Thinking about getting a Gemini. Yes or no?

Jumping on here as well as I am also wondering how the Peas find these machines?
Things I like from researching and reading reviews:
larger cutting area
electronic but still simple
intricate die cutting seems easy

Also a specific question if anyone can answer- will the Gemini fit the thicker SU embossing folders? thanks in anticipation.

Three of my friends have purchased the Jr. version in the last year and they all rave about how well they cut.

I’ve had my Gemini Jr for a couple of months and I absolutely love it! I had been using an original Vagabond for years that was still going strong, but I was finding that I’d have to run intricate dies through it multiple times, and I have all the special plates and shims but it still wouldn’t cut after only one pass. I was really reluctant to but the Gemini Jr because of the cost ($250 in Canada) but I broke down one day and pulled the plug. Really happy I did. It honestly cuts really intricate dies in just one pass. My plates are holding up, and so far I’ve had no warping at all but I rotate them with every pass and that seems to be making a huge difference. Actually my Sizzix plates were a lot worse and didn’t hold up at all, but maybe that’s because of the number of times I had to run things through it. I did make the mistake of cutting my magnetic shim but it didn’t cut right through and is still useable. It’s because I’m so used to having the sandwiches opposite of what is recommended in the Gemini so I have to be more careful when running dies through.

At the end of the day I highly recommend the Gemini Jr. It’s a little pricey but totally worth it.

I love love love my Gemini Junior. I’ve only had it for about ten days and it is just the best machine ever! I was out with a friend a couple of weeks ago, and she mentioned having one. I had been thinking about it for a while, so all I needed was that little push from an actual owner.

I have this one die that I got from Ali Express that I love, but even after a dozen passes through my Cuttlebug, it still needed half an hour with a craft knife. I fed it twice through the Gemini and it was so clean and lovely. 💕




BTW, I decided to use a self-healing mat as part of the cutting sandwich. There are several YouTube videos about it, and it really makes a difference to the condition and longevity of the cutting plates.

It comes with everything you need for cutting and embossing. Mine also included a pile of dies that aren’t to my taste, but my friend will love them.

The basic sandwich for thin metal dies is:

(TOP)
clear cutting plate
cardstock
die (facing up)
magnetic shim
plastic shim
clear cutting plate

Instead of this I use:

clear cutting plate
piece of scrap paper
die (facing down)
cardstock
self-healing mat
clear cutting plate.

It works exceptionally well.

HTH

scrapnnana, I recommend the sandwich that lesley mentioned above. It’s worked for me with really intricate dies. I have yet to try the self-healing mat sandwich. I did buy one to cut up into the size of the plates but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I have heard it works great and saves a ton of $$.

I have the regular Gemini, and it's a life-changer. So glad I got the bigger machine because I can use all those dies that warn, "This WILL NOT fit in a Big Shot machine!" I do have some larger dies now.

My plates are warping, but they still work fine. I rarely use the magnetic or metal plates, but every so often, they come in handy.

What’s the best/most economical place to purchase? I’m OK with waiting for a sale as I have some spare plates for my big kick to use up first anyway. I’m in the US. Assume coupons exclude it at Joann’s, Michaels, etc.