pinklady
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,844
Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
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Post by pinklady on Jun 7, 2024 2:58:22 GMT
I’m thinking of getting an Empress. I have a Gemini Jr that I got for a steal but I’ve never been super happy with it. I’m contemplating selling it and getting an Empress.
If you have an Empress, what are your likes and dislikes? Do you cut into the clear plate or magnetic mat? How bad is plate warping?
I don’t want to go from one “so so” machine to a different one that’s also “so so”. If that’s the case I’ll just stick with the Gemini.
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Post by scrappinheather on Jun 7, 2024 9:26:22 GMT
The plates do not warp. I cut into my magnetic Marx. It cuts beautifully. Rarely do I have an issue. I love that you can buy 3 different sizes of plates and use them. It’s quiet. I love having mine on a turn table.
The only bad thing is sometimes it can be challenging finding extra plates or mats, but I have a large stock just in case. I change my magnetic mat about every 5 months since I die cut into a lot. I rarely change my plates but I love having extras.
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Post by mcjunkin on Jun 7, 2024 13:02:25 GMT
I bought the Empress Mini a few weeks ago. I have to keep my Vagabond for the Glimmer and my big Sizzix dies and primarily just wanted an electric machine to cut smaller stuff. My workflow is such that I wanted a platform to build on, but there are no electric machines like that.... so I just went with it.
Not a big one like you are wanting, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Cuts like a dream and zero warping. ZERO. It is amazing. And that magnetic mat. My dies do not slide at all. It is perfect. I cut into the magnetic mat.
If I did not need the other machine, I would have the large one.
I signed up with email on Anna griffin . com and got a welcome code for 15% off and it worked on the machine even though it was on sale, as well as an extra set of plates.
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Post by craftmepink on Jun 7, 2024 13:10:38 GMT
I have an empress for years and highly recommend!
- The plates don't warp so I think I've changed mine twice in all the years I've had it (about 5+ years). I didn't need to change the plates, I just wanted a cleaner looking one.
- The mat is magnetic so you can just cut into it and I never have to tape down my dies.
- Machine is a workhorse, use it frequently and it still works perfectly.
- Only slight downside is I do have to replace my magnetic mat, but that's only about every couple months. The magnetic mat is about $11 at the Anna Griffin site. I was able to purchase them on sale for $8 a couple weeks ago.
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Post by jill8909 on Jun 7, 2024 13:54:57 GMT
It's the best thing i ever did (other than the MISTI - no yelling). The plates do not warp. Period. And cutting on the magnetic plate is a game changer.
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Post by mrsp on Jun 7, 2024 15:13:50 GMT
The empress was my first electronic cutting machine. I have been having carpel tunnel/wrist issues so that is why I purchased the full size Empress (on sale from the Anna Griffin site). I frankly love it. Yes, I did have to eke out a dedicated spot in my room near a plug but I have regretted the purchase zero times. I even bought the Anna Griffin turntable to put it on and store my plates (those go in and out of stock on the AG site).
I agree with the other reviews— the plates do not warp. I cut into my magnet plate and it is marked up but cuts great. I have heard Jennifer McGuire say that over time, the magnetic plate will flatten out (but not warp) and at that point if you notice an issue with clean cuts, use the included metal shim until you notice a cutting problem again, and then get a new magnetic plate. That is my plan but I’m not there yet. I bought my machine in January. I use it a lot but I’m sure not as much as Jennifer.
I had to look around to find extra plates in stock so I could have an extra set and also bought the larger set for bigger projects. But I mostly use the one that came with the machine.
I am very happy with the purchase.
ps. The only issue I have ever had is with a larger stitched die from Gina K. When I send it through my Empress, the machine presses down on the stitching so hard that it almost cuts through the perforations. This only happens with one Gina K die, and the stitches are pretty big, so I send that one through my Platinum 6 and it’s fine. I have other dies with stitching and they do not cut through, so it is a single Gina K die from Master Layouts…2 I think 😃
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Post by joblackford on Jun 7, 2024 18:29:15 GMT
Glad you asked because I've been hearing about it here and there, but there's not a whole lot of info about it compared to other machines. I might be interested in the mini. But I'm assuming I would need to keep my Big Shot to use with embossing folders (is that correct?) so it's probably not a great use of my small space and budget.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
I'm not inclined to resign to maturity....
Posts: 2,947
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 7, 2024 18:36:47 GMT
Jennifer M has it in her long review of her favorite die cutting machines. I could've sworn doing the OCC embossing folder class one of the instructors said they DO NOT like the Empress, even the big one, for embossing folders, FWIW.
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Post by mcjunkin on Jun 7, 2024 18:41:47 GMT
Glad you asked because I've been hearing about it here and there, but there's not a whole lot of info about it compared to other machines. I might be interested in the mini. But I'm assuming I would need to keep my Big Shot to use with embossing folders (is that correct?) so it's probably not a great use of my small space and budget. The mini will do 2D embossing folders, one came with it, but it is not full sized. The plates are 4.25 inches wide. I am not sure about the 3D ones. I was worried about space too, but Lordy it is so much faster to cut stuff than the Vagabond. And it is fairly light, so it is possible put it away/pull out as needed, I may end up doing that, leaving the cord plugged in and just unplugging from the machine to put it away each time. I think mine ran right under $130 before tax. And the magnetic plate is a DREAM. No more taping stuff in place.
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Post by mbanda on Jun 7, 2024 19:27:37 GMT
I got the Empress Mini for Christmas and love it! As others have said...no plate warping & the magnetic mat works great so no more taping dies down. I specifically got it so I could have a smaller machine to keep right on my desktop and I like that the width is 4.25". I cut into the magnetic mat and I've cut into the plates with no issues either way.
My "big" die cutting machine is the Original Gemini. I do still like it but yes the plates warp like crazy (even using the green double-sided plates and clear plates taped together - a better solution but not perfect). I have no intention of getting rid of it as I also use the Gemini Hot Foil platform so I need it for that as well. My Gemini also does a great job with 3D embossing folders.
I also have a Big Shot & Cuttlebug but can't remember the last time I used them. I really like the electronic machines.
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Post by marg on Jun 10, 2024 13:03:50 GMT
I used the Gemini Jr for years and then on a whim got the Empress last year - it was on sale on The Shopping Channel, a Canadian version of HSN. I also received an additional discount since it was my first order with TSC. Anyway - it's incredible! I love it! I don't use tape anymore to hold down my dies, that's the best part. The magnetic mat is so strong and I love that I can cut right into it.
I ordered a few more magnetic mats off of the Anna Griffin website - I have to have them shipped to my MIL's condo in Florida because shipping to Canada is ridiculous, so that's the only downside for us Canadians. TSC does sell replacement magnetic mats but they're included a bundle with the cutting plates, but I don't think I'll ever have to replace my cutting plates since they don't warp.
Embossing folders - I've had no trouble with the few I've used, but I kept my Gemini Jr as a back up just in case I do encounter issues with some folders.
Oh - and the Empress is so quiet, especially compared to the Gemini Jr!
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pinklady
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,844
Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
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Post by pinklady on Jun 10, 2024 21:46:17 GMT
Thanks for all the reviews. You are all making it very tempting.
The machine is on sale at the Anna Griffin website plus I can get 15% off for a first order code so it’s only $170. It’s in my cart but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
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Post by MichyM on Jun 10, 2024 23:32:57 GMT
I will not be enabled. I will Not be enabled. I will NOT be enabled. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
I'm not inclined to resign to maturity....
Posts: 2,947
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 11, 2024 0:19:10 GMT
Well, you will...maybe not today, maybe not this item, but you will.
I personally will use a hand-cranked machine until I physically can't. And then I will resent my frailty. As for the magnetic mat, I am eagerly, eagerly looking forward to SB.C's magnetic magic mats finally being available!
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Post by joblackford on Jun 11, 2024 17:50:47 GMT
Well, you will...maybe not today, maybe not this item, but you will. I personally will use a hand-cranked machine until I physically can't. And then I will resent my frailty. As for the magnetic mat, I am eagerly, eagerly looking forward to SB.C's magnetic magic mats finally being available! I got a magnetic base platform thingy for my Big Shot last year. It's a bit finicky at times, but having something magnetic is really helpful and saves me from taping 95% of the time.
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Post by MichyM on Jun 11, 2024 18:19:23 GMT
Well, you will...maybe not today, maybe not this item, but you will. I personally will use a hand-cranked machine until I physically can't. And then I will resent my frailty. As for the magnetic mat, I am eagerly, eagerly looking forward to SB.C's magnetic magic mats finally being available! Ohhh, I didn't know about this. I'm now on the notify me list. Thank you. Cracks me up that it has not yet been released but still there is a single 5* review from a "verified purchaser."
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Post by mcjunkin on Jun 11, 2024 18:21:01 GMT
Well, you will...maybe not today, maybe not this item, but you will. I personally will use a hand-cranked machine until I physically can't. And then I will resent my frailty. As for the magnetic mat, I am eagerly, eagerly looking forward to SB.C's magnetic magic mats finally being available! I got a magnetic base platform thingy for my Big Shot last year. It's a bit finicky at times, but having something magnetic is really helpful and saves me from taping 95% of the time. This is what I used for years, and it served its purpose for me. Yes, finicky, especially with tiny dies, as they slide and click to wherever the magnets are in the platform. But it worked pretty good. I especially loved it because I did not have to use the plastic piece and a base plate, it was the thickness of those two together. Mine finally wore out, as in the pressure broke some of the magnets and they began coming out of the plate. But, that thing was pretty old. I bought it when they first came out eons ago, and it was very heavily used. I got my money's worth out of it.
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pinklady
Drama Llama
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Posts: 5,844
Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
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Post by pinklady on Jun 12, 2024 14:51:35 GMT
Well I caved and ordered this morning. MichyM you're next
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Post by cmpeter on Jun 12, 2024 14:58:42 GMT
I have the mini Empress and find I always need to add the metal shim and often a cardstock one as well or it won’t cut thru my 110 lb Neenah cardstock.
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Post by MichyM on Jun 12, 2024 17:35:16 GMT
Well I caved and ordered this morning. MichyM you're next Ha. It has been on my shortlist for quite a while. Several of the girls in the local card-making group have it and swear by it. With my frozen shoulder situation (right side, grrrr), I may have to succumb, but really hoping to hold off and get it for myself around the holidays. I hope you will post all about it once you've got the hang of it! Super interested if you're able to effectively use all the different thicknesses of embossing folders with it.
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Post by marg on Jun 13, 2024 11:42:30 GMT
Just a small update regarding Embossing Folders - I used one last night in my Empress and really had to play around with the various plates and shims to get it to work, but it eventually did. I ended up using a base plate, then the EF, then a paper shim, then the metal shim. I could have googled it first but I wanted to play around. This was a regular, old-style EF.
So, I'll try various other types of EFs over the next few days.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
I'm not inclined to resign to maturity....
Posts: 2,947
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 15, 2024 11:17:08 GMT
MichyM, I'm sure you've talked to your doc, PT, et al about what you might be doing to aggravate your shoulder, but just in case this didn't come up, when Jennifer McGuire and Bridget Casey both had shoulder surgery, Bridget said something during an Altenew retreat about ink-blending technique being an issue. Something about needing to keep your elbow closer to your body and make smaller motions from the shoulder maybe? Anyway, I know you blend a lot, so I thought I should mention it. Even though this is a die-cutting discussion....
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Post by MichyM on Jun 15, 2024 16:39:48 GMT
MichyM , I'm sure you've talked to your doc, PT, et al about what you might be doing to aggravate your shoulder, but just in case this didn't come up, when Jennifer McGuire and Bridget Casey both had shoulder surgery, Bridget said something during an Altenew retreat about ink-blending technique being an issue. Something about needing to keep your elbow closer to your body and make smaller motions from the shoulder maybe? Anyway, I know you blend a lot, so I thought I should mention it. Even though this is a die-cutting discussion.... Ugh, and thanks for passing on that tidbit of info.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
I'm not inclined to resign to maturity....
Posts: 2,947
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 15, 2024 17:01:09 GMT
I can see if I can figure out when it was and try to get the details more clearly by rewatching the video if that would help.
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Post by MichyM on Jun 15, 2024 17:27:21 GMT
NO, that's ok, but thanks for offering. I can say without hesitation that using a computer mouse causes increased pain (even when I change the height of the surface it rests on), as does lifting my arm to rest it on my desk when ink blending and doing other things like that. Just hoping it doesn't get too much worse. I really don't want to have to take a break from this craft if I can help it, I'm doing the recommended stretches. ETA: sorry for kinda hijacking this thread. pinklady do you have an estimated delivery date yet?
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pinklady
Drama Llama
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Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
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Post by pinklady on Jun 15, 2024 17:36:24 GMT
MichyM now that the package is finally moving, it says it’s supposed to be here next Thursday.
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pinklady
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Nov 14, 2016 23:47:03 GMT
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Post by pinklady on Jul 12, 2024 17:10:28 GMT
So I finally used my Empress today. Wowzers, that thing is quiet! No plate crunching sounds at all. I didn’t cut anything intricate but everything I ran thru it had perfect clean cuts.
Oh and the magnetic mat is amazing!
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Post by lindamh on Jul 12, 2024 18:18:44 GMT
I'm hoping all your great reviews will prove to be true, because my Empress is due to be delivered tomorrow. I've started using more intricate dies and layered pieces and my Big Shot is working, but it's old and showing it's age. Ya'll convinced me that the Empress would be a good buy. I held off spending the money because my Big Shot still does work, but then I saw it on sale last week and I went for it. I can't wait to get it!
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Post by lindamh on Jul 14, 2024 13:33:24 GMT
Well, the box arrived yesterday but as of yet hasn't been opened. When you stab yourself in the hand with a pair of scissors trying to open the box it tends to take some of the thrill away. Today we're going to try and get the rest of the blood stains out of the carpet that didn't come out last night. Maybe then I'll be ready to take another stab at opening the box. (Very poor pun there!)
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jul 14, 2024 13:56:31 GMT
Well, the box arrived yesterday but as of yet hasn't been opened. When you stab yourself in the hand with a pair of scissors trying to open the box it tends to take some of the thrill away. Today we're going to try and get the rest of the blood stains out of the carpet that didn't come out last night. Maybe then I'll be ready to take another stab at opening the box. (Very poor pun there!) Oh no! I hope your hand will be okay. I think after you try the machine out you'll forget about the ruff beginning 😉. I have the mini and love it!
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