CM Template question (inspired by CM question thread)

[piratesmate]

Does anyone have the old CM wavy border template? The one that you use with the cutting system, not the new stand alone trimmer. My CMC gave me her old one since she's supposed to use only the new one at hows. I know there's a learning curve with those tools - I still have problems with the DDIL's star one - but I'm having problems using that one.

It seems to shift on the mat, which leaves me with uneven strips. Isn't it supposed to fit snugly on the mat? I was trying to cut strips that were wavy on both sides to put on a straight border so I wanted them to be narrow. (Does that make sense?) Unfortunately, I ended up with strips that were maybe 1/4" on one end & 3/8" on the other end. It doesn't sound like much, but it was really obvious to me.

I'm wondering if there's some hint or tip maybe? Or was this always a problem & the reason they changed the style? Or maybe it's just defective...or maybe it's me that's defective!

 

[wtpclc]

There is no template. I do have a tip for thin strips, though. If you look at teh top and bottom near each patter (straight wavy, bumpy), there are 3 nothches in teh plastic. The closest is where the blue will cut, then green, then red (mind balnk, I may have that backwards, but if you look at the grooves on the tops, you should be able to line up which is whcih.) One helpful tip is to take a sharpie and mark with b/g/r each one to make it easier to see. To make a 1/4 inch strip, you do teh blade that will give you the furthest cut (red?), don't move anything and tehn do teh blue. That helps not to shift it when you move.

Also, if you want to do whispy stuff, like smole from a chimney. Do teh outer blade with the paper all teh way to the top, then move the paper all the way to the bottom and do the inner blade.

None of these fit snugly and it would make it a little easier. It will come with practice, though. You may want to practice with copy paper until you get a feel for it. It really does come, though.

 

[piratesmate]

I knew they weren't called templates, but didn't quite know what to call it. And I knew about the guidelines in the plastic. I mentioned them to my CMC at Cropterfest (I forget in what context) & she said "Where?!?! I've never seen them." LOL)

Actually, the movement & width change isn't coming from moving the paper. It's coming because the pattern/plastic-thing-you-trace-with-the-blade is moving as I run the blade along its length. It didn't move as much when I didn't apply as much pressure, but then the strips weren't cut completely through....and these blades have been used less than 10x each. I ruined an entire sheet of 12x12 - and practiced on several sheets of typing paper but never really got a good one.

 

[wtpclc]

I tend to make sure teh pattern is flsh with teh top. That's teh best way I've found to stop slippage.

 

[piratesmate]

Thanks - I'll have to try that. I was doing the opposite: lining up at the bottom & push rather than lining up at the top & pulling. For some reason that just felt more comfortable to me.

 

[wtpclc]

PLease don't hold it against me if that makes it worse for you then!

 

[caseylouandtyler2]

What worked or helped for me. I bought one of those rubbery cabinet liners. I cut it slightly longer than the mat and 12" thing. I put it under the mat. It stops the mat from slipping and the feet on the 12" thing stay put a bit better. Less slippage.

HTH

 

[goofymom/pop]

hey I never knew about the guidelines and I have had my cutter for 7 years or more.

Here is what I do.....I line up with the bottom, push the hickey,guide,thingamagig...whatever its called up tight against the bottom of the mat. Then I cut from the top down. I dont always get perfect cuts but they are really close. Also it may help to stand up and do it. Make sure you have lots of pressure on the guide so it doesnt move.

love the rubber mat tip! Great idea!

 

[scrapperjill]

I always went from the top down also...It seems like going from the bottom up would cause me trouble. It also helps me to stand when I'm using it...so my blade has even pressure all the way down. I also learned the hard way...you don't have to apply as much pressure as you think you may need to. Another tip/hint would be....get a new blade. I've found when I start having trouble/problems with my cutting system alot of the time it's because I need a new blade.

 

[PixieDust32]

=== 12" Pattern ===

Just put pressure and hold it tight, it takes practice.