The machine comes with three plates and a squishy mat... (technical term) 

Grey Base Plate, White Cutting Plate,  Pink Embossing Plate and a Tan embossing mat.

Each is used for a different function  but these are the main elements to your machine and the video will take you step by step through what to do.

Now should you want to add in the M-Bossabilities to your collection you will also need to buy another plate.

Because the M-Boss folders are thicker and can be used on both sides you will need the Raspberry Plate to enable you to use them.

This plate is thinner than the Pink embossing plate, and doesn't need the tan mat.

This raspberry mat is available from many craft shops as well as on line from the Spellbinders website

If you wanted to use embossing folders from other companies then you can try adding them with the tan mat and the Raspberry plate ... but sometimes those other folders can be a little too thick.

I cannot emphasise enough that you should NEVER  ever force any of the sandwich plates through the Grand Calibur or you stand the risk of breaking your machine.

The inside of this machine is not that sturdy and can easily break if you try to force the plates through. 

It will be trial and error for you until you find the correct mix and that is because all die cutting machines have their own slight differences.

This could be due to the wear and tear on the actual machine or because the plates have worn or there is not enough pressure on the rollers.

Try adding shims ... extra pieces of card to bulk out the plates ... and try them gently ion your machine until you are happy.