Why isn't my cuttlebug cutting?

[TifffanyD]

Hey all - I posted this on another forum but it seems dead so hoping someone here can help me!

I was very excited tonight to buy a cuttlebug! I opened it up and tried to cut the stamp die that comes with it but it is not working. I do plate A, B, stamp with foam side up, paper, and B. Then I try to feed it into the machine and it gets partway in and the handle is still turning but nothing is happening. Like it's not gripping the plate.

I also tried the stamp embossing folders that came with it and they are working fine. What is wrong with my machine???

 

[morgansmom2000]

If it's a thin plate you may need plate C instead of the other B?

We're on the same cruise!

 

[TifffanyD]

If it's a thin plate you may need plate C instead of the other B?

OK I just tried the plate C on top and it did a similar thing (got in to the top of the die and then the wheel was just spinning) but did so with a LOT more resistance

We're on the same cruise!

YAY! I am booking stuff for ours tonight! Are you coming to Nachi Cocom?

 

[morgansmom2000]

OK I just tried the plate C on top and it did a similar thing (got in to the top of the die and then the wheel was just spinning) but did so with a LOT more resistance

YAY! I am booking stuff for ours tonight! Are you coming to Nachi Cocom?

Did it cut?

I am not going to Nachi, DH wasn't interested, so we'll shop instead.

I can't book yet, this is our first cruise. I really hope to get a brunch for Palo in.

 

[TifffanyD]

Did it cut?

I am not going to Nachi, DH wasn't interested, so we'll shop instead.

I can't book yet, this is our first cruise. I really hope to get a brunch for Palo in.

No it didn't cut. The plate didn't go all the way through. Could it be the die? I don't have any other dies to try right now but I just ordered one cheaply off ebay.

I hope to get a Palo brunch too - we did dinner once before but not brunch. And it sounds fun

 

[redlawyer]

Are you using the thicker white plastic beneath the "sandwich"?? I think you need to layer in this order: A, die cut, paper, B, thick white plastic slab. I recall C is for when you need extra spacing when using non-cuttlebug dies which are thinner than the cuttlebug dies.

Good Luck.

 

[pink_fins]

What is the die cut's name? maybe it isn't for a cuddlebug


I use the A (think whiteone) then B then die up,paper and lastly the other B
It will creek some and seem harder than it should be but it will cut.

gail

 

[TifffanyD]

Are you using the thicker white plastic beneath the "sandwich"?? I think you need to layer in this order: A, die cut, paper, B, thick white plastic slab. I recall C is for when you need extra spacing when using non-cuttlebug dies which are thinner than the cuttlebug dies.

Good Luck.

Here is how I do it, going from bottom to top:

I do plate A, B, stamp with foam side up, paper, and B.

My thick white plastic. The thick white plastic slab IS the A slab for me. The thing you are describing sounds quite a bit different from me. Mine came with:

1 A (thick white plastic slab)
2 B (cutting mats - these are the thinnest)
1 C (for thinner dies)

This is so aggravating! I sent an email to provocraft as well but I don't understand how something manual isn't working. This reminds me of about 10+ years ago when I excitedly opened my ultimate sweater machine I had gotten for xmas and the main keyplate was warped. I thought i was doing something wrong but contacted the company and had to wait for a replacement part. Annoying!!

 

[TifffanyD]

What is the die cut's name? maybe it isn't for a cuddlebug


I use the A (think whiteone) then B then die up,paper and lastly the other B
It will creek some and seem harder than it should be but it will cut.

gail

It is the "Exclusive Cuttlebug Embossing/Die Set" called Celebration Stamps that came in the box with my cuttlebug.

I did it in that exact order - no creaking - it gets to the edge of the die and then I keep turning the handle (and it isn't super hard to turn) but the plates don't advance through. I tried pushing gently on them to see if it helped but no go. What the heck???? And there is no creaking

I wish I could take video and put it on youtube so you all could see if I am doing something obviously wrong. I also tried putting it in the other side and turning the handle in the other direction and no go.

 

[hsembrick]

You need to put down the white plate first, then B, paper, die (foam side down), and then plate c or b if needs to be thicker it should cut.

 

[TifffanyD]

You need to put down the white plate first, then B, paper, die (foam side down), and then plate c or b if needs to be thicker it should cut.

Even tho it says foam side up and then paper on top of that?

 

[hsembrick]

Even tho it says foam side up and then paper on top of that?

Yes!! It should work , this is the way I cut and I've never had a problem. I think it's because with foam side up there isn't enough pressure on it to cut through. Let me know if it works.

 

[TifffanyD]

Yes!! It should work , this is the way I cut and I've never had a problem. I think it's because with foam side up there isn't enough pressure on it to cut through. Let me know if it works.

I tried it and it still didn't work. Got stuck at the die with the handle turning and nothing happening

I have also tried placing the die at different spots (middle, edge, corner) of the cutting mat without any lucky

 

[morgansmom2000]

You do need to give it a bit of a push through the smooshing part, but it should go. Did it have a booklet with instructions?

 

[huge mickey fan]

Okay first turn the handle with nothing in it. Make sure the roller is turning. I use my cuttlebug everyday right now and here is how the directions say to place your mats.

A thick white block (bottom)
B thin clear plate
die cut foam side up
paper
B thin clear plate (top)

You may need to gently push the sandwich until it catches on the roller. It will crank hard, creak and leave a mark on the top plate.

Hope this helps.

 

[TifffanyD]

You do need to give it a bit of a push through the smooshing part, but it should go. Did it have a booklet with instructions?

lol yes it did have a booklet and I did actually read it! I even had my husband read it and check to make sure I was doing everything right!

Okay first turn the handle with nothing in it. Make sure the roller is turning. I use my cuttlebug everyday right now and here is how the directions say to place your mats.

A thick white block (bottom)
B thin clear plate
die cut foam side up
paper
B thin clear plate (top)

You may need to gently push the sandwich until it catches on the roller. It will crank hard, creak and leave a mark on the top plate.

Hope this helps.

Thanks - I did do all that and it catches and it goes in UNTIL it gets to the die and then just kinda gets stuck. It is the weirdest thing. I know it has actually caught the sandwich because to get it out I have to reverse crank the handle.

 

[MomofKatie]

You need to "help" the sandwich through the machine. Push it through with one hand while cranking with the other. You will feel definite resistance- but it WILL go through and not break the machine. Don't worry that you are forcing it- especially when you have a new machine, it feels like everything won't go through, but it will!!

And, yes, the correct order is:
Plate A (thick white)
Plate B
Die, foam side up
Paper
Plate B

When the sandwich goes through, it will sometimes creak and Plate B on top will end up with a cut impression of the die in it. This is normal, and you will eventually need to replace the cutting plates when they get too full of cuts.

Good luck, and BE FEARLESS!! Push that thing through!

 

[pink_fins]

I kinda wonder if you are still not getting it to cut/emboss, maybe there is something wrong with your machine and you should let Company/store know it. It does happen.

I know when I got mine I was afraid to really crank anythng thru it as it was too tight.

keep us posted.

gail

 

[TifffanyD]

I got a new die in the mail last night and was able to get it through with a LOT of pushing. Seriously I had to brace myself against the wall and push with all my might while turning. Whew! I really hope this thing loosens up some.

Also, my top plate B is now bowing - is that normal?

 

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

I got a new die in the mail last night and was able to get it through with a LOT of pushing. Seriously I had to brace myself against the wall and push with all my might while turning. Whew! I really hope this thing loosens up some.

Also, my top plate B is now bowing - is that normal?

My plate bows after many, many cuts (when the plate is covered in cuts). I think if your plate is bowing after one cut then you should call the company and ask their advice. And you shouldn't have to push that much, I remember when I first got mine it felt weird the first few times, tight, and made that crackling noise -- but no bowing and no wall support.

Good Luck -- call the company and get a new machine and then you can start having fun!!!!