Hi Princess, I always cut into my magnetic mat in the empress machine, I know a lot of people don’t like to do that. I try not to use the metal shim and that seems to help my plates from warping. Thanks for the great information! ❤
Very thorough review, thank you! I tried some low tack tape to hold things, but the tape was not low tack enough and left residue on my plates and dies, so i switched to mint tape. The mint is barely good enough, but it helps and can be reused, too. I like that i can use the 3D embossing folders in the Gem 2 and they won't work in the Empress. If i can get the Gem 2 repaired, i will try Anna's plates. I wanted to try the Magic plates as they have great reviews, but i never got to try them. The Anna plates warped, but could be fixed and lasted a long time. The Gem 2 plates had to be replaced after a month. They said not to do the boiling water wash on them in one video. The new ones only a week before i had trouble that the flip and turn did not help. If they won’t repair it, i will buy the old Gemi as they say that they are the same as far as cutting, etc. goes. They did hint that they had plans for the USB plugs. It is so nice because i can use my tablet, but also my USB fan, as my work space is a dead air space. I sure hope that they will repair it. Thank you again. I thought i did something wrong, but watching your video, i see that i did everything by the book.
I love your honesty!!! I do have the magic mat and love it ,I have every size. Ive been using the switch big shot, and several other cutters,wed I should be getting the gemini 2 , i had tried the first gemini that came out and i hated it and sent it back, so did my daughter in law, i wanted to give c.c. another chance and all the extras that are with it so we shall see!!! i do have the go gemini but havent used it since diamond press came out with the 4 inch which I use almost daily!! Hsn has 2 gemini 2 ,machines for $299. but the one doesnt come with anything but the club, the other one has the 360 plus the love collection, I dont understand how they can do that!! buyer beware Im not liking how your plates are bending so I will try the magic mat...within 2 weeks of getting the switch I had to buy new plates, now that I have the magic mat my plates DO NOT warp....also a cutting mat from creative memories works as good as the magic mat if you happpen to have one,I noticed the thickness was the same.so i use both...Yours is the best ever video on the Gemini 2 thank you!!!
i us the 2 white plates the clear see thu one and 2 pieces of plastic (see thru) that had bed sheets come in them,this sandwich is working perfectly for me i dont use the magnetic mat at all, the magic mat warped my bottom white plate really bad so i never used it again!! i find my plate getting flatter, almost back to normal,i have been cutting out alot of 3 inch dies all over my plates and six or more at a time and it has made the plate go flat...if i have an intricut die i use my 6 inch gemini plates for double sided dies!! more pressure works great hope i helped , the plastic was an idea another lady on a video showed.
I’m not a Gemini fan overall. I bought one from HSN and sent it back. Got the Empress and love it. Good info and appreciate your time doing the unboxing and examples.
You have a lot of machines! I have the magic mat, and not impressed. It’s not magnetic and it warps. I think the only way to ensure that the dies don’t slip is to tape them down (ugh). I have both Empress and Empress Min and decided to take the plunge and get the G2. I didn’t realize you could use the Anna Griffin plates with the Gemini and I so I think I will try that as well. I much prefer cutting into a magnetic mat so that dies stay in place. Thanks for the tip!
Wow you would think they could come up with a way the cutting plates last longer. I bought some off brand plates and they warped right away. I was thinking that i just need to buy the originals but maybe it doesn’t matter really in the end.🤷♂️
I absolutely LOVE the Gem 2! It is the best of three machines.. different brands. However, do not use warped plates and shims on the Gem 2! Really watch out. I wrote to them about my new plates and especially the shim, warping and worse. It affected my cuts and was hard to get through the machine. I turned and flipped, too. They caught on the flip wing and almost broke it. They not only warped, the clear shim also warbled (?). I wrote. They asked for pictures. I sent pictures of new plates only used a few times for a week. They said it was normal and perhaps not use the magnetic shim. It did not work as well without it. They caught again breaking the top off the wing! So, i thought, oh well, i could use it without that. It went through twice with no problem. But i got distracted while running it again, and it caught on the inside and i did not see it! It never stopped! It really bent the plates and broke that inside frame! I was in shock! They did not seem THAT bent! They were bent terribly and stuck! It happened so fast! I could stop it but it would not reverse. Then it would not go forward, either! I had to heat the plates to try to get them out. Finally they relaxed a little and reversed. Oddly, the plates are no worse than they were! The due is a bit warped, but not bad. I think it is ok. I thought they would snap for sure! I am just sick. I can’t use it at all. Those were my newest plates! I hesitate to call for the warranty after being told abnormal plates are normal. They have been a great company and very helpful until now, so, i am hoping that warranty will get it repaired. I cannot imagine crafting life without it now. 😢 Anyhow... heads up about the plates. I hope they get better.
@TheLakingc Yes, someone else had that problem with plates getting caught: th-cam.com/video/JckYPafmA84/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5LmpD2yjk4AB8Fcm It’s not just you. And in mine, I had the 6x9 plates very slightly askew and they caught, and it wouldn’t pause or reverse, and I had to unplug it. I really need it for the fabric cutting, but I am very disappointed in the Gemini ♊️ and would not recommend it. And the plates warped badly from the first cut with an ordinary thin die. The main thing I learned from this video, your comment and the other video, is I have to spend 2x the time boiling water flattening as I do cutting, or the machine can turn into a ninja of broken parts, and not in a good way 🤦♀️. In any other industry they would do a recall for those safety issues. 😖
@@paradisebyprincess305 hi, I responded to @TheLakingc comment under the original comment, not sure if you will see it there. Thank you for the honest review and tips. I have seen other crafters give a warning when they suggest something out of warranty conditions, maybe you would like to add that (whatever makes it possible for you to continue with your honest reviews, that is a valuable resource). Also I will check your channel to see if you updated this review anywhere, I’m a new viewer.
I ordered the Gemini II but have not received it yet. I would think you might want to rethink advising people to use AG plates in Gemini. It would invalidate their warranty. Just a thought.
I don't like that the on/off button is at the back-would have preferred it to the side for easier access. I also do not like that given the shape, size and weight, there is no handle. The space to put an iPad/phone doesn't seem logical as when you spin to the back you can't see the visual on the device. I was considering the plates, but from your first cut, it looks like it cuts in pretty deeply. I don't think putting the plates in hot water will minimize the cut marks like it does with the old clear plates. Hopefully, someone will try that and let us know. I'll have to wait for the next generation. I have been asking about using Anna's plate in the Gemini for the magnetic plate. You are the first to say it works so I've ordered on as having the magnetic avoids using tape, which no matter the brand or putting on fabric to make less tacky, always seems to remove some portion of the paper. Thanks fir the initial review. Hope you will give an update after you have used it for a while.
I’m not sure why we need to power buttons also I forgot to mention I would have loved a handle. I can’t help myself I love Anna’s sandwich system. Thanks for watching
Hi Princess, thank you for this informative video, but I will pass . I have a Gemini 6inch opening die cutting machine and I rather use my Tim Holtz Vagabond2 it’s heavy duty and it’s does everything i need t to do. I have a lot of Steel rule dies -Bigz dies which I use a lot . andI also have a Big Shot Plus so I’m content ❤ thank you so much for this demonstration
You do know that every die cutting machine brand either has a magnetic mat you can buy for it, or works with other magnetic plates. For me, I never use the magnetic mat, I just position my paper and dies and use a low tack tape. You've got to go thru a lot of low tack tape to pay for a magnetic mat. Thanks for the review. I'm pleased the new Gemini is quieter than the old iteration because they were l.o.u.d.!
I don't even always tape my dies. Lots of times they'll lay flat just fine. I never felt like I needed a magnetic mat, although I do want to give it a try eventually to see if it makes a difference in marking up my paper.
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.
Update: after exchanging few emails from Gemini II (they don't have 800 number) they weren't helpful at all. Look elsewhere and don't buy this expensive machine. I followed the instructions and plates warped so bad that I couldn't feed them through anymore. smh.
It's nice but I can't see the point in buying into it just because it has some where to put you tablets and swivels I have every machine so I'm not getting it
Funny this popped up now. I recieved mine with missing parts. Called HSN immediately when I recieved it. They said it would be 21 days before they could respond because they had to contact CC. Today I followed up on it. They had a reply and said the TODAY SPECIAL that I ordered did not come with the bottom turning plate and not the box of stamps and dies that were part of an AUTOSHIP, are you kidding me???!!!! I laughed and reminded them it was on video as the SPECIAL. Still they denied it and said its true because they had recieved great reviews as it was. WHAT?...They agreed to send me a return label at no cost to me. It's going back! What an aweful experience!
They had sold out of the bundle so they were able to get more machines but without the turning mechanism and without the true love card kit. Maybe they didn’t mention it enough but I did see the presentation where the extras were not included. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you
@Paradise By Princess Thank you for the info. Your input was helpful. I decided to return the machine. Extremely disappointed with Crafters companion and HSN. They did however agree to accept the machine back at no charge to me. For that I am grateful. I would have never purchased the daily special without the SPECIAL😆
I had to attach mine, it came separately in a box. Was a bit disappointed in that.
I think that they all should come with it. It’s just another way of getting more money from us.
Hi Princess, I always cut into my magnetic mat in the empress machine, I know a lot of people don’t like to do that. I try not to use the metal shim and that seems to help my plates from warping. Thanks for the great information! ❤
I appreciate your honesty!
Very thorough review, thank you! I tried some low tack tape to hold things, but the tape was not low tack enough and left residue on my plates and dies, so i switched to mint tape. The mint is barely good enough, but it helps and can be reused, too. I like that i can use the 3D embossing folders in the Gem 2 and they won't work in the Empress. If i can get the Gem 2 repaired, i will try Anna's plates. I wanted to try the Magic plates as they have great reviews, but i never got to try them. The Anna plates warped, but could be fixed and lasted a long time. The Gem 2 plates had to be replaced after a month. They said not to do the boiling water wash on them in one video. The new ones only a week before i had trouble that the flip and turn did not help. If they won’t repair it, i will buy the old Gemi as they say that they are the same as far as cutting, etc. goes. They did hint that they had plans for the USB plugs. It is so nice because i can use my tablet, but also my USB fan, as my work space is a dead air space. I sure hope that they will repair it. Thank you again. I thought i did something wrong, but watching your video, i see that i did everything by the book.
What happened to your machine? 🙉 I need to do an update video
I love your honesty!!! I do have the magic mat and love it ,I have every size. Ive been using the switch big shot, and several other cutters,wed I should be getting the gemini 2 , i had tried the first gemini that came out and i hated it and sent it back, so did my daughter in law, i wanted to give c.c. another chance and all the extras that are with it so we shall see!!! i do have the go gemini but havent used it since diamond press came out with the 4 inch which I use almost daily!! Hsn has 2 gemini 2 ,machines for $299. but the one doesnt come with anything but the club, the other one has the 360 plus the love collection, I dont understand how they can do that!! buyer beware Im not liking how your plates are bending so I will try the magic mat...within 2 weeks of getting the switch I had to buy new plates, now that I have the magic mat my plates DO NOT warp....also a cutting mat from creative memories works as good as the magic mat if you happpen to have one,I noticed the thickness was the same.so i use both...Yours is the best ever video on the Gemini 2 thank you!!!
Are you replacing the magnetic mat or the cutting plate with the magic mat?
read my comment above
i us the 2 white plates the clear see thu one and 2 pieces of plastic (see thru) that had bed sheets come in them,this sandwich is working perfectly for me i dont use the magnetic mat at all, the magic mat warped my bottom white plate really bad so i never used it again!! i find my plate getting flatter, almost back to normal,i have been cutting out alot of 3 inch dies all over my plates and six or more at a time and it has made the plate go flat...if i have an intricut die i use my 6 inch gemini plates for double sided dies!! more pressure works great hope i helped , the plastic was an idea another lady on a video showed.
I'm very upset with mine..warped plates first time used!
😳🙄
I’m not a Gemini fan overall. I bought one from HSN and sent it back. Got the Empress and love it. Good info and appreciate your time doing the unboxing and examples.
In love with mine
Thank you for your honesty and opinion
You have a lot of machines! I have the magic mat, and not impressed. It’s not magnetic and it warps. I think the only way to ensure that the dies don’t slip is to tape them down (ugh). I have both Empress and Empress Min and decided to take the plunge and get the G2. I didn’t realize you could use the Anna Griffin plates with the Gemini and I so I think I will try that as well. I much prefer cutting into a magnetic mat so that dies stay in place. Thanks for the tip!
I have more machines that I didn’t even name. Need to get rid of a few. I love my Anna Griffin mats. Thanks for the info on the magic mat.
I’m super jelly
Wow great unboxing ❤❤❤❤and review
Great job
Thank you for this review, I'll stick with my Empress.
I love my Gemini II. It’s amazing! I’ve had absolutely no problems thus far.
Great to hear!
I always tape because often there is a little bit of movement as the die goes through any of the machines
I like Anna’s magnetic mat so that I don’t have to tape my projects because I’m too lazy to do that.
I love your honest review. Did not get the Gemini II. I use my DP Marquis and Tonic tangerine.
Hi Cheryl thanks I will continue to test the Gemini.
I always use washi to keep them from moving. I love my Gemini jr. but to be honest its the only electric cutting machine I’ve had.
Wow you would think they could come up with a way the cutting plates last longer. I bought some off brand plates and they warped right away. I was thinking that i just need to buy the originals but maybe it doesn’t matter really in the end.🤷♂️
I understand warping plates but not after the first few cuts.
Thank you.
Do Anna’s plates not warp as badly? Want to sell your Empress? Will Anna’s plates work in the Bigshot
I’m not sure if the plates work in the big shot. Visit ebay or mercari to buy a lower price empress
Contact me at paradisebyprincess@gmail.com
I absolutely LOVE the Gem 2! It is the best of three machines.. different brands. However, do not use warped plates and shims on the Gem 2! Really watch out. I wrote to them about my new plates and especially the shim, warping and worse. It affected my cuts and was hard to get through the machine. I turned and flipped, too. They caught on the flip wing and almost broke it. They not only warped, the clear shim also warbled (?). I wrote. They asked for pictures. I sent pictures of new plates only used a few times for a week. They said it was normal and perhaps not use the magnetic shim. It did not work as well without it. They caught again breaking the top off the wing! So, i thought, oh well, i could use it without that. It went through twice with no problem. But i got distracted while running it again, and it caught on the inside and i did not see it! It never stopped! It really bent the plates and broke that inside frame! I was in shock! They did not seem THAT bent! They were bent terribly and stuck! It happened so fast! I could stop it but it would not reverse. Then it would not go forward, either! I had to heat the plates to try to get them out. Finally they relaxed a little and reversed. Oddly, the plates are no worse than they were! The due is a bit warped, but not bad. I think it is ok. I thought they would snap for sure! I am just sick. I can’t use it at all. Those were my newest plates! I hesitate to call for the warranty after being told abnormal plates are normal. They have been a great company and very helpful until now, so, i am hoping that warranty will get it repaired. I cannot imagine crafting life without it now. 😢 Anyhow... heads up about the plates. I hope they get better.
Omg 😳.. I’m sorry that happened. I wonder if anyone else Has has an issue of some sort. Thanks for sharing your experience.
@TheLakingc Yes, someone else had that problem with plates getting caught: th-cam.com/video/JckYPafmA84/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5LmpD2yjk4AB8Fcm
It’s not just you. And in mine, I had the 6x9 plates very slightly askew and they caught, and it wouldn’t pause or reverse, and I had to unplug it. I really need it for the fabric cutting, but I am very disappointed in the Gemini ♊️ and would not recommend it. And the plates warped badly from the first cut with an ordinary thin die. The main thing I learned from this video, your comment and the other video, is I have to spend 2x the time boiling water flattening as I do cutting, or the machine can turn into a ninja of broken parts, and not in a good way 🤦♀️. In any other industry they would do a recall for those safety issues. 😖
@@paradisebyprincess305 hi, I responded to @TheLakingc comment under the original comment, not sure if you will see it there. Thank you for the honest review and tips. I have seen other crafters give a warning when they suggest something out of warranty conditions, maybe you would like to add that (whatever makes it possible for you to continue with your honest reviews, that is a valuable resource). Also I will check your channel to see if you updated this review anywhere, I’m a new viewer.
I can’t believe it warped first time through.
🙄 extremely and they’re suppose to last longer
Think you still have to turn the plates
I ordered the Gemini II but have not received it yet. I would think you might want to rethink advising people to use AG plates in Gemini. It would invalidate their warranty. Just a thought.
Mine slid too, I wonder why?
I think the coating on the white plates may be causing it to be slippery. That’s just my opinion
Think i like my Empress more
Although I purchased the GII, I love, love my Empress!!!
I don't like that the on/off button is at the back-would have preferred it to the side for easier access. I also do not like that given the shape, size and weight, there is no handle. The space to put an iPad/phone doesn't seem logical as when you spin to the back you can't see the visual on the device. I was considering the plates, but from your first cut, it looks like it cuts in pretty deeply. I don't think putting the plates in hot water will minimize the cut marks like it does with the old clear plates. Hopefully, someone will try that and let us know. I'll have to wait for the next generation. I have been asking about using Anna's plate in the Gemini for the magnetic plate. You are the first to say it works so I've ordered on as having the magnetic avoids using tape, which no matter the brand or putting on fabric to make less tacky, always seems to remove some portion of the paper. Thanks fir the initial review. Hope you will give an update after you have used it for a while.
I’m not sure why we need to power buttons also I forgot to mention I would have loved a handle. I can’t help myself I love Anna’s sandwich system. Thanks for watching
Mine was my top plate moving faster like your first cut
😳
Hi Princess, thank you for this informative video, but I will pass . I have a Gemini 6inch opening die cutting machine and I rather use my Tim Holtz Vagabond2 it’s heavy duty and it’s does everything i need t to do. I have a lot of Steel rule dies -Bigz dies which I use a lot . andI also have a Big Shot Plus so I’m content ❤ thank you so much for this demonstration
Always keep the vagabond its a great machine
You do know that every die cutting machine brand either has a magnetic mat you can buy for it, or works with other magnetic plates. For me, I never use the magnetic mat, I just position my paper and dies and use a low tack tape. You've got to go thru a lot of low tack tape to pay for a magnetic mat. Thanks for the review. I'm pleased the new Gemini is quieter than the old iteration because they were l.o.u.d.!
I don't even always tape my dies. Lots of times they'll lay flat just fine. I never felt like I needed a magnetic mat, although I do want to give it a try eventually to see if it makes a difference in marking up my paper.
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.
Update: after exchanging few emails from Gemini II (they don't have 800 number) they weren't helpful at all. Look elsewhere and don't buy this expensive machine. I followed the instructions and plates warped so bad that I couldn't feed them through anymore. smh.
I do not see the upgrade in the plates. They seem the same
The Magic mat is not magnetic and does warp….using the heat gun to straighten it out doesn’t work perfectly.
I’m glad to know. Thank you for the info.
It's nice but I can't see the point in buying into it just because it has some where to put you tablets and swivels I have every machine so I'm not getting it
I bought a turntable from Anna griffin for my Empress . I like that you can store the plates under neath
I’ll do an update video soon Stevie. Thank you for your time
Funny this popped up now. I recieved mine with missing parts. Called HSN immediately when I recieved it. They said it would be 21 days before they could respond because they had to contact CC. Today I followed up on it. They had a reply and said the TODAY SPECIAL that I ordered did not come with the bottom turning plate and not the box of stamps and dies that were part of an AUTOSHIP, are you kidding me???!!!! I laughed and reminded them it was on video as the SPECIAL. Still they denied it and said its true because they had recieved great reviews as it was. WHAT?...They agreed to send me a return label at no cost to me. It's going back! What an aweful experience!
They had sold out of the bundle so they were able to get more machines but without the turning mechanism and without the true love card kit. Maybe they didn’t mention it enough but I did see the presentation where the extras were not included. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you
@Paradise By Princess Thank you for the info. Your input was helpful. I decided to return the machine. Extremely disappointed with Crafters companion and HSN. They did however agree to accept the machine back at no charge to me. For that I am grateful. I would have never purchased the daily special without the SPECIAL😆
your camera to close