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someone posted the following tip video for the gemini in FB, thought i would share it here. The lady uses a plastic page protector over her plate to help it last longer.
I have not watched the whole thing yet, but she also shows a great tip for how to easily use the “negatives” from intricate dies without having to piece them back together.
On this subject, I recently saw some videos with people using cut down self healing mats as a base plate in their machines. My 'Bug broke before I could try it in that, But I'm using one in my Big Shot Pro, and it's working like a charm. Everything cuts so far, and best part is no warping of the base plate, so money saving on keep replacing them.
I saw some Clarity Stamps videos recently where they used a sheet protector. I haven't tried it yet but am planning on trying it next time I need to die cut something.
On this subject, I recently saw some videos with people using cut down self healing mats as a base plate in their machines. My 'Bug broke before I could try it in that, But I'm using one in my Big Shot Pro, and it's working like a charm. Everything cuts so far, and best part is no warping of the base plate, so money saving on keep replacing them.
Yes, I saw this too! One stated that she no longer needed to buy replacement plates because of this! I purchased one but it is slightly larger than the plate. I have to figure out how I can cut it down… Any ideas on that?
On this subject, I recently saw some videos with people using cut down self healing mats as a base plate in their machines. My 'Bug broke before I could try it in that, But I'm using one in my Big Shot Pro, and it's working like a charm. Everything cuts so far, and best part is no warping of the base plate, so money saving on keep replacing them.
I've been using the self-healing mat designed for use with the Accuquilt Go! machine for several years now (and have mentioned it on multiple threads here), and I can confirm that it's a wonderful thing! The one I bought is 6" x 12", and I never cut it down, even though it is longer than my other cutting mats/pads. It still fits through the Big Shot and i can use it with longer dies, if needed. One tip: Little fibers/bits of paper can get embedded in the mat, so I just sort of bend it slightly into a curve (to open the "cuts") and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. All clean!
I've been using the self-healing mat designed for use with the Accuquilt Go! machine for several years now (and have mentioned it on multiple threads here), and I can confirm that it's a wonderful thing! The one I bought is 6" x 12", and I never cut it down, even though it is longer than my other cutting mats/pads. It still fits through the Big Shot and i can use it with longer dies, if needed. One tip: Little fibers/bits of paper can get embedded in the mat, so I just sort of bend it slightly into a curve (to open the "cuts") and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. All clean!
I added that accuquilt mat to my amazon wish list a couple years ago, probably the first time you mentioned it! I saved the 5" x 10" mat but it's great to know the 6" works. Thanks for the tip about getting the fibers out!
Yes, I saw this too! One stated that she no longer needed to buy replacement plates because of this! I purchased one but it is slightly larger than the plate. I have to figure out how I can cut it down… Any ideas on that?
I cut down a self-healing mat (green type like the large ones sold for sewing & quilting) to fit my Cuttlebug. It's ever so slightly thinner than a B plate, so I typically use it with a cardboard shim. Great way to reduce how often I cut into an actual B plate -- especially since my Cuttlebug is an older one and I'm not sure that plates of the right size are still made/sold.
Cutting down the green mat took some patience and effort, but I was able to do it with a box cutter. I did several passes, cutting a bit deeper each time.
Fits perfectly in my Cuttlebug and Big Kick. Both which are older machines. Can't praise these enough.
Thanks for the tip, Sue! I would caution anyone with an older Cuttlebug, though, that they fit the newer Cuttlebug (the one that came out that had plates approx. 1/4 inch wider than the original 'Bug, sometime in the early 2010's maybe?). My machine is about 10 years old and I've found that you need to be careful when products are advertised as "fits the Cuttlebug" because of that changeover a number of years ago.
I used to be concerned/irritated with dies leaving marks on my cutting plates too. But then I had my "ah ha" moment and realized these cuts had no affect on cutting dies. I also would get warped plates. I now just flip my plates whenever they start to bow and ignore the cuts on the plates. I've used the sane set of plates for years and they work just fine on both my magnetic board and flip board to my Big Shot! Why is it so important yo have cutting plates that look like they have never been used?
Obviously everyone has their own opinion. That's what is so great about this forum we can all express our views. I personally don't mind my plates looking used I just don't like when they are too warped. Harder to crank through for me and my weak wrists. So I found the self healing plates to work better for me.
I have used my plates till they are so cut up with marks they are plum pitiful. hahaha But I keep using them!! The only issue that I have from time to time is that if I want to make sure that my smooth paper/cardstock comes out smooth, I need to use a new plate. (If I am using textured paper/cardstock, I just don't bother with it.) Otherwise my paper/cardstock comes out with the same marking embedded in it, just like the 10 year old cuts and markings on the cutting plate. hahaha For most cases, that's ok, but when it's not ok, I'll either use the new plate or put a thick piece of cardstock under the piece I'm gonna use and just cut 2 ply at one time. That's the main reason why a lot of people want to keep one plate looking like new, or at least that's why I like to keep one new on hand all the time. patty
I don't care about the marks on the BACK side of my die cuts...or the warping in the plates. I flip and turn and they still get warped. HOWEVER, I do use a clean, unmarked plate on the top.
My problem with plates that have been used too much, leave unwanted marks on the paper itself. AND if the plates are cut up A LOT, then they don't cut the intricate dies as well either. It seems you need a fresh plate for those intricate dies. I DO LIKE the suggestions on the video! THANK YOU Adriana!!! ;)
I have used my plates till they are so cut up with marks they are plum pitiful. hahaha But I keep using them!! The only issue that I have from time to time is that if I want to make sure that my smooth paper/cardstock comes out smooth, I need to use a new plate. (If I am using textured paper/cardstock, I just don't bother with it.) Otherwise my paper/cardstock comes out with the same marking embedded in it, just like the 10 year old cuts and markings on the cutting plate. hahaha For most cases, that's ok, but when it's not ok, I'll either use the new plate or put a thick piece of cardstock under the piece I'm gonna use and just cut 2 ply at one time. That's the main reason why a lot of people want to keep one plate looking like new, or at least that's why I like to keep one new on hand all the time. patty
I use junk mail under the cardstock-a free solution. I keep a garbage can next to my workspace for all the recyclables I generate. The junk mail ends up eventually.
ladyofcards, I did it with my 'Bug plates, and they survived it just fine. However, another lady on here did it with her Big Shot plates, and they snapped the first time she used them afterwards. Maybe they are differing types of acrylic? Don't know. But, be aware it may go horribly wrong. I've also heard of ladies putting them under a weight to flatten and covering with hot/boiling water. Possibly that's more gentle on them.
Page protector with cutting plate...
