The Perfect Magnetic Platform Sandwich for Die Cutting

thank you for sharing thank

What a great discovery! I will have to try that. I learned how to flatten the big shot plates pretty effectively so I don't have a warping problem, but I also have a big shot plus and really like the idea smaller option for pads :) if your interested in flattening your plates just to make them easier to use, all you have to do is run it through with a die (paper optional) on the inside of the warp curve a couple times. I was told they warp because one side is has more cuts. Both sides need to be "balanced". The cuts sort of open the acrylic and make it more loose, so the other side is now too tight. To fix that just add a few cuts on the other side... So just hold up the plate to see where the "cup" is and make a couple of cuts on the inside of the cup. Once it's flat I just place my plate during my normal cutting so that it's on the inside of any warps that start and it stays flat. The extra cuts to flatten it don't seem to weaken it at all and it's less likely to crack than a curved plate. I haven't bought new plates in over a year.

Sorry long comment ....but I shared your frustration with the plates and am still annoyed that flattening instructions were not included with the machine. I agree that must be a money repurchase ploy. :/

Excellent information. I just purchased the Accuquilt mat, and I already had the Lifestyle set. You mentioned perhaps experimenting with a self-healing mat. Awhile back I cut one to fit my Sizzix Sidekick so I could cut small wafer-thin dies. I don't recall the exact sandwich combo I used, but I know the self-healing mat worked perfectly as a cutting mat--no warping. I love my Big Shot, but alternatives to their rigid, warping mats is always welcome. Thank you.

Great idea...I will try it! Could you use the genius mat with the multipurpose platform instead of a cutting plate on top? The cutting plates are definitely made to be replaced and it bugs me!

I have now tried this and, by gosh!, it works great! Have used it several times now and so far, no warping, no problems. Have used a variety of dies and all cut beautifully. I did use a shim with some of them ( a piece of 110 lb cardstock), but really don't need it to get a good cut. Thanks for showing this option. I totally agree that Sizzix is not fixing the plates problems because we have to keep buying replacements. I am going to use this sandwich from nOw on and if I find any deterioration, I will note it here. So far so good!!!

Hey mimi! Do you know if the Revolution magnetic mat (refill) works with the Big Shot? It looks like if it has the same size as the big shot acrylic cutting plates.

Genius absolute genius. Thank you for sharing.