Gemini II - BRAND NEW!! Unboxing & Demo (important update in description!!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 เม.ย. 2023
- UPDATE 3/2024: I BROKE MY MACHINE. See what happened here: • How I broke my most ex... to avoid my disaster!
____EPISODE 439____
Today I'm reviewing the brand new Gemini II die cutting machine. This is a pre-release that will be generally available in early summer 2023. This video is NOT sponsored. All opinions are my own.
You can find more on this machine from www.crafterscompanion.com/ as the official release date nears.
---------SANDWICH GUIDE-------
** PRINTABLE GUIDE: craftysoup.com/2023/04/22/int...
____PRODUCTS MENTIONED^^____
** Scrapbook.com, Sprigs Die (cuts various foliage): shrsl.com/40sdg
** Scrapbook.com, Berry Sweet die set (used for basket) :shrsl.com/40sd8
** Concord & 9th, Grateful Blooms (used to cut felt): shrsl.com/40scs
** Concord & 9th, Eclectic Garden (tall flower bunch): shrsl.com/40scz
** Simple Stories, Heart & Home Stencil: shrsl.com/40sdq
____VIDEOS MENTIONED____
** Jennifer McGuire talks preventing & fixing bowed cutting plates: • Fixing & Avoiding Warp...
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I'm relieved to see you using the magic mat. They are an everyday part of my die-cutting. Thanks for this intro to using the Gemini 2.
You are welcome! Glad you found it helpful in some way.
I received my Gemini II from HSN a few days ago. By watching & listening to your video, I feel more confident to start my projects. Seeing your demonstrations, I now know how to stack & care for the plates. I really enjoyed your video. Thank u
Melissa, I'm so glad my video was helpful for you. I hope you enjoy your machine! I've been die cutting a lot since getting mine.
This is such a helpful video! Thank you! I have watched it several times to better understand my new Gemini II.
I'm so glad you found it helpful. If you have specific questions, drop me a note. I can't promise I know the answer, but I'm happy to think it over. Mostly, have fun playing!
Wow, my first time here, getting ready to buy, been researching for a while, and you showed me why this is the machine for me. Thank you so much: thorough, clear, and includes some experiments, so I can avoid some wrong turns. Well done. 👍🐾🦋
So glad you found the demo helpful. Enjoy your new machine.
very informative video, thank you
One of the best unboxing and demo videos I’ve seen. Very nicely done👍🏻
Thank you so much. I was hoping it wasn't too much detail for everyone. Glad you appreciated it.
I think Jennifer McGuire has a video on how she prolongs the life of her gemini junior plates. Maybe that will help you. These electric machines seem to have an insane amount of pressure, not sure that's necessary..
Yes, Jennifer's video did help for sure. Right now I am using 2 Magic Mats (from Scrapbook.com) plus one Gemini Cutting plate. That warps less. And the Magic mats can be heated with my embossing heat tool to flatten them back out. More convenient than the water bath. Still experimenting! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it!
Thank you! Very helpful!
Glad you found it helpful. I'll have to note that I did break this machine and posted a video about what happened. Basically be careful about plate bowing in the machine since a bowed plate can catch on the exit lip and snap things. Thanks for watching.
Excellent video!! Thank you so much!😃
So glad you found it useful!
Thank you fir the review, you did a great job answering a lot of questions!❤️
Glad you found it helpful!
Thank you so much for the advice on 3d embossing -- some thing I have really struggled with but following your advice I had a perfect result -- I just can't thank you enough
So glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for this informative video. I have just ordered the machine so I have learned a lot. Also, a really big thank you for the download of sandwich guidelines.
Glad it was helpful! (Do be careful with your sandwich and plates! I did have a bowed plate cause damage to my machine.)
Thank you. Appreciate all you shared in this video. Really helped me with my projects.
Glad it helped!
Wonderful, comprehensive review. Thank you also for the charts.
Glad it was helpful!
I appreciate this so much! Wonderful information
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the detail information. Great project at the end.
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful video! I am a newbie to this crafting world and thankful to learn all this.👏
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing this video. I am looking at purchasing the gemini 2 but am wary. This is very helpful
Glad this was helpful. I have had a couple of small problems with my machine. The plate warping has been the one main issue. In fact I had the back flap on the machine bust off since the plates were too warped and caught on it and broke it. Luckily the machine is working fine without that flap. I have moved to using other cutting mats and it is "better" but not perfect.
Just some more honest info. Depending on what you want from a machine you may consider the Intri-cut machine. (ginakdesigns.com/products/intri-cut-die-cutting-machine) It is easier to use than any other die machine I've seen, but it is manual and not powered. I don't have any monetary affiliation with them, just a product that came out soon after I bought my Gemini.
Good luck with your decision.
Well presented video. Clear and to the point. Need to invest in one of these machines, love that everything seems to run so smoothly.. Thank you. About to go buy one.
Glad it was helpful! Have fun with your new machine. I'm not an expert but happy to answer questions if I can should you have any.
@@CraftySoupVideodon't do it
Thankyou for this in depth video. I have the Gemini 1 with the warping plates. I was hoping the new plates wouldn't warp. I think I will hold off on buying the new plates for now.
Glad I could help you save some money! Now you can buy some other crafty goodies. 😂
Thanks for this info. I just got an unexpected Gemini 2 for Christmas so this will help me get started!
How exciting to have a new goody to play with! I'm glad my video will come in handy for you. (I will have a little bit of an update to this as I've changed up my plate sandwiches since this video came out.) Have fun playing! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
thank you so much for this information video. im waiting for the sandwich guide!
Yes! Thank you so much for the reminder. As soon as I get that uploaded I'll pop in and let you know. (It had slipped to the bottom of the to-do list for sure.)
I wanted to let you know that I FINALLY finished the guide. You can visit my blog at craftysoup.com/2023/04/22/introducing-the-brand-new-gemini-ii-machine/ to download the files. Thanks so much for your patience. I hope you find the guide helpful.
I just found your video! Thanks so much for the tutorial 😊. What's the name of the tool you used for the dies? I'm really new to crafting and card making and want to use the right stuff. Thanks
good job
Thanks
I think that the machine is graet, but the plates are warping so fast, and like you mentioned, not giving even pressure. I think this is the first machine that is really geared towards milking you through contunual plate replacements. just like the printers have been for years. If you took all the plastic from the outside of both the Gemini and the Gemini II I would not be surprised to see the exact same mechanics inside.
I've moved to using the magic mats from Scrapbook.com and I'm having better results. I do wonder how different this machine is from the first version, but since this is my only Gemini I have no way to compare.
Good afternoon, I am new to your channel and like how you provide directions. Thank you! You mentioned that you use a "voice over". I know this isn't related to the Gemini II but what software do you use to film that allows you to do a clear voice over? I appreciate your reply. 😁 Thank you again. Gina
I use Premier Pro from Adobe for both video editing and my audio voice over recordings. Hope that helps.
Thank you sweetheart great vido lots of great info. just took my machine out of the box. was cutting along side of you .i subscribed . will be watching👀.hugs be safe.😻
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for subbing.
I add a couple of pieces of copy paper (under what I’m cutting) which reduces the cuts to the plate.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing that.
This is my first time here as well! I love the explanation on your sandwiches. I love this machine, but I seem to have misplaced my instruction booklet. Did you post the sandwich guide? Be safe, be well & TYFS
Yes, my cutting guide is up. craftysoup.com/2023/04/22/introducing-the-brand-new-gemini-ii-machine/. (I'll go check to make sure this video has the link as well. I thought it was there, but things do get lost in the shuffle sometimes 😉)
@@CraftySoupVideo I see it there now. TYSM
Have you used Tim Holtz 3D embossing folders with this machine?
I don't own any of the Tim Holtz 3D folders. I do own some Sizzix branded ones so those should be really similar since Sizzix produces the folders for Tim Holtz. My Sizzix folders work beautifully. I'd start with the lightest possible sandwich and increase shims as needed to get good results. If you find your cardstock is cracking, give it a very light misting of water before running it through the machine. Hope that helps!
I've had a Gemini Jr for several years. I find that I need to rotate top to bottom, flip sides touching dies and switch the "base plates. Flip the metal plate every other run through the machine. All that reduces warping and excessive cutting into the plates. Some of that may not apply to your machine , but the metal plate definitely needs flipping and rotating. Hope this is clear. Gr e at explanations for the new system.
Thanks for sharing your tips. Yes, flipping and rotating are a must with this machine. I'm just not used to it from my old machine. I'm getting used to it though.
I’ve only ever had the big shot. Do you recommend this over all of those types of machines?
The Big Shot is a great die cutter. I only upgraded because I wanted a motor to reduce stress on my hands from cranking the manual Big Shot.
As for recommendation it really depends on your needs. The Gemini II is more expensive but it has a bigger die cutting surface. I think this machine is good for people who are doing quite a bit of die cutting or someone who, like me, need a bit of assistance for health reasons.
Hope this helps. Happy to answer any other questions.
@@CraftySoupVideo thank you so much. I do love the big shot unfortunately I just can’t use it like I used to. Thank you for your response
A comprehensive video. Thank you. I have the original large Gemini and am very disappointed in it. The plates do warp and i am finding out replacement is hard to come by. The magic mat with 2 plates does work. I don't think this machine is worth the investment. I am concern that replacement plates down the road will be hard to come by as I am experiencing this now.
I know the plates are available straight from the Crafters Companion website as well as from Scrapbook.com. However, if those are not your go-to shopping options, it can be hard to find new plates. This machine has been a bit challenging for me for the plate warping and in fact I damaged my machine! I'll be coming out with that video update soon 😕
Thanks for the demo....apart from alittle storage I see no improvement over the original Gemini, Especially as it still warps the plates, I don’t think I’ll be upgrading
Glad my video helped you save some money 😁
I’m having trouble not damaging my plates it’s kinda frustrating
I hear you! I've been experimenting with various options, including using 3rd party cutting pads. So far I don't have a great solution. If I come up with anything, I'll be sure to post an update.
Is this machine Gemini II compatible with the Foil Press?
Yes! The Gemini II does all the same things the original Gemini does. This model just has some upgrades to make it quieter, faster, includes storage and offers 3 USB ports.
I ask Crafters Companion yesterday 19/01/24 and they said yes but you don't need the A4 extender plate just use the normal size one, that's what made me get the Gem 11
Hi there, I have an old Gemini and use the sandwich with magic mat of, sizzix cutting plates, then magic mat, paper , die, then Gemini cutting plates. It works well for me.
Thanks so much for your input! I will give that a try for sure.
What is a magic mat?
My wife as just bought one but the magnetic sheet won't hold the dies through the clear plastic sheet as per instructions i see you are taping them down so what's the point of the magnetic sheet ?
You can place the dies right on the magnetic sheet! The shim can come BEFORE the magnetic sheet, or AFTER all the other layers. Here is how I use the magnet...
Place bottom cutting plate/mat. Place clear shim (or wait until later). Place magnetic sheet. Place dies -- You want to put the dies cutting side UP on the magnet so they don't cut into your magnetic sheet. Then place your paper over your dies. (You *may* need to tape the paper in place to keep it from shifting from the movement of the machine. But the magnet will hold the dies just fine.) Then place your top cutting mat, then add other shims. If you didn't put your clear shim BEFORE the magnet, then go ahead an place it here. Note that shims are not always needed. It depends a lot on your dies and materials.
Learning to create these die cut sandwiches as they are called is a bit of a process. Each person has preferences and everyone has different materials that need a bit of different attnetion.
The magnetic sheet is just one option for holding dies down -- and this leads to dies needing to placed "upside down". I prefer tape since I can place my dies the other way around. It is just a personal preference.
I hope this helped. Feel free to ask more questions if you need.
It say s cuts thin metal have you tried that
I have not tried thin metal. I don't have anything like that in my supplies. I'm curious how thin it needs to be. Something to add to a future video!
I had bought the first large Gemini from HSN or QVC. The presenter implied that it could cut multiple layers, and I thought that would be be a great timesaver to cut more than one piece at a time. But it didn't work with paper, it can cut multiple layers of thin fabric with a simple die. The pressure was so intense that cutting any regular paper with even a modestly complex die jammed the paper in so tight, it was impossible to get it out without tearing. The pressure is just too much. I think they had a frustration with earlier machines that couldn't cut through thicker materials completely. But they way overcompensated. Now if you need to cut a lot of cardstock and not much paper, it will work. I did notice going back that their demos focused on cardstock. Those shows never give an honest presentation. The machine is heavy and quite noisy. Any advantage I had being able to put more dies on the larger plate was eliminated that what I usually cut is paper and it was too much of a chore to try to get them out of the die. I went back to my Big Shot which never disappoints.
Sorry you had to buy the machine and be disappointed. That is frustrating for sure. I actually thought the machine was fairly quiet but this is my first experience with a powered machine after my Big Shot. (I just wanted something powered since I'm having some minor wrist issues and don't want to make it worse.) I do also think the pressure in this machine is way too much. I've changed cutting plates to lessen that. Thanks for dropping a comment. Hopefully your experience can help others decide what is best for them and not waste money.
I have the Gemini Jr and really like it. The problem is their plates are terrible, they don’t last. Spellbinders has thick wonderful plates. I had both sizes of spellbinders plates that I used on my old spellbinders Grand Calibur , I use the smaller ones in my Gemini Jr, the white plate, the metal plate and the clear Sizzix plate. I have been using these plates for over a year and still working great. Gemini refuses to make good plates, so we keep buying there plates. I no longer need to buy their plates.
Good to know of another plate option! I have a video coming out in a couple of days on how the Gemini warped plates caused a disaster to my machine! (I'm now using cutting pads from Scrapbook.com with a lot of luck.) Thanks for dropping the comment so others may find something that works for them too!
I have a large Gemini. I hate it. Never use it. I think ive used it twice and its been awful. Wish I wouldve gotten a small Gemini.
I'm not sure what you hate about your machine. But... I'm finding that I like using the smaller cutting plates in the larger machine. The dies don't slip around as much on the smaller plates and I have more wiggle room when I am placing the plates in the machine. It also just takes up less space. Just my thoughts. Wish you luck with your die cutting woes.
This company doesn't have 800 number that you can call in case problems of their plates warps, like mine. Worst yet, don't buy it from Joann Fabrics because they will not take it back.
Plate warping is a big issue. I'm right there with you. I have not found a solid solution, but here is what I am doing right now to at least help...
--- this video is from Jennifer McGuire, not my channel
th-cam.com/video/c0ZKxQLT3Gg/w-d-xo.html
Best of luck.