Sizzix Big Shot: is it faulty?

Sep '23 Justinee

Hi everyone!

I have just bought my first Sizzix big shot and sadly it has not been a good experience so far so I'd love your expert insight and feedback please.
The first thing I tried was the embossing folder. I followed the order of the plates but my 'sandwich' does not go through the machine at all even if I push really hard although I know I shouldn't have to anyway. If I remove one of the transparent plates, which I know I shouldn't have to, it is too loose and it goes through the machine without embossing anything.
So I tried my thin dies to see if that would work. I had to push the sandwich through with my hands for it to go in. That way it did work but my top plate is VERY bent after only trying TWO thin dies! I know the plates do bend over time, but after using it literally twice? Is this normal? What am I doing wrong? Is my machine faulty?

Thanks for your help. I am a bit sad and frustrated at the moment as I watched so many videos before buying it and everyone seems to use their die cut and embossing folders effortlessly.
Sep '23 Dawna.s Place

RE: Justinee: Hi everyone! I have just bought my first Sizzix big shot and sadly it has not been a good experience so far so I'd love your expert insight and feedback please. The first thing I tried was the embossing folder. I followed the order of the plates but my 'sandwich' does not go through the machine at all even if I push really hard although I know I shouldn't have to anyway. If I remove one of the tra...

New machines can run a bit tight and tend to loosen up with use. However, you shouldn't have to force your sandwich through. Can you please confirm that your sandwich is:

For Die Cutting:
Full Platform with Tabs 1 & 2
A Plate (Bottom)
Cardstock
Die Face Down
A Plate (Top)

For Embossing Folders:
Platform Minus Tabs 1 & 2
A Plate (Bottom)
Embossing Folder with Paper
A Plate (Top)

Also, please tell me if you are trying to run standard embossing folders, or Sizzix 3D Embossing Folders?
Sep '23 Terry0773

I agree with Dawn----there are different methods or ways to run different types of embossing folders. Most every brand now carries 3-d folders and those usually come with instructions on the back of the packaging. I would suggest going to YouTube and watching videos. On the thinlit dies, sometimes I put a shim of cardstock or a metal one in to help with the tension and cutting. I also have a Big Shot and never had your problems. Hope you get this figured out.