My grand calibur is coming tomorrow and I thought it is compatible with sizzlets (little sizzles products), so I bought one today with a 40% off coupon. Now I think I'm reading that I can't use it without other plates? Does anyone have the grand calibur and does anyone actually use it with sizzlets? I don't want to wreck my machine, but I heard that I can use it with a standard sizzix plate...which I would have to buy. I've also heard that I should buy a raspberry plate? I'm confused. My actual spellbinders die cut won't be here until Wednesday, and I want to check my machine out before then. Thanks.

Spellbinders has a FAQ on their website about how to use a whole bunch of different dies.

Thank you, kuzatab, but I find the website confusing. There is a grand raspberry plate for $13.00 and then there is a ridiculous charge for shipping. There's a mat on Amazon for less than 8.00 and I get free shipping. I'm not sure if they are the same thing, but I think they are, essentially. The one on amazon is advertized for the wizard, which is the predecessor to the Calibur. The amazon mat is smaller, but it should be plenty big for sizzlets. I am not going to fork over the money to the spellbinder's website...I'd rather take the sizzlets back. I am really wishing I'd never purchased the grand calibur, but maybe I'll feel differently once it's here and once I've had some sleep. I"m feeling very grouchy and frustrated right now.

Well, I can't help you on the pricing, but here's the link for the FAQ. Sizzlits are small and thin - the Calibur can clearly handle them, you just need to figure out the the right sandwich to use. Remember that you can always use paper shims and plumber's rubber gasket material, you don't necessarily need the tan mats, just need to experiment.

It looks like a great machine, I'm sure you'll love it!

Thank you, kuzatab. I did find the raspberry plate offered by spellbinders before their newer, full sized one came out. I found it by googling and actually found where they themselves were recommending this particular plate for the Grand Calibur. It's smaller than the one they offer now, but it should work fine, since they used it themselves. I ordered it from Amazon and now I'm a little less grouchy. Thanks for the note about the shims and rubber gasket, but I'm not ready to experiment yet...I've never used the machine and so am worrying about breaking it. When I'm ready to experiment, I'll remember your advice. Thanks.

If it will die-cut, you really can't break it with paper and rubber shims

Okay. Thanks again, kuzatab. You have been most kind.