Big Shot Tips/Sandwich Guides



Big Shot Sandwiches Guide:

If you purchased a Big Shot from Stampin' Up, may have received the new platform with it.  Depending on when you purchased, you may have the old Multi-Purpose Platform. 

Sandwiches:

Detailed images/fine detail images ONLY with Precision Base Plate:

Step one:
From the bottom:
·       Big Shot Platform WITHTHE Thin Die Adapter
·       Precision Base Plate with the BLACK side facing UP.
·       ONE sheet of cardstock per die (you can cut more than one die at a time if they fit on the plate). 
·       Die with blade facing down.
·       One Standard Cutting Pad.
·       Run it through either direction on the Big Shot ONLY ONE TIME!  IT WILL ALL CUT (see tips below if it does not).  But, if you follow all of the steps and the tips below, it will!

Step two:
·       Take everything off of the Big Shot (die with paper stuck inside) and place on the Foam Mat that comes with the Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip.  Leave the die attached to the cardstock and rub the Die Brush over vigorously. 
·       Now remove the paper from the die and remove any leftover pieces with a toothpick (I use a toothpick instead of the Take Your Pick Tool so that I don’t poke myself and so I don’t damage my cardstock).
·       ALWAYS clean out the die, too with the toothpick.  Leftover paper inside will make the die not cut in that spot.

Tips:

·       Do not place cardstock/dies on the Precision Base Plate where they will be hanging off of the bottom platform – the Precision Base Plate is longer than the Big Shot Platform.
·       When a die is long and skinny, run it though the Big Shot long ways so that it’s going in straight – think of it as an arrow you are pointing into the machine.
·       Every time you cut with the Precision Base Plate move the dies around to a different spot on the plate.  The reason is so the TOP PLATE wears evenly.  When the top plate starts to form a U shape, ONLY RUN IT THROUGH with the “hump” facing UP (so run it through as a rainbow/upside down U).  This is important.
·       Always make sure your sandwich is even – all of the plates/platforms/cutting pads/folders/dies should be stacked neatly with nothing sticking out the sides, top, or bottom.  EXCEPT – remember the Precision Base Plate is longer, so one end will stick out, just don’t have a die/cardstock on that section.
·       When using the Precision Base Plate A LOT, eventually the top Cutting Pad will wear out or break and need to be replaced.  These are consumable items that are not meant to last forever.

Open Images (any dies without detail/fine images):

From the bottom:
·       Big Shot Platform WITH THE Thin Die Adapter OR Magnetic Platform (the Magnetic Platform helps hold the die in place).
·       One Standard Cutting Pad (I cut on one cutting pad and use a clean/uncut pad for the top)
·       ONE sheet of cardstock per die (you can cut more than one die at a time). 
·       Die with blade facing down.
·       One Standard Cutting Pad (I like to keep one uncut/clean for the top).
·       Run it through either direction on the Big Shot one time.

Tips:
·       If your dies are moving around, use a Sticky Note to hold them in place.  Just place it over the die and cardstock before putting the last Standard Cutting Pad on top.
·       If the dies are shifting because of the Magnetic Platform, you can do a few things: hit the corner of the Magnetic Platform on the table/floor to “reset” the polarization.  Hit the die on the table for the same reason.  Or, just move the cardstock to where the die is moving to. 
·       Remember: when a die is long and skinny, run it though the Big Shot long ways so that it’s going in straight – think of it as an arrow you are pointing into the machine.
·       Flip your top cutting pad each time so it doesn’t turn into a “U”.  If it is a “U” shape, never run it through as a “U”, always run it through with the “hump” facing UP (so run it through as a rainbow/upside down U).  This may cause dies to shift, so if so, use a Sticky Note.
·       The Big Shot works both direction for everything.
·       Always make sure your sandwich is even – all of the plates/platforms/cutting pads/folders/dies should be stacked neatly with nothing sticking out the sides, top, or bottom. 
Embossing Folders:

From the bottom:
·       Big Shot Platform WITHOUT the Thin Die Adapter
·       One Standard Cutting Pad on bottom EXCEPT WITH EXTRA THICK 3D FOLDERS - skip this step for those
·       Embossing Folder with ONE sheet of cardstock inside with the closed/sealed end of the embossing folder going into the Big Shot machine FIRST (no matter which direction you will be running the Big Shot).  This helps prevent the folder from breaking.
·       One Standard Cutting Pad ON TOP ALWAYS
·       Run through Big Shot one time

Tips:
·       Never put the cardstock all the way to the fold of the folder – it will emboss a crease there
·       Remember to always insert the folder into the machine with the closed/sealed end going into the Big Shot first (no matter which direction you are running the Big Shot)
·       Make sure the edges of your folder are not sticking out of the sandwich – especially when using the 6x6 folders.
·       Always make sure your sandwich is even – all of the plates/platforms/cutting pads/folders/dies should be stacked neatly with nothing sticking out the sides, top, or bottom. 
·       The Big Shot works both direction for everything.

Jennifer Cotton
www.jennifers.stampinup.net

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