Prestige Pro Machine – Recognizing a Worn Cutting Pad

Ellison Prestige and LetterMachine die-cutting machines require very little maintenance. To evenly distribute wear, turn Cutting Pad over routinely (weekly for high usage). Replace Cutting Pad when both sides are worn and are no longer cutting properly. Refer to the Materials Guide for approved materials and thickness. For detailed instructions on how to replace the Cutting Pad, click here. To order Cutting Pads, click here.

SuperStar Machine – Recognizing a Worn Cutting Pad

After prolonged use of the SuperStar machine, Cutting Pads will wear out and can cause inconsistent cutting. Routinely turning the Cutting Pads over will evenly distribute wear. Be sure that you are cutting the correct thicknesses by referring to the Materials Guide. General Cutting Pad information can be found in the Instruction booklet by clicking on the image of your machine above. To order Cutting Pads, click here.

SuperStar Excel & Big Shot Pro Machine

Recognizing Worn Cutting Pads

Routinely turn the Cutting Pads over to evenly distribute wear. Refer to the Materials Guide for approved materials & thickness. To order Cutting Pads for the SuperStar Excel Machine, click here. To order Cutting Pads for the Big Shot Pro Machine, click here.

Recognizing Worn Plastic Slides

After extended use of the SuperStar Excel or Big Shot Pro Machine, the Plastic Slides on the Side Rails may show signs of wear. All four Plastic Slides should be replaced at the same time to ensure even wear in the future. Detailed instructions about replacing the Plastic Slides can be found on pg. 9 of the SuperStar Excel Instruction Booklet. Order SuperStar Excel/Big Shot Pro Plastic Slides here.

Keeping Dies Clean

It is important to clean out the bits of paper and other material that build up in the joints of the dies (where the rule meets). If unattended, these scraps will eventually push the rule slightly apart. This cleaning is especially important if you are cutting thick materials such as Flexible Magnetic Sheets or Pop-Up Sponge. Order a Die Pick.

Cleaning Your Machine

Over time and due to normal use, your Ellison shape-cutting machine may become dirty or dusty. To clean, use Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) poured on a clean paper towel and rub over the machine until it evaporates. With another clean, dry paper towel, wipe off any residue. Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners on the Machine. Never oil your Machine.

Is using a die cut machine hard?
As a simple example of how a die cut works, I offer this example. Have you ever made cookies using a cookie cutter? Well, it is that easy! The only difference is the press machine is used to press down on the cookie instead of your hand. Let me explain further. You have your cutting pad (or cookie sheet) you lay your paper (or dough) on the cutting pad. Next, you pick the die cut curriculum-based shape you want to cut out (or your cookie cutter). Let the die on top of the paper making sure it is not going to cut any edges off your shape (just like you would with a cookie cutter and dough). Lastly, you will slide the cutting pad under the pressure plate so the die is centered under the silver pressure plate and pull the handle down one time. When you pull out the cutting pad you die cut letter or shape will be ready for use. Using this method, you can create countless die cut shapes and letters for your bulletin board.

The Ellison Letter Machine was the original paper die cutting machine on the market. Ellison’s die cut press was the first die cutter machine to be used in the school to make a teacher’s life easier. Ellison’s die cutting machines use steel rule dies to cut out paper die cut shapes. Accucut released their die cutting machinery a few years later. Accucut dies are made similarly to Ellison Die Cuts in shape. Accucut die cutting machines are compatible with the Ellison die cutters. If you have any questions please call us with any questions.