|
Using the Epic Six with Other Dies
by Rachel Myerson
(Nov 22, 2011)
Die Cutting The Epic Six was originally made by QuicKutz, which makes 2"x2", 4"x4", 4"x8", and cookie-cutter dies. I find that all of these work just fine in my Epic Six, although I find that the 2"x2" dies cut faster and more efficiently using the Squeeze that I purchased several years earlier. QuicKutz recently changed their name to Lifestyle Crafts. Under this new name, they offer many new shapes including nesting dies that are similar to cookie cutters and also work well with the Epic Six.
Even though there are a variety of shapes offered through both the QuicKutz and Lifestyle Crafts names, there are definitely shapes that are not offered. One brand that makes many desirable shapes is Spellbinders, which makes nesting shapes in their Nestabilities collection and other interesting shapes in the Shapeabilities collection. These dies are similar in size and shape to the cookie cutters, except they don't have the ejection foam. I have found that these work just fine with my Epic Six, except the lack of ejection foam makes it difficult to remove the die-cut from the die. I have found that this problem can be solved using various tools (such as tweezers or anything with a point) and patience. This is definitely not a lot of trouble and I would definitely consider purchasing more Spellbinders dies for use with my Epic Six. Another brand that makes interesting shapes of dies is Tim Holtz; of particular interest to me were the Bigz dies, which are thick steel-ruled dies, which are supposed to cut through chipboard and fabric in addition to paper. It is very difficult to use these with the Epic Six, but it is possible if you are determined. In order to do this, you need two cutting mats (the thin mats) and you don't need to use either of the thicker cutting platforms. The Epic Six cutting mats come in two versions: a soft flexible one and a harder, stiff one. To use the steel-ruled dies, you need the harder version. If you have one of each (like I do), you need to use the stiff one on the bottom. Above the cutting mat, you need to layer a few layers to adjust the height. After much experimentation, I use the chipboard from the bottom of a 6"x6" paper pad, and then about six sheets of 6"x6" paper. You need to experiment with layers by cutting through scrap paper until you figure out the "sandwich" formula which works for you. This is a lot of trouble and I will only buy these dies if I really, really want the shapes. I also worry that it is going to break my Epic Six, but has not broken it yet. Embossing I have used my Epic Six with two different brands of embossing folders: QuicKutz and Provo Craft. I used both the same way, running them through the machine with the embossing platform. I find that I get much better results with the Provo Craft folders, which give a deeper embossing. In addition to embossing on paper, I have managed to successfully emboss a few other materials including aluminum foil.
If you are experimenting with mixing and matching dies and die-cutting machines, here are a few suggestions:
Mixing and matching can be difficult but it is the best way to get the maximum flexibility with the die-cutting machine that you already own.
|
There are a large number of manual die-cutting machines on the market and just as many different manufacturers of dies. Of course, most of us have neither the budget nor space to own every brand of die-cutting machine. Unfortunately, different brands make different shapes of dies and no single brand makes all the dies that an individual may want. Therefore, it is useful to be able to use many different brands of dies with a single die-cutting machine. I happen to have an 
�
�
�