Slice FAQ

sempermom · 11-04-2009, 03:55 PM

ok, lets start a thread about the Slice by Making Memories

share your tips, learning expeirences and fav design cards

I'll start:

Right now my fav card is Mistletoe MS+ love it!!!

buy a pad of construction paper to practice cutting with to save your "good" paper, esp while learning to shadow

buy yourself a bigger glass mat, i love the one by Ek Success it is 9x12 and perfect if you are doin alot of cuts. just move the machine where you want instead of changing paper constantly on the 6x6. buy with a coupon and is a great purchase

the 6x6 glass is better for single quick cuts(those times you just need to make one card or whatever)

definatley get yourself a spatula and some good tweezers for all those tiny or intricate designs

use baby wipes to clean the glass mat, quick and easy peasy

ok, your turn now

JulieHRR · 11-04-2009, 04:15 PM

Instead of the paintable glue that comes in the Slice starter kit, snag a can of repositionable spray adhesive by Krylon and lightly spray your glass mat(s) with that.

Easier, dries faster, and that can will prolly last you a lifetime of reapplications.

RubberLady603 · 11-04-2009, 04:32 PM

JEESH, I'm really trying hard not to google this "slice" thing because I betcha if I do I'll just have to have one!

JulieHRR · 11-04-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubberLady603

JEESH, I'm really trying hard not to google this "slice" thing because I betcha if I do I'll just have to have one!

It's a pretty slick gizmo . . .

Just sayin' . . .

RubberLady603 · 11-04-2009, 04:48 PM

I can see how this is going to go.......................

FallnPetal · 11-04-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm having the toughest time lately with bad cuts. I finally gave up the other day because I killed three sheets of card stock (pricey mistakes) and I can't figure out what's wrong. It just won't completely do the design, it goes all crazy and seems to move on me no matter how hard or light I hold it down? Any suggestions?

Joan B · 11-04-2009, 04:58 PM

I can't help you. I just told my husband this morning, however, that I was debating whether to ask Santa for a Slice. Should I??

larue · 11-04-2009, 05:01 PM

You might try redoing the glue so that it sticks better--or sometimes it does not cut well if it needs to be recharged.
After the glue is dry rub it really well so that you are sure contact is made for the whole piece of paper.

If all else fails, contact the company. They have wonderful customer service.

JulieHRR · 11-04-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallnPetal

I'm having the toughest time lately with bad cuts. I finally gave up the other day because I killed three sheets of card stock (pricey mistakes) and I can't figure out what's wrong. It just won't completely do the design, it goes all crazy and seems to move on me no matter how hard or light I hold it down? Any suggestions?

If you visit whyslice.com you'll find a lot of helpful video tutorials about blade adjustment, homing and calibrating the machine, which can help you trouble-shoot.

I highly recommend registering your machine with Making Memories there.

If you've exhausted all of those and the machine still won't perform as it should, you can submit a help ticket right at the site and a CS agent will respond personally to you via email within about 24-48 hours (business hours, M-F)

HTH!

JulieHRR · 11-04-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

I can't help you. I just told my husband this morning, however, that I was debating whether to ask Santa for a Slice. Should I??

*chuckle* Only you can determine that.

I really wasn't ever seriously planning on getting an eletronic die cutting system, but I took a class, and a few of my stamping colleagues/friends have always raved about theirs . . .

And, well, you know how it goes . . .

Pros:

Compact footprint
Portable
Cordless (rechargeable)
Easy to use/not complex
Does not require a computer
Design Cards are relatively cost effective, feature a nice variety and quantity of different shapes, many include at least one alpha or more, and take up very little storage space
Seems to have the most "updated" art style in die cuts, over the other brands of similar electronic products (based solely on my humble opinion, of course)
Cuts a range of 1 to a max of 4" size of many of the shapes
Least expensive of all personal electronic die cutting systems currently on the market
Making Memories has proven to offer strong customer service, and has a responsive team dedicated to the Slice itself
Website has message board and inspiration
It's fun to use.

Cons:

Still seems to have some kinks that need to be worked out
Cannot cut anything thicker than 80 lb. card stock, so won't work on chipboard, fun foam, sheet metal, heavy/thick acetate

rachelbenj · 11-04-2009, 06:04 PM

I'm a Cricut Expressions owner. Convince me that I need a Slice. I love gizmos, but I need to be somewhat practical.

I like Julies pros and cons, but I need more convincing. Oh well, I'll admit it, I probably don't need too much convincing.

JulieHRR · 11-04-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachelbenj

I'm a Cricut Expressions owner. Convince me that I need a Slice. I love gizmos, but I need to be somewhat practical.

I like Julies pros and cons, but I need more convincing. Oh well, I'll admit it, I probably don't need too much convincing.

Truth be told, and being also the practical sort,

, if I already had a Cricut, I don't suppose I'd feel compelled to get a Slice; the Slice can only cut to a max shape size of 4".

But, I didn't previously have any kind of electronic die cutting system, and because, I'm primarily a card maker, I do not feel limited by 4", whereas a scrapbooker might.

HTH!

FallnPetal · 11-04-2009, 06:27 PM

I'd have to agree, if I had a cricut, I would probably not have been swayed to buy a slice. But last birthday, getting the slice was exciting! At $150, it was more affordable than all of the other cutting systems I knew about and had a great portable size. Since I'm doing more and more crops I love that it is a small size to take with me.

I do both cards and scrapbooking and would love it if I had a system that did 12 inch long title block size things but I make do. Most of what I do with it the 4" size is fine.

sempermom · 11-04-2009, 06:32 PM

great info Julie!!!!

heres a link to an infomercial on the slice, has a video too.
although this would be a great deal for a first time buyer, i imagine the bundle is high priced, so i would buy else where.

https://www.buymyslice.com/index.asp...FQtM2godhTpsMQ

sempermom · 11-04-2009, 06:41 PM

dont let the machines that are having troubles scare you away.
as with any new gadget there are bound to be bugs to work out.

my "lil guy" ( original blue slice) pooped out on me this week, so sent it in to MM to be fixed or poss replaced,
seems there are still a few of the first batches out there that have the troubles.
i think the first batches out had serial # starting with G6 and GA. mine had a G6
but MM assured me they will take good care of me, and for my troubles they will also send extra goodies.
seems like great customer service to me

and i cant wait to get one back and start slice'n away on holiday projects

sempermom · 11-04-2009, 06:45 PM

the Slice was the perfect choice for me because i am mostly a card and small item maker. i dont ever do anythign 12x12 or large scale.
its also easier on a budget. i acn buy a couple of design cards AND other crafting goodies, instead of having to choose

McDeb · 11-04-2009, 08:02 PM

I also do mostly cards. I had an original cricut, but sold it because I didn't have the space to keep it out on my work table, so it didn't get used. I have had my slice for just a couple of weeks, but really like it. Also, as already said, the design cards are relatively cheap.

Novell · 11-04-2009, 08:33 PM

My Slice came back from repair working better than ever! I love my little Slice!

RubberLady603 · 11-05-2009, 02:38 AM

Hmmmm, Santa's list is growing! If I'm hearing you right, each image can be sized up to about 4 inches? I don't dare go look at the infomercial yet. LOL! I'm mostly a card maker so sounds like perfect size for me.

TheOtherMeg · 11-05-2009, 06:27 AM

I have a KNK & a Cricut E, but the Slice tempts me because the design cards are so awesome and the machine is so small & portable. MM has much better designers on their team, IMO!

I actually owned a Slice a while ago, but returned it because it cut wonky. Every time I read about the new/recalibrated machines, I get the urge to be a Slice owner again. Love those design cards!

I'm seriously considering getting a Slice "for the kids" for Christmas. Heck, I'd even let them use it!

creampuff · 11-05-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieHRR

Instead of the paintable glue that comes in the Slice starter kit, snag a can of repositionable spray adhesive by Krylon and lightly spray your glass mat(s) with that.

Easier, dries faster, and that can will prolly last you a lifetime of reapplications.

This is really good to know. The first tube of glue I got with my machine had been frozen in transport and was no good and the company wouldn't ship anymore until a later date (ie warmer I think!!) and I looked high and low for some repositional glue, found some Aeleens stuff but would much rather use the spray if it works!! Thanks.

And for those of you that are undecided, it is a great little machine!! Just saying.......

larue · 11-05-2009, 07:36 AM

I love my slice. When I first got it, the circles and some of the letters cut wonky. I registered it online, and was sent a calibration card. Now it cuts perfectly.

sempermom · 11-05-2009, 07:36 AM

YAY they made us a sticky!!!!!!

Thank You Thank You Thank YOU

sempermom · 11-05-2009, 07:39 AM

i dont know if i have mentioned this before, forgive me if i repeat but
did you know
if you have the MS+ Mistletoe card, and choose the word Mistletoe to cut at 4", it will actually come out measuring just under 5"??? the machine turns the blade on a diagonal to cut it.
the lilttle things amuse me LOL

sempermom · 11-05-2009, 07:42 AM

i have read somewhere that wrapping the glass matt with wax paper helps it stay sticky for later use

McDeb · 11-05-2009, 07:57 AM

I put plastic wrap over my glass mat when not using it, seems to stay sticky quite a while. Also like the idea of spray adhesive...will try it after I use up the 12 tubes of glue I just bought, lol!

JulieHRR · 11-05-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubberLady603

Hmmmm, Santa's list is growing! If I'm hearing you right, each image can be sized up to about 4 inches? I don't dare go look at the infomercial yet. LOL! I'm mostly a card maker so sounds like perfect size for me.

Yes, a max of 4". Many of the shapes start at 1" and can be enlarged in increments of .5", however you should be aware that on some cards not every shape is available at 1" size. I'm not sure why that is, except that depending on the intricacy of the shape, it might be too intricate to do any smaller than 2", etc., UKWIM?

JulieHRR · 11-05-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sempermom

i have read somewhere that wrapping the glass matt with wax paper helps it stay sticky for later use

That's what I do to prevent dust from accumulating on the mats when they're not in use--we don't have central air in our (older) home, so dust is very problematic.

JulieHRR · 11-05-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sempermom

dont let the machines that are having troubles scare you away.
as with any new gadget there are bound to be bugs to work out.

my "lil guy" ( original blue slice) pooped out on me this week, so sent it in to MM to be fixed or poss replaced,
seems there are still a few of the first batches out there that have the troubles.
i think the first batches out had serial # starting with G6 and GA. mine had a G6
but MM assured me they will take good care of me, and for my troubles they will also send extra goodies.
seems like great customer service to me

and i cant wait to get one back and start slice'n away on holiday projects

I wondered about that. Mine is GB and headed to the shop for repair or replacement because it's currently cutting distorted shapes and I tried every tip at the site--to first make sure it wasn't user error

--

I'm looking forward to getting it back cuz I have lots of Design Cards I'm anxious to play with. It's just so fun!

sempermom · 11-05-2009, 08:33 AM

Julie, were you able to calibrate your machine with out needing the updated basics1 card?
the machines with GB were suppose to have that feature built in already, since they are newer.

hope yours gets home quickly too

i just recieved the spring design card, it looks so cute! acnt wait to try it out

JulieHRR · 11-05-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sempermom

Julie, were you able to calibrate your machine with out needing the updated basics1 card?
the machines with GB were suppose to have that feature built in already, since they are newer.

hope yours gets home quickly too

i just recieved the spring design card, it looks so cute! acnt wait to try it out

Mine came with the DC that has the calibration feature, and I did try it. Multiple times. I literally did try *everything* on the site before I contacted them. I also sent a picture so they could see what I was talking about, and that really helped them.

I'm DYING to use that Spring card!!! I just got it, too!!!

avonlea · 11-05-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sempermom

YAY they made us a sticky!!!!!!

Thank You Thank You Thank YOU

My pleasure!

Novell · 11-05-2009, 09:01 AM

I keep my 12x12 glass mat in a 12x12 Craft Keeper when it's not in use. Keeps the dust off and I don't have to use cling wrap all the time.

sempermom · 11-05-2009, 09:51 AM

MM's blog has beautiful card samples made with the slice
http://blog.makingmemories.com/

sempermom · 11-05-2009, 10:17 AM

has anyone cut fabric yet? i know you have to attach it to fusible web first.
i was also wondering it ironing freezer papr to the fab first would work too, instead of fusible web?
i think i will add this to my "test it" list when my "lil guy" comes home!

sprtchick · 11-05-2009, 10:29 AM

This little cutie is on my list of things I might have to get...I too love that is is smaller. I sold the Cricut and 36 cartridges because I just hated to drag it out. This might be a better solution for me.
blessings ladies.

kadamczyk · 11-06-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubberLady603

JEESH, I'm really trying hard not to google this "slice" thing because I betcha if I do I'll just have to have one!

Yeah, don't Google it -- it's dangerous.

Enabler alert -- launched a new Slice users' blog this morning. Check it out at http://sliceusers.blogspot.com

(ducking)
Karin

Sheena74 · 11-06-2009, 09:54 AM

I had not put any thought into the Slice till now...

I don't own the Orginal C or CI, it was never the price of the machine, it was always the price of the cartiges. But now the Slice sounds great. Glad to see the sticky and reading these posts. I see a few problems, but every new tool has them and no one seems to have a problem with MM CS. My X-Mas list just got bigger. I didn't realize you can emboss and deboss with it till I went to the WhySlice website. I love the variety of things you get in your carts. I mainly cardmake but also scrapbook alittle- the idea that the sizes go up to 4 inches really appears to me. I am getting excitied.. I rarely get excitied over new toys since my cuttlebug about 3 years ago and by far it has been the best purchase in my crafting career. I like the idea that I can afford to buy everything I want too- dies, folder, combos.
Well I can afford to do the same with the Slice, it is sooo affordable...

YAAA!!! I think I am going to get one....

Sheena

Erin in Okc · 11-06-2009, 01:34 PM

I am a scrapbooker, and I LOVE my Slice! I actually sold my Cricut, because I never pulled it out. Yet, my Slice stays on my table, and is used all the time.

Here are my best tips (some aren't on the whyslice website):
1. I use the glue, but I cover it with wax paper when I'm not using it. I've kept one application more than a month doing that.
2. I definitely prefer the 12 X 12 glass mat. Even for small stuff. It just helps me conserve the paper better.
3. PLUG IT IN!!! I can't tell you how many problems this will save you. When I'm at a crop I plug it in across the room somewhere, then bring it to me when I need to cut things. The charge only holds for an hour, and when the charge is weak, it doesn't work right.
4. Google "lil' chizler" and buy a bunch of these little things and give them to your friends. I prefer it to the spatula. I've had one for a long time, and just googled it the other day. They are $5 for ten chizlers. I love them!
5. If your paper moves while your Slice is trying to cut, you need to clean your mat and apply a new coat of glue.
6. If your machine goes through the motions of cutting, but the blade comes down and goes back up into the machine...don't ALWAYS do what the manufacturer says! It says tighten it all the way, then loosen it 1/4 turn, then try a cut, loosening 1/4 turn each time until it cuts. I did this until the blade fell out. Finally I tried tightening it all they way, and a cut BEFORE turning it 1/4 turn. Worked like a charm. I don't think I've adjusted the blade since then.
I love my Slice!