Sizzix die cutting

Hi, Can anyone tell me if you have to use different cutting pads for different types of dies with the Sizzix Big Shot? I can't seem to find the definitive answer anywhere. If so, if someone can direct me to a list or guide that would be great.
Thank you so much.

Hi Shophappy,

I found that the die cutting plates that came with my sizzix were a bit short for strip dies, so I bought a pair of long ones. I use them with everything I die cut now because I'm just too lazy to switch between pads.

Yeah, the only reason you should need to use different pads for different dies is if something is too long for the standard ones.

There many plates and sandwiches for the Sizzix. There are also a lot of different thicknesses of dies. There are "regular" plates and "long plates". Magnetic plates, magnetic trays, crease pads, rubber pads, and the list goes on.
The most disturbing piece to the Sizzix puzzle is, NO MANUAL OR CATALOG OF THE PARTS!!! You can go on different store sites and look for what you need, the sites don't group all the stuff in one place, they are scattered around. I still don't know what I may need until a situation arises and my machine (Vagabond) will require yet a new plate.

Thank you all for your help!

Yeah it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the options.

Basically what you get with your machine as far as base plate and sandwich plates is all you need to get started and will cut all the dies.

Then you have options for changing the base plate for things like a precision plate that is great for intricate die cuts.
or
The magnetic plate, great for metal dies. I bought this and love it!
Then there is the extended base plate for longer dies/multiple dies and paper options.The extended also has an magnetic option.

The sandwich plates have options in colors and extension plates.

Keep in mind it It all starts with your basic plates that comes with your machine.

I hope that helps.

I thought there was a chart here on a thread about plates/sandwiches. ..but maybe that's for the Cuttlebug...

You mean a die cutting pro and con chart?