Abstract: Disclosed is a portable punch, which includes a handle end and an opposite punch holding end. The portable punch has a grip that helps to orient the portable punch when in use. The grip may take the form of a sleeve with the thickness of the plastic sleeve being approximately equal to one-half of the distance that the punch die extends from the cutting side of the portable punch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing system to be used with a die press. The embossing system includes a force transfer assembly, which comprises a first cover and an opposite second cover with the first and second covers being connected by a hinge. The force transfer assembly further includes a stencil and an opposing form positioned internal of the force transfer assembly. The stencil and the form are adapted to sandwich an embossing material, such as paper, between the stencil and the form. The embossing system further includes a layer of static vinyl that is located internally of one of the covers to secure the form to the internal side of one of the covers. The embossing system also utilizes an adhesive located on the cover opposite the cover with the vinyl to secure the stencil to the internal side of the opposite cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press cutting system that includes a commercial die press including a working area with a cutting height, a consumer die adapted to be located in the working area of a consumer press with a cutting height smaller than the cutting height of the commercial press, a consumer die having a steel rule height that is custom or specific to the consumer press working area, and an adapter having a thickness or height that is generally approximately equal to the difference between the height of a commercial die and the height of the consumer press die.

Abstract: A die cutting block for forming die cuts from paper and other materials includes a base portion having a recess formed therein having a desired shape formed therein, an insert portion having an outer contour which substantially matches the contour of the recess and a blade interposed between and tightly held between the base portion and the insert portion. The blade extends above the base portion and insert portion to provide an exposed edge for cutting paper and the like into a desired shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press, comprising a base, opposing first and second supports extending from the base, at least one cam member that is supported by the opposing supports, means for rotating the cam member, at least one bearing located on the cam member, a platen positioned generally between the at least one bearing and the base, and a cover being unitary with the platen, the cover being slidably engaged with the opposing supports to guide the platen during operation of the die press.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press, comprising a base, opposing first and second supports extending from the base, at least one cam member that is supported by the opposing supports, means for rotating the cam member, at least one bearing located on the cam member, a platen positioned generally between the at least one bearing and the base, and a cover being unitary with the platen, the cover being slidably engaged with the opposing supports to guide the platen during operation of the die press.

Abstract: Disclosed is a die press with a base, at least two cam members spaced from the base, an upper platen located between the base and the two cam members to define a space for a die, the upper platen being generally parallel to the base, the upper platen also being attached to the two cam members so that when the two cam members are actuated, the upper platen is moveable relative to the base, and a linkage connecting the two cam members so that the two cam members move in unison relative to each other when actuated.

Abstract: A method by which to easily and inexpensively make a matched set of male and female embossing dies so that articles can be embossed in an arts and crafts environment. Upper and lower sheets of adhesive are applied to opposite faces of a substrate, and each adhesive layer is covered with a paper backing to form a sandwich with the substrate secured between the upper and lower sheets. A design to be embossed is then cut through the sandwich. A portion of the backing covering the upper adhesive sheet is removed to expose an area of the adhesive, and a first die plate is bonded to the upper sheet. A different portion of the backing covering the lower adhesive sheet is removed to expose an area of the adhesive, and a second die plate is bonded to the lower sheet.