Big Shot Die Cut Machine 101

Big Shot 101 addresses frequently asked questions regarding the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439) and Big Shot dies and accessories.


Bigz XL Dies ( Fancy Favor shown, 115965)  6″ x 13 7/8″ x 5/8″ thick

Sandwich (starting from the bottom)

• Extended XL Acrylic Cutting Pad (6 1/8″ x 1/8″ x 14.5″)
  
• Bigz XL Die face up
• Card Stock or Designer Series Paper
• Extended Acrylic Cutting Pad

TIP:  I find it helpful to move the two acrylic plates slightly forward of the die (maybe an inch or so) so that they hit the roller first.  The sandwich seems to grab better. 

Bigz L Dies (Mini Milk Carton shown, 117310) 6″ x 8 3/4″ x 5/8″ thick

Same order as Bigz XL Die above.

Bigz Dies (Top Note Bigz Die shown, 113463) 5.5″ x 6″ x 5/8″ thick

Sandwich (starting from the bottom)

• Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
• Bigz Die face up
• Card Stock or Designer Series paper
• Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot) or Premium Crease Pad (for deep etched score lines)

TIP:  If you have any issues with the die cutting through part of the score lines, the Premium Crease Pad (Item No. 113476, $8.95) is an excellent solution. 

NOTE: The crease pad is too wide for a Cuttlebug.

 

 
Sizzlits (Floral Fusion shown, 115969). 

Sandwich (starting from the bottom)

• Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
• Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot
• Sizzlits Die face up
• Card Stock or Designer Series paper
• Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)

Embosslits Dies (Beautiful Wings above, 118138):  Embosslits measure 2 1/4″ x 2 1/2″.  They have both a positive and negative image that allows for simultaneous cutting and embossing.  Click here for an Embosslit Tutorial.

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (Square Lattice shown, 119976):

Sandwich (starting from the bottom)

• Multipurpose Platform Tab 1
• Acrylic Cutting Pad (Big Shot)
• Cuttlebug embossing folder with card stock inserted
• Acrylic cutting pad (Big Shot)

Texturz Plates (Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates shown, 114512) 6″ x 1/16″ x 8 1/6″:  These leave a beautiful but softer finish than the Textured Impressions Embossing Folders.  TIP:  I mist mine with water first for the best (deepest) results.  Allow to dry flat before adhering.

Sandwich (starting from the bottom)

• Multipurpose Platform Tab 1 (use “No Tab” for thicker cardstock)
• Texturz Plate facing up
• Card stock
• Texturz Silicone Rubber Mat (114615)
• Texturz Impressions Pad (114614)

Letterpress Plates (Joyful Season shown, 120981).  Vary in size:  Use with Stampin’ Up! Craft Ink or VersaMark.  Please see directions that come with the plates

Using Stampin’ Up! Dies with the Cuttlebug

(Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, 120893 and Fun Flowers Bigz L Die, 121812 shown)

Texturz Plates  

Sandwich (starting from the bottom)

• Cuttlebug A Plate
• Texturz Plate facing Up
• Card Stock
• Texturz Silicone Rubber Mat (114615)
• Texturz Impressions Pad (114614)

Bigz XL Dies (for example, Matchbox or Fancy Favor, 6″ x 13 3/4″ x 5/8″ thick)

Note:  The Extended Cutting Pads and Premium Crease Pad sold as accessories with the Big Shot are too wide for the Cuttlebug.

Sandwich (from the bottom)

• Cuttlebug B Plate
• Bigz XL Die face up
• Card Stock or Designer Series Paper
• Cuttlebug B Plate
  

TIP:  I find it helpful to move the two acrylic “B” plates slightly forward of the die (maybe an inch or so) so that they hit the opening first.  The sandwich seems to grab better.  Since these plates are shorter than the Extended Cutting Pads, your can’t cut the entire length of the die.  However, they work perfectly well in sections.  The exception would be if the die (for example the Bag With Scallops) is longer than the cutting pads. 

Bigz Dies (for example, Scallop Envelope, Top Note, Pillow Box, 5.5″ x 6″ x 5/8″ thick, from the bottom)

• Cuttlebug B Plate
• Bigz Die Face Up
• Card stock or Designer Series Paper
• Cuttlebug B Plate

 GENERAL TIPS

• Results and tension may vary a bit from machine to machine.  Typically, simple adjustments by adding or removing a piece of card stock or two (acting as shims), will help create the right amount of pressure for your machine.  You should feel some resistance and hear a few clicks as your roll your sandwich through.  However, never force a sandwich through any machine.  You risk breaking the machine, dies and plates.
•  When adhering 3-D projects, use something stronger than Snail Adhesive if you want to avoid the dreaded “wardrobe failure.”  Sticky Strip (104294, $6.95) works well.
• Big Shot Multipurpose Platform is 6 1/4″ wide, 5/8″ high and 9 3/4″ long.  The standard Big Shot Acrylic Pads and Crease Pad are 6 1/8″ wide, 1/8″ thick and 8 7/8″ long.
• The Extended Cutting Pads and Premium Crease Pad sold as accessories with the Big Shot are too wide for the Cuttlebug.
• The Big Shot and our dies cut much more than card stock!  For a list of Big Shot approved materials, CLICK HERE.