1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing AG Metal Cutting Dies. These high-quality carbon steel dies are designed for use with most standard die-cutting machines, allowing you to create intricate shapes and designs for your scrapbooking, card making, and other DIY craft projects. This manual provides essential information on how to safely and effectively use and maintain your cutting dies.
2. Safety Information
- Metal cutting dies have sharp edges. Handle with care to avoid injury.
- Keep dies out of reach of children.
- Always follow the safety guidelines provided with your specific die-cutting machine.
3. Product Overview
Each AG Metal Cutting Die is crafted from durable carbon steel, ensuring clean and precise cuts. These dies are suitable for a variety of materials, including:
- Paper
- Cardstock
- Fabric
- Leather
- Felt
- Foam
- Metal foil
The dies are designed for decorative embossing and cutting, adding unique elements to your creative projects.
Figure 1: Example of AG Metal Cutting Dies and their cutouts.
4. Specifications
The AG Metal Cutting Dies are made from Carbon Steel. Below is a table detailing various models and their approximate dimensions:
Figure 2: Collection of AG Metal Cutting Dies with their respective model numbers and sizes.
| Model Number | Approximate Dimensions (CM) | Design Description |
|---|---|---|
| AG-1478 | 7.2 x 4.2 | Floral cluster |
| AG-1480 | 3.6 x 8.7 | Ornate street lamp |
| AG-1481 | 2.7 x 5.6 | Vintage lantern |
| AG-1483 | 1.4 x 5.8 | Decorative border |
| AG-1484 | 6.4 x 9.8 | Arched window with floral details |
| AG-1500 | 8.2 x 8.8 | Poinsettia flower cluster |
| AG-1504 | 7.8 x 6.1 | Decorative garland |
| AG-1507 | 4.3 x 4.1 | Vertical floral border |
| AG-1509 | 4.3 x 10 | Snowflake and vine vertical design |
| AG-1514 | 7 x 4.4 | Leaf cluster |
| AG-1520 | 10.5 x 16 | Rectangular snowflake and vine pattern |
| AG-1521 | 6.4 x 9.9 | Ornate clock with dangling elements |
| AG-1527 | 10.9 x 15.9 | Intricate floral and leaf pattern |
| AG-1529 | 10.9 x 7.8 | Decorative garland with dangling elements |
| AG-1531 | 10.6 x 5.6 | Cluster of small flowers |
Figure 3: Individual die designs with their model numbers and dimensions.
5. Setup
Before using your AG Metal Cutting Die, ensure you have the following:
- A compatible die-cutting machine (e.g., Sizzix, Cricut Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Grand Calibur).
- Cutting plates appropriate for your machine.
- The material you wish to cut (paper, cardstock, fabric, etc.).
- Optional: Shims (cardboard, extra paper) for added pressure, or wax paper for intricate designs.
5.1 Preparing Your Die-Cutting Sandwich
The exact "sandwich" (stack of plates, die, and material) will vary depending on your machine. Always refer to your machine's instruction manual for specific layering. A typical sandwich for thin metal dies includes:
- Base Plate (or platform)
- Cutting Plate
- Material to be cut (face up or down, depending on die orientation)
- AG Metal Cutting Die (cutting edge down onto the material)
- Second Cutting Plate
6. Operating Instructions
- Assemble the Sandwich: Create your die-cutting sandwich as described in Section 5.1. Ensure the material is flat and the die is positioned correctly over the area you wish to cut.
- Feed into Machine: Carefully feed the assembled sandwich into the opening of your die-cutting machine.
- Crank Through: Turn the handle or activate the motor (for electric machines) to pass the sandwich through the rollers. You should feel resistance as the machine cuts.
- Remove and Inspect: Remove the sandwich from the machine. Carefully peel back the cutting plates and remove your material. The cut-out design should be separated from the main material.
- Release Cutouts: For intricate designs, use a pokey tool or brush to gently remove any small pieces that remain in the die or the cut-out.
7. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: After each use, ensure all paper or material scraps are removed from the die. A soft brush or a specialized die-cleaning tool can be helpful.
- Storage: Store your metal cutting dies in a dry environment to prevent rust. Magnetic sheets, die storage binders, or original packaging are ideal for keeping them organized and protected.
- Avoid Moisture: Do not expose dies to excessive moisture or humidity. If they get wet, dry them immediately.
8. Troubleshooting
- Incomplete Cuts: If your material is not cutting completely, it may indicate insufficient pressure. Try adding a shim (a piece of cardstock or extra paper) to your sandwich to increase pressure. You can also try rotating the die and running it through the machine a second time.
- Material Sticking to Die: For very intricate dies, placing a piece of wax paper between the die and your material can help with easier release of the cut-out.
- Bent Dies: Excessive pressure can bend dies. Always start with the recommended sandwich for your machine and add shims gradually if needed.
9. User Tips
- For very detailed dies, try using a metal shim or running the die through your machine multiple times, rotating it slightly each time, to ensure a clean cut.
- Experiment with different types and thicknesses of paper or cardstock to find the best results for each die.
- Use a small piece of painter's tape to hold your die in place on your material, preventing it from shifting during the cutting process.
- Consider using a die brush and foam pad (often sold separately) to quickly and easily remove small paper pieces from intricate dies.
10. Support
For further assistance or inquiries regarding your AG Metal Cutting Dies, please contact the seller, First Time Crafts Store, through the platform where you made your purchase.
