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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 18, 2023 20:33:16 GMT
If you see my comments below, Scrapbook.com did fix the shipping issue. So I just placed an order for a pretty pink Gemini Jr! Thank you all for all of your advice.
I went with the smaller platform knowing that I still had my Big Shot to cut the dies that the Jr can't. And the Jr will handle most of the dies that I use on a regular basis. I had ordered a Switch from JoAnn's and will return that. It's just a really big machine and I was worried about handling the weight of that big cutting sandwich.
I also looked at the Empress, but again it's a pretty big machine with large heavy cutting plates. I can always upgrade in the future if I find that I want to cut larger items.
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I’d like to add an electric version of a manual die cutter to my Christmas list. Not the kind where you use files on the computer, but physical dies that are sent through the machine. Any sales or buying tips are also appreciated!
I’d like it to work with wafer thin and steel rule dies and embossing folders. I’d like it to work with felt and cereal-box-weight chipboard.
What machine do you have? Is it noisy? Durable? Is the sandwich set of plates heavy? Does it work from both sides? Anything else that I didn’t think to ask?
I broke my wrist on July 31 and it doesn’t look like I’m going to get much more range of motion out of it. It’s also weak, but that should improve. But, I’m no longer going to be able to crank out large projects manually.
Thanks!
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Post by Linda on Nov 18, 2023 21:47:30 GMT
I have a Gemini Jr - it works with my QK and Sizzlet dies as well as the standard thin metal dies. I only have regular embossing folders (and a few QK 2x2 GoosebumpZ) but there are instructions for the 3-D embossing folders also.
I'm not sure about felt or chipboard - I haven't used either.
I don't find it noisy but it's not silent. The plates seem to be lightweight to me.
There are a couple of different size Gemini machines - the Jr has 6x9 plates irc - there's a smaller and a larger version. And I think there's a fairly newly introduced Gemini II
I'm so sorry about your wrist
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Post by retrofunscrapper on Nov 18, 2023 22:23:03 GMT
I have shoulder issues and also wanted the ability to be able to use all of my Bigz steel rule dies in addition to wafer thin ones, so I went with the Sizzix Switch. It works with felt, chipboard, etc, and you can use either the large sandwich it comes with or standard Sizzix plates for small/medium projects.
Mine does not seem loud, but I know specific machines can all act a little differently, and loud is also subjective. This one doesn’t drop materials/plates when done and can also “switch” direction and come right back to you, which allows you a bit more freedom as to the amount of clearance you need when deciding where to place in your craft room. But a lot of electric machines can’t handle the Bigz dies, and the fact that this one could was a major deciding factor for me.
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 18, 2023 22:34:13 GMT
I have a Gemini Jr - it works with my QK and Sizzlet dies as well as the standard thin metal dies. I only have regular embossing folders (and a few QK 2x2 GoosebumpZ) but there are instructions for the 3-D embossing folders also. I'm not sure about felt or chipboard - I haven't used either. I don't find it noisy but it's not silent. The plates seem to be lightweight to me. There are a couple of different size Gemini machines - the Jr has 6x9 plates irc - there's a smaller and a larger version. And I think there's a fairly newly introduced Gemini II I'm so sorry about your wrist Good point about the size. As soon as I saw that, I immediately thought, “But what about all my 12” border dies!” But honestly, 95% of what I cut fits on my smaller Big Shot plates. And I have the larger plates for my BS if needed. That’s something to consider. But I don’t think that the Junior does the thick steel rule dies? I do like the price point a lot better! |
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 18, 2023 22:37:33 GMT
I have shoulder issues and also wanted the ability to be able to use all of my Bigz steel rule dies in addition to wafer thin ones, so I went with the Sizzix Switch. It works with felt, chipboard, etc, and you can use either the large sandwich it comes with or standard Sizzix plates for small/medium projects. Mine does not seem loud, but I know specific machines can all act a little differently, and loud is also subjective. This one doesn’t drop materials/plates when done and can also “switch” direction and come right back to you, which allows you a bit more freedom as to the amount of clearance you need when deciding where to place in your craft room. But a lot of electronic machines can’t handle the Bigz dies, and the fact that this one could was a major deciding factor for me. Thanks for that! I hadn’t considered the “drop”—I would have just assumed that it would be standard. Something else to look for, as the clatter of dropped plates would be bad, as my studio is in the sitting room off the primary bedroom suite. |
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Post by Linda on Nov 18, 2023 23:55:32 GMT
But I don’t think that the Junior does the thick steel rule dies? I do like the price point a lot better! I don't think it does no. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 18, 2023 23:58:18 GMT
But I don’t think that the Junior does the thick steel rule dies? I do like the price point a lot better! I don't think it does no. rats! |
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Post by artisticscrapper on Nov 19, 2023 2:42:27 GMT
The Gemini line of machines do not cut steel rule dies. Since they don’t have platforms and just have an opening you have to stay with regular dies and folders.
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Post by pherena on Nov 19, 2023 9:48:16 GMT
I got a Gemini Jr. bundle last year around this time from Scrapbook.com at a great sale price. You might check in with them from time to time. I got the machine, some dies, and folders for much less than the regular retail price of the machine (actual dollar figures elude me now).
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Post by mom on Nov 21, 2023 9:59:07 GMT
I have the Big Shot Express and while I did like it, Sizzix doesn't support it now and you can not get replacement parts. So now I have a one year old machine and no ability to get a cord that works for it. I have bought replacement cords on Amazon and it's like they aren't powerful enough to run the machine even though they *in theory* should work.
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lesley
Drama Llama
My best friend Turriff, desperately missed.
Posts: 7,308 
Location: Scotland, Scotland, Scotland
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Post by lesley on Nov 21, 2023 15:50:31 GMT
I have a Gemini Junior and love it. It is a real workhorse, and nearly five years later, I’m still on my first set of plates. I probably use it an average of a dozen times a day, and often way more than that. My friend has the larger Gemini which will take 12” dies, but it also takes up much more desk space. Both machines come with a selection of plates, and can handle basically everything except the thick Sizzix/Bigz dies. I keep my Cuttlebug around for when I want to use them - which is basically never. 😄 I have become obsessed with Spellbinders' 3D embossing folders recently, and they turn out beautifully.
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,169
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Post by pantsonfire on Nov 21, 2023 19:44:04 GMT
I have the Big Shot Express and while I did like it, Sizzix doesn't support it now and you can not get replacement parts. So now I have a one year old machine and no ability to get a cord that works for it. I have bought replacement cords on Amazon and it's like they aren't powerful enough to run the machine even though they *in theory* should work. Wow. The company is falling down quickly. Why still sell the item then? If you can not support a product, pull it. |
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Post by lilacgal on Nov 21, 2023 20:08:20 GMT
I have the original Gemini and loved it so much, I bought the Gemini Pro. A friend of mine bought a Gemini after using mine and loves it as well. They’re great machines!
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Post by kkrenn on Nov 21, 2023 20:50:26 GMT
Well poo, I was excited to recommend the one I use but it doesn't appear to be made anymore.
I have very limited use of both hands and have used my Vagabond 2 for years, I couldn't craft the same without it.
I'm sad to hear about your wrist and hope that, with time, you're able to gain more range of motion and strength.
Good luck finding a machine and hugs!
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Post by artisticscrapper on Nov 22, 2023 2:57:52 GMT
Another vote for the Gemini. I have the Gemini Jr. I bought it a couple years ago on sale on line from Joann. Free shipping. Unfortunately Joann doesn’t carry them any more.
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Post by whipea on Nov 22, 2023 18:57:36 GMT
I got the Gemini Jr about 3 years ago, used it about six times then took a leave from paper crafting. Recently started back, took it out, plugged it in and it does not power up. Tried all kinds of things, different outlets, pressing multiple buttons, still dead. Out of warranty and disappointed. So I guess I personally cannot recommend.
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Post by kmage on Nov 25, 2023 4:34:26 GMT
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 25, 2023 6:41:24 GMT
If you see my comments below, Scrapbook.com did fix the shipping issue. So I just placed an order for a pretty pink Gemini Jr! Thank you all for all of your advice.
I went with the smaller platform knowing that I still had my Big Shot to cut the dies that the Jr can't. And the Jr will handle most of the dies that I use on a regular basis. I had ordered a Switch from JoAnn's and will return that. It's just a really big machine and I was worried about handling the weight of that big cutting sandwich.
I also looked at the Empress, but again it's a pretty big machine with large heavy cutting plates. I can always upgrade in the future if I find that I want to cut larger items.
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,605
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Post by kitbop on Nov 25, 2023 13:06:14 GMT
I went with the smaller platform knowing that I still had my Big Shot to cut the dies that the Jr can't. Congrats! I didn't chime in earlier because I'd have been in the "love my gemini jr but you can't cut big dies" crowd... so personally I think you've made the right decision! My favourite thing about the gemini is it sits easily in a kallax cube beside me, with all the plates in the same cubbie, and I just send dies through the front, reach behind and pick them up. It never has to move or be in the way at all. My problem is that my Big Shot BROKE, and I've been waffling for 2 years about whether to replace it so that I can use my big dies and try hot foiling. Then I realize I haven't needed those big dies once in 2 years and spend the money on other fun stuffs  |
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 25, 2023 22:46:25 GMT
I went with the smaller platform knowing that I still had my Big Shot to cut the dies that the Jr can't. Congrats! I didn't chime in earlier because I'd have been in the "love my gemini jr but you can't cut big dies" crowd... so personally I think you've made the right decision! My favourite thing about the gemini is it sits easily in a kallax cube beside me, with all the plates in the same cubbie, and I just send dies through the front, reach behind and pick them up. It never has to move or be in the way at all. My problem is that my Big Shot BROKE, and I've been waffling for 2 years about whether to replace it so that I can use my big dies and try hot foiling. Then I realize I haven't needed those big dies once in 2 years and spend the money on other fun stuffs  I really thought that I wanted a machine that does it all, like my BS. That would be the Switch and I did order one for $167 when I thought I’d have to pay $270 for a Junior. I don’t use my steel rule dies a lot, but when i do it tends to be for big projects. But I’d watched the videos and decided that I preferred to go smaller with the weight of the sandwich. My wrist is deemed almost functional and there’s hope that I will get more range of motion as the swelling decreases in the next six months. I’ll then be able to use the BS, but an electric choice is more adaptive to my long term needs. |
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Post by OntarioScrapper on Nov 29, 2023 8:05:04 GMT
Congrats! I didn't chime in earlier because I'd have been in the "love my gemini jr but you can't cut big dies" crowd... so personally I think you've made the right decision! My favourite thing about the gemini is it sits easily in a kallax cube beside me, with all the plates in the same cubbie, and I just send dies through the front, reach behind and pick them up. It never has to move or be in the way at all. My problem is that my Big Shot BROKE, and I've been waffling for 2 years about whether to replace it so that I can use my big dies and try hot foiling. Then I realize I haven't needed those big dies once in 2 years and spend the money on other fun stuffs I really thought that I wanted a machine that does it all, like my BS. That would be the Switch and I did order one for $167 when I thought I’d have to pay $270 for a Junior. I don’t use my steel rule dies a lot, but when i do it tends to be for big projects. But I’d watched the videos and decided that I preferred to go smaller with the weight of the sandwich. My wrist is deemed almost functional and there’s hope that I will get more range of motion as the swelling decreases in the next six months. I’ll then be able to use the BS, but an electric choice is more adaptive to my long term needs. I finally gave in and bought an Anna Griffin Empress. I was making cards with embossing folders and I swear and it wasn't as easy as it used to be. Had to admit I'm getting old. And now that I have it, I don't know what took me so long to get an electronic machine! I don't use dies much anymore but I love my embossing folders! Just so much quicker. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 29, 2023 16:58:13 GMT
I really thought that I wanted a machine that does it all, like my BS. That would be the Switch and I did order one for $167 when I thought I’d have to pay $270 for a Junior. I don’t use my steel rule dies a lot, but when i do it tends to be for big projects. But I’d watched the videos and decided that I preferred to go smaller with the weight of the sandwich. My wrist is deemed almost functional and there’s hope that I will get more range of motion as the swelling decreases in the next six months. I’ll then be able to use the BS, but an electric choice is more adaptive to my long term needs. I finally gave in and bought an Anna Griffin Empress. I was making cards with embossing folders and I swear and it wasn't as easy as it used to be. Had to admit I'm getting old. And now that I have it, I don't know what took me so long to get an electronic machine! I don't use dies much anymore but I love my embossing folders! Just so much quicker. It’s a very pretty machine! |
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Post by OntarioScrapper on Nov 29, 2023 20:39:18 GMT
I finally gave in and bought an Anna Griffin Empress. I was making cards with embossing folders and I swear and it wasn't as easy as it used to be. Had to admit I'm getting old. And now that I have it, I don't know what took me so long to get an electronic machine! I don't use dies much anymore but I love my embossing folders! Just so much quicker. It’s a very pretty machine! And it’s surprisingly pretty quiet. I was expecting louder. Of course now I want to buy Anna Griffen embossing folders.😜 |
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Post by mom on Dec 1, 2023 22:10:56 GMT
I just wanted to mention --- I saw you want to return the switch to Joann --- I've seen on Tik Tok that unless the box is absolutely never open, Joann wont take them back. Just an FYI, if you will.
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 2, 2023 0:00:04 GMT
I just wanted to mention --- I saw you want to return the switch to Joann --- I've seen on Tik Tok that unless the box is absolutely never open, Joann wont take them back. Just an FYI, if you will. Thanks for that! I may have been tempted to see how big it is. It hasn’t arrived yet, but it has shipped. |
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Dec 3, 2023 3:13:41 GMT
Thanks for asking the question, Basket1lady ! The reviews and suggestions here helped me decide on my Christmas list. xoxo |
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