help with my brand spanking new big shot!

[Tracyg]

I just got my big shot in the mail and had to play. I pulled out my old sizzlits
to give the bs a go. Followed the sandwich (at least I think I did....)
I got a perfect die cut from it, but my brand new pretty acrylic sandwich thingy has a perfect acorn indented into it lol....is that supposed to happen?
or am I doing something wrong?
I sandwiched a thin piece of paper over the die and then put that between the two acrylic mats, then placed it on the platform on tab 1 and rolled it thru.....
what do you think? did I do this right? are the acrylic pads going to get 'scarred up' from the dies? or did I do something wrong?
thanks
tracyg

[jamiehurley]

Totally normal! It is suppose to do this. I know I was a BS virgin before I got mine but learned this at convention that it would cut it up. It will last for a LONG time before you have to replace it. Unless it cracks (and you will know when it does) then it needs replaced.

[cbet]

Tracy - The pads will last longer if you move the dies around when you cut - don't always put them dead center on the platform.

[Alice in Md]

I'm glad to read about moving the dies around rather than positioning them all in the center. It makes great sense.

Somewhere in my Big Shot/Kick research I read a suggestion to mark the two acrylic plates to show which side faces the inside and outside of the sandwich. Do many people do that? Should the plates be flipped over or always used the same way?

[cbet]

Alice - I haven't a clue how it should be done, but I flip mine every which way and haven't noticed any ill effects. As a matter of fact, it seemed to help cut down somewhat on the plates warping - if they came out of one cut curled in one direction, I flipped them over for the next cut to flatten them back out. I haven't broken a plate yet, but I do use my machine more for embossing than cutting . . .

[sammsmom1]

I also flip my plates over everywhich way. I haven't noticed that it affects the machine at all. I also agree that it helps with the plates warping.

[AlbiaStamper]

I did a tutorial for my friends on my blog. You are more than welcome to check it out. Goes over very basic steps for the 'Big Shot'---Look on the left side of my blog and click on ' Stampin' Up Big Shot Scallop Envelope Tutorial'.
I hope that helps!
BTW---everyone freaked out about the etching on the clear part---you are not alone!
Nancy

[STAMPINGODDESS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice in Md

I'm glad to read about moving the dies around rather than positioning them all in the center. It makes great sense.

Somewhere in my Big Shot/Kick research I read a suggestion to mark the two acrylic plates to show which side faces the inside and outside of the sandwich. Do many people do that? Should the plates be flipped over or always used the same way?

I've never heard of marking the plates. Instead everything I've read suggests that you should keep switching them up/flipping/etc for longer life.

[mom of Marine]

Could it be that the plates were marked for top plate (the plate getting cut) and bottom plate (uncut plate). Then when the top plate is too cut up to use anymore, move the bottom plate to the top and put a new plate on the bottom.I know I read this somewhere but I can't remember why it was important to keep one plate uncut.

[militarystampingmom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice in Md

I'm glad to read about moving the dies around rather than positioning them all in the center. It makes great sense.

Somewhere in my Big Shot/Kick research I read a suggestion to mark the two acrylic plates to show which side faces the inside and outside of the sandwich. Do many people do that? Should the plates be flipped over or always used the same way?

I mark my pads as follows

One is strictly for Cutting the other for Embossing This way I always have an unmared pad.

I just continually flip the "cut" pad and always move the die on the pad so it isn't focused in the center. This will also help the pad from "bowing" in the center as well.

Clear as mud?

Hugs and Blessings
Alicia