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Post by Katie on May 5, 2020 22:20:53 GMT
So I am watching the HSN craft day, and I am seeing her use the Gemini and the Gemini mini. I do not have any die cutting machines, but I’ve been thinking I should dabble in this area. Is the big Gemini just an electronic die cutting machine? As in, I’ve been looking at the Sizzix Big Shot…is that manual and the Gemini electronic?
Also, I would appreciate any recommendations for a die cutter, if you have a preference. Thanks!
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Post by Sharon on May 5, 2020 23:09:15 GMT
I have the Gemini. It is an electronic machine. The Big Shot is manual. I get better cuts on intricate dies with the electronic machine. I would get a Gemini.
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Post by Katie on May 6, 2020 0:36:09 GMT
Good to know - thanks!
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ditzydoodle
Junior Member
Posts: 81
Jun 2, 2019 19:02:16 GMT
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Post by ditzydoodle on May 6, 2020 1:15:52 GMT
I love my Vagabond 2! It is an electronic die cutter/embosser. I also have a Cuttlebug which is a manual machine - (discontinued now) and wasn't good for my shoulder problems, which is why I made the change to the Vagabond 2 in 2018. I'd been debating between the Gemini and Vagabond 2, and am happy with my choice. I've used it almost every day and it is holding up well. I still use the original cutting plates that came with it too. I probably should change them, but as long as they aren't broken, I will probably hold off opening my new ones.
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ComplicatedLady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037 
Location: Valley of the Sun
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Post by ComplicatedLady on May 6, 2020 1:26:43 GMT
I have my original Sizzix Big Red and my original Quickutz.
In addition, I got aBig Shot for Christmas so I could cut bigger dies and I got a Diamond Press from the last HSN craft show because it came in purple.
All of my machines are manual and for some odd reason, I prefer manual diecutting machines. I’d recommend the Big Shot or the Diamond Press.
I can’t compare them to the electronic machines though.
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FurryP
Drama Llama
To pea or not to pea...
Posts: 6,966
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 19:58:26 GMT
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Post by FurryP on May 6, 2020 5:47:30 GMT
Big Shot has an electronic version also.
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Post by kiwikate on May 7, 2020 11:08:06 GMT
I discovered I have a strong dislike of electronic cutters! I bought a Gemini and just didn't enjoy using it, it required the same thought process as a manual machine (plate combinations etc) but was noisy and far more complicated, with result being varied for me. I ended up selling it and getting a Big Shot, which I love. If I was going to buy now I would probably look at the Spellbinders machines.
HTH!
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camcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,973
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Post by camcas on May 7, 2020 12:39:52 GMT
I’ve got a Gemini junior and love it - no more handle cranking,small footprint
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Post by jen on May 7, 2020 12:45:18 GMT
I don't personally own a Gemini, but my neighbor has a large one and she ravs over it. I never thought I'd be interested since I have multiple sizzix & big shot machines, but it's pretty impressive & nice to use.
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Post by artisticscrapper on May 8, 2020 2:02:28 GMT
I used a Big Shot for years and it’s still going strong. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted an electronic cutter so I got the Gemini. I love it, especially for intricate dies. However it’s al little too powerful for some of my embossing folders so those still go through the Big Shot.
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Post by streetscrapper on May 8, 2020 12:59:58 GMT
I have the Gemini Jr and as well as a Big Shot. I personally LOVE my Gemini Jr. and use it for everything. I get far better cuts with intricate dies using the Gemini. The only reason I still have my Big Shot is because I have some steel rule dies that you can't use with the Gemini, and also because if the motor dies in my Gemini and I'm in the middle of something, I can haul out my Big Shot.
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Post by lilacgal on May 10, 2020 11:57:37 GMT
I adore my Gemini! I have awful tendinitis in both elbows. Turning the crank on my manual machine was too much. I really love that I don’t have to cut paper down to fit in my Gemini too. With it fitting letter sized paper, I can even put my 7” Memory Book dies through without an issue. It’s a fabulous machine!
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,792
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on May 10, 2020 13:17:49 GMT
I have the Gemini and love it.
One year I made a lot of christmas cards with my cuttlebug and really messed up my right hand since than if I over use it it starts to bother me.
I have a vagabond2 too, but I dont love that as much.
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scrappermcg
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by scrappermcg on May 10, 2020 18:11:21 GMT
I discovered I have a strong dislike of electronic cutters! I bought a Gemini and just didn't enjoy using it, it required the same thought process as a manual machine (plate combinations etc) but was noisy and far more complicated, with result being varied for me. I ended up selling it and getting a Big Shot, which I love. If I was going to buy now I would probably look at the Spellbinders machines. HTH! I think I do too. I've had my Gemini for 7 months now and don't really love it. Unfortunately, I got rid of my Big Shot because I didn't have enough room for both. |
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mjmone
Full Member
Posts: 441
Jul 3, 2014 2:58:29 GMT
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Post by mjmone on May 10, 2020 23:30:09 GMT
after getting my Gemini Jr, I became a die collector! I love the intricate cuts. My only issue is I go thru plates pretty quickly. They would warp...just recently figured out to flip the top one after each use.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,792
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on May 11, 2020 0:05:41 GMT
after getting my Gemini Jr, I became a die collector! I love the intricate cuts. My only issue is I go thru plates pretty quickly. They would warp...just recently figured out to flip the top one after each use. I'm using 2 sizzix plates and a self healing mat in my Gemini junior and some chipboard for shims. I have been using it this way for a year now and I diecut a lot and the plates are still perfect, the only thing I had to change it was the self healing mat once. I buy it at HL for $2.50 and cut an inch off. |
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Post by Restless Spirit on May 11, 2020 2:49:48 GMT
azcrafty Can you please post a link to the self healing mat? Or perhaps a picture? I like your idea of using Sizzix plates, but I’d need to get a self healing mat to complete the sandwich.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,792
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on May 11, 2020 18:29:35 GMT
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Post by Restless Spirit on May 11, 2020 18:48:49 GMT
Thank you!
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lesley
Drama Llama
My best friend Turriff, desperately missed.
Posts: 7,174
Location: Scotland, Scotland, Scotland
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Post by lesley on May 12, 2020 21:46:55 GMT
I have the Gemini Junior and I love it to bits. I do mostly cardmaking and have only recently come back to scrapbooking. I have RA and when it flares up, I have no power in my hands so my Cuttlebug was really difficult to use. The Gemini is the best thing ever. It’s neat, sits at the side of my desk and I pull it out a bit when I’m using it so there is clearance at the back. It is so easy to use and cuts almost everything in one pass. I got the die in the card below a couple of years ago, and even after multiple passes and turns, it never cut fully. It was the first die I tried when I got my Gemini and I nearly cried when it came out beautifully after one pass.  (I also use a self-healing mat in my sandwich. I have had to replace it a couple of times, but I use the machine a lot. It’s much cheaper to replace than the actual cutting pads!)  |
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