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Friday, September 4, 2009

TGI Friday Tutorial - The Die Cutting Machine of Epic Possibilites

So, what is all the hype over the new Epic Six by Quickutz? Why is this particular tool so much better than its predecessor, the Revolution? Have you found yourself asking these questions? Are you wondering if this is just another product with a lot of promise and not so much follow through? Let me help you answer these questions with a quick introductory and overview of the machine. I'll even let you in on some of the die cutting secrets.

First of all, named for it's six inch wide opening, the Epic Six Tool offers you more versatility than the Revolution. It has a lower center of gravity which makes it more stable than the Revolution and is also equipped with metal parts. A true plus when you are investing in any tool...this is made to last. To prove the commitment to quality, Quickutz is offering a lifetime service commitment on the Epic Six. A new and very functional carry handle was added to this model, making it extremely easy to transport to and from events.

When you purchase your Epic Six you will be getting the tool plus three plates. These plates are: 1)a cutting base for Quickutz Dies, 2) a Cutting/Embossing base for use with Quickutz Embossing Folders and other company brand dies and 3)the clear cutting mat. For your convenience the bases are labeled.(If you find that you should need replacements or additional cutting mats they can be purchased.) Not only are these six inches wide but they measure thirteen inches in length. Ah-ha! Are the possibilities starting to form in your mind?

With the new size the ability to cut multiple dies and larger dies opens up some great creative doors. Attached here is a link to the Quickutz.com site that will show you exactly how to accomplish some of these fantastic options. You can choose to watch the video or, if you don't have a flash player you may want to print the PDF file which offers some of the same information.

While this sounds like Quickutz is giving you permission to use any and all dies in your new Epic Six, it must be noted that there is a disclaimer stating that damage caused to your machine because of use with other dies...is not the responsibility of the Quickutz Corporation and therefore, your warranty may not be honored. So, please take caution.

Okay...are you ready to have some fun with this? I'm going to show you several dies and we are going to run them all through the Epic together.




You no longer have to emboss or cut. The cutting/embossing platform shown here with the Sizzlit die and the Cuttlebug embossing folder were ran through at the same time. This saves time and gets those projects done whippity-quick!

The photo showing the Sizzix Big die also shows two cutting mats. What you may note that is different from the instructions from Quickutz is the B Plate from Cuttlebug. It works great with the Epic for use with the Sizzix Big dies. Now you can also use the Sizzix XL dies with the same principle, however, I highly recommend purchasing a second cutting mat specifically made for the Epic for this. If not, you may not get all the cuts due to pressure variances where the other mats may not cover the entire die.

As you can see, you can use the cutting platform to cut the standard Quickutz dies, this will also work for the Spellbinder dies too.

Here is a little project I put together using the die cuts and embossed papers that we ran through together...it isn't a fantastic project, but does show the effectiveness of using the Epic for many different dies and embossers.



I hope you have enjoyed this introduction to the Epic Six Tool and can now see the endless potential of this great little machine. If you should have questions regarding this tutorial that I did not address, please feel free to contact me through my email at: busylittlehands@sbcglobal.net. Thanks so much for viewing my very first tutorial...EVER...keep those hands busy.

Smiles!
Gwen DT@DCRU

6 comments:

Carole Beath said...

Great write up, Gwen. I saw my first Epic a few weeks back at the Creative Memories crop. The hostess had purchased one but it was still in the box. I have a lot of Quickutz dies but with my hand issues, I can't use the squeeze tool anymore. I was delighted to find that my trusty little Cuttlebug does a wonderful job cutting the dies. I love Quickutz stuff.
Great post...
Carole DCRU DT

1CardCreator said...

Great tutorial Gwen, so informative. I like how you discussed the larger plate size, that's a real plus! It can be so confusing tying to decide which die cut machine to buy. Thanks for sharing all the information. ~Diane DCRU DT

Sandi said...

Gwen, great tutorial on a marvelous company, I had not seen the Epic yet, I have thousands of the QK and Revolution dies and love their products. Thanks for the update. Sandi

Cara said...

Gwen, congrats on your first tutorial! I am not familiar with this product and I like that you showcased the many uses. It's does everything!
Cara DCRU DT

- - Sheryl - - said...

was a revolutionary idea. Thaks for the tutorial

Yvette said...

Great tutorial Gwen!!! Thanks for taking the time to do this for us!!!

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