Make your own diecut machine plates

[Alicesue]

Here's what I did. I had our local building centre cut me new plates (to match the sizes of the originals) out of a product called Lexan. This is an acrylic-like product but much stronger and durable.

Lexan is the stuff of which the bowls of food processors are made (good ones, like Kitchenaide and Cuisinart.) It is really tough and will not be as apt to crack and break under use in diecut machines.

Just a suggestion for anyone who has access to a hardware store or building centre where they have this product. The cost is not prohibitive and, actually, about the same as buying new regular plates.

Anyway, there it is, for any who are interested.

Alicesue

[katestamps716]

WOW! Great idea~

[bb&kk]

This is interesting as I have a brother in the business and he might be able to get me boo boos cheap. Have you tried it successfully over and over? What machine are you using it in and do they only have one thickness available?
A lot of questions I know, thanks in advance for the answers.

[giasiana]

Definitely make sure that you buy Lexan. I spent $16 to have 3 XL plates made from what looked exactly like the acrylic that Sizzix uses. They cracked after just a couple of uses.
Thought I was saving money, getting 3 plates for $4 less than Sizzix 2. Live and learn.

[Alicesue]

Hi BB&KK

Just getting back to your questions. Yes, I have used the Lexan plates many times and they stand up very well. I use them in the Cuttlebug and the Big Kick machines. I, also, had them make me the longer plates, as well. Well worth the price which is not that much, anyway.

Hope your brother can get you some cheap. So much the better!