New Dies - Now What Will I Need?

OK - so I'm telling you that the dies are universal, that they nest, yada, yada, yada - so what now? You might be thinking, "I already own a diecutting machine, (such as a Cuttlebug, BIg Shot, Sizzix, etc.) will these still work and what else will I need besides just the little metal die?"

I am going to link you back to the post on compatibility so that you can once again read the sandwich information for your particular machine type. If you do not see your machine listed then please contact Spellbinders to ensure that the machine you own is truly compatible. There are many machines on the market and I am not aware of all of them, so I apologize if I have missed the type of machine that you own.

In addition to your machine (and the dies of course :D) the following tools are recommended:

• Spellbinders Tan Emboss Pad (currently available in the Wizard Charm Embossing Kit)
• Spellbinders White Spacer Plates
• Extra pieces of cardstock or lightweight chipboard (example - cereal box) to act as "shims"

It has been an INCREDIBLY busy day already, but I hope to be back with my countdown project for the day as well as more information regarding the dies.

I am working on photographing everything and getting them ready for Friday. I will hopefully have the time to post more information here before then, but please know that I am working feverishly to share as much as possible in such a short amount of time. Thank you so much for your patience with me!

ETA: I just reviewed the current dies and compared them with the new Nestability Dies. The old dies were not designed in 1/8" increments and therefore do not have the same capability of forming the perfect layer. That is not to say that you can not layer with them - it is only to tell you that they are not perfectly layered with the new scallops. I also want to point out the difference in the embossed corners on the squares. The old dies had a rounded corner for embossing - the new designs are completely square and therefore have a much crisper appearance. Thank you Kar for your post below - I really appreciate you helping out answer these types of questions!

Comments

[Jane in San Diego]

The Marvy punches have 25 humps. The classic Spellbinders scallops have 22. The petite scallops have 37.

The closer match would be the 'classic' sets if you are trying to get the set resembles the Marvy punches.

Hugs, Jane in San Diego

[Sheri]

Hi Ellen, It looks like Jane has already asked my question about the Classic or Petite circle set being closest to the punches???

Sheri

[Jen]

My question is more on which set to start out with if I am trying to replace my BIG, old, heavy Marvy punches we all have come to *love*. Do I want the Classic or Petite circle set??? Which one will give me the sizes I am most use to, to start out with?

[Jane in San Diego]

Hi Melanie and Colleen:

I'm Jane in San Diego and I was on last year's Spellbinder DT. I own several machines and here are some solutions for you. I personally test them out for real life functionality :)

If you have the Big Shot and the 'dial up' platform with the pages, then you will not need the spacer plate. Otherwise, you will need to purchase that separate platform made by Ellison Design OR the spacer plate.

If you have the Big Kick, then your machine came with the dial up platform and you won't need the spacer plate.

In either case, you would use both 'flaps' on that special platform (tabs 1 and 2).

I highly recommend the tan polymer to get the best impression from the Spellbinder dies. The tan polymer pad is a bit denser than the silicone pad from the impression kits. It is re-usable and lasts a mighty long time. It was constructed to withstand the cutting surface of the patented Spellbinder dies.

Hope this helps!

[Colleen]

I have the same question as Melanie, except I have the Big Kick (which I'm pretty sure is the same as the Big Shot) and the Impressions pad and rubber. Do I need the Wizard accessories (tan pad and white spacer plate)?

Thanks,
Colleen

[Melanie]

Hi Ellen,
Thank you for all the helpful information you provided on how to use the Nestibility Dies with other machines. They are going on my Christmas Wish List (unless I cave and order them as soon as they're released!)

I have one question: I have a Big Shot and according to your list, I need the white spacer plate to use the dies with it. The link you provided did not show the thickness of the spacer plate. I was wondering if the Sizzix/Ellison impressions pad, silicone rubber or possibly even a texture plate would work in it's stead (since I already have each of these)? If you don't know, can you give me the thickness of the spacer plate tell me if it's similar to a cuttlebug die or is it more of a chipboard type material?

Thanks!

[Karlene (Kar)]

Dear Amy, Suz and others,

The Nestabilities were designed to match PERFECTLY giving you the 1/8" or 1/4" borders that we all desire. If you are going to try and use the original Geometric Circle (for instance) with the new Nestability Scallop Circle, you may not create the perfect border look that you were trying to achieve.

My suggestion would be to purchase the Nestability Sets so you don't have any problems.

Hope this helps,

Karlene (Kar)
2006-2007 Spellbinders Design Team Member

[Amy]

Hi Ellen, It looks like Suz K. has already asked my question. I have the current Spellbinders Circles and Squares dies, how do they coordinate with the scallop sets? THANKS for putting all this very useful information together for us.

Amy

[Susan King]

Hi Ellen! I have 2 sets of the Spellbinders Geometrics dies (squares and ovals). Do you know how these compare/coordinate with the Nestabilities scallops?

Thanks!

Suz K.