals?? I can't imagine any that would be softer than aluminum. So if you aren't supposed to use metal on your sizzix dies, and the Big Shot cuts metal, what the heck dies are you supposed to use??

gale · 05-15-2009

double post

gale · 05-15-2009

OK I just found this official list-so if you can cut these metals you have to use dies right? From what I've found online aluminum cans are thinner than .016. http://www.psc.edu/science/ALCOA/ALCOA.html

Big Shot Approved Materials

Cut through the following 50 materials using steel rule dies and your Big Shot machine. Please note the maximum thickness of several materials.

* Brass (.055)
* Light weight steel
* Aluminum (.016)
* Tin (.008 )
* Aircraft plywood (1/64")
* Basswood (1/16")
* Balsa (3/32")
* Paperwood
* Mat board (adhesive or none)
* Chipboard
* Fabric
* Silicone
* Foam with chipboard (.1)
* Corrugated pad
* Adhesive-backed cork
* Fine sandpaper (.00)
* Strene
* Extra thick template plastic
* Template plastic
* Plastic canvas (7 mesh)
* Bubble wrap
* Sheet foam
* Friendly (jewelry) plastic
* 100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax)
* Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
* Ruffleboard
* Static cling vinyl
* Warm & natural batting
* Fusible fleece
* Quilt batting
* Adhesive and non-adhesive flexible magnet
* Heat n' shrink plastic
* Adhesive and non-adhesive felt
* Pop-up sponge
* Shiny self-adhesive and non-adhesive paper
* Iron-on fabric
* Poly foam adhesive and non adhesive
* 3-D illusionary plastic
* Glow in the dark adhesive and non adhesive
* Suede paper
* Funky fur
* Personal Embossing Plastic (PEP)
* Shaggy plush felt
* Canvas
* Vinyl flooring
* Shelf lining
* Placement
* Embossing rubber
* Thin leather
* Gasket material

jlgoody · 05-15-2009

Great ideas! One question... What adhesive would work to adhere the aluminum to the foam? I tried tombo multi adhesive and that totally didn't work.
Thanks!
Jennifer

vensung1 · 05-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlgoody

Great ideas! One question... What adhesive would work to adhere the aluminum to the foam? I tried tombo multi adhesive and that totally didn't work.
Thanks!
Jennifer

I used my xyron and it worked great!

jlgoody · 05-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by vensung1

I used my xyron and it worked great!

Rats, that's the one toy I have never bought :0(

vensung1 · 05-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlgoody

Rats, that's the one toy I have never bought :0(

I bet those big sheets of adhesive I've seen at Joanns would work- I can't remember the name though-I think they have tiny dots of adhesive all over.... or a good atg tape or soem type of dry tape runner may work as well- I just went for the Xyron as I had used it on metal in the past and it worked great!

cardsbynikki · 05-15-2009

Do the die cuts have sharp edges once they are cut out? Do you sand them or something?

cardsbynikki · 05-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by vensung1

I bet those big sheets of adhesive I've seen at Joanns would work- I can't remember the name though-I think they have tiny dots of adhesive all over.... or a good atg tape or soem type of dry tape runner may work as well- I just went for the Xyron as I had used it on metal in the past and it worked great!

Sheets of the scor-tape would work. They sell it by the sheet, I bought some but haven't played with it yet. You could cut the sheet using the same die, and then adhere it down with that.

jlgoody · 05-16-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by vensung1

I bet those big sheets of adhesive I've seen at Joanns would work- I can't remember the name though-I think they have tiny dots of adhesive all over.... or a good atg tape or soem type of dry tape runner may work as well- I just went for the Xyron as I had used it on metal in the past and it worked great!

Yep, that sounds like a good idea. I have some of the old sticky sheets from Pennywise I bought way back when, I'll give them a go.

jlgoody · 05-16-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by cardsbynikki

Do the die cuts have sharp edges once they are cut out? Do you sand them or something?

The edges are still a tiny bit sharp, even though they roll over the edge of the foam after being cut. But it is fine for magnets or something. I just wouldn't give them to a child :0) I made a couple of cuttlebug butterflies into magnets and my 4 year old loved them so we'll see how long she listens to my warnings to not handle them :0)

The only problem I see with these super easy, adorable little beauties: I made them out of pepsi cans, my favorite soda in the whole world. Every time I catch a glimpse of them on the fridge I crave a pepsi!