After all these years (18) of die cutting my old faithful is still the Cuttlebug. I'm dreading the day it will no longer crank for me!

@peteypiedesigns

Жыл бұрын

You still find plates for it????

@brianna56ism

Жыл бұрын

I love my cuttlebug and am always looking for 2nd hand ones just for the plates and to have spares

@peteypiedesigns

Жыл бұрын

@@brianna56ism Gina K Designs loved her Cuttlebug but couldnt find plates anymore so she has Spellbinders now. Best of luck 💗💗💗

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I have heard that often!

@Sheree-aka-SherryLynn

Жыл бұрын

I cannot crank anymore due to arthritis. I am so scared because I was going to get a Gemini, but saw some reviews that are making me look elsewhere. I’ll check out that Switch.

I have the new Gemini ll and so far, they are not warped - I do rotate (up and down, and turn over) each time I cut. I have a friend that owns a shop, and I was horrified to see her die cutting on the Switch, as her plates were in a complete U shape. I have not seen the machine in the store since that day, and decided I didn't need to invest money into that one!! I get "SO" disgusted in purchasing high-dollar items that are not what they are supposed to be. Sometimes, I just go back to the Bigshot or Spellbinders manual. Thanks for your review on the Original Gemini!!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I still use my hand crank machines, too, as I have Magic Mats from Scrapbook dot com for those. I am super curious about the Gemini II and if it will continue to do great for you.

@cherylwells1266

Жыл бұрын

@@LollyPalooza I will let you know how they do, and I also have the Magic Mats. Sad to say, that sometimes the crank machines just do what the electronic machines will not do.

Sorry you had to go through all of that, but it sounds exactly like mine, I also sold mine at a garage sale. I had the Jr also with the same experience. It’s really sad for those it doesn’t work for considering the cost. Thanks for putting it out there though, buyers need to know.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

Ever since my first die cutting machine, I've treated all the various plates as consumables. These machines should be marketed with that in mind. Choose a machine that makes sense and is easy for you to get replacements. No matter what, the plates are going to warp because of the pressure they are being exposed to. It can be equalized by rotating and flipping but in the end these plates are being exposed to 3000+lbs of force each time you roll through the machine. The outer part of the sandwich is being pulled and the inner part is being compressed. This is why they eventually become U shaped if you use the plates in the same direction over and over again. I use a layer of PVC clear tablecloth under the cutting side of my dies and that prevents them from etching my plates and embedding paper fibers in them. That clear tablecloth gets very warped but it is pennies to replace and keeps my plates clear of marks. The plates for these machines are like sneakers or tires for your car. They accumulate the majority of wear and tear. You don't expect sneakers to last forever, treads on tires get worn away with many miles of driving. The same goes for plates. If the companies originally let you know that plates are consumable and made them more readily available the whole situation would be a lot less frustrating.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. We know we have to replace plates, but our experience, as I mentioned, is that this machine was "eating" plates at a higher rate than other machines.

I had a Gemini Jr awhile back, which I sold. Yes, the plates warped on that also, but worse, they would get stuck in the machine (after like 1 or 2 days of use) to the point I called Customer Service and they told me a trick to get them unstuck (which wasn't in the owner's manual and apparently still isn't), which I did a video on and So Many People have thanked me for doing that video it's not funny. I look forward to seeing how the Switch experience is as I'd be interested in another electronic machine, but right now I'm using the good ol' hand-crank kind.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Interesting! Glad you did a video to help people with the stuck plates! That could be scary! I'm going to add your link here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hoB3j6-mhM24fag.html

I always appreciate your fair and honest opinion on products you used. Ty

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

many thanks!

I agree - sold my Gemini Jr and moved on to the Switch. LOVE it, minimal warping, really great success. So happy!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

I'm glad you've found a machine that works for you! Good luck with the garage sale!💜

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Thank you. It rained the entire garage sale, so we had poor sales. Oh, well!

@alli_went_bonkers

Жыл бұрын

@Lolly Palooza Oh boo! Maybe another day? On a side note, Prima is coming out with alphabet ATCs...You beat them to it! 😆

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

@@alli_went_bonkers Ooh. I''ll go look!

TY for the terrific review. I have a small Gemini and don't care for it. I love my hand crank much better. You saved me from getting the larger one! By the way I still love the Nearly Art Glue! Have a beautiful day. Namesta 🐞💖

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help I use the hand crank one a lot, but for intricate dies, the electric machines are great!

I have the Pro, the Sr, the Jr and the Go. I also have all the manual machines as well. I like mine, no problems, just don’t over pressure what you send thru

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I didn't even realize there were that many models

I have the full size machine, I love it minus the plate issue. YES, it is a thing with warping and completely frustrating. The plates are very expensive and in my opinion should not warp as they do. Like you I was close to letting mine go simply because of the plate issue. After seeing a video from Jennifer Mcguire boiling and flattening her plates, I actually gave it a try. I was sure it wouldnt work for me as nothing else did including the tape trick! I was PLESANTLY SURPRISED! It actually worked and I have been very pleased. I havent had nearly as much warping since I did it and I use my machine a lot. I dont know if you could do it a second time and do not recall if JM said in her video. I even tried the Magic Mats from SBC and not that impressed with those either. They did work but when I heatted the mat up to flatted I still had warping. It did give me an idea though to try the dollor tree cutting mats in my MIDI. This worked amazingly, but after a time they became floppy so I cut a new plastic folder in half and used one half for ridgity and the DT cutting mat to cut into. This has saved me some cha ching on those cutting folders! As a side note, I am really disappointed to observe the Gemini 2 also having warping issues after the first pass! I dont own one, I tried when HSN debuted it but I didnt get the bundle i ordered so i sent it back unused. Happy that Hsn honored a credit. Now Im happy not tohave the new machine as I have not witnessed a measurable improvement demonstrated with the new plates. My opinion based on videos seen. Still, I have to say I LOVE THE CUTS I GET ON MY OG GEMIMI and I LOVE the CRAFTERS COMPANION COMPANY. I have bought many of their products and very happy with the products and customer service. The plates...not so much.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I have had the same issue with HSN bundles. I tried the boiling water on different plates, not Gemini, without great success.

I bought the Gemini Jr when it first came out, and it does warp plates. The best luck I have had is putting a piece of bag vinyl on the non cut side - Little Miss Create I think it was that suggested that - and I get the cheap Dollar Tree cutting mats and cut that to size and cut into that instead of my plate. Still some plate warping happening BUT not so much that it stops cutting. I still rotate and flip. You can watch the cutting mats lose their shape and warp as you cut into them, but, for $1.25 for 2, I can handle it. I also cut mostly on the spellbinder’s short, square plates, and I think that helps, too. My husband has purchased the Switch for me for our anniversary and I am waiting for it to come in. I chose that one because it will also cut my steel rule dies, which no other electric machine can do. I understand that there is still some warping but I hope my workaround will be effective on it, too. TFS your experience.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Good luck on your Switch!

Mmm, that's a real shame Lolly. I loved my full size Gemini - was the best machine I'd ever used, especially for intricate dies. Had it for nearly five years before its motor died. I've now purchased the Gemini II and, so far, I'm very pleased with it. Jennifer McGuire's channel has a fabulous video on recovering/preventing plate warp, and alternative ideas.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

So far the only videos of hers I've seen were on the Gemini Jr, and she also said that it should work on the full sized, but it didn't.

@pebblesstleonards

Жыл бұрын

The video I had in mind was the one on Jennifer McGuire's channel where she has researched/tested plates of various machines - 23 August 2021 (Fixing & Avoiding Warped Die Cutting Plates). There's an interesting explanation from a chemical engineer on why the 'fix' works (and why we definitely shouldn't use ovens).

@pebblesstleonards

Жыл бұрын

Anyway, horses for courses... I see others love their full-size Gemini and have offered suggestions, and I too loved mine which I had for five years. I'm hoping I love my new Gemini II as much, and my vibes are good so far. I'm pleased you've found an alternative full-sized electric machine which can both cut those very intricate dies and doesn't warp your cutting plates... enjoy! 😊

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

@@pebblesstleonards It will still warp, I'm sure. The issue is the rate of warping. :)

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

@@pebblesstleonards I did her hot water method to straighten some plates. Wasn't as much a sure thing as I'd hoped.

Yep you're right. My favorite (and I have a lot of cutting machines) was the Cuttlebug.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Such a shame that they got rid of it. I would love to play with one. My friend got one on eBay!

I thought long and hard about getting a Gemini Jr. a few years ago. It costs a lot of money! I watched every video I could find about the machine and I felt that I was armed with enough knowledge and techniques to overcome the problems and warping with the plates. Nope, they warped so badly immediately! I returned the machine but I lost money on several new plates that I used to try out different techniques. I have heard that the new green plates make a huge difference and make the machine useable. I bought the Anna Griffith Empress and it is so wonderful that I even bought the small one too!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I've heard wonderful things about the Empress. It's more expensive, but if it works, it might be worth it. I forget who did the video about the green plates. There was a certain sandwich to use.

@juliez1539

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the Empress is much more expensive now than when I bought it. I don’t use it a great deal, like a lot everyday, but I’ve never had any warping or had to replace any of the plates. I usually use the plates from the small machine and put them through the machine sideways. I figure that the whole plate will be supported during the whole cutting process too, just to be sure.

@shellyp8731

Жыл бұрын

I think Jennifer McGuire has a video about using the green plates for double sided dies. She tapes them together to a regular plate or something. Seems to work very well. I don’t have an electronic die cutting machine so I can’t verify.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

@@shellyp8731 I am hesitant to try any more taped sandwiches after ruining my first plates, but I bet you are right that she is the one who has the green plate video.

@juliez1539

Жыл бұрын

Cathy Zielski mentioned the double sided plates and uses them with success too. No taping of plates.

Hi Lolly, I’ve got a Gemini full size and wish I never bought it . Everything warps including the magnetic sheet and the plastic sheet . Tfs :)

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I sure gave it a good try!

Thank you for the review!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

I like the Sizzix Switch.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I'm happy with the versatility

I have the full size Gemini and I don't use it. My plate warped badly too. However, it cuts beautifully. I was thinking the Gemini Jr. would be better but I don't want to spend the money. I will continue to use my manual die cutting machine, it works great. I just need a little elbow grease every now and again. :) Thanks for sharing.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

thanks for watching

I got rid of mine to. Every time my plate warp it just stopped cutting. I sold mine in yard sale as well. ❤

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that

Sorry for the bad experience. Thanks for sharing

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I have the newest Gemini Jr., and love it, but yes, plate warping is a constant thing. I keep new plates in stock, which is sad. I also have the Sizzix Switch and love it, but yes, it too has plate warping so I keep backup plates in stock. I have had a Cuttlebug for years and years and only a few times in its life cycle have I had to replace plates. Sadly, I'm aging and strength issues mean I need an electronic ... so in stock backup plates for the win. 🙃😂🤣

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I've heard that about the Cuttlebug. We always say, "they can send a man to the moon, but they can't do ________," well in this case is "they" can't seem to come up with a machine that warps plates less.

The one thing you did not try is where the solution is to plate warping…the double sided green plates. After ordering some 20 gauge vinyl from Amazon (36 x 54 inches) that I paid $7.36 tax included, this is what works for my Gemini machine. One sheet should last you indefinitely. I actually have a full size machine, but I only use it with Gemini Jr. size plates sideways. It works better and has more even pressure this way and of course is faster. Perfect Sandwich For My Gemini 1. clear cut plate on bottom 2. green double-sided cut plate 3. 2 to 3 sheets of 20 gauge vinyl (this is trial and error for your machine, card stock and die intricacy) 4. card stock 5. die facing down or towards card stock 6. green double sided cut plate 7. clear cut plate on top • I usually flip over after first time through using intricate dies and run through again. • If there is any concern about marring the card stock (especially mirror card), I insert a piece of die plastic packaging (very thin, but works) to prevent marring. • Add shims like thin magnetic sheet (I use Avery printable) • Add metal shim if you have really stretched out your machine Note: The green double sided plates are very thin and strong and take all the cuts very well. My clear plates are still clear and not warped at all after over a year of cutting. I adjust the sandwich according to the die and the card stock thickness, but always use the green double sided plates. Google ‘20 gauge vinyl by the yard’ to see where to purchase.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the exact sandwich configuration. It still sounds like a super thick sandwich. Sounds like several people find that someort of plastic sheeting hellps.

@Hash4ever

Жыл бұрын

@@LollyPalooza I think you will find that just removing the magnetic sheet and the cloudy plastic shim account for the difference. You will only need the metal shim if you have already stretched your machine with thick sandwiches.

I truly do get tired of all the warping. I wonder how the Gemini II will be? I believe that it does also depend on the thickness of the die you are using. Thinlits don't seem to cause warping. But very thick dies that are like a cover plate or a background die, (for a better word) cause the plates to really warp even at a one time use. But I don't want to stop using my thicker dies...I have a ton! And I have a Bigshot Plus now, which I LOVE! Again, these plates will warp, as well. I honestly think, that the material they are using in cutting plates now, is making them softer. Whenever I first started paper crafting, I bought the regular Bigshot. The plates that came with it were so much harder and not at all like soft feeling. They lasted a long time. Whenever I had to finally replace them, it was because of all the cut marks, not because of warping. I also, have a Spellbinders Platnum 6, and they are soft too. I just don't know if there is a perfect answer. I do know, if I ever decide to purchase an electric machine, I may go with the Anna Griffin Empress. I've heard good things about that one. Oops...long comment, Sorry! Thanks so much for the info, Lolly! It's appreciated! 🩷 Suzy

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I hear great things about the Empress, too

Thanks for the honest and helpful review! I appreciate that. Sorry you had to waste your hard-earned money on this. I too have the Switch which works well, but boy oh boy is it slow! Or maybe I'm not a patient person? LOL.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I hadn't thought about speed before, and now I can't remember how slow or fast the Gemini was. I don't think there was a significant difference, or at least not enough to make me take note during my switch to the new machine.

Sorry you had trouble with your plates. I put my warped plates in a very low heat oven in between 2 bread boards and then something heavy on top to keep the plates flat. Works EVERY TIME. They now have different plates, which stop the warping. Good luck with your new machine.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I don't put plastic in the oven, but I have a toaster oven dedicated to crafts and could put plastic in there. I have done the boiling water thing, too. Is it Crafter's Companion that has new plates that stop warping? I would love to know. Thanks!

I also had the same experience with my full sixpence Gemini. I purchased the double sided die plates to try but haven’t had a chance yet. I am really hoping they work.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to hearing your experience

Most people use too much pressure, stacking too many things together to send thru. I don’t have any issues with mine, love my double sided plates

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

That's why I mentioned pressure. I used their configuration then switched to the minimum thickness of a sandwich that would get the job done. Still warps.

I have a Gemini and the plates warped badly so I switched to the cutting mat. It seemed better. I usually use my cuttlebone and bonus, it’s PINK!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

What's a cuttlebone?

@MsCurliegirlie

Жыл бұрын

@@LollyPalooza a cuttlebug auto correct lol!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

@@MsCurliegirlie ah. I should have figured that out. I have heard such wonderful things about the Cuttlebug. No one has had a bad thing to say about it.

I still have my Gemini because I have a few dies that won't fit in my bug shot. My plates are warped but they still work after 8 years but some of the cuts in them are so deep that each project I do now had creases in them

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Yes, that's the problem with etched plates (for all matchines). You end up with marks on your project. I think you're right -- if you save the electric machine for the absolute necessary cuts (larger dies, intricate dies) you will save your plates.

I have the full-sized Gemini but I use the Junior plates on mine since you can put them in sideways. The plates still warp, but I don’t think as much since they’re going in sideways. I do have full-sized plates but I hardly ever use them.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Great idea, but I guess if you needed the surface area for super large dies, you could use the bigger plates then.

Thank you for sharing. I bought the Gemini jr. Recently but haven’t taken it out of the box yet. Kinda afraid to. Lol

@alli_went_bonkers

Жыл бұрын

Cindy, I'm about to be in your boat; waiting for my Ebay purchase of the Gemini Jr. Here's to hoping we both find die cutting success!🤞

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Ooh. Please take it out and play with it. Your warranty on any machine starts from the day of purchase, not from the day you open the box, so you'll want to play with it soon. The Jr seems to have less plate warping than the full size.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Yes, hopefully the Jr is better

@cindyn3383

Жыл бұрын

Good luck 🍀🍀🍀

I don’t have the Gemini or the Gemini Junior because I had so many problems with the dies no matter the machine I used, and I have several sizes and brands. I didn’t want to spend the money they cost to have the problems I’ve heard over and over about. Those who have great success with Crafters Companion, good for you I think you’re very fortunate. But I no longer do business with them because I don’t want to risk getting something that cost a pretty penny and is worthless to me. I don’t understand why craft companies that start out with good products that you can trust take a turn somewhere and you no longer trust their latest and greatest. Sometimes I guess they get bought out and the new owners don’t want to put the quality and effort in. I don’t know, but I don’t think that was the issue for CC.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

They have excellent magnetic sheets that fit in a binder for storing large dies. Very strong magnetic sheets. Pricey, though.

I sold my full size Gemini. I have the junior and use the Magic Mat. They all warp. When I use both plates I use only one plate for cutting when using both plates. There’s gotta be a better product. Good luck with sale.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Im still using my Sizzix Big Shot lol

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I do, too. I use elctric mostly for intricate dies.

@peteypiedesigns

Жыл бұрын

@@LollyPalooza I have a tip! For something very intricate use foam, the die and then paper on top and then the plates on each side. I have a tutorial on it!!!!

@susanweber6861

Жыл бұрын

I was too until I developed tendinitis - had to Switch to Switch lol

I hate my Gemini. I just got a Go power and emboss. I love it. I’m going to give the Gemini away because I would feel guilty selling it. My Gemini is only 6 months old.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I haven't heard of that one

I just got the Gemini Jr. but have not used it yet.....now I'm scared that I could have a problem too.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

There are many, many videos on plate warping, and they all say they were able to have success with the Jr, so you are probably in luck.

@terrie1226

Жыл бұрын

@@LollyPalooza Thank you

I had both sizes Gemini machines and I ended up donating them. The plates warp to unusable after 2 uses.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

That's sad.

I tried the double sided die’s. They are horrible after a few uses.

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

So sad!

@SweetT601

Жыл бұрын

@@LollyPalooza yes I spent a lot of money on plates. The only thing that worked even halfway good was I cut up an old self healing mat and it worked. The magic mats work but they warp so bad every time that it’s extremely frustrating.

This is warping beyond usability. It’s just not acceptable you have to keep buying plates literally every few weeks

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

It was my first electronic die cutter, and I was stunned at how hard it was to use successfully.

I don’t use their configuration

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

I quit using theirs, too. Even with their own dies, it seemed too thick.

They created nothing but shat

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

Seems those who had a good experience are the exception

Once I seen the people saying you have to tape plates and do all these weird things to use the Gemini I was like no thanks! Glad I never gave in to the temptation to buy it! Sorry you went through that! 🫶🏻👍🏻

@darrensays

Жыл бұрын

Ps I love my Sizzix Switch too!

@LollyPalooza

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊