Preventing Gemini Die Cut Machine Plate Warping

Tips for preventing plate warping with the Gemini Junior Die Cutting Machine.
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• Gemini Junior Die Cut Machine
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• Gemini Junior Instruction Manual
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• Gemini Junior Magnetic Shim
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• Gemini Junior Metal Cutting Plate
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• i-Crafter Self Mending Cutting Pad
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• Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cut Machine
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• Packing Tape
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• Brutus Monroe Not Your Mamas Cardstock
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• NEW Purple Tape 1/2 Inch
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*** Please note that I break the rules and don't follow the instructions. You are taking a risk doing these methods. :)
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[@sweetsarah9702]

Many years ago when I first got my Cuttlebug, I was dismayed at the way the dies cut the surface of the cutting plates, and of course, thereby warping them. So I took some fabric from an upholstery job and laid it on the cutting plate under my paper and die before running them through the machine. This has always worked perfectly for me - I have replaced the fabric several times, but the cutting plates have stayed unwarped for 12-15 years. I have a Gemini (the large one) also and have used the same fabric technique with it and have had zero problems. (I'm the child of depression era parents who always tried to make things last as long as possible!)

[@nbell3030]

I will need to try this! Thank you for the suggestion.

[@pamelasertich9850]

Sweet Sarah what a great tip. Thank you

[@mariafernandez6537]

Going to try this. TFS

[@brrjohnson8131]

I had troubles once & used a folded (in half) old, thin washcloth. I used it often for a while...then i washed it & life moved on. I'd forgotten how much I liked its performance. Thank you!

[@rondajenkins3649]

Hi! So the fabric you are using to protect the plates are thicker upholstery fabric rather than just thin cotton right? I would love to try this technique and wanted to make sure. You are cutting into the fabric/clear plate side, correct? Sorry, I am new to die cutting so still have questions. Thanks! :)

[@annenobrega6730]

My plates were quite warped. I used my heat gun on them and they straightened out quite nicely

[@flowermiller2308]

My magnetic mat looked like the Rocky mountains so feeling I had nothing to loose I covered it with a damp washcloth and ironed it. Once warm I set a the flat plastic shim on top and let it cool. It was AMAZING! Now it's nice and flat.

[@TheLakingc]

Ooo! I will have to try this! I have purchased 4 plastic shims in 6 months! (GEM II) Yes i turned and flipped.

[@Taitcreates639]

Jennifer, I have been researching this problem for 2 years. This is the best so,union by far. Thank you for all the time you have spent researching this. You have just saved your fellow paper crafters a ton of money in the long run. In under 3 years, I have replaced my clear cutting plates 6 times, plastic shim, 5 times, magnetic shim, 3x, and the metal plate 2x. I do not die cut every day but many times a week, I am probably an average user. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much, your a doll. Tfs, Hugs n Blessings. Be safe this 4th of July weekend. ❤️💛💚💙💜.

[@deborahbloom4624]

What the electronic machine manufacturers need to do is to design a machine that has a pressure sensing system that allows you to tell the machine what you are putting through it, so the pressure can be adjusted internally by the press of a button obviating the need for multiple plates and sandwich combinations. There could be choices for regular die, extra thin dies, multiple piece dies, background die, intricate die, embossing

[@barbaraedmondson1596]

Look up the "Crossover" machine. It is adjustable.

[@TedMattos]

Not going to lie. When you said, "I break the rules," I thought you were going to do something crazy like show yourself going 36 MPH in a 35 MPH zone! I'm relieved. ;)

[@jonistoneking997]

giggling

[@undoubtedlywrong]

😂 This made me laugh out loud.

[@bashayerbukhamseen8623]

Ted Mattos good

[@andrewandberthapilgrim999]

😂

[@tricianilsson6870]

Thank you SO much Jennifer! All die cutting machines should come with the self-healing mats. Just saying.

[@moonharp]

This is a wonderful , helpful tutorial. But, why don't they manufacture a product that doesn't require all this monkeying around and breaking the rules in order to use it successfully?

[@jennifermcguireink]

well, they designed it to work differently. i just use it wrong :)

[@createdbymo4u]

My goodness... I have the BigKick, Gemini Go and Gemini Junior....what an amazing share from you. This actually worked AND, I don't have to sit here and play with the plates anymore - they are taped and ready to just add my die and paper - THANKS SO SO MUCH!!

[@janeknights799]

Hi Jennifer. I watched this video when it came out, but have only just had time to try it out and it was amazing and so much fun too! I am one of those people who is trying not to spend too much this year and this technique has really been such a help. It was also so much fun as i watched the plates return to nearly new!!! Many thanks for your engineering know how. I really like your teaching style and your encouragement to use our supplies in more than one way, and your clear instructions. You really bring joy to my life through craft and you model kindness in your videos.

[@annettelauritzen7813]

Jennifer, this is the best tutorial I have ever watched. I have had my Gemini Jr. for 6 months and have had to purchase new plates 3 times already. Your change really works. Thank you very much

[@jennifermcguireink]

UPDATE: ---- I have heard a lot that you should use the Gemini with the die at the top of the stack (so the clear cutting plate that you cut into is on top and the cutting edge of die is facing up. Apparently, this is the way the Gemini is designed, and doing this prevents some warping. i haven't noticed a difference doing this. BUT you can do with my DIY plate trick - just do the sandwich and flip it before putting in machine! ---- People are asking how to prevent cutting line indentations from the plate on your cardstock. with my methods, the messy cutting line indentations will be on the back of your cardstock. every time. ---- When I want to do an embossing folder with my machine, I have an extra plate so I can do that sandwich instead. I always have extra plates on hand anyway :) ---- Sorry I am not sure about sandwiches with the Sizzix machines. I no longer own any. ---- If you have the old black magnetic shim you can still do my DIY plate trick. ---- For the larger gemini, i am not sure you can use the self healing plate. i am afraid to try it. what you can do is use the smaller 6x9 plates and put them through side ways. i do that a lot.

[@deannas1515]

Use a small self healing cutting mat to prevent the damage to the plate. There have been videos of this method for years.

[@sparkle5ms]

Jennifer McGuire Ink I have used a self healing mat that I cut down just a little bit smaller then the cutting plates in my big Gemini and it works fine no warping of the clear cutting plates but the self mat does warp over time. Mind you my self healing mat was old and I was able to cut it because it was thinner and more flexible. So I don’t know how it works with the more rigid self healing mat.

[@BerniBernsify]

So I've heard people swear using the plates what they call the "European way" helps with warping. All that means is withe the cutting side down 🤣 if you watch any Crafter's Companion lives, pretty much everyone does it that way as a result of filming. I have the big Gemini, I make sure to cut in different spots on the plates, rotate and I think I'm 50/50 cutting face up/down. I think the big Daddy Gemini doesn't warp as much as the Jr 🤷🏼‍♀️ I'm am interested in this iCraft self mending mat. Thanks for sharing that. I think I'm going to try it on big Daddy 🤩

[@tinatran-dorrington120]

Jennifer McGuire Ink thanks a bunch for the updates. I tried the self healing mat and did it side ways with the big one like the smaller plates of the Gemini jr and it worked. I’m forgetful so the plate that I use for the dies facing down I marked one side with the #1 and the other side with a #2, so I don’t forget to flip the plate. It’s working pretty good.

[@suzannemcguire7508]

Hi Jennifer, I have had my Gemini Junior for a little over 4 years now and love it. Thanks for showing your tips on the warping plates and I would never have thought of tapping the plates together. That is an awesome tip. Will try all your suggestions. My Gemini Junior cuts intricate dies just great and I have quite a few of the Crafters Companion Metal Dies and Anna Griffin dies also that go through the Gemini Junior just fine. Thanks again for the great tips! 😊😷

[@maryvanleeuwen1806]

I have been using a Dollar Tree self healing mat (they are the only ones I could find that were the perfect size) in my Empress for the last 6 months. Clear plate/self healing mat/clear plate on top is my sandwich and my plates still look like they are brand new and no warping whatsoever. The self healing mat is warping but I am thinking that because of its material composition, it takes the brunt of the pressure. But... for a dollar, I don’t mind replacing!

[@AntyPam4250]

Mary Van Leeuwen Thank you for this tip!

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

I’ve been doing this, too. Sometimes the die doesn’t cut through as well as it does with the normal cutting plate. The mat is stretching and warping quite a bit after not too much use. Is there any way you can flatten it again?

[@Vgudorf]

Thank you so much, Jennifer, for figuring out how to solve these irksome cutting plate issues so we don’t have to. I can’t begin to tell you how frustrated I have become with the speed at which my acrylic cutting plates have warped terribly after only a few uses. I also flip and rotate them as has been suggested for years by career paper crafters and KZbin vloggers like yourself, but that doesn’t work nearly so well as it use to. I highly suspect that Sizzix has changed the material composition of this consumable in order to cause crafters to have to replace them more often. The thought that they might have done so really upsets me because they aren’t cheap, and our landfills don’t need ever more plastic Waste. I am convinced they could come up with a durable self-healing option for their machines, but long term profits are likely best realized when consumers have to replace their proprietary cutting plates more and more frequently. It doesn’t make me think highly of them, because environmental responsibility is becoming more important to me, and I don’t like feeling duped. Have you tried the I-Crafter self-healing cutting pads in the Sizzix Big Shot machines? If so, how does it work?

[@jennifermcguireink]

--- Sorry I am not sure about sandwiches with the Sizzix machines. I no longer own any.

[@lisastankiewicz1926]

I don’t use the magnetic or plastic plates. I use three cutting plates and everything works fine. One is always on top and the cutting plate I put in the middle of the sandwich with another clear one on bottom

[@rosebest6992]

Thank you, I like the idea of joining the plates and cutting the edges. This is very helpful

[@maryellenkilgour7767]

I have a Gemini Jr and I hate it!! After a few passes the plates were warped! I think I might give it a go with your “rule breaking” Ingenuity! Thanks for another valuable tutorial!

[@tesh0115]

Great ideas, Jennifer! Any ways that we can extend the life of our tools is so helpful! Thank you!!

[@pamelasertich9850]

I am so happy you addressed the self healing cutting plate because I didn't know how to really use it with the Gemini. Thank you so much and I am so sorry for your loss.

[@kyokopatoc1295]

Thank you so much for your tips on making us stretch the use of our products! The warping drove me up the walls.

[@carbooth49]

Thank you so much Jennifer. I just purchased the Jr. after saving up for awhile. Helping to make the plates last longer is so helpful. 👏

[@kristanholt6865]

Thank you, thank you for this video!!! I have the junior and have been struggling with the sandwich so this is a huge help!!

[@stampintt]

I am so appreciative that you did this video. It is so helpful and clearly explained and demonstrated! Thank you for helping me solve a frustration with die cutting!

[@dorothykovak4900]

Thank you so very much for this. I recently purchased a Gemini Junior so this information is very timely. Thanks for sharing.

[@anitamonaldi2118]

Thank you so much for this information. My children just got me the reg Gemini for my birthday and this will help me a lot!

[@debbiemageed2880]

Perfect timing, Jennifer! Today is my birthday and got the Gemini Jr. Thanks for your tips and "breaking the rules" to keep us all crafting!

[@debherod3139]

Thanks so much for the tips. I actually just bought a Gemini Junior when they went on sale at Amazon. These tips came in handy as I had no clue on what was the best way to use the plates!

[@carolweatherspoon3311]

Great tips!! I’ve had so many issues with warping! I’m taping my plates together TODAY!! 😊

[@bethmallette3828]

These tips are so helpful! I was going crazy - following the rules but having so much warping especially with the shim that the sandwich wasn’t really a sandwich at all but more like a pita pocket. Really appreciate all the tips!

[@christymalone5191]

Thank you for the helpful information! I have a full size Gemini and my plates warp so much and so quickly. I’m going to give this a try.

[@robynlutes1415]

Thanks, I just got a Gemini Jr and was struggling with the plates. I really like the idea of taping the 3 together. Thanks again for the great tips!

[@debbycanady3898]

This is the best idea! I was so upset when the original plate got warped so fast! Thank you so much

[@ratgrle]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video. I’ve watched it several times now and made the DIY plate and it really changes the whole experience of die cutting!

[@janlorman7700]

Great video - very helpful! My plates are so warped I was getting very disappointed with my machine. This will really help!

[@suebusch7599]

Thank you, Jennifer! I really enjoyed the video. I will definitely try this when I replace my magnetic mat. I am still using your stacking from a couple years ago --or so. Thanks!

[@bellissimoa]

Whew! Thanks for taking the time to work this out. Great video.

[@laurabuehler]

Thanks for this, Jennifer! I had heard someone during the many creativation posts say something about a self--healing cutting mat, & I've been on the edge of my seat ever since, waiting to learn more. I'm going to have to check this out.

[@cherylhagen2060]

I plan to try it! You are a blessing, man the gemini jr goes through plates wayyyyyy to quickly as is! This may be the answer to my prayers, you r the best!

[@kristinakowalski6573]

Jennifer, bless your ingenuity. It nearly made me cry how quickly the plates bowed and scratched. After only 5 or six uses. I was really frustrated ... I love my tools to be pristine... I’ve used an Olga mat in my cuttlebug and it works great ... Thank you as always 💐

[@moonharp]

Oooh! Can you share the details?

[@traceybartlam5940]

All die cut machines cut into the plates in order to work and will end up massively scratched. I used my first plate for an eternity before replacing and it was scratched and warped and still worked! You are also supposed to rotate and flip each pass

[@kristenchristiansen9439]

I agree! I splurged on the full-size Gemini and after a very few uses, the magnetic shim rippled terribly and got caught in the machine. I thought I had ruined it. (I didn't.) It has been sitting in my closet ever since.

[@VWooding1]

Thank you! I have the Gemini and warping is my main issue. Thanks for update for using embossing folders

[@junesefscik5801]

Thanks Jennifer! I had used your previous suggestion with taping together the plates with the blue tape, but I found the tape coming off during use and finally just removed it all. I am excited about trying the packing tape idea. I had just bought a new clear plate and a new magnetic shim and have just made this new sandwich to try. I've always used the metal shim, but now I'm going to try cutting without it and see how my intricut dies cut. I love these videos and really appreciate you taking the time to experiment and then share with us. I've ordered the Icraft mat too to try in my Gemini and my Vagabond as well. Thanks again and have a great weekend.

[@linlen4866]

I am always amazed when listening to your videos. I switched to a Gemini Junior after no longer being able to get new plates for my beloved Cuttlebug. I love your taping plates together idea. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@craftingkatie]

You are awesome! I just got my machine yesterday after watching your video from a while back reviewing it. I'm so excited to get started in a way that won't warp the plates! That drove me crazy with my Vagabond! Thanks for all of your amazing videos!!!

[@divas8946]

Hi Jennifer! I watch all your videos and always take away something useful. I used your "tape them together" method for my cuttlebug and it works great! Thanks for breaking the rules to benefit all of us!

[@tasst2674]

You’ve gone crazy girl - well done! Thanks for the update on the embossing. I used the sandwich you mentioned a long time ago with the purple tape that worked great, it I will definitely give this one a try. The machine is so expensive to replace plates so frequently is not great. Thanks for being our tester!

[@denisemouton]

This is JUST what I needed to see! Thank you Jennifer!

[@kykategray]

Thank you for sharing this video! I had stopped using my Gemini Jr altogether because it was such a pain to deal with stacking the plates and the warped plastic plate. I actually have no problem at all breaking the rules:) so will be happy to give your method a try. You’re amazing!

[@jillmount2509]

This is very inspiring to me. I have had a lot of difficulty trying to always get my plates lined up and in the correct sandwich. I love this method of your DIY plate. It seems to simplify the whole process of die cutting. Thank you. Who would have even thought of cutting the magnetic plate down! Thank you! THank you!!!!

[@honig2sassi]

Great suggestions. Thank you! I’ve broken the rules too and I replaced the top cutting plate with regular self healing cutting mats- this was a suggestion from another KZbinr, Felicia from Bible Scraps, who also experimented like you. The self healing mats are much cheaper to replace for me as original replacements for the Gemini aren’t available here in Hong Kong and have to be ordered from overseas and are quite pricey. I haven’t had any issues either and die cutting has worked fine. I’ll have to try the i-Crafter mats you recommend - I think they might be better than the normal self healing cutting mats. Thanks again for the great info!

[@bbuunnyycc]

So very thorough and helpful. For sure I’ll be trying the diy method. Thank you.

[@jesusatan3020]

Hi I followed your DIY plates for the Gemini junior and goes through the machine like butter...works like a charm...this will work for all dies except for the doublesided dies CC has... thanks again for the very helpful idea as always! Have a great holiday weekend....

[@YvettesArts]

So helpful. I just tore my new magnetic shin but have the self healing one. This saves me.

[@amygermaine6636]

This video came at the perfect time. I love my Gemini jr. The die cutting results I get with it can't be beat. But I have had a hard time getting replacement plates lately. Everyone is out of stock and the other brands of cutting plates are 3 mm thick instead of the Gemini Jr's thickness of 3.5 mm.

[@aliciaacosta9090]

I would just like to THANK everyone who has kindly shared their tips!! I truly appreciate everyone’s input!! I’m sure this will be one of my best videos I will certainly view over and over!!

[@AnnetteSeletzky]

Finally! New information. I have tried everything and my plates are so warped. But it is still the best machine ever. You’re right about the new magnetic shim though, it does not last at all I like the old one better. Thank you!

[@joanbardee5135]

bought new gemini jr materials per your advice = YOU ARE FANTASTIC. Thank you so much!!

[@denisedallaire2974]

Thanks for this video, Jennifer. I already use a Platinum 6, but find I get tired after a while. I ordered a Gemini Jr. that is arriving on Monday. This was very timely for me! Take care. Stay safe and well.

[@racheljolley26352]

Wow, really useful, thank you! I always turn my cutting plate over every single time and yes, that has made a real difference. Also, on getting a new reel of purple tape, I’ve just purchased the Hunkydory brand and wow, what a difference, it’s so much better! You have such a lovely voice to listen to ⭐️🥰🌈

[@annemariebeukes2983]

I was so discouraged by this machine, but you changed my whole outlook. Thank you so much for your “breaking the rules” video. I cut my magnetic shim not even thinking twice! Your ideas and videos are always so great. You are very talented and a great teacher! ❤️

[@judynafus9360]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! I’ve been so FRUSTRATED with the cutting plates on my regular size Gemini. I’m going to try your method on my Gemini. I LOVE the larger size because I can cut multiple does at one time. THANK YOU AGAIN!!

[@kathygroff4526]

Thanks, Jennifer! I have the Gemini Jr. which I like very much, and about a year ago, I also trimmed down the magnetic edges because it had seemed to spread...I felt kind of crazy doing it! I also have switched to the very popular “green self-healing mat” like the one I have also used for quilt projects. I have had lots of luck with it! Will have to try the new iCraft mat! I like your taping idea, fewer pieces to arrange each time. TYFSharing all these ideas with us! 💌

[@heathersherlock]

Thank you Jennifer, for this useful video. I have the Jane Davenport version of the Platinum 6 and my cutting plates have warped a lot..... But it was mostly my fault as I neglected to flip them and turn them end to end. I'm now running them the other way and they are starting to flatten out...

[@carolejepsen]

I followed your directions and this works great. I had stopped using my Gemini because of the warping. Now I am loving it. Thanks.

[@sandramcdonald3903]

Thank you for this video. I have tried so many things with no luck stopping the warping. I will buy new shim and magnetic plate and try this. I trust your many tries and can’t wait to save time when using the Gemini jr.

[@jonistoneking997]

Oh, man, this is just what I needed. I'd just about figured out how to keep my clear plates from warping (what a pain!) but my plastic plate is hopelessly warped, and my metallic plate needs replacing (I'm going to try trimming it). The DIY is next on the list - thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

[@cynthiapoudrette8436]

Thank you so much!! I just bought the regular Gemini. I used it about 20 times alternating the plate the plate each time and it's already so warped I have hard fine getting it to go into the machine. I'm going to order a new plate and try your sandwich!

[@valeriebreingan147]

Great,helpful video Jennifer.I tape my plates together as well.Thank you so much.

[@holleybolin4837]

Thank you so much! I am spending WAY too much on replacement plates!

[@Aeronwen813]

Thank you for an informative video and I fully understand why you 'break the rules' to get the most out of your financial outlay. Although I only have a manual machine (other brand, too!) for occasional use, plate warping is an issue. I've played around with the various 'sandwiches' and turning the plates seems to be one of the more successful actions for me. However, like in the comment from Crowharp, I have to ask why don't all the manufacturers make non-warping plates? I can only conclude that, having sold expensive machines they have to continue to make an income from replacement parts. I also don't understand why the manufacturers don't give the very best advice in their instruction leaflets so that plate warping/shim stretching is less of issue.

[@lesliecurtin8781]

I'm a relatively new card maker and love your insights and helpful hints. Thanks

[@rachelrussell8538]

Thank you so much for this video! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Gemini machines because I normally make multiples of each card. My regular size Gemini is so handy for cutting several dies at once; however, the pressure has never been right. I have never been able to get the suggested sandwich through the machine. I bought a Jr. and it performs much better; however, I like the convenience of the bigger plates/cutting areas. I am very thankful for your suggestions and this video. I think it's a great product just needs a little personal tweaking. Lucky for me I did see a video and bought an ICrafter healing mat. I had not had time to test the perfect sandwich. This great video gave me that info so I can have a perfect new sandwich/plates to start with. I am going to try your suggestion for my regular Gemini and start with a new set. I had previously trimmed my magnetic mat and that did help. My plastic shim is warped so maybe a new one will solve my problems with my regular machine as well. Thank you again for your experimenting and testing and then being so kind to put together the results in a an easy to understand video. Have a great holiday!

[@sarahsmom1995]

Thank you. I have the Gemini Jr. and loved you tips.

[@juliez1539]

Thank you so much for your very informative video! I have wanted to purchase a Gemini Jr. for a long time, but I really didn't want to have to keep buying new cutting plates for it. Now you have given me a way to easily use the Gemini Jr. I purchased the self-mending mat and received it very quickly. I have been using it in my Big shot for several weeks now with great success. I had been using another brand of self healing mat that worked well, but not as well as the I-Crafter mat.

[@barbborja1910]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful information. I have been taping my Gemini Jr. plates together since I bought the machine and noticed that the magnetic shim was distorting and my cutting plate looks like a potato chip because of the warping. I thought I was doing something wrong. My new plates and shim just arrived so I will definitely be stacking and taping them the way you showed.

[@wingrdr21]

I love my Gemini Jr. I tried a self healing mat..and found it warped my intricate dies..crazy..so may have to try the packing tape..idea for sure. Worse thing ever is loosing my plates when I have a mess on my desk..great idea! thanks

[@tinatran-dorrington120]

Thank you for showing this. I could not for the life of my understand what was happening with the magnetic shim. I got the big mama Gemini. I use the I-mend self healing mat too and love it. Hopefully, I-crafter will come up with a big one to fit on the big mama. I also cut up a really beat up self healing mat that I had for 20+ years as well it it works too, but it also warps. I’ll try this technique as well. As always always appreciate the time and effort you spend on giving us good advice. I love that you brake the rules!! 😊😊😊

[@loriehill8681]

Well Jennifer if I could hug you for this! I have only had my regular Gemini for about a month and used a handful of times and my clear plates are so warped ! I did the taping with new plates, trimmed my magnetic plate and wow it makes a huge difference no warping ...thank you so much ...on another note someone on here commented that she uses the Grand Calbur plate ( the white one ) in her Gemini and a clear plate and I tried that and it works perfectly too so now I can use my machine again 😊 I have used the Grand Calibut plates in my Spellbinders Platinum too and it works really well ...

[@laverneshade4933]

Thank you for this tutorial! I am new to die cutting, you just saved me from quitting!

[@craftypam9992]

When I get new plates, I put four small labels on it: in the top left-hand corner for each orientation, and number them 1, 2, 3, 4. When I use them, I just have to remember which number is visible, and change it for each use. (I have considered putting a magnetic plaque somewhere, with the numbers marked, to show which is next, but I'm not sure I would remember to change it!)

[@kathygroff4526]

Crafty Pam I’ve labeled my plates and shims, too, connecting it to the date. Since I generally die cut something each day, it helps a little.

[@brianj9460]

I can’t thank you enough! I just got a Gemini Jr (I know, late to the party) and was distraught at the speed the plates were warping. I realize they’re not permanent but it was going to get VERY expensive real quick! This sandwich has saved my sanity and my wallet! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! (Oh and thanks for all the other videos you’ve put out too!)

[@noeauh6121]

I sure could have used this vid before i gave the jr away! I hated the warping and inconsistant cuts even as i followed their layering. Great video as always!!

[@tuesdaymoriarty8655]

What a great, informative video. Wish Insaw it yesterday! I just started using my Big Shot and did not flip the clear plate each time like you suggest. I can’t believe how warped it has gotten in such a short time. It’s pretty crazy. So.... when I get a new clear plate, I’ll definitely try your method. Thank you 😊

[@lottastern49]

I broke the rules too: I took the Precisions Plate of my old BigShot instead the Gemini Plates in the middle of the Acryl Plates - wonderful results for a long time ...

[@robint1704]

Thanks! I purchased new plates before Xmas and was waiting as long as possible before using them. My old ones are really really warped, but they still work with strategic placement of the dies🤭. I will be switching after the self-healing mat comes in!

[@erinaulner]

Thank you much for making this video!!! I appreciate ALL that you do!!!! ❤️

[@Pineapples.papercuts]

I needed this video approximately 2.5 weeks ago before I sent my Jr back. Great cutting results. Plate cracked in half after 10 days of use. 😫

[@kayfurnish8715]

I find your tips so helpful, so thanks for sharing! I'm heading over to that self-healing cutting deck now!

[@leenewton5597]

Thank you SO much!! I got the GJr. for myself for Christmas last year and in no time sliced up the metal soft shim and warped both plates. Bummed I order replacement plates. They immediately warped so badly one cracked and broke. Got new clear plates but afraid to use it and stepped back to Cuttlebug (which I still love but....) So I've tried to write the plate order down as watching various videos that address it. This is clear and specific and I reran parts where couldn't write fast enough. Don't want to abandon what should be my dream machine. There's new hope! Two new hopes!! Thank So much!!

[@unascraftycards9117]

Great video, thank you. I agree that this is a great machine so I tried many things when I found that my cutting plate and magnetic shim were unusable after only three weeks. I actually damaged my machine with a rigidly bowed cutting plate - it makes a terrible noise but still works well! When that happened, I decided I had to do something else. I solved the problem by swapping the magnetic shim for an XCut magnetic shim (€3.50 for a pack of 4) and the top cutting plate for a Big Shot cutting plate. A clear Gemini Junior plate is still at the bottom of my sandwich. I added the metal shim and a piece of card as permanent extras under the plastic shim. It's working wonderfully again and cutting perfectly 😅

[@jjellii1228]

I will definitely try these tips, my Gemini Jr. plates started warping almost immediately. So for a while I put it aside since it was difficult to get the replacements at first. In the meantime I treated myself to the Anna Griffin Mini Empress.....which I ❤️, it is much quieter than the Gemini and have not had any problem with warping. I love that it is compact, lightweight and cuts any of the dies up to 3 1/2 inches wide. It works well for my smaller crafting area. Then again I still also use my Sizzix Big Shot, my original machine. It’s good that there are so many options out there. Different strokes for different folks. I appreciate all of your videos helping us all be better crafters!

[@lindaeastment4542]

Hi Jennifer, I have got the large Gemini cutting machine I to think it is a great machine and like yourself I get a lot of trouble with my plates wapping over time .... Jennifer, I would just like to say a really really extra big THANK YOU for you taking the time to post and share a very helpful crafty tutorial THANK YOU..... I will definitely be trying this method out because if it works for you then it will definitely work for me .....I hope you and all your family are keeping well and safe all the best love Lin 👍💞🐕🦋

[@SssvcreationsAu2015]

Thank you for sharing Jennifer. Very soon I am going to upgrade to a new machine. I managed to score a good secondhand cuttlebug but have discovered that I can’t get plates for it anymore. I have been using the self healing mat trick, took me a while to figure it out but works a treat now. I had to place a piece of paper behind the self healing mat to get it to the right thickness. Releasing the purple tape from the card stock easily use a heat gun and heat the tape, this will make removing the tape easy without damage.🙂

[@shrierobinson6741]

You are a budget saver. I thought I was gonna have to sale my machine because of the cost of the plates. Thank you. Keep filming great info.😉

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Great video, I have been using a self healing mat for a long time now and it is the only thing that has helped with plate warping. I have also taped plates together and it is an easy way to manage your plates when a lot of die cutting is needed. Purple tape is a whole other problem for me. I have found that it tears most cardstock, especially if it’s run through the die cutter. I’ll have to think about the new purple tape. Thanks for all the tips and tricks, it’s always appreciated.

[@susandickson9869]

Jennifer, I have also been breaking the rules. I never let my dies back up to the magnetic shim because they just destroy it. I also find the embossing mat to be useless because it's so very thin and always ends up cut. I keep my old standby Cuttlebug and it's rubber mat (substantial!) to do any embossing with dies. I have the original Gemini, but run the jr plates through sideways. No need for 2 machines. In fact, when my original plates warped I cut them in half with scissors and a jig saw, clamped them together in two bundles under a heavy weight, and managed to get some more use out of them. I made sure to tape all edges of the metal shim...sharp edges are painful! My Gemini has saved me a lot of pain as I await a total shoulder replacement when the Covid-19 situation changes. It does a beautiful job and I am glad I made the investment.

[@leenewton5597]

thank you for the tip to emboss with Cuttlebug. I still have it and love it but my hands are not so great anymore with the turning for long periods. Good luck with your surgery and take it slow afterward. All will be well.

[@mlfett6307]

I am a chronic cutting plate abuser - I've managed to warp most plates on most of the machines I have (I have everything from the cuttlebug & wizard on up!). But after seeing this video and reading some of the awesome suggestions - I will definitely change the way I am die cutting. I have the "Big Daddy" Gemini, and I am going to try these ideas out on it. Much thanks to everyone - I will be attending cutting plate rehab now!

[@jennifermcguireink]

Check out the newer video that I just did. More tips for flattening out your plates!

[@michelleadel]

This video deserves a subscribe! Absolutely going to try this and the fabric tip.

[@cardzbyzanne]

Jennifer, this was so incredibly helpful. I was just trying to figure out replacements to order last night for my Gemini Junior last night. I have the old black magnetic shim. My manual die machine recently just broke and the Platinum 6 looks like a great possible replacement!

[@michelleneal771]

Jennifer, thank you so much for doing this video. I have the regular Gemini and after a couple of uses the plates warped so much that I was afraid of burning up the motor, so put it up on a shelf and only use my Platinum machines. I thought I had wasted a bunch of money on the Gemini, so I will give your 'breaking the rules' idea a try.

[@mariaarchetti4126]

Thank you so much for this informative video....Been toying with the idea of buying an electronic die cutting machine....but you have now helped me make up my mind. Will hold off until something better comes out, as living in the United Arab Emirates getting supplies such as the extra plates can be a pain.