How to Make a Die Cutter

Making the same shape repeatedly can be a daunting task for scrap book enthusiasts. Many intricate designs that need to be massed produced can be cut using a die cutter tool. This tool can cut multiple objects into the same shape. Cut individual pieces to make them the same size and shape of the original. In order to do this, make your own die cutter for each project. It makes a difficult job easy if you use a die cutter to cut multiple pieces of stock material into the same shape.

Things You'll Need

• Wood blocks Tire tube rubber pieces One edge die blades (die rule) Chisel Hammer mallet Glue

Instructions

1. Cut a wood block that is bigger than the size of the original piece that will be reproduced. To make a die cutter that is big enough to cut the pieces you need, measure the original piece. Add an extra 2 inches to the block so that the base of the die cutter can fit the original design with at least an extra 1 inch extra around the outside of the design.

2. Glue a piece of tire tube rubber onto the surface of the wood die cutter block. Using the rubber will help to grip the die cutter blades. In doing so, they will remain in the same position and depth for longer.

3. Trace the design of the piece you will be reproducing onto the rubber of the die cutter. Be sure to keep the design shape and size exactly the same as the original. When the die cutter is finished, it will be making the repetitive pieces you need.

4. Cut the design into the die block that is topped with rubber using the chisel.

5. Hammer the chisel into the block using the outline of the design. Striking the chisel once, drive the cutting edge into the block and rubber about a quarter of an inch. This is where the die cutting blades will be placed into the block. Be sure to only set the chisel edge into the block once and at the same depth as the other cut lines into the block. This will create a place for the die cutter blade (rule) to set into the block and rubber. This will create a secure bond in between wood and metal cutting edges.

6. Glue the back edge of the die cutter blade rule prior to inserting to the die cutting block. Cut and place the die cutting rule into the chisel marks that have been cut into the block. Use a second block of wood to tap the blades into the die cutter block so that the blades extend out of the die cutting block at the same height. The die cutter is ready to be used.

Tips & Warnings

• Use super glue to secure the cutting blades into the wood block. This will create a better bond which will last longer than any wood glues or adhesives.

• Die rule (blades) are extremely sharp and can injury quickly. Always wear protective clothing and eye wear. Doing so will reduce injury in case of an accident.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish