Review of the Gemini II Let's Make Some Cards While We're at It!!!

[@pebblesstleonards]

Should you have used the pink embossing mat when doing the 'cut & emboss' flower dies?

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Great review. I passed on this TS. I have the full size Empress and the Marquise. They are my go to. I have my Empress sitting sideways and it works fine for me.

[@themaddscrapper-mayradalla6354]

I'm still planning on keeping the II but I am going to sell my Gemini 1 and likely my Gemini Jr. Have NOT used them in year. Mainly because they are so darn noisy. However, plans could change. If I can't figure out a nonwarping sandwhich it may still go back. I've kept the boxes just in case. Thanks for watching! XOXOXO

[@BerniBernsify]

Jennifer has been using a different sandwich. Look up her more recent video for her "Fixing & Avoiding warped die cutting plates" about 13 minutes in. I had purchased the double sided die plates exactly for the same reason 😂 she's ditched the magnetic & milky shims and only cuts on the double sided die plates; the clear cutting plates are on the outside and are not cut into, so they don't warp. She tapes them together (so it's as easy as using DP folder!) For embossing folders, she either removes the tape to change the sandwich or uses a 2nd set of plates. This works because that sandwich is a little less pressure of the magnetic & plastic shim sandwich. "Always use the least amount of pressure to get the job done" is the best advice. A subbie commented that she ran a laminate sheet thru her laminator to create a flexible shim. It can be trimmed to size. I think that's a great idea. Jennifer did mention she might need a shim every once in a while depending on the die. Check out her video, I hope it helps 😃 Thanks for review!

[@themaddscrapper-mayradalla6354]

ACK! Thanks Berni. I somehow managed NOT to get to this video...DUH! I watched Jennifer's video. THANK YOU!! YOU are DA BESTEST! XOXOXO 🥰

[@BerniBernsify]

​@@themaddscrapper-mayradalla6354 I have to say, I didn't have the Junior size double sided plates. I wanted that smaller size to use in my OG Gemini. I figured I'll test the smaller plates first 🤣 I ordered a set of aftermarket from Amazon. "CraftFirst cutting plates for double sided dies compatible with Gemini Junior". This sandwich configuration is "OMG" amazingly simple. About as easy to use as the Marquise. I'm using my Gemini more!

[@kkyles605]

I have my Empress on a Totally Tiffany rotating board. Maybe that is an option for those that did not get the lazy susan on their Gemini II machine.

[@Marilynlovesebiking]

Hi Mayra. I have trouble remembering the o and - for what is off or on. On other products I remember the line means the electricity is running in a line from the power. Also thinking that o means zero or nothing. So no power.

[@99zanne]

I have cut the Dollar Tree translucent cutting mats to fit my plates - I use one on one side to cut into and then a piece of heavy vinyl (like cut from a zipper bedsheet bag) on the other. The cutting mat does all the bowing and warping and my Gemini plates stay clean and as long as I rotate them, they don’t bow too badly. The mats r $1.25 and come 2 to a pack. I replace as needed and don’t mind too much since they r inexpensive. Thanks for the in depth review.

[@stevenklein3011]

I just got the new Gemini 11 and tried it out I noticed the plates already are out of shape a little, but it works fast I am also keeping mine. I will just keep turning the plates that may help Thanks for the info Lorraine Klein

[@kawanagreen680]

I bought it too. I’m so glad to see your video. This will give me a heads up to use my EMPESS on ANNAS dies. I really enjoy our video.

[@samanthabaetens4971]

I’ve just bought mine today yayyyy

[@kathymurach5125]

my anna griffin plates warped really bad, but I do love here embossing panel. I love my gemini II

[@Tinymama411]

Please tell me the name of the die border you are using, I have looked on Crafters Companion and can not find it. I love it!

[@kmatto_kmatto]

Thank you for the honest review. While I will live vicariously through others who purchased it, this is a good reference in case I get one later. (Love that it's pink and quiet) It will be neat to see the machine used with the Magic Mat. I'd be interested in seeing that as I have the OG Gemini and LOVE my Magic Mat. --Ms. K

[@themaddscrapper-mayradalla6354]

I used it last night in another video and just about immediately on turning it on, I got the funny smell again. Interesting. It works fine though!. Thanks for wathing! XOXOXO 🥰🥰

[@kmatto_kmatto]

@TheMaddScrapper- Mayra Dallape I hope that smell goes away after more use. Otherwise, yucky!

[@barbarashikiar6]

I didn't buy the new Gemini because I have the Pro. I would love to have it but I haven't got the money right now. This was a great video. You touched on all my concerns and I am grateful. Thanks, Mayra. I will pray for your mom. You are right. Dementia is a cruel disease. So unfair.

[@ginan3041]

Thanks for the review! I agree that adding the lazy susan is a phenomenal idea!!! For me though, I decided that I couldn't justify the expense of the Gemini II. I have the DP Marquise and a Spellbinders Platinum that cover my hobbyist needs. If I was die cutting every day or had dexterity issues that made hand cranking difficult, I would probably think differently. The pressure of all these machines means that the plates are going to warp or show other signs of wear and tear over time. Sara touts the technology of the machine, which is great, but some technology needs to go into developing a plate that can handle the pressure. Have a blessed Easter weekend!!

[@kmjobrien62]

I have bought the Gemini The clear plastic shame and using it is so working I can’t even use it I called the company and they sent white shim

[@gailbankscreates]

Thanks for the demonstration! I didn't purchase as I have the Gemini & Gemini Jr., and I don't use them. I lean towards the manual die cutting machines. 😊 Enjoy your new toy. Yes, Dementia is a horrible disease. My mom had it and it's just terrible. You and your family are in my prayers. Happy Easter! ❤

[@tami1796]

Thank you for sharing your video

[@themaddscrapper-mayradalla6354]

Thanks for watching! XOXOXO 🥰

[@sharonpimento3257]

I'm thinking for Anna's dies I need the empress.

[@joemarieromero4010]

I love your prayer plant☺️😍🥰🤩🤩I have the pro so I felt like I didn’t need this one but now I’m regretting it because they saw you can use the foil press in it 😢😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@4holidaysdesigns]

Hi Mayra! 👋 great review! I am so glad you showed the warping , too. Soooany comments about it on FB. This is the kind of video that people want to see when deciding if it is right for them. I have to ask, but how the heck did you film from so high? Is your camera ceiling mounted? I was up on a step ladder 😂

[@BerniBernsify]

I can't hear the machine at all. Amazing 🤩 That storage on the top is so handy! It beats that caddy from a few years ago. That G2 is much nicer with the on board storage 🤩 ok, maybe give the 2 cutting plates, 2 double sided plates sandwich a try. It's a tad thinner than the sandwich you're using which equates to less pressure. And/or don't always cut smack dab in the middle of the cutting plate. Repetitive damage to that same concentrated area causes warping. These machines are so different. I saw on VianneyCreates video, she didn't even need one of the shims to cut, only 2 cutting plates and 1 shim. That's pressure. Ok the reason Anna's plates do not warp is because they are not cut into, therefore there's no repetitive damage. The cut is into the mat. You see what happens to the mat 😂 If you continually cut into the AG plates, they will warp. Mine did. I have a crappy Empress, it has issues. It won't cut the 1st time or the 2nd time. Cutting into the mat or the cutting plate, even with the metal shim! I have to add 1 or more cardstock shims along with the metal shim. I don't use it. Too much trouble 😵‍💫

[@michelea9142]

You sure talk alot! It was great to listen and I made 5 cards while you reviewed 😊. I want an electric machine but have not been able to get good clear reviews. Thank you for your honest opinions. Still not sure as the two you mentioned are on my list. Time to make a list of what I really want the machine to do!

[@456monaliza]

I wonder if you use Anna Griffin plates in the Gemini 2 if they would work and not warp in it?

[@lindag56]

Too much talking, not enough action.

[@dizdat790]

BEWARE!! They don't have 800 NUMBER. If you need to contact them you have to go through email and they are not helpful. Save your money and look elsewhere. I'm stuck with this stupid warped plates from Gemini II even though I followed the instructions. smh.

[@c.smythe4806]

Thank you for this awesome review! I very much look forward to your future videos re: the use of AG dies with the Gemini II. I was hoping to get down to 1 cutting machine for my craft room. LOL I did see an embossing hack onKZbin using the AG embossing mat with the AG dies, and it worked beautifully (white plate on bottom, die with cutting side up & paper on top, AG embossing mat on top)! As far as warping, I use the the Jennifer McGuire method using the 2 white or clear plates with 2 Gemini green double sided cutting plates inside and have rare warpage, if any. I do turn and rotate the green plates and have had no warpage of the white or clear plates. I do rotate & turn my bottom white / clear plates periodically, if needed. @koscar100 I have a Totally Tiffany rotating board under my Gemini Jr and my Gemini, and they work great. However, I do like the attached rotating device on my Gemini II as it lower on my work surface, which I like.