Unboxing & First Look at Bira Craft Adjustable Die Cutting & Embossing Machine

[@adrevalas]

I love this machine. I've had it for almost 2 years now. I had a Big Shot & I sold it when I got this one.

[@LVHandcrafted]

I'm loving it too!!

[@karenjohnson3495]

This looks like the Gina k design's machine that just came out a few weeks ago and yes that is the one that is sold out. It is also sold out on Amazon. This machine could open up a can of worms.

[@LVHandcrafted]

I saw the similarities to Gina K.. This one has been out for at least 4 yrs tho... I checked the Bira Craft KZbin channel after I filmed this first look video to do more research.

[@ladyyi]

What can of worms? This isnt new....

[@glendamock2041]

The machine on Amazon has been around a long time…

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@glendamock2041 Yep, you're 100% right! At least 4 yrs from my research. :)

[@karanallen2528]

I have this machine and have been using it for about a month and I love it

[@Kammitoes]

Great review. Bira make GKs machine so they're identical, just the pop of colour is different. I have the Bira and have done for a couple of years. it's brilliant and I don't have to worry about those pesky sandwiches. It works perfectly with both the Glimmer and the Betterpress on just the basic Letterpress/2D setting. I haven't had the need to tighten or loosen the platens. About the silicone mat...it's useful for embossing with dies but you can use a silicone mat from any die cutter and it does the job.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thank you so much!! I've been using it more since this review and have really enjoyed it! I agree it's really nice not to have to worry about building the right sandwich

[@TheLakingc]

I got the Gina K after waiting a while. I have 3 other machines. 2 are electric because of arthritis. All were good, but one has confusing plate changes, and hard to turn; one electric could not handle 3D embossing, so I got another that does an excellent job, but the plates/shims are a nightmare and one machine can't handle the warped plates and blows off pieces all over the place. Lots of complaints and replacements. I stopped compaining. When i saw the Gina K, i thought maybe, just maybe it could be the one. I love it! It is not hard to use at all. It is easy. It is so portable. I imagine this one in the video is the same, so i would encourage anyone to get this or the Gina K . I don't see much difference except the plastic is different, i think... softer, somehow... and mine is not very heavy, and i have serious arthritis. It is somewhat heavy, but as easy for me to move as a gallon of milk. Easier because of the handle and shape. Certainly WAY lighter than my electrics!

[@mariat8647]

I got the 9 inch one as my Christmas gifts a week before Christmas. I love my machine. I don't have any problems so far. This is my first large sized die cutting machine. I have a sizzix sidekick, which is awesome but isn't big enough for my larger dies. I was looking for die cutting machines for many months and when the new machine came out from gina k, I saw it looked like the bira one and since there was a lot of hype from the bigger crafters, I said well I will see if I can get the bira one. I'm very happy because for a similar price, I got the 9 inch one.

[@LVHandcrafted]

That's fabulous!!! 💕 I've been enjoying mine so far too. Mine is just the 6" but it's great. Thanks so much for checking out my review.

[@mariat8647]

​@@LVHandcrafted yw.

[@megbreiter6314]

This is very interesting!! I think the dial is an awesome idea... although you are right about figuring a way to keep track of the approximate or appropriate dial-in numbers! I look forward to the next in depth video!!❤ thanks Linh!❤

[@LVHandcrafted]

Yeah I'm loving the dial in for the pressure adjustment. I'm thinking of using washi for common brands I use. 😂

[@janiethecraftprincess]

Great review.....very thorough!!! I can't wait to see how you like it over time. It seems like a lot to get used to but has a lot of potential. It took me a few days to get through this video, but it was worth it 😊 I recently got the Sizzix Big Shot Switch Plus (to replace my Cut n Boss that got destroyed)...... easier on my hand and shoulder than a crank. 🎄Merry Christmas 🎄 Hugs....Janie

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks so much, sweet friend! Merry Christmas! 🎄❤️🎄

[@user-gv8ke3fm8m]

Love this machine! I have been using it for a couple months now

[@LVHandcrafted]

Cool!! I'm loving it so far too! ❤️

[@dawn3048]

I’ve been looking at this product recently. Thank you for the video, I very much appreciate it. ❤

[@LVHandcrafted]

You are so welcome! 💗

[@TheLakingc]

Thank you. It was a nice review. I got the Gina K after waiting a while. I have 3 other machines. 2 are electric because of arthritis. All were good, but one has confusing plate changes, and hard to turn; one electric could not handle 3D embossing, so I got another that does an excellent job at everything! However, the plates/shims are a costly nightmare and can't handle the warped plates they tell me are normal and ok. The shim that gets grotesquely warped quickly catches and blows off pieces of the frame all over the place. It is terrifying! Lots of complaints and replacements. I stopped complaining. I have not found a shim replacement yet. When i saw the Gina K, i thought maybe, just maybe it could be the one. I love it! It is not hard to use at all. It is exactly the same except for color and texture. It is easy. It is so portable. I would encourage anyone to get this or the Gina K . Mine is not very heavy, and i have serious arthritis. It is somewhat heavy, but as easy for me to move as a gallon of milk. Easier because of the handle and shape or weight distribution. At the moment, i over supplied myself out of my craft area so am using the machine on a lapboard on tbe couch until i use up supplies and figure out better storage. Certainly WAY lighter than my electrics! I did, out of habit, and not seeing so well, cut the wrong way, damaging the main plate a little. Still works fine. I turned the dies the wrong way! You still need to flip and turn to prevent warping and wear. You can try using the magic mat on this. They are the same size. The magic mat is repairable. If you have other machines, you probably have a silicone mat you can use. I agree it should be included, but maybe everyone is like us, having one or more other machines, so have silicone, and they are sadly disappointed in some aspects. This also stopped me from buying another mid range portable due cut machine. So it is saving me a whole lot of money and grief.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I'm sorry you've had to go through so many machines but I'm glad you found one you like. In my follow up video, I did end up using the magic mat and that's in my standard sandwich now. :)

[@TheLakingc]

@@LVHandcrafted ❤️ me, too, thank you.

[@TheLakingc]

Wish this had popped up 3 months ago!

[@LVHandcrafted]

💗 it's been out a while (like 4 years) but I also only learned of it recently. 😂

[@barbarahill6365]

There is a wider 9” machine. I believe that the glimmer system and better plate from Spellbinders work, but in the bigger machine. I don’t have a manual machine, so that would be very welcome! Also my Empress is tough to do embossing-and I found the Cameo the same.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Hi Barbara! I actually just tried the betterpress and it worked through this. I'm trying glimmer next, but I think it will work too. So far I've had good luck w/ embossing on this machine... it takes a bit of dialing in to get it, but I think once you figure it out for one brand, it should work for all their folders. Thanks so much for watching & commenting! 💗

[@barbarahill6365]

@@LVHandcrafted Thanks!

[@donnahess5274]

I just purchased this machine so the video is very helpful...great job. What embossing folder did you use that looks like a sweater? Super cute.😊

[@LVHandcrafted]

Hi Donna!! Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy your new machine! I just checked but the embossing folder isn't on the sizzix website anymore. It's an Eileen Hull 3D embossing folder. I think it's just called sweater.

[@chowliu]

Thank you for doing the unboxing. :) Cant wait for your review.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks so much!! 💗 I'm definitely liking it so far.

[@BreeH777]

Thank you for your first look at this. 🤔

[@LVHandcrafted]

Sure thing, Bree! 💗 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄

[@user-gv8ke3fm8m]

Steel rule die cut side up, paper, cutting mat then adapter plate.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Yep, that's the combination i used. It worked after I did the micro adjustment to decrease the pressure. Did that work for you at the zero micro setting?

[@cherrydulaney6572]

@@LVHandcrafted My 9” x 13” Bira machine’s booklet says that the layering for the steel ruled die is 1. Cutting mat, 2. FABRIC, 3. Steel ruled die. I’ve never owned a die cutting/embossing machine before, and was so glad to find your initial unboxing video. Very helpful. You were not successful cutting the card stock using the steel rule die on the 0 setting, so is that die maybe just for cutting fabric? I need to watch the rest of the video!

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@cherrydulaney6572 So glad you found the video helpful! I have only ever used my steel rule dies for papercrafting. LOL. Maybe that's why it didn't work as well.

[@dinalatina314]

I'm so glad to see this review. I found this on Amazon and bought it since to me thry are the same. Come to find out the Close to my Heart was selling it a few years ago So far I am happy with it. The only thing is that the cutting mat warps pretty quickly.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks so much! I haven't used mine for very long but it only started warping when I ran the steel rule through with too much pressure. Have you tried loosening the pressure some?

[@dinalatina314]

Yes I'm going to do that. The other thing that I don't like it that I can't see through the cutting mat. Wonder if I could use other cutting mats. What do you think?

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@dinalatina314 I've been experimenting. It's definitely possible especially with the micro adjustment dial. I'm still playing around more but will definitely do a flower up video with what I've learned

[@glendamock2041]

I put mine in the oven on a cookie sheet low temp and you can watch them flatten out.

[@mariat8647]

​@@glendamock2041 😮 good to know

[@NotAfraidofColor]

Oh em gee, might want one!😂😂😂

[@LVHandcrafted]

LOL... that would be so funny if you got one. My first thoughts are it's pretty good. I'm excited to use it for the next few weeks even though it means having to set aside the Empress Mini. LOL. 🤣🤣

[@kiminalaska9363]

Thanks for the review

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting, Kim!

[@Patti2249]

please move your camera back a bit so we can see more of the machine as it is cutting, thanks!

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thx for your feedback

[@nancysloan6298]

Did This came out before gina ks???

[@LVHandcrafted]

I don't know the exact timeline, but I know BiraCraft has videos about this machine on their channel from 4 yrs ago.

[@cherieb.5409]

I received mine today waiting to get off work to be able to play 😅

[@LVHandcrafted]

Yay! Let me know what you think of it!

[@lindadinwiddie8453]

I ordered mine yesterday! Bought it from Amazon, cheaper than another one and free shipping😀and it will be here tomorrow! Win, win, win!

[@cherieb.5409]

I sent mine back and pre-ordered the Gina K

[@lindadinwiddie8453]

@@cherieb.5409 can you give reasons why. Thanks

[@GwyllionFaye]

I am looking for a new machine as my Big Shot handle keeps falling off have and I’m issues with using the newer detailed embossing folders. It broke one of my SSS folders! I have been crafting with machines since the first Quick-Kutz Squeeze die cut Handle and the first Red Sizzix home machine came out and have still not found a machine that really does it all. I saw the Gina K machine and was considering it as a possible contender until I heard of this machine. Do you have any intricate background dies such as Honeybee burlap die? Would love to see how it handles really intricate dies or those with a lot of detail without the embossing mat. Would also love comparison between using electric vs manual die cut machine Thanks so much for your in depth and honest reviews cannot wait for the next one! ❤ Embossing tip: Lightly spritz card-stock with water before putting in embossing folder and running through the machine. You get a much better image and prevents the paper from tearing or cracking

[@LVHandcrafted]

Hi! Thanks for checking out my review and for the embossing tip! I will have an in depth review coming soon now that I've used this machine exclusively since opening it. I will try to cover your questions here. I need to look for an intricate die and I'll do that as part of the review. I don't have any SSS folders but I can show this on a standard and a 3d from both sizzix and Spellbinders. Let me know if you are in a rush to replace your big shot. I can answer questions here if you are. Otherwise the video might be another week or so.

[@GwyllionFaye]

@@LVHandcrafted No rush to replace and really enjoying your video reviews. Someone told me they saw a “magnetic” mat listed for the Bira machine as well, have to look for that too. Thanks so much. It’s really great (and so helpful) to see other makers giving honest reviews 💜

[@gilabalsam9511]

I think the bira came out before Gina’s. I wonder what the difference is?

[@LVHandcrafted]

Yep. You're right it did. I started doing research for my in depth review after I filmed this and there's a KZbin video on how to use this machine on the Bira YT channel from 4 yrs ago. Not sure what the differences are with the Gina k one since I don't have it but if they want me to review it I'd be happy to do so. 😄

[@mariat8647]

The name 😊

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@mariat8647 🤪

[@mariat8647]

Just an fyi Lynn I started watching your spellbinders makes back in May and really enjoy what you do. Thank you for the inspiration. ❤

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@mariat8647 thanks so much. That means a lot to me. I appreciate you! 💕

[@barbarahill6365]

I don’t think the usual machine comes with the dies. There is an embossing sheet, and magnetic mat sold separately.

[@LVHandcrafted]

Oh, I didn't know they have those as separate purchases. I know the embossing squishy mat is separate but didn't know there's a magnet mat. Thank you!

[@mariat8647]

My 9 inch one came with a hearts folder, 3 different color squares of paper, nesting heart dies and a steel ruled die. On amazon there were both 6 & 9 inch machines with the extras and 6 & 9 inch ones with only the plates.

[@mariat8647]

Oh but the embossing mat is sold separately. I need one of those😢

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@mariat8647 oh the hearts folder sounds cute!! I'm glad they are back in stock now! 💗

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@mariat8647 yeah, I was bummed that didn't come in the full package

[@user-gv8ke3fm8m]

What about the adapter for the steel rule die

[@LVHandcrafted]

Hi! Yes, that's included with the machine. I tried it after I embossed and it works for paper but you have to loosen the micro setting. It adds quite a bit of pressure.

[@deborahduffin8885]

I wonder why this Die Cutting & one other Die Cutting Machine look so much like a Toy, instead of upgrading it they look like an Easy Bake Oven. It's great that you have it but I would have thought they would be more sleek & Updated instead of a "Toy." I hope it works well for you. Let Us know.

[@LVHandcrafted]

I actually really like it and it works really well but you're totally right that it looks like a toy. Maybe it's a choice for it to feel more fun? Here's my follow up video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKrMfqWAmKesp8k

[@christinegamsby293]

Great tip ! Hot water wasn't helping thanks

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thank you! 💖

[@neysabrooks680]

Your camera is too close to your work space. If it was higher up, you could fit everything in your pictures.....

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks!

[@shereehoshing9827]

What is happening??? You may start a heated debate

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks for watching!

[@whoooami2090]

I have to old spellbinders grand caliber. Both the small and large. I think those were the best die cutting plates. Similar to the machine you are reviewing. They seem to last forever. I may have to look into this machine. I do love my Gemini Jr. and have used plates from my old cuttlebug as well as the grand Calibur. Also have a big shot. I should buy the 9” to have one nice manual machine and get rid of all of these others with the exception my Gemini.

[@LVHandcrafted]

@@whoooami2090 wow! You've really tried them all! 💗 So far the plates have held up well but it's only been a couple months

[@paulavinkpatterson6627]

Way too slow for me. Lost interest. Sorry

[@LVHandcrafted]

Thanks for the feedback.