How I made a magnetic platform (for $1) for my Sizzix Big Shot (or Big Kick)

[@gailporterfield6773]

I was looking on line to buy the magnet plate and was shocked at the price! So happy I found your post. Thanks so much!

[@scrappinrabbit]

You're very welcome.

[@stacy1916]

This is great! I just got the Big Shot yesterday having no idea I needed to buy a ton of extra stuff! Thank you!

[@jredel2877]

And the magnetic boards are not all they are cracked up to be. The magnets are not a solid sheet covering the whole platform. It is an array of small circles of magnet spaced 1/2 inch away from each other and about an inch from all the edges. You have to be sure to place the die directly over one of the magnets or the die will be attracted to the nearest magnet and shift. I think Michaels carries them, and with a 30-40% coupon, it brings it down into a reasonable price range.

[@CoryZavoskey]

Home Depot (home improvement store in the US) sells a 5-pack of heater vent covers that will work for this too. Hope you have this store in your area...so you can save money on a larger magnetic sheet.

[@scrappinrabbit]

Awesome tip! Thanks!

[@MaryJane5462]

Regards also carry these also

[@StamperKirsten]

Thank you for your video. I was able to make a permanent platform. I used the heater vent magnetic covers you can find at Walmart and Home Depot for around $5.00 (for three). I took: 1 Sizzix Essentials Platform, 2 Sizzix Wafer Thin Adapters, 1 piece of card stock, 1 piece of a heavy plastic transparency and finally one sheet of magnet. I adhered all the layers together with my ATG adhesive and a little double stick tape. Since every machine is different, you have to play around with the layers till it runs through and cuts perfectly. The advantage of this type of platform is that since you lay your die directly on the magnet sheet WITH THE CUTTING SIDE UP, you only have to use ONE of your plates! (Your clear plate is your final top layer.) I found I needed those extra sheets of magnet because I have accidentally cut into the magnet and have replaced it twice.

[@scrappinrabbit]

That's awesome! Thanks for the tip.

[@EmunahCreative]

Thanks! Hopefully this will work in my Vintaj :) Was going to get rid of my Texture Boutique but thought about working on a similar set up for modifying it to cut wafer thin dies because you only need about a 2 mm shim between the black platforms to cut them, saves buying a mini die cutter for crops. For anyone reading, experiment at your own risk, but it works great for me!

[@lindagiles1911]

What a great day. I just watched a video about using self healing mats for cutting mats and now this. I have 3 different densities of magnetic sheet so l will be experimenting. Lovely of you to share this tip. Card stock can be so expensive and magnetic platforms are very pricy putting them out of reach for many crafters.

[@scrappinrabbit]

I'm glad you found this helpful.

[@celinagolo]

I have the exact same Big Shot that you have so I’m excited to try this. 😀

[@lzrd8460]

We don’t have wax paper in Europe. Could I use parchment paper, the kind we line our pans with? 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@scrappinrabbit]

I've never tried parchment paper. But if it works it would be better than waxed paper because there would be no waxy residue.

[@lzrd8460]

@@scrappinrabbitThank you, I will try.

[@zoryw6022]

Great video I'm just wondering why you turnt the pads ECT around why you didn't just roll it back through? Sorry I've only just got a machine x

[@scrappinrabbit]

Hi there! When I first got my machine I read somewhere (can't remember where) that it's better to turn the sandwich around so that you get different pressure points when doing multiple passes, but I've since gotten lazier LOL and now I just roll back with no problems. Be careful when trying this out the first time, don't force too many layers through your machine.

[@zoryw6022]

@@scrappinrabbit Thank you so much x

[@jeannewagner8133]

Thank you! I just bought some magnetic dies and don't have a magnetic board. Not sure how important it is to actually have a magnetic board with dies "specified' as magnetic (Tim Holtz brand), but there's always a work around, right? :) I appreciate it! I'm in the US and I don't want to buy it for $45 (regular length) or $80 (extended length) either!

[@scrappinrabbit]

Hi Jeanne. The magnetic platform is to hold regular metal dies in place. I've never heard of magnetic dyes... is that a new thing?

[@jeannewagner8133]

@@scrappinrabbit So I had to look them up because I didn't really know. They are Movers and Shakers dies. They are described as 'magnetic' but they work best with a special shuttle that is purchased separately. Sizzix is having a HUGE sale and i picked up some items for very low price... but did not realize those particular dies have a completely different design. Others have found a way to make them work without the special 'tray/shuttle' so I guess I'll be looking into that. Live and learn!

[@sharanwilliams5173]

hingbunscrew your layers of your base plate . so much easier to work with amazing I even cut the hinges off no need to drag all that thru when tou can just cut on the proper layer you need (1 or 2)

[@scrappinrabbit]

What an excellent tip! But knowing myself I might lose some layers if they're not screwed together. But still I might end up doing this. Thank you!

[@deedeeriggs]

Thanks for sharing. Sometimes I have a really hard time getting sizzix dies to cut out 100% and then if I get it cut out I have a hard time getting it to emboss or vice versa. I'm open to trying new ways to put it through the machine. Thanks

[@scrappinrabbit]

I hope this works for you Dee Dee!

[@Woolleybird]

What a great idea! I saw some of those sheets the other day for making fridge magnets, so I know where to buy them! I know where I will be going tomorrow. Thanks!

[@scrappinrabbit]

Woolleybird just be careful not to force anything through as you're testing... you don't want to damage your machine so start with very few layers of shims at first.

[@Woolleybird]

I will be careful, thanks again

[@MaryJane5462]

Menards also carry Magnetic air covers to replace the magnetic sheets

[@scrappinrabbit]

Thanks MaryJane, excellent tip.

[@mo-rie]

Magnetic vent covers are an option

[@MSHARLEYDWOKEAF]

Thank you for this. I tried it b4 seeing this video. I had the Avery sheets already. They are thin, I might double up or buy thicker one. This can be an expensive Hobby. I am just starting out and did not want to spend too much initially. So, I bought the Cuddlekids and thin dies. I also bought inexpensive additional cutting plates. I have extra self-healing mat I can cut too, and silicone baking mat for embossing. I will be having fun. If anything happens, God forbid, to my Cuddlekid I only spent about $20 for it. It is so much fun figuring out what all I can make this little machine do. Thx again 😉

[@scrappinrabbit]

You're very welcome! For sure the dies and other accessories can add up so I like to find ways that help me save $$ as long as I don't wreck anything while doing it. Enjoy!

[@MSHARLEYDWOKEAF]

@@scrappinrabbit HaHa so true. 😉

[@hema9985]

Hi Chris.....tats a great tip to put for use......I do have these sheets to tuck the dies and now to place them and cut. ...too cul. TFS.Love n hugs

[@scrappinrabbit]

+Hema Sj I'm glad you find this useful!! :-)

[@millierose919]

I've been using it like this for years & its never affected my Big Shot.

[@elunedjeffery5279]

good idea

[@November-Johnson123]

I bought the supplies to make one of these and was so excited to save the money but soon realized this magnet will only hold your due so your paper still moves around. With the Sizzix magnetic platform you can layer the paper between the die and the magnet this holding both in place. If I try that using this it will cut through my magnet. Any tips? I realize this isn't an issue for all dies but the dies I particularly needed a magnetic platform for it is an issue.

[@scrappinrabbit]

The dies go on top of the magnetic sheet with the cutting edges pointing up, then you layer the paper on top - that way you won't be cutting through the magnetic sheet.

[@MSHARLEYDWOKEAF]

Instead of the paper shims on bottom, use another magnetic sheet as a shim on top of the last plate, then a shim. So it's bottom plate, magnet, die, paper, top plate, magnet, paper shim. The Avery printable magnetic sheets are very thin.

[@tihralahn]

@@scrappinrabbit The problem as she stated, is that this does not hold the paper in place, only the die. The magnetic platform has a strong enough magnet that you can do the platform, bottom plate, paper, die, top plate......and the paper being sandwiched in between the magnet and the die holds both the paper and die in place. For thin paper, or thin dies, this is crucial...especially if you're doing a bunch and need to do it quickly.

[@aclark30121]

What a great suggestion--I'm all in when it comes to saving money--thanks so much

[@scrappinrabbit]

Glad to help, but be very careful not to "force" anything through your Big Shot.

[@bettyhunsicker8724]

restorative yoga

[@asimeral]

Way better than spending $30 for a magnetic platform! Thanks for sharing!

[@scrappinrabbit]

You're very welcome Andrea.

[@geminidream4347]

As a fellow Canadian, I hear you on the prices here for crafting materials!!! I just started out, March 2021 so it's even worse now. You'd think with the virus keeping us all in lockdown, they'd give us a break so we don't lose our minds, but nope, not even on shipping and they've gotta be raking in more now than ever too! Subbed, liked, Alarmed to you so if you have any great places for buying I'll be able to check them out. Thank you.

[@scrappinrabbit]

LOL best bet right now is whatever people are selling on Amazon or dollar store for embellishments. Unfortunately i dont think the big craft tool manufacturers give a rats a*s about helping customers. What craft are you into?

[@FranOnTheEdge]

Hi, I just found your video here about a much MUCH cheaper way to hold dies magnetically. Having just had a heart attack on learning that a magnetic platform for my Sizzix BigShot Plus is 88 pounds! I'm am thrilled to learn of a fix like this. However, my BigShot plus only has a base platform and A and B adaptors. Which one do I use? The one for Texture Fades? The one for Thinlits? Or the base platform? Thank you.

[@scrappinrabbit]

Hi Fran. I lifted the first tab of my platform so that I'm working on the Texture Fades layer, but you will likely need to try with various layers to find the one that suits your machine. Just make sure not to force anything through so as not to damage anything.

[@FranOnTheEdge]

@@scrappinrabbit okay, I won't force it. But I'll try with my Texture Fades layer first, since it should be the same thickness as yours, or it wouldn't work on the Texture Fades. Thanks for your fast reply.

[@lzrd8460]

Has anyone tried using a magnetic vent plate with a Cuddle-bug?

[@madusonkeeper]

Dies sometimes shift on magnetic platform as it is embedded individual magnets not solid all the way across maybe worth trying this!

[@scrappinrabbit]

I hope it works for you!

[@lenneketoth6838]

I did glue a magnetic sheet on the down plate

[@TerryScrapbooking]

Great tip Chris!!

[@scrappinrabbit]

+Terrys Scrapbooks Thanks Terry. Hope it helps someone save a bit of $$.

[@Jerseyinkedmom]

The large metal piece on my press is falling off do you know how to fix it?

[@scrappinrabbit]

Michelle Lambert I'm afraid not, you might want to contact the company.

[@sunkislites]

wow Dahhhhh! ...I have a vintage and it cuts metal which I don't use at this time....I was thinking about this the other day what I could use because I would rather use my money on die cuts until I can buy one thanks for the tip!!!...

[@scrappinrabbit]

+Dimi Ford You're very welcome :-)

[@judyhooper3995]

Sweet! Running out to the $store right now!

[@scrappinrabbit]

Some people also recommend magnetic thingies that fit over air vents, but I usually find plenty of magnetic sheets at my dollar store. Just make sure you don't force anything through your machine so take your time to experiment with different layers.

[@beyondmemine]

Hola Cristine , muchas gracias por el video, una excelente alternativa ! hi from México!

[@scrappinrabbit]

Gracia! (My sister-in-law is from Mexico City but lives in Canada now!)

[@beyondmemine]

+scrappinrabbit : woow is a little World =D! love your videos!

[@sewgoodall]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@bjsmoker]

Great idea!

[@scrappinrabbit]

I'm glad you found it useful!

[@shimmercraft2125]

Thank you for the great tip. That platform is too expensive. I'd rather spend the money on more dies.

[@scrappinrabbit]

+Olivia Strain For sure!!

[@bettiefrisby9844]

Genius!

[@terrijuanette486]

brilliant!

[@scrappinrabbit]

:-)

[@diannamangrum68]

You rock!!!!👍👰

[@scrappinrabbit]

Thank you LOL!

[@aclark30121]

ok--I will be careful

[@louised6790]

This a good idea. Although, it's cheaper to buy the magnetic platform than it is to replace the Big Shot. I'd be fearful of being without my Big Shot. The thought of it terrifies me. LOL!!

[@scrappinrabbit]

True you want to be very careful when doing this. For a while here in Canada the magnetic platform was about 1/2 the price of the Big Shot but I see price just went down to $44!

[@louised6790]

scrappinrabbit YIKES! There $40 here in the USA. I agree that they are crazy expensive. I was blessed that my mom bought me mine. She knows I'm cheap and would have never sprung for one. I'm getting irritated with all the new toys that require another new pad/plate. How many plates can we possibly buy? Sheesh!

[@Katy-ye1zr]

I cut up self healing mats for first shims when I needed them. lordy those mats are hard to cut up! I also was cutting up cereal boxes- for a different thickness you see my first machine was my lasagna NOODLE MAKER !!! well it WORKED but wasn't easy so soon as I could I did buy a sidekick and then the Big Shot- the pink and black one. Fun to play with. I agree Karen though- it's costly to jump when they say to, with such great new products introduced to us.

[@terrijuanette486]

Katy....You are a genius! :-)