Gigi42
Junior Member
Posts: 87
Location: In my own little happy place
Sept 26, 2018 17:51:35 GMT
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Post by Gigi42 on Feb 2, 2022 19:59:43 GMT
Does anyone have the Gemini mini die cutter? I looking for something small to keep on my desk for card making and saw this one. I have the Gemini Jr and really like it but just want something for a quick cut out.
TIA
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Post by Restless Spirit on Feb 2, 2022 22:28:36 GMT
I have a very similar manual die cutting machine, the Diamond Press Marquise. I initially bought the Gemini Mini and returned it. There was nothing wrong with it! I just was already familiar with the DP brand and wanted to stay with it.
Both the DP and the Gemini Mini have a small footprint. My DP Marquise stays on my work surface all the time. The Gemini Mini has a wider opening than the DP, which could be important to someone that uses larger dies.
One thing to know: Both of these machines use plastic folders similar to embossing folders as die cutting "plates". They are not the hard acrylic plates used in other die cutting machines such as the Cuttlebug and the Gemini electronic cutters. This means the pressure of passing the folder/paper/die through the machine "warps" the folders with every pass. The dies also cut into the soft plastic. Turning and flipping the folders with each cut helps extend their life, but ultimately I have found that they get so warped that they are unusable. Both manufacturers regard their cutting folders as "consumables". The replacements are not extremely expensive, but how long they will last depends on a lot of different factors.
My most used "small" machine is my Anna Griffin Empress Mini Electronic Die Cutting Machine. If I'm cutting a "one of" small simple die, I'll grab the Diamond Press Marquise. If the die is larger and more detailed, I like my Empress Mini with its hard acrylic plates.
Although I also own a Gemini GO, I can't really comment much on it. I bought it because I do love my Gemini Jr Electronic machine. I bought the Gemini GO when it first became available. On the second use of a small die one of the plates shattered. Because it was a new machine, I could not find replacement plates. I bought the machine from HSN and they would not let me return it and the manufacturer sent me back to HSN. Around and around I went until I gave up. It was only until fairly recently I was able to order replacement cutting plates and I'm ready to and looking forward to giving the Gemini GO and another, well - GO!
I know I didn't directly answer your question, but I hope this info helps a little.
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Gigi42
Junior Member
Posts: 87
Location: In my own little happy place
Sept 26, 2018 17:51:35 GMT
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Post by Gigi42 on Feb 2, 2022 23:01:21 GMT
Thank you so much! This is all very helpful information. I did see the replacement folders for the Gemini mini and wondered how fast you would go through them. Although not expensive I am not sure I want to use something that gets thrown out regularly.
I will have to check into the Empress, it's one I haven't looked at yet. I just want something small that doesn't take up alot of space that I can cuts dies with as I am making cards.
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 2, 2022 23:46:47 GMT
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Post by Restless Spirit on Feb 3, 2022 0:58:00 GMT
Another small, relatively inexpensive manual die cutter is the Sizzix Sidekick. The machine is small, light and cuts nicely, the plates are acrylic and are readily available for purchase, however the opening is only 2-1/2” wide. If you use a lot of small, thin dies, it is another good option.
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,303 
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Post by lindas on Feb 3, 2022 3:10:54 GMT
The Altenew mini uses the hard acrylic plates and it has a 3” opening.
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PaperAngel
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,980
Jun 27, 2014 23:04:06 GMT
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Post by PaperAngel on Feb 3, 2022 4:22:35 GMT
Another small, relatively inexpensive manual die cutter is the Sizzix Sidekick. The machine is small, light and cuts nicely, the plates are acrylic and are readily available for purchase, however the opening is only 2-1/2” wide. If you use a lot of small, thin dies, it is another good option. I have & frequently use both the Sizzix Big Kick & Sidekick. The smaller Sidekick is convenient for cutting a quick label, tag, numbers, letters, etc. In addition to the manufacturer, many of the big box craft stores stock the machine (sold as a starter kit, including dies, stamps, embossing folder, etc.) & its accessories. HTH. |
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scrappermcg
Junior Member
Posts: 88
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Post by scrappermcg on Feb 3, 2022 6:31:56 GMT
I have a Heffy Doodle that works great. It's a manual machine 3" plates. I've had it a couple of years and haven't replaced the plates.
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Gigi42
Junior Member
Posts: 87
Location: In my own little happy place
Sept 26, 2018 17:51:35 GMT
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Post by Gigi42 on Feb 3, 2022 18:50:50 GMT
Thanks everyone for all of the information. I bought a Sidekick from Amazon Outlet, mostly because of the price. But will definitely keep this information handy in case it doesn't work out.
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Post by CardBoxer on Feb 4, 2022 13:04:02 GMT
Another small, relatively inexpensive manual die cutter is the Sizzix Sidekick. The machine is small, light and cuts nicely, the plates are acrylic and are readily available for purchase, however the opening is only 2-1/2” wide. If you use a lot of small, thin dies, it is another good option. I have the Sidekick too - the gray version - and it’s a surprisingly nice little machine. I have a bit of a hand issue and the bulk of cutting is done with my Gemini Junior since cranking manual machines can hurt. But the Sidekick cranks extremely easily. Narrow, extended plates are also available - same ones used for the Big Shot. |
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Gigi42
Junior Member
Posts: 87
Location: In my own little happy place
Sept 26, 2018 17:51:35 GMT
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Post by Gigi42 on Feb 11, 2022 18:02:05 GMT
I wanted to come back and give an update for everyone. The sidekick is perfect for what I was looking for. Doesn't take up hardly any space on my desk and did a beautiful job of cutting out valentine's hearts for me without the plates making a cracking noise (which I hate. I just ordered the Sidekick Sticky Grad which will solve the problem of dies moving around on the plates.
I also surprised myself with how many dies that I have that I can use with it which is an added bonus. This little gem is just what I needed to get my card making motivation back.
Thanks for everyone's recommendation and feedback.
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