How does this do with wafer-thin dies? What do you need to add to the stack to use them?

I realize that this question is 3 years old, but I wanted to add something in case it helps anyone in a similar situation. As a general rule, when it comes to manual die cutting machines (and by this, I include the electric...but NOT electronic...more on that below), all will cut wafer thin dies, but not all will cut steel rule dies. Die cut machines in which one must create a “sandwich” in order to run the die, embossing folder, paper, or other media through it, fall under manual and electric and I don’t recall seeing ANY that are incapable of cutting wafer thin dies so long as the dies are not too big in order to fit through the opening of the machine. As for the differentiation between electric die cut machines vs electronic die cutting machines, here goes. Electric die cut machines are typically considered to be machines like the Vagabond, Big Shot Express, Gemini, and the Gemini Jr. that require the user to create a “sandwich” in order to run this through the machine. The machine is electric powered and comes with a plug that draws electricity. It is called electric because it does not require the hand crank to push the sandwich through as there is a motor that pulls the sandwich through the machine and it emerges on the other side all cut for you. By comparison, typically an ‘electronic’ die cutting machine is one like a Cricut Air, Silhoutte Cameo, etc. that do not use sandwiches, dies, etc. and the user can not run embossing folders through. These machines require either USB-style collections of images and projects and/or run off an online website interface that you access through your computer, tablet, or phone. So, to summarize, all manual die machines can cut wafer thin dies. If you are interested in steel rule dies, that’s when more careful attention must be paid to the type of machine. The most popular machines capable of utilizing steel rule dies (these are thick dies which can cut through chipboard, leather, thin metals, and a wide variety of media) are the Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Big Kick (and all their iterations like the Sizzix Fabi, Sizzix Vintaj, and the Ellison Superstar) as well as the Spellbinders Platinum and Platinum 6. While there are a handful of others, they aren’t as widely known and as a result, aren’t as widely available.

Would this cut with a die cut that is 8.5 inches wide?

It would cut, yes, but it may not be advisable or easy to do. The XL plate is 8.5 wide, but that would be the width of the material you are cutting, not the die. In my experience, you always have to leave 1/2 inch or so of extra material to make sure you don't cut off the edge. There can be some slippage as the material moves through the cutting machine. This can be minimized by taping down the die with washi tape, but it doesn't eliminate it entirely. Its also good to angle the die as it goes through the machine for two reasons. 1st your plate will last longer. The 2nd is that its easier to move the material through the machine especially if you are trying to cut multiple layers. I have read the responses below and my experience is not exactly the same. I think that the experience does vary with the types of materials cut and the brand of die as well as the type of die. Regardless of the care that I do have to take to get good cuts, I really enjoy this produce and have made some very satisfactory cards. Hope this helps.

Cut & emboss thin metals?

I think you mean cutting & embossing thin metal rather than paper. Not sure about that. Maybe someone knows the answer. Previous answer referred to USING thin metal dies to cut with, not cutting out of metal. You need to check on that if that's what you mean.

Product Dimensions	30 x 20 x 20 cm; 4.54 kg
Batteries required	No
Item weight	4.54 kg

Spellbinders New & Improved Platinum Machine with Universal Plate System, White, one

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