Get More From Your Sizzix Cutting Pads!
Ready to stop the warping of your Sizzix Cutting Pads?
Whether you call them plates or pads, it's time to have a chat if yours look like this:
Recently, a friend shared with me a tip to stop the warping – and it works!
In the video I say this, but I don't stress it enough. This only works when you start with a NEW set of cutting pads. So well worth the $11. You can order your Sizzix Cutting Pads here.
Watch the video to learn the tip:
Simple, right? Again, you will need a new set of cutting pads, and you can get those here.
You will get better cuts, you will have better contact with your Magnetic Platform, you won't have to remember which plate was where last, all by just using this amazingly simple tip.
If there is space in the middle between your plate and your platform, so when you press down in the middle, if there is movement, flip it over.
I love little tips and tricks like this. Ones that save you money, ones that save you time, and most importantly, ones that save you frustration! The first place I shared this tip was in Stamping Family. If you like these tips and want to see a whole much more like them, check out Stamping Family. It's an amazing community of positive stampers that create the most stunning projects.
Each week I add new videos to the site that are full of tips, details, step by step instructions, we have swaps (ack! I need to finish mine today!) and just a lot of fun. If you are looking for a group to stamp with, this online community just might be exactly what you are looking for. It's $9.95/month, and you can cancel at any time. No pressure to stay, none of that icky stuff. Click here to learn more about it.
Once you sign up, you get access to the entire site, access to all previous classes and videos (there are over 425 exclusive site videos) and a handful of detailed classes for you to check out.
So if you like this tip on getting more out of your Sizzix Cutting Pads, I feel confident you will love all the tips in Stamping Family too!
Never knew this trick THANKS!
Hi Sandra, I didn’t either until recently. And I won’t go back to the flip and rotate method ever again!!!
Brilliant. Thank you so much. I don’t use a big shot but will certainly try this with all my machines.. I have curved plates but have new ones to hand .xp
My top plate is splitting, it is new, just took it out of it packaging before Christmas and the edges have cracked and split.
Hi Paul, I have no idea why that is happening. You might have a bad batch of plates.
I can hardly wait to try your tips. I really enjoy your presentation. I will be able to remember give-flip, no give -don’t flip. Thanks.
Thanks Kathleen!
Hi Paul make sure you don’t have to thick of paper material in there.. If it’s too tight, that may crack the plate..
I just got a big shot and your tip is great. Thanks
Awesome!!! Enjoy it!!
Thanks for the tip
Love your tip.Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!!!
Sorry but I am confused. Do I only use the magnetic plate the my acrylic plate & then the die & cs. Just the one acrylic plate to cut into. Is this correct?
Thank you
You still need a plate on top.
I have done this myself I found well the only thing it could’ve been is trying to cut to much at once and the plate can’t take it xx
Thank you Megan, this tips is extremely helpful.
Thanks for the information.It is very helpful. Thanks for getting right to the point.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks Sandra, I’ve not rotated my plates but I love the idea of give flip it..
Thanks that helped a lot
Thank you so much for this cost cutting tip… brilliant. I just bought a new set of plates and intend to try this.
You are so welcome Bonnie!
Great tip. I will definitely do this. Not sure if you are aware but the stamping family site is not secure so I won’t use it.
It is now Marsha 🙂
Will this tip apply to the Cuttlebug
I have no idea. I don’t have a Cuttlebug to be able to tell you for sure.
I have just bought a new set and have been just using one to cut on and one for the top. Also I have been putting them together after I am finished a nplace them on the platform and rolling them into theBig Shot to the centre of the plates to store them. So you think this damages the machine in any way?
You don’t want to store your plates and platform in the machine, that will mess up the tension.
Wow ? I have the large Gemini got for Christmas I have been flipping the plates since I got it all of my plates are bowed . It’s only February 2019 I have such a hard time trying to fit them back into the Gemini my love has gone away ,I thought I was doing it right ? so do you think it would be the same way for the Gemini as for the big shoot and I should get new plates also my plastic shim is all wiggle.thank you very much for the wonderful tip .
With the Gemini, I would *think* it would be the same, but I don’t have one to know for sure.
How do I cut the extra long dies… Dies that are longer than the standard plate?
You need to have the extended platform and plates.
THANK YOU, MINE DID BOW VERY BADLY AND
HAD TO GET NEW ONE. WILL TRY THIS
Hi
I love your tip. I have other videos before. Keep up the good work
Adrienne
Thank you so much Adrienne!
Thanks great tips
Good tip Thanks.
Awesome tip thanks
Thx. I’ll try it today’
Thank you for the tip on warped cutting pads! Also can you give tips on how to get sticky stuff of the clear blocks. Mine are so bad right now. Thanks!! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
I USE GELL HAND SANITIZER, JUST A DROP OR 2, RUB IT ON The block til it feels smooth and let it dry. Works great for me
Hand sanitizer will get glue off anything..
All you ever have to do is put the white plate on top. You will NEVER have warped plates again.
Thanks
You’re Welcome!
Thanks do much for the tip. I just recently purchased new plates for that reason. Now I know how to maintain them
Yay!!!
Thanks for that tip.
Hi Meg, I have been doing this since I last saw your Video, a long time ago. I was so happy the way it really worked & showed all my friends in OZ. Thank you so much. xo
Awesome!!!!
Thanks for sharing your tips about flip or don’t flip your cutting plates!
Where can I new cuttlebug plates so I can do this in future?
I have no idea. I’ve never owned a cuttlebug, only the bigger machines.
This is the first time I have seen this tip on keeping our cutting pads from curling. I fully intend to try it and hope it works. I have even had these plates crack in half as I was running it through my big shot. A real pain. Thank you.
You are so welcome, just remember to start with new plates. I will never go back to the flip and rotate method ever again 🙂 Over the weekend I die cut over 200 images. My plates look the same as they did in the video.
Thank you! I actually need new ones because of the warping… I’m glad I procrastinated!
Thanks for the cutting tips for our plates to stay flat. Have you also heard they are Recommending that we put our dies on upside down and run them through the big shot that way.? What do you think of that and have you tried it?
I have heard that, I have also tried it – and I am not a fan… not a fan at all! So I won’t be changing that anytime soon 🙂
Hi Meg.
I am a bit confused at your comment as to me you are running the die through upside down. The instructions on the platform and also with sizzix dies, show the following order: first cutting board; die facing upwards; paper/cardstock (pattern side underneath with plain upwards if using patterned or coloured on one side); second cutting plate. In your video you are showing your die cutting side downwards onto the paper.
I am not a fan of following their instructions. I like to be able to see what I am doing 🙂
Hi Megan. I’m new at die cutting (making my own greeting cards) and am learning all the time. You say you are not a fan at all of running the dies through the Big Shot upside down. Can I please ask why? (I haven’t tried it, am just curious and want to learn all I can)
It’s just so I can easily see everything lined up. I do them with the cut side going down.
So, have I been doing this wrong for years, I’ve only ever put my dies face down.
The dies go cut side down 🙂
Been there done that and that method is ok but I perfer placing dies cutting side up on the bottom new plate held in place on card stock with a tiny piece of washi tape. The top plate will have the cuts and the bottom will remain like new and flat. Been cutting dies this way for years and bottom plate is still flat.
I wish that method worked for me, but I have to see everything as it goes through the machine. It’s a control thing 🙂
Hello Megan. Would cutting with the die above the paper work when using a regular platform? (don’t have the magnetic one)
It really depends on the regular platform that you are using. If it’s the old style with the tabs, no, not so much. If it’s the new one with the thin die adapter, then yes 🙂
I had problems with a die cutting (down) like you showed and then I flipped the die to cut up (like the directions said) and I had no trouble with it cutting. It was a filigree die so lots of little cuts. I also flipped my pads (during making 120 wedding invitations) and they still warped.
Great tip! Thanks
Thanks Susan!
Fantastic! Wish I’d seen this earlier, but better late than never!
Love your tips….Keep them coming!
Thanks for the tip. I just got new pads & will definitely try this method?
Love that idea , I’m going 2 try now .
Perfect Jude!
Great tip – so much easier than marking the plate and tracking which side to use. Thank you so much!
SOOOOO much easier! AND it works 🙂
Just seems it would be the opposite to me. Like I should leave the bump in and try flattening it with th rollers of the machine as it goes through.
I hear ya Kay! But this is what works 🙂
Great tip, Megan. Do you find using the Precision Cutting Plate warps the cutting pad quicker and also warps the dies?
Hi! With this trick, not with the pads, but yes with the dies. That Precision cutting plate is really all about having a super tight fit rolling through the Big Shot. And when the dies are that thin, the warping will happen.
WOW!! Terrific tip for we crafters. Haven’t heard this trick before but am going to try it. It sure will be helpful in Oct. and Nov. when I start making my Christmas cards. Thanks for sharing this idea 🙂
Great tips! One more suggestion-you can purchase colored cutting plates to use as the non-cutting (top) plate. Easier way to remember that it is to be used exclusively for the top.
This was an awesome tip. I also loved the tip on checking for movement on the magnetic platform. Nothing is more frustrating that to have you image move. Thank you for sharing.
Oh my gosh!! Thank you Meg!!! I will be using this tip from now on and will share it with my girls!!
Great tips! Another tip-use a colored plate as the non cutting plate. Helps from accidentally using clear non cutting plate as the “cutting” plate.
Do you switch the plates between the top and the bottom positions? How do you know if the top plate needs to be flipped? Or is that not an issue?
No more switching 🙂 Your top plate stays your top plate, you don’t cut into it. Just the bottom one if there is any give to it.
I have been using your tip for quite a while now and it works great for the bottom plate! HOWEVER, when starting with a new batch of cutting plates recently, my TOP plate wound up warping worse than my bottom one ever did. What did I do wrong?
Are you using the same platforms I am using?
I’m so glad I came across your video. I have just received a new set of plates yesterday as mine were so warped. I will be using your tip from now on so lots of thank yous all the way from Ireland..??♀️☘
Awesome Norma! Thank you so much for your comment, let me know how it goes for it. (I have always wanted to visit Ireland!)
Thank You for the GREAT tip and sharing your knowledge.
Will get New plates and try this tip can,t have them from you as I live in Wales
This is a much easier method of keeping my cutting plates level. After they warped I would put them on a cookie sheet with a casserole dish fill with water on top and put in my oven at 375 to 400 degree for 2 – 30 minutes. Repeat if not fully level. If partially warped, run under hot hot water and then bend in opposite direction using the divider between your double sink. Your method is much easier and quicker. I definitely will start using it. Thank you so much.
Awesome! And Carol, I don’t think they were ever safe to put in our ovens. Can you imagine the chemicals that could be released by doing that? I can’t. I have no idea what is in them. Hope this helps you!
GReat tip. Thank you. Will this method also work with a cuttlebug?
I have no idea, I don’t have one. I have heard from others that it is working for them, but I can’t say for sure.
Thank you so much for your video. I have not used the magnetic plate for sometime, but will start using it again.
I always use the precision plate with the magnetic plate. Mostly because I am lazy and don’t want to keep changing things up. I have a separate machine for embossing. anyways, I only cut into the metal part of the precision plate and the plate on top never gets cut into but it always warps. Am I better off not using the precision plate?
I don’t find that I need to use it like before now that I have un-warped plates 😉
I thought you were never to cut into your metal plate; it will ruin your dies and the plate.
I’m not using the metal (Precision) plate. These are with the magnetic platform and two cutting plates.
Thanks for sharing this great tip!
Thank you.
You’re welcome Doris!
Thank you for that great tip.I wish I would have known that about 10 years ago. I just recently threw several away because they were so wRped and nothing helped them at all so the only thing to do was to buy all new plates which I did so now I know to check so that doesn’t happen anymore.
You and me both Kathy!!!
Thank you so much for the tip. New cutting plates for me
Yay! Happy this tip helped you!!
I was just going to try the baking plates idea. Forget it. I’ll switch to new ones and your great idea. Thank you.!
Hi Suzi!! I cannot imagine what chemicals you would be putting into your home from the heating of the plates. Thank you for not doing that!!!
YOU ARE REMARKABLE, THANK YOU!
Thank you Bonita!!!
So you put the cutting edge of the die up towards you or down on the bottom plate? Thank you in advance.
The plate that is being cut into is on the bottom. The one on top stays clean without any cuts in it.
As a newbie I am confused. The instructions say to have the die with the cutting surface facing upwards; so surely that would make the top plate the one being cut into? The bottom plate is more of a resting surface isn’t it? Or have I lost the plot again!
I am not a fan of following their instructions. I like to be able to see what I am doing 🙂
I learned that the precision base plate is only to be used with dies that have a lot of intricate detail. For open shapes, use only the regular base or the magnetic one. I think I have a new set of cutting pads, so this tutorial was very timely for me. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome Susan!!! I actually don’t use my precision plate like I used to now that my plates aren’t warped!
Thank you for your simple answer to curved cutting plates. I have just begun card making and will br following you for other helpful tips
Hi Judith! Happy to have you joining us!
I;m anxious to try this. I have a stack of warped plates. I’ve tried the oven thing and that helps but they go right back. My husband helped me w/ one and melted it.
Hi Becky! I hear your pain! I never did the oven, I just couldn’t imagine that the products in them were ever designed to be heated and then in the air in our house. We have asthma people in our home, so I am just very cautious of things like that.
Thank you for this video. I do label o e TOP in case I forget. Here’s a tip for you. Rub your die with a new fabric softener sheet, the cuts will practically fall out of the die.
Great Tip Roberta!!!
Thanks so much for sharing.
You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting Rhonda!
THANK YOU!
Thank You for sharing
Great Tip. Best one I have seen. Thanks
Hi Megan. Do you follow the same tip for the top plate? If it gives…flip it? I just started a new set and am really anxious to see how this goes. I threw 7 curved plates into the trash!
I will definitely try your tip. Enjoyed your video. thank you.
I had trouble with my computer and kept having to advance the line or I would get a circle that went around and around. I tried to play it back but kept missing the “tip”. Could you please send me the how-to in a few sentences or paragraph?
If there is space in the middle between your plate and your platform, so when you press down in the middle there is movement, flip it over 🙂
Thank you so much. Mine is a bowl also.
Great tip! Thank you for explaining the option so we’ll.
Hello, this seems to be a great trick. Unfortunately, I could not understand it, English not being my native language. I listened to it a couple of times, but did not get it at all. I have the Big shot Plus but not the magnetic plate. Do you need it for this trick. And can I do it with the two plates of the Big Shot Plus ? Would you mind writing it down for me, please ? Reading will be easier than listening (I am not familiar with some accents). I would really be very happy to get two new plates and use your trick. Thank you so much in advance, Joëlle from France.
Hi Joelle,
If there is space in the middle between your plate and your platform, so when you press down in the middle, if there is movement, flip it over. That’s it! As for the Big Shot Plus, I would *think* so. The principle would be the same with it, I just don’t have one to tell you 100% yes ?
Thank you very much Megan. Now I think I got the word I missed “if it gives” (I could not figure what that was!). Well now, I buy new plates, I use one for the bottom, always the same. As for the top one, as you say, if there is movement in the middle when you press, then you flip it over. So the top plates is flipped over every time when needed and you don’t always use it in the same position (as you do for the bottom one). Is that right ? Sorry for being so dummy. I just want to make sure I got the whole thing right… It is a great trick, very handy, saving plates and money 😉
No, for the Big Shot, Megan said to flip the *bottom* plate “if it gives.” The top plate always remains the same. But it’s my understanding that she isn’t 100% sure whether this process works the same for the Big Shot Plus, although she thinks that it should.
Thanks! You got it 🙂
The only one you need to flip is the bottom plate if there is any give to it. The top one stays however you want it, you do not need to flip it. It just stays your top plate.
Oh… I had not been back here for a while… sorry. But Thank you very very much for your explanations. Now I got the whole thing cleared 😉
Wow! Simple and easy… I love it! Thanks for sharing, Megan.
Hi. That’s a great tip thank you. Will this also work if you have the Big Shot Plus?
Hi Renaye, I would *think* so. The principle would be the same with it, I just don’t have one to tell you 100% yes 🙂
Hi Megan, thanks a lot for your video. I am brand new to die cutting – just got my Big Shot Plus last week and have used it maybe 3 times, so am hoping the plates are still “new” enough to start off using your tip. You say that if the bottom plate has “give” to it, it should be flipped. By “give”, do you mean that there is an upward curvature to the plate and it moves down to touch the base platform when you push on it? If that is correct, it seems like you would want to leave it alone and NOT flip it in order to straighten in out again. It seems like flipping it and running it the other way would encourage warping. I’m sure it works like you say, but I am still confused by trying to reason out how it works (probably being too analytical). Also, you never have to flip the top plate, correct? THANKS!
Hi Kelley! If there is space in the middle between your plate and your platform, so when you press down in the middle there is movement, flip it over. I understand when you say it should be opposite, but it isn’t 🙂 I don’t flip my top plate.
Hi Megan, I would like to know wheater it is recommended to always use the center? To use the complete sheet I have placed the framelits on the very corner, is that wrong?Thank you for your help. Best regards. Anette from Germany
Hi Anette, I you can mix it up on where you place them 🙂
Hi Megan
So anxious to try this…and to check out your website!
You said something in the video about “cutting them in half “. I didn’t understand that part, is it relevant to the method?
THANKS!!
Hmmm… not sure about the in half part.
Brilliant!!! Thank you!!! A-MAZ-ing!!!
It really works, bless you for sharing this great tip.
Thank you?
Hi Meagan, can you tell me the sandwich for big shot (die cut side up or down)? thanks
I do cut side down 🙂
great video now I’ve been doing it the “old” way for so long however this looks much easier to do. Question how do you use the plate for the thinlits die?? so you don’t have to run it through 5 or 6 times likeI’m currently doing.
I usually run them through twice with the same tip!
Once you keep your plates flat, you won’t need to run the dies back and forth through the machine several times. However, if you have a really intricate die, it might not always cut out the center part of the die. In which case, placing one or two layers of cardstock over the problem area to act as a shim should do the trick.
True!
Thanks great tip.
I found your video on Pinterest. I too am a the top plate stays the top plate, and I also cut facing downward. There’s no way to know what’s going on under a larger piece of paper, with the die, since you can’t see it that way. I do have a new set of plates I just ordered, so will have to give your method of checking each time, for any give. Thanks!
Hope it goes as great for you as it does for me!
I’ve tried this from the start and it doesn’t seem to make any difference. My plate looks like a rocker. Any other suggestions?
Where did you buy your plates from and what brand are they? I am well over a thousand cuts on mind and it’s still flat.
Try placing your dies in a different corner of the plate each time you cut. It helps to keep the plate flat if you aren’t always cutting in the center of the plate. And like Megan said, don’t forget to flip the plate over if it has any give in the center.
Thanks for this tip. I’ll be sure to mention your name to my stamp ladies when I share this.
Hi Megan! Great video. That is how I’ve been using my cutting plates for years. My current bottom plate I’ve been using for about 2 years now and it’s still flat! I don’t know if anyone else has mentioned this yet, but here’s another tip: instead of always placing the dies in the center of the plate, place them in a corner of the plate and keep placing the dies in a different corner each time you cut. That will also prolong the life of your plates and help prevent warping. That tip comes straight from the manufacturer. Sizzix put out a video about how to properly use their plates and they demonstrate it. You can find it on Google. And, I don’t remember where I got it from, but another tip I learned, when die cutting, place the dies at an angle whenever possible. Not only helps the plates but also prevents the dies from warping. I teach card classes and have had many dies eventually warp from all the use, so I was glad I found that tip. Another thing I do, when it’s time to throw away the bottom cutting plate (not because it’s warped, but because it gets too scratched up or the plate has been used so much it actually cracks or breaks), I replace the cutting plate with the plate I was using for a top plate (because it gets indents in it from the dies) and then replace it with a brand new plate. Hope you find these tips helpful. 🙂
So I just came across your site and have a quick question. I just received my Big Shot last night. I placed my plates on the platform and both are completely straight. No give on either side. How do I know which side is suppose to go up?
Hi Anna, Choose which one you want to be your top plate, and don’t cut into that one. Then just start with your bottom plate, either side up and begin. When they are brand new, they should be completely flat. As you use them, they will curve and have the give talked about in the video.
Thank you for replying. Look forward to putting your tip into practice.
Hi Megan,
I have read through all the comments and I am really confused. First of all there is the magnetic plate, on top of this is a cutting plate, the die, the cardstock, then the top cutting plate. In my mind, the first cutting plate is on top of the magnetic platform and is not moved; however, the second cutting plate is the one that gets warped. This is my pattern that I have used since I started using the Big Shot. Is this correct?
My question is regarding pressing on the cutting plate to see if there is any movement, is this the cutting plate on top of the magnetic platform? Thank you so much for this video and great answers to the questions asked.
This also depends on the platform you are using, if you are using the platform with the tabs, yes, your top one will warp – which is why I replaced mine to the new platform and that doesn’t happen anymore.
Hi This is Great,!!!
What about the TOP plate, how do you keep it flat?
Hi! Which platform are you using? Is it the one with the tabs or the one with the separate plate for thin die adapter.
Hello Megan
I am a newbie to the die cutting machine I am getting the big shot machine next week and I am not sure what all comes with the machine or what dies I should get or platforms I would need. Any help would be appreciated and thank you for your time and help and have a wonderful and blessed day.
Hi Lori! SO sorry for the delay in getting back with you. Depending on where you buy it, it will come with different things. When you order it through me here: http://bit.ly/2gixU3d, it will come with the new style of platform and a set of cutting plates. (You don’t need to keep your receipt, your 3 year warranty is tied in with your order, just reach out should you have any issues!) As for dies, I recommend you start with shapes that you will use all the time. This is circles, ovals, hearts, stitched rectangles. You will really feel like you are getting your money’s worth when you start with shapes! Hope that helps. Hugs, Meg
Thank you, Meg. I appreciate the video so much. I have watched a different person demonstrate this. However, the magnetic die was placed on top of the tabbed platform. My plates were starting to warp as in the past. Watching you use the magnetic plate directly on the machine makes so much sense now. Again, thanks to you.
That was the best tip I ever got, it works my cutting plates are still flat after I used them 100000 times. Thanks
AWESOME!! Love that Ursula!
You are fantastic I’m so glad I found your site. THANK YOU.
Thank you Judy, I am so glad you found me too 🙂
Hi:
I will try your trick for warped plates just as soon as my old plate gets badly warped then I
will get a new set.
Thank you very much for your trick with warped plates.
Hi Ms Megan!
Good day!
I came upon your video how to prevent warped plate. Thank you!
I have a silly question I hope you can help, can you do that please? I prefer to do it privately if you don’t mind through my email add below.
Y’know the funny… (or rather… ‘ridiculous’) thing is that I’d actually bought new cutting pads ages ago… (probably over a year ago)… precisely because I was so annoyed by my warped pads. Yet for some odd and quirky reason, unbeknownst even to me… (though I suspect it’s an *inherited* quirk that runs in my family… lol)… to this day I have STILL NOT even busted them out of their packaging yet!!
I’ve STILL been using the same abused, beat-up top pad, which frankly looks like it’s been through World War 1!! It’s not only warped, but also broken… split almost completely in half, and just hanging on and holding together by only a little less than a third of its width across!!
Such that every freakin’ time I run it through the machine, I have to push down on the half that’s sticking up so it’ll go under and doesn’t catch on its way through… so it’ll feed through properly! And every freakin’ time while rolling it through and hearing all the various creaks & cracks, I think to myself “This will be the one!… this will surely be the final straw that broke the cutting pad’s back!!”
I even cringe each time and instinctively turn my face slightly away… as if afraid that if & when that last bit finally snaps and breaks off for good, it’s going to shoot off and take out an eye or something!! lol. Absolutely ridiculous, I know!! Yet I don’t know why I’ve continued using it except that it’d seemed like a waste to NOT keep using it while it still at least functions… lol
Well, no more!! Now I guess I know why I hadn’t busted out the new set yet… clearly I was waiting to learn THIS amazing trick!! Haha!! So now those puppies will FINALLY see the light of day!!! lol And thanks to this, I can now look forward to knowing they’re going to STAY nice and flat… and NOT make me wince & cringe in fear every time I send them through my Big Shot… 😀 haha
So, THANK YOU!!! 🙂
You are so welcome!!!! I don’t blame you for not opening them – I am the same. I knew as soon as I used the new ones they would look awful right away, so why do it? I posted this so long ago, and I am STILL using the same cutting plates that I did in the video, they are still flat.
I have learned from a lot of feedback that it does matter if you are using the newer platforms for the big shot (which I am in this video) vs using the old one with the tabs. Hope it helps!
Thanks for the great information! I plan to order some new cutting plates and give it a try!
Merci Megan
Since I saw your vidéo explaining how to do this process, I check my cutting plates all the time and I proceed accordingly if there is an elevated bridge on one of my plate and it works.
Bravo! to this process
Great. I have ordered my plates. They will be here today. What about the top plate? Just put it on???
Yes! Just keep it as your top plate, don’t cut into it.
Which is better a Sizzit Big Shot or Big Shot Plus?
I have a Big Shot with the plate and tabs. I have had it a long time now trying to get comfortable using but have issues with the tabs. A friend is looking and trying to decide which to buy.
Thank you I liked the video it was helpful.
Personally, I prefer the size of the standard Big Shot instead of the plus. I do like the Vagabond 2 if you are looking for electric 🙂
Hi Meg, it’s Marjorie from Florida. I’m just getting into cutting dues to use with some multi media art. So glad I saw this video before starting. Plan to set up my Big Shot Plus my MIL Gabe me for Xmas and will be using the plates correctly from the beginning. Great content, thank you!
Thanks, have been using this method since I found your site. I have a Big Shot Plus, how does this work with Bigz dies?
I have been doing this for years, but the top plate still becomes warped over time. I would love to stop that if anyone knows how.
Thanks for taking the time to create this video for us! This is so much better than flipping and trying to remember which way you flipped it last, and which only prolonged the inevitable! I will definitely start using my magnetic plate again, now that I know what to do.
I’m sorry but what does the give have to do with the cut?? If it gives on both sides then what are we suppose to do?
Nothing to do with the cut, this is all about warping.
Am going to try this with my new big shot plus plates.
Does the top plate bow and need to be flipped at all? Or is it just the bottom we will need to flip?
Don’t flip the top one, just the bottom.
Great tip thank you.
Awesome, I can’t wait to try this hint. I can use all the help I can get. Now I can buy more Dyes and paper.
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Thanks Meg!
Welcome Gayle!!!
Hi,
I am wondering if this magnetic platform will work in a Cuttlebug.
Thank you
Sandy
Hi Sandy, no it won’t.
I have a epic6 machine and can’t get a new top cutting plate anywhere. Can you help
So sorry, I don’t have this machine to help point you in the right direction.
I have a Big Shot, use the tabbed platform, then the metal precision plate, then the paper, then the die sharp side facing down, and a Sizzix brand clear plate. I thought I did it correct, but still have U shaped top plate. Will this not work with the precision plate? I am confused because even though I cut down, my top plate is the one that warps. Any ideas, or just try again?
Hi Diane, My honest opinion on the Precision Plate is to get rid of it. I don’t feel like it’s a good tool for the Big Shot. Part of the issue with what you are dealing with is that you have the tabbed platform. Sizzix did replace it with a better version. What I would suggest you try next is for your tabbed platform to be placed upside down. Then use the clear cutting plates instead of the Precision Plate. Hope that helps!
I just bought 4 new cutting plates and have been waiting to open them until my old warped plate breaks!!! Can’t wait to try this technique. I may have enough plates now to last a lifetime! (As a side note I’ve tried the boiling technique unsuccessfully.) Thank you for this tip!!!
Yay!!!! So happy to help!
So do you press on each and whichever gives you flip?
You don’t do anything with the top plate but leave it on top. If you press down on the bottom plate, and it presses down, flip it over 🙂
Just watch your video, it’s not very clear, do you use and reuse only one for the bottom and one for the top? Don’t alternate top and bottom plates? I understand if there’s “given” flip it over, Bottom plate is always the bottom plate, top is always the top? Just flip the bottom if there’s give?
It’s crazy how some watch it and it’s crystal clear but for others it’s confusing!!! The top plate stays the top plate, bottom plate stays the bottom plate. Yes, if the bottom plate gives, flip it over. That’s it! I think because there are so many methods that are crazy confusing that people try to make this tip harder than it is. Hope this helps!
I keep one plate for my top plate.
What do you do when the top plate warps?
Do you rotate your top plate when it gives?
The top plate is the one that continue to bow. I have flipped it time and still have this issue. I used a chrome bottom plate. I have tried everything. It is worse when it’s long strip type dies or squares/rectangles. Just cutting for a class of 40, I have a completely warped top plate.
Which platform are you using?