Big Shot Question
 

Hello!

I just got my new big shot!!! I am so excited, but am wondering if I am doing something wrong and before I screw things up I want to check in with ya'll. I am using a sizzlet to make snowflakes (from SU!). I think I am following the directions correctly that I should leave one tab down, one piece of plexy, sizzlet, paper, and then the other piece of plexy on top. My top piece of plexy is getting cut by the die and if I take the tab piece out and just use the base with no tabs down it doesn't cut all the way through. Am I doing something wrong? My husband says not to worry since he can easily get me another piece.

Thanks for any advice!

YAY!!! I love my big shot and you will love yours. You're doing it right. :) I've had my cutting plates for 3 years, and they aren't pretty but they're still going strong!!

Thanks! Now I will cut with confidence!! :) On another note! I love your blog... I have it in my google reader and love seeing your posts! Have a great weekend.

Oh thank you! You are so sweet! Enjoy that machine! :)

Whichever acrylic plate is against the die cutting blades will get nicks/cuts in it. The paper had to be cut through so the plate next to the paper gets nicks/cuts in it. Just try to cut into one plate at a time because the nicks will eventually leave impressions on the paper next to it. I know this doesn't make sense yet because your plates are both new. As your husband said, the plates can be replaced but just flip them from time to time-front to back (change the ends that go into the rollers first) and top to bottom (flip the plates so the surface that was on the outside against the rollers is now on the inside against the paper/die/embossing folder) and your plates will last a long time. Also, the plates will become warped but this is normal but if you flip then around you will get lots of 'mileage' on a set of plates.

I have a Cuttlebug I bought 3 yrs ago when i was just starting out and a Big Shot I got as a gift. Love them both. I have replaced 3 plates because of the warping (throws the pressure off so was not cutting through the c/s.) Hope you love your Big Shot as much as I do. Have fun using your new 'tool'!

Thanks for the advice on rotating them. I will definitely do that! I can already tell I am going to love it and I only have two things to play with (more coming soon that I just ordered!)