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Post by scrappyem on Jun 27, 2021 15:09:32 GMT
I've fallen down the rabbit hole and think I want to bite the bullet and get a manual die cutting machine (I have an electronic one already). After reading through some past threads, I think I want to go ahead and go with the Gemini due to some wrist issues. My question is if it would be worth it to buy the full Gemini or fine to go with the Jr.?
I primarily scrap in pockets but also do some 12x12, 9x12, & 6x8 pages. I like the smaller size of the Jr. for storage, but don't want to be sad later I didn't go with the larger size.
I'd also take tips on favorite places to get dies.
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Post by oliquig on Jun 27, 2021 15:11:52 GMT
I have the Jr. and have never wished for the bigger size.
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 27, 2021 15:24:20 GMT
I have the Jr. and have never wished for the bigger size. Thank you! |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by kitbop on Jun 27, 2021 15:46:31 GMT
I too have the junior. It's kinda a "standard size" - 6" across - so unless you have a die that is bigger than 6x6", you won't need full size?
I love mine. I DON'T have wrist/hand issues and still use it WAY more than my old big shot because of the two things you mentioned: small footprint (can sit out at all times) and ease of feeding stuff through.
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 27, 2021 16:31:57 GMT
I have the junior, but also have bigger machines if needed.
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 27, 2021 16:37:44 GMT
Junior unless you’re die cutting large numbers for lots of people. A friend holds simple card making classes, plus makes kits available for people who can’t attend. We talked about which would be best for her and her cards are hugely die cut heavy. She went big and a year+ later is glad she did. The big one is also a bare bit slower.
Hint if you want one or feel free to ignore: Gemini Junior has transformed die cutting for me; I love it. But to keep plates from warping it’s so important to flip *and* turn them with each pass. I have very old plates that are flat. Others report warping after a very short time. Flip and turn. Really. Videos about it from CC use the big Gemini but it applies. The only exception is once in a while a bit of a hump will form and I know not to flip for a time or two.
And it helps for dies to be placed on different locations on the plates. It’s so normal to put a die in the middle, so be an equal opportunity plate placer. Plopping dies in the center was a habit harder for me to break than flipping and turning.
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 27, 2021 17:24:16 GMT
I too have the junior. It's kinda a "standard size" - 6" across - so unless you have a die that is bigger than 6x6", you won't need full size? I love mine. I DON'T have wrist/hand issues and still use it WAY more than my old big shot because of the two things you mentioned: small footprint (can sit out at all times) and ease of feeding stuff through. Thank you! That's what I'm hoping for. |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 27, 2021 17:25:43 GMT
I have the junior, but also have bigger machines if needed. Thank you! |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 27, 2021 17:27:34 GMT
Junior unless you’re die cutting large numbers for lots of people. A friend holds simple card making classes, plus makes kits available for people who can’t attend. We talked about which would be best for her and her cards are hugely die cut heavy. She went big and a year+ later is glad she did. The big one is also a bare bit slower. Hint if you want one or feel free to ignore: Gemini Junior has transformed die cutting for me; I love it. But to keep plates from warping it’s so important to flip *and* turn them with each pass. I have very old plates that are flat. Others report warping after a very short time. Flip and turn. Really. Videos about it from CC use the big Gemini but it applies. The only exception is once in a while a bit of a hump will form and I know not to flip for a time or two. And it helps for dies to be placed on different locations on the plates. It’s so normal to put a die in the middle, so be an equal opportunity plate placer. Plopping dies in the center was a habit harder for me to break than flipping and turning. This is super helpful. I saw some folks having issues with the plates, so good to know! |
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scrappymeg
Full Member
Posts: 317
Sept 18, 2020 22:59:35 GMT
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Post by scrappymeg on Jun 27, 2021 21:43:32 GMT
I have the Gemini Jr and its a great size. I also have a Silhouette, so if I need to cut something that's larger than it will accommodate, I'll just find an SVG file and cut it that way  |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 28, 2021 2:13:20 GMT
I have the Gemini Jr and its a great size. I also have a Silhouette, so if I need to cut something that's larger than it will accommodate, I'll just find an SVG file and cut it that way That's a great idea. Thank you! I went ahead and ordered the Jr. tonight while it was on sale with scrapbook.com and a few dies. I'm excited! |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,950
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jun 28, 2021 13:19:34 GMT
I have both. I bought the junior and loved it and 6 months later a friend surprised me with the big one. I haven't used the plates it comes with, I use the big shot plates with a selfhealing mat from HL and a chipboard shim. I have been using the same plates for 2.5 years now , no warping and I don't flip either. Because I use the smaller plates in the big machine it goes thru pretty fast. I die cut a lot it really works for me. Im thinking to start using the Gemini big plates but first I have to buy a selfhealing mat that makes a hug difference for me The size between the Jr and big is about 3inches longer, if there is no money issues I would go with the big one. Here are some pictures, I hope this helps with your decision. www.flickr.com/photos/182969812@N05/51277038384/in/dateposted-public/The plate combo works in the Jr too. |
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Post by lilacgal on Jun 28, 2021 13:44:05 GMT
I only have the big one. The Jr. was on my Christmas list, and Santa brought me the larger one. I am so in love with it! I don’t have to check and see if dies will fit through because it’s one of the larger machines on the market. When I started to create my own memory books, being able to die cut larger pages was a joy. If you’ve got the money and space, go big. You can cut all the smaller dies that fit in Jr. with the larger machine. You can’t cut the larger dies in the smaller machine though.
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 28, 2021 20:30:24 GMT
I have both. I bought the junior and loved it and 6 months later a friend surprised me with the big one. I haven't used the plates it comes with, I use the big shot plates with a selfhealing mat from HL and a chipboard shim. I have been using the same plates for 2.5 years now , no warping and I don't flip either. Because I use the smaller plates in the big machine it goes thru pretty fast. I die cut a lot it really works for me. Im thinking to start using the Gemini big plates but first I have to buy a selfhealing mat that makes a hug difference for me The size between the Jr and big is about 3inches longer, if there is no money issues I would go with the big one. Here are some pictures, I hope this helps with your decision. www.flickr.com/photos/182969812@N05/51277038384/in/dateposted-public/The plate combo works in the Jr too. I have a few self healing cutting mats, some very old, they’re all slightly different thicknesses. Do you know what thickness your mats are by any chance? (I don’t generally buy HL.) |
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 28, 2021 20:42:17 GMT
Comparison between Junior and the big one, which I’ll call Senior, in case the numbers might help anyone.
Weight
Senior - 15.2 lbs
Junior - 10.2
Platform Size
Senior - 9 x 12.5"
Junior - 6 x 8.9"
Pass Through Time
Senior - 16 seconds (probably/mostly bc plates are longer unless you do what azcrafter does, but don’t don’t know for sure)
Junior - 10 seconds
I got the info from two charts, but can’t swear to accuracy.
My Junior sits on the corner of my computer desk, and all I do there is die cutting and computing. (Dies are to my right in an Expedit cube.) So it’s a compact size that doesn’t interfere with other things I do, and the rare times I want to move it it’s not bad.
I’ve never found a die that didn’t fit the Junior - plates are the size of other machines on the market, and most manufacturers would want to sell to as many people as possible, but I’m sure they’re out there if people say they are. Steel rule dies wouldn’t work though. Actually I have a couple old, little flatter ones and did put them through but adjusted the sandwich a lot and it’s not a good idea.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,047
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Post by pinklady on Jun 28, 2021 22:40:38 GMT
I've fallen down the rabbit hole and think I want to bite the bullet and get a manual die cutting machine (I have an electronic one already). After reading through some past threads, I think I want to go ahead and go with the Gemini due to some wrist issues. My question is if it would be worth it to buy the full Gemini or fine to go with the Jr.? I primarily scrap in pockets but also do some 12x12, 9x12, & 6x8 pages. I like the smaller size of the Jr. for storage, but don't want to be sad later I didn't go with the larger size. I'd also take tips on favorite places to get dies. Did I misread, you want a manual die cut machine? Gemini's are electronic. |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,950
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jun 28, 2021 23:27:46 GMT
I will check it when I get home today CardBoxer. You can probably try any of them and just build up your shim, for me a chipboard works most of the time, some dies are thinner and have to add a cardstock or two. |
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 28, 2021 23:42:02 GMT
I will check it when I get home today CardBoxer . You can probably try any of them and just build up your shim, for me a chipboard works most of the time, some dies are thinner and have to add a cardstock or two. Thanks! It’s more that I’d like to add it to info I keep since questions about Gemini’s pop up - in real life too. I’m happy using the plates that came with it using the same sandwich every time for dies from any manufacturer. I haven’t had to shim. It’s just nice to have alternatives for people if it’s annoying to them to flip and turn a plate every time and put dies all over the plate. I did crack a plate once but that was trying something dumb with an ancient plate “just to see.” |
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,950
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jun 29, 2021 3:23:29 GMT
I will check it when I get home today CardBoxer . You can probably try any of them and just build up your shim, for me a chipboard works most of the time, some dies are thinner and have to add a cardstock or two. Thanks! It’s more that I’d like to add it to info I keep since questions about Gemini’s pop up - in real life too. I’m happy using the plates that came with it using the same sandwich every time for dies from any manufacturer. I haven’t had to shim. It’s just nice to have alternatives for people if it’s annoying to them to flip and turn a plate every time and put dies all over the plate. I did crack a plate once but that was trying something dumb with an ancient plate “just to see.” Its about 2-3 mm. I have a hard time seeing it if its 2 or 3 , my metric ruler is made out of wood. Its always good to know about tricks and tips 😊 And I have cracked a plate too...oh well, as long the plate cracks I'm ok. Now I listen to my machine. |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 29, 2021 13:34:28 GMT
I have both. I bought the junior and loved it and 6 months later a friend surprised me with the big one. I haven't used the plates it comes with, I use the big shot plates with a selfhealing mat from HL and a chipboard shim. I have been using the same plates for 2.5 years now , no warping and I don't flip either. Because I use the smaller plates in the big machine it goes thru pretty fast. I die cut a lot it really works for me. Im thinking to start using the Gemini big plates but first I have to buy a selfhealing mat that makes a hug difference for me The size between the Jr and big is about 3inches longer, if there is no money issues I would go with the big one. Here are some pictures, I hope this helps with your decision. www.flickr.com/photos/182969812@N05/51277038384/in/dateposted-public/The plate combo works in the Jr too. Thank you! This helpful! |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 29, 2021 13:34:58 GMT
I only have the big one. The Jr. was on my Christmas list, and Santa brought me the larger one. I am so in love with it! I don’t have to check and see if dies will fit through because it’s one of the larger machines on the market. When I started to create my own memory books, being able to die cut larger pages was a joy. If you’ve got the money and space, go big. You can cut all the smaller dies that fit in Jr. with the larger machine. You can’t cut the larger dies in the smaller machine though. Thank you! |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 29, 2021 13:35:40 GMT
Comparison between Junior and the big one, which I’ll call Senior, in case the numbers might help anyone. Weight Senior - 15.2 lbs Junior - 10.2 Platform Size Senior - 9 x 12.5" Junior - 6 x 8.9" Pass Through Time Senior - 16 seconds (probably/mostly bc plates are longer unless you do what azcrafter does, but don’t don’t know for sure) Junior - 10 seconds I got the info from two charts, but can’t swear to accuracy. My Junior sits on the corner of my computer desk, and all I do there is die cutting and computing. (Dies are to my right in an Expedit cube.) So it’s a compact size that doesn’t interfere with other things I do, and the rare times I want to move it it’s not bad. I’ve never found a die that didn’t fit the Junior - plates are the size of other machines on the market, and most manufacturers would want to sell to as many people as possible, but I’m sure they’re out there if people say they are. Steel rule dies wouldn’t work though. Actually I have a couple old, little flatter ones and did put them through but adjusted the sandwich a lot and it’s not a good idea. This is great. Thank you! |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 29, 2021 13:36:59 GMT
I've fallen down the rabbit hole and think I want to bite the bullet and get a manual die cutting machine (I have an electronic one already). After reading through some past threads, I think I want to go ahead and go with the Gemini due to some wrist issues. My question is if it would be worth it to buy the full Gemini or fine to go with the Jr.? I primarily scrap in pockets but also do some 12x12, 9x12, & 6x8 pages. I like the smaller size of the Jr. for storage, but don't want to be sad later I didn't go with the larger size. I'd also take tips on favorite places to get dies. Did I misread, you want a manual die cut machine? Gemini's are electronic. I want something that does dies. I have a Scan N Cut for SVG files. Sorry that wasn't very clear. |
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pinklady
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,047
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Post by pinklady on Jun 29, 2021 14:17:18 GMT
Did I misread, you want a manual die cut machine? Gemini's are electronic. I want something that does dies. I have a Scan N Cut for SVG files. Sorry that wasn't very clear. Got it! I have a Gemini Jr and honestly, it doesn’t cut any better than my big shot. I know a lot of people rave about it but for me it’s just meh. |
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 29, 2021 15:53:25 GMT
I want something that does dies. I have a Scan N Cut for SVG files. Sorry that wasn't very clear. Got it! I have a Gemini Jr and honestly, it doesn’t cut any better than my big shot. I know a lot of people rave about it but for me it’s just meh. I think it’s partly about being incredibly easier on hands for some people. I die cut all the time now, and before it was only occasionally because it hurt my hand. I’d used Big Shots and Cuttlebugs. Also, every manual machine I’ve used - mine or at an LSS - needed different sandwiches or shims for different dies, or shims for small areas on dies that didn’t cut well. I used to keep notes in my die pockets of what shims or partial shims to use. The notes were tossed after getting the Gemini Junior. Only one sandwich is used, no shims, and I haven’t had a die not cut well - except for one, but the seller agreed it was faulty and sent another. The good thing is like ice cream there are different machines for different tastes. For Halloween last year I die cut dozens of pillow boxes and tons of tiny decorations in a short time for trick-or-treaters when many people in my neighborhood put treats out on tables for kids (pandemic). I couldn’t have done it with a manual machine. |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 30, 2021 1:52:04 GMT
I want something that does dies. I have a Scan N Cut for SVG files. Sorry that wasn't very clear. Got it! I have a Gemini Jr and honestly, it doesn’t cut any better than my big shot. I know a lot of people rave about it but for me it’s just meh. Interesting! Good to know. Thank you! |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 30, 2021 1:53:52 GMT
Got it! I have a Gemini Jr and honestly, it doesn’t cut any better than my big shot. I know a lot of people rave about it but for me it’s just meh. I think it’s partly about being incredibly easier on hands for some people. I die cut all the time now, and before it was only occasionally because it hurt my hand. I’d used Big Shots and Cuttlebugs. Also, every manual machine I’ve used - mine or at an LSS - needed different sandwiches or shims for different dies, or shims for small areas on dies that didn’t cut well. I used to keep notes in my die pockets of what shims or partial shims to use. The notes were tossed after getting the Gemini Junior. Only one sandwich is used, no shims, and I haven’t had a die not cut well - except for one, but the seller agreed it was faulty and sent another. The good thing is like ice cream there are different machines for different tastes. For Halloween last year I die cut dozens of pillow boxes and tons of tiny decorations in a short time for trick-or-treaters when many people in my neighborhood put treats out on tables for kids (pandemic). I couldn’t have done it with a manual machine. That's helpful. Thank you. I have some wrist pain so I'm hoping the Gemini will be the better choice (ignoring cost difference). |
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Post by CardBoxer on Jun 30, 2021 2:05:03 GMT
I think it’s partly about being incredibly easier on hands for some people. I die cut all the time now, and before it was only occasionally because it hurt my hand. I’d used Big Shots and Cuttlebugs. Also, every manual machine I’ve used - mine or at an LSS - needed different sandwiches or shims for different dies, or shims for small areas on dies that didn’t cut well. I used to keep notes in my die pockets of what shims or partial shims to use. The notes were tossed after getting the Gemini Junior. Only one sandwich is used, no shims, and I haven’t had a die not cut well - except for one, but the seller agreed it was faulty and sent another. The good thing is like ice cream there are different machines for different tastes. For Halloween last year I die cut dozens of pillow boxes and tons of tiny decorations in a short time for trick-or-treaters when many people in my neighborhood put treats out on tables for kids (pandemic). I couldn’t have done it with a manual machine. That's helpful. Thank you. I have some wrist pain so I'm hoping the Gemini will be the better choice (ignoring cost difference). I’d guess it’s quite rare, but if a Gemini isn’t cutting extremely well and it’s being used correctly, then it may not have been adjusted correctly at the factory or is defective, as can happen with any machine, and CC will adjust or replace it. They aren’t necessarily easy to get a fast response from but will stand behind the product. I know of one person who had an issue - not with cutting - and they replaced it. Enjoy it! |
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Post by scrappyem on Jun 30, 2021 11:32:09 GMT
That's helpful. Thank you. I have some wrist pain so I'm hoping the Gemini will be the better choice (ignoring cost difference). I’d guess it’s quite rare, but if a Gemini isn’t cutting extremely well and it’s being used correctly, then it may not have been adjusted correctly at the factory or is defective, as can happen with any machine, and CC will adjust or replace it. They aren’t necessarily easy to get a fast response from but will stand behind the product. I know of one person who had an issue - not with cutting - and they replaced it. Enjoy it! Good to know. Thank you! Hopefully mine won't have an issue but nice to know they stand by their product. |
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Post by Sharon on Jun 30, 2021 12:19:15 GMT
I have the big one (I guess it's the middle size now). I've been thinking about trying the self healing mats in it.
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