Gemini Twin-Function Cutter & Embosser Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior Jnr Portable Die Cutting and Embossing Machine, White

I was so excited to get my new die cutting machine. I make handmade greeting cards to sell on Etsy so I use a die cutting machine everyday. My standard crank machine was not cutting the more delicate dies so after a lot of research I bit the bullet on cost and choose this Gemini.It came well packaged in a box in a box & in a box with no damage at all.Please read all the directions before you start to get all the cutting plates in the right order for a good cut, always place die upside down with your paper on top if it. I used the metal shim for the intricate die cuts and wow they came out perfectly. I am so please with this machine. It cuts great, no more hand crank ( my hands are thanking me) It cuts 3 layers of card stock with no problem and it's easy to use.Yes it did come with several new dies and and an embossing folder.The attached photo is an example of the delicate die cutting that it can do with ease.3/2018 Update - Still love this machine...except the plastic shim did not last long. It warped quickly and even flipping it each use did not help. The warping would cause the whole stack of plates to have a curve /hump in the middle which then would cause the card stock to slide off the die before I could get it into the machine. Now I need to purchase a new one and see they are $15.00.

I am making my own Christmas cards this year. I have one completed card, the trees on the snowman card were from a die cut I purchased on Amazon, the cross and the nativity as well. The sheet of embossed tan and red paper were from an embossing envelope that came with the Gemini. I am doing die cuts in quanity before I move forward with the other cards...If you do not have the proper plates in with the die cut or embossing cards it will not move properly, as I saw in a video posted here. The plates slid because when embossing you use one clear plate not two. The top one should be the more flexible plastic shim not the acrylic one. It's a good idea to thoroughly read the instruction booklet first and things will move through as they should. I did the same excact thing the first time I embossed and it slid right out the front of the machine.I never used a die cutter/ embossing machine before but I am getting the hang of it. After the holidays I will be making birthday, occasion and other holiday cards instead of spending $5 to $10 and up on individual cards.*another side note rotate the acrylic plates, plastic shim and magnetic plate to keep the warping down. There is a lot of pressure in the process, if you do this it keeps them nice. Also make sure your paper is the right weight it helps when you are pulling them off the die cut. If you look closely there are little holes in each die cut to help you push it out. Proper paper weight is important too the removal process as well

Gemini Junior bought this because I was tired of cranking and tired of picking intricate pieces out. This little Gemini does the job and is small enough I keep it on my craft table. As recommended, I do flip the plates to help with warping. I am a happy gal!

This Gemini Jr electric die cutting and embossing machine is fantastic! It's a time and hand/wrist saver - No more struggling with hand crank devices! The only negative I've found is it applies so much pressure that it quixkly warps the plastic plates that come with it. I invested in 2 Sizzix Chrome Precision Plates to use as top and bottom plates. This was a perfect fix - no more warped plates and I'm 110% satisfied with my machine

A total waste of money and an utter disappointment. I’ve had the Gemini Jr. for three months, and I’ve replaced the cutting plates twice (4 x $10), the metal shim, the magnetic shim, and even the plastic shim - spending more than half the price of the machine itself just in replacement plates!Because there is no platform, the cutting plates bow out EVERY TIME you run them through. I don’t know if my specific machine is just engineered incorrectly, but the pressure is way too high. I get impressions of whatever “scars” are in the cutting plates on my brand-new projects! And I’m not doing mass amounts of die cutting, I’m a home crafter making a few cards for friends and family.I’m so disappointed by this machine, especially since it’s so highly recommended by so many card-makers and high profile members of the industry. It’s essentially unusable. I bought a manual machine a week ago and - voila! All problems solved. No warping. No bizarre impressions on my die cuts from the cutting pads. Perfect, hassle-free cuts.If you are starting out crafting, I’d suggest a manual machine.

I do a lot of die cutting to make cards. I thought this would be a good change from constantly cranking on the Big Shot. I did really deliberate whether to get the JR size or the large Gemini, but went with the JR in hopes it would be faster/easier than loading up a bunch of dies every time. The machine works well, but it is slower than manually doing it (so it seems to me). The plates warp instantly, so I have to make sure to flip the plates constantly. It has good torque on it so the dies cut cleanly. I do use a ton more tape to keep the dies in place. Even with the magnetic pad, the dies slide all over the place. I also don't put the magnetic pad, shims or any other pieces between the dies and plates - no matter what the instructions say. I ordered a set of new plates when I ordered the machine. Glad I did because the plates get torn up pretty quickly. Overall, it is nice to do a bunch of die cutting without my elbows getting worn out, but I have to turn up the volume on the TV because this machine is loud.

This is my 1st time buying anything from Crafter’s Companion. This machine came with everything- literally. Metal dies, 3D embossing folder (not even a regular one, but 3D!), metal shim (for dies that are too thin and needs more pressure), rubber embossing mat, magnetic mat, and cutting plates. The price range to get all of this is excellent for the quality and all that you’re getting. I know because I practically own all the brands for diecutting except this brand. I just needed another electric one so I don’t get arthritis (I do so much with my hands).