I really appreciate these comparison videos that you do. They are so helpful because of your perspective and the fact that you actually use these products. Thank you so much for this video!!
Hi Deanna. I totally agree with you about all of this. I have both the Switch and the Gemini, and while I do like them, I find myself reaching for my Spellbinders die cut machine more often than not. The plate warping drives me crazy on the Gemini and they are expensive to replace often. I honestly thought it was just me with all of these concerns about the various machines. Thank you for making this video so I know I am not on my own island 😊😊. Have a blessed day, Deanna. Hugs to you ♥️♥️
Jenni J watch Jennifer McGuires CZcams video about a solution to Gemini plate warping. It works!!!!!! I've been using the same plate for well over 2 years. No warping.
Hi I have them both and I love them both, but I bought the switch for one big factor....it cuts the steel rule dies that no other electric machine does. So, if you have and love the thick steel rule dies the switch is the only electric machine that can do it and it cuts beautifully. My plates also warp pretty good on the switch as well as the Gemini, so I've been experimenting with different materials. Thank you for the comparison.
Thank you for the comparison. I have been eyeing the switch simply because I can use all dies in it. But not sure it is something I want now. I have ADHD and hate loud noises. To the point I open the microwave before it beeps at me. lol There is a video on here where a lady had a hack for the gemini jr plates. You replace part of the sandwich with a fiskars cutting mat cut to size. I have done it and LOVE it. It really makes it worth it to me. Since doing the hack I haven't had to change plates nor have I noticed a difference in how well it cuts things out.
Thank you so much for this video! I purchased a regular Gemini which also has the same problems with warping as your Gemini jr. Guess what I've gone back to...my manual Sizzix Big Shot! I think I might like the Switch, but we'll see. Thank you again!
I have the Switch. I use the smaller platform from my Big Shot unless I’m cutting the largest of a few of my nested dies. Cheaper to replace the plates that way! I do find it to be loud but it doesn’t bother me.
I have the big shot, the regular Gemini and the journey, and the big shot is my go too as well because of convenience. I have had it for several years great use and my plates just cracked and have to finally be replaced. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hugs
I couldn’t agree more. On every point, lol! The noise…the plates warping, the old favorite crank…all of it, lol! My Sizzix Big Kick is my favorite. Bought mine at Tuesday Morning, too! Thanks for the compare & contrast, Deanna. ((hugs))
My switch is very noisy, just like yours. My sister in law has Gemini and the plates warp really bad. I also have the big shot, but got the switch because I am having a shoulder replacement and it was to hard to turn the handle with torn rotator cuffs. Thanks for this.
My first machine was the regular Big Shot. It started having issues after 4 years of use. It was a real work horse though. I considered an electric, but was unsure. Anyway, I thought I'd try a Spellbinders Platnum 6...it is manual. It worked pretty well. But it didn't seem heavy enough, and it wanted to slide on my counter whenever I used it, even holding it down on the top like you do. I have a friend that loves her Big Shot Plus. So, I bought one. It is my absolutely favorite! It is heavy, but it stays out all the time. Warping plates seem to be minimal and not so extreme. Plus, you can use the regular Big Shot platform and plates in it...if you don't need the extended space, which is mostly what I do. So, until I have hand issues, I'll stick with my Big Shot Plus. And if I do decide on electric, I may just try an Anna Griffin Empress. I have since heard good things about that one. TFS! Hugs 💕 Suzy
So I don’t have a Gemini . But I do have the sizzix switch and yes , it’s very loud and noisy. I craft at night as I have 2 littles , so I can’t be too loud . So i lean towards my manual die cut machine the momenta , that cuts perfect and makes no noise at all . I feel like my sizzix switch plates wrapped so fast too 😩
I got my Switch at Hobby Lobby. It’s noisy but I love it. I got it on a side table that I got at a Antique shop in Clovis. Ca.we have tons of antique shops in old town Clovis. I was going down the street and saw it outside the shop. Called and it was mine. It has four drawers also. Love it.
I got the switch and gave up the Gemini. The plates (Gemini)drove me nuts warping, more movement meant increased mistakes. My switch is not noisy, I bought the black Tim Holt version.
Hi Deanna... Thank you so much for making this vid about the machines. I think I really like the SWITCH, but it is loud. Something to think about. Your product review vids are always so helpful. Have a fun evening. Surie
My fav is the Stampin Up die and emboss machine. Lighter in weight. Folds for storage and comes in two sizes. Of course I’m a bit more for SU as I’m a demo. But you can get the mini free by joining SU during January an February during Sale-a-Bration Thx for sharing
I wish I had this comparison back in November. I got the Sizzix because my hands are getting worse so is much easier I don’t have yo crank it. Thank you for the comparison. She say it straight out how it is and I really like it and appreciate.?
I use my Gemini jr for intricate dies that my manual Sizzix can’t cut. I don’t use it often but I still had to replace the plates and a couple of shims on the Gemini because of warping. Thanks for sharing the comparisons!
It’s so funny you made this video as I was just talking to my sister about the best electric machines and the two I was looking at was these two! Thank you for your review. I think you have convinced me to save my money for now and stick with my manual operated ones. I can see how these would help benefit anyone who might have disabilities with their hands but otherwise I think it would be quicker to crank dies through manually…for me anyway🙂 But I will say that if I was to choose between those two electric ones I think I would pick the Switch. The noise wouldn’t bother me except if it was late at night and disturbed my husband’s sleep but the warped plates from the Gemini would definitely irk me. After investing so much money in it I just can’t see any benefits that would make me overlook the cost of constantly replacing warped plates. Hopefully everyone will find what fits their needs best🙂 Thank you so much for your reviews on them. Blessings and hugs🙂❤️
Call me annoying, but I like the Couture Creations Go Power and Emboss best - it's quieter than all of these. I don't have the Gemini Junior, but I did have the original Gemini and the Big Shot Switch Plus and while I like the Switch, I'd rather have the original Big Shot or the Tim Holtz Foldaway Big Shot. The Gemini I gave away last year because it was too noisy and cost me a bomb in plates and I didn't find the Gemini Foil Machine as good as the Go Press and Foil either, plus the Go Press & Foil also does Letterpress very well, hence the name. But I still keep the Switch and Go Power on my desk because I often run both at once if I've got a big project happening. The Foldaway I carry to crops or on holidays.
I am so happy you are doing a comparison of the two even the crake one plates warp use a shim with it I have manual one also if doing a lot of die cutting it affects shoulder thank you for sharing Theola
Hi Deanna, I think the Gemini is more quiet, however I am not a fan of plates/folders warping quickly. I have The Diamond Press manual crank cutting machine and the cutting folders warp super quick. You're right, it gets so expensive to keep replacing and seems wasteful, in my opinion. I really like this video comparison. I have the Sizzix Big Shot crank style and have never replaced the plates. Love it!! 💗😊
Suzanne Reid, watch Jennifer McGuires CZcams video about a solution to Gemini plate warping. It works!!!!!! I've been using the same plate for well over 2 years. No warping.
@@CraftyCraftsByDeanna watch Jennifer McGuires CZcams video about a solution to Gemini plate warping. It works!!!!!! I've been using the same plate for well over 2 years. No warping.
Deanna, the Gemini milky plastic plate is a shim and is used under the magnetic plate. A clear plate (which is heavier) goes on the top. It does still warp a little, but not like the white one.
@@CraftyCraftsByDeanna I use the Gemini quite a bit, but only because I'm using intricate dies. For everything else I use (LOL the exact same model you showed) the turquoise blue Sizzix manual machine. LOVE IT!! Thank you for doing these videos. I know they are not cheap to do, but they are very informative to everyone who watches. :)
Nice comparison! Very useful one. I have sizzix big shot. I heard that self healing mat works good with that. I have not tried yet. And if I use the manual one more definitely my shoulder hurts. I like to do more die cutting but hand pain stops me to do.
I think your plate is warping on the gemini because of your sandwich. I think you need a plate on top. I have had my gemini for years and never replaced the plates. I do clear plate, plastic shim, magnetic sheet and clear plate. I have the die face up and I think it makes a difference. If you do get warping cut into the beveled side, it will be a little hard initially, you will have to lead it through because they will be bowed at the front making it too wide for the mouth. Just cut this way a few times and your plates should straighten out. Please bear in mind this is for the sandwich using clear plates.
I use the Sizzix Chrome plate and 2 of the reg Sizzix plates( kind that the reg Big Shot uses) in my Gemini Jr. Plates don't warp as much. I have both the reg Big Shot and the Gemini Jr. & happy with both. Only buying one type of plates for both. Think if you use different plates it might affect the warranty but after 4 years using Sizzix plates in Gemini Jr it doesn't matter to me.
Deanna, I love my gemmi jr. but as you the warping drives me nuts. I have done all the oven flatting, etc. , but you know how that works. Can we safely use plates from somewhere else (ex stampin up) on our Gemmi Jr.? Love your videos - thanks for sharing - Margaret/LA
I have my gemini (reg) mandvi labeled the corners a and b on 1 side and side 2 c and d. Every time I run something through I alternate side 1 and 2 and which end I start in the machine, a or b. My plates warp very little that way cause the pressure is applied equally. I hope that makes sense. I love my gemini!!
I really appreciate these comparison videos that you do. They are so helpful because of your perspective and the fact that you actually use these products. Thank you so much for this video!!
Glad you like them!
Thank you for the comparison! I have the hand crank sizzix, & was thinking of getting the electronic one.
Hi Deanna. I totally agree with you about all of this. I have both the Switch and the Gemini, and while I do like them, I find myself reaching for my Spellbinders die cut machine more often than not. The plate warping drives me crazy on the Gemini and they are expensive to replace often. I honestly thought it was just me with all of these concerns about the various machines. Thank you for making this video so I know I am not on my own island 😊😊. Have a blessed day, Deanna. Hugs to you ♥️♥️
Jenni J watch Jennifer McGuires CZcams video about a solution to Gemini plate warping. It works!!!!!! I've been using the same plate for well over 2 years. No warping.
@@cynthiacarletto8987 thank you so much! Have a blessed day 😊😊😊
Hi I have them both and I love them both, but I bought the switch for one big factor....it cuts the steel rule dies that no other electric machine does. So, if you have and love the thick steel rule dies the switch is the only electric machine that can do it and it cuts beautifully. My plates also warp pretty good on the switch as well as the Gemini, so I've been experimenting with different materials. Thank you for the comparison.
Thank you for the comparison. I have been eyeing the switch simply because I can use all dies in it. But not sure it is something I want now. I have ADHD and hate loud noises. To the point I open the microwave before it beeps at me. lol There is a video on here where a lady had a hack for the gemini jr plates. You replace part of the sandwich with a fiskars cutting mat cut to size. I have done it and LOVE it. It really makes it worth it to me. Since doing the hack I haven't had to change plates nor have I noticed a difference in how well it cuts things out.
Thank you so much for this video! I purchased a regular Gemini which also has the same problems with warping as your Gemini jr. Guess what I've gone back to...my manual Sizzix Big Shot! I think I might like the Switch, but we'll see. Thank you again!
I have the Switch. I use the smaller platform from my Big Shot unless I’m cutting the largest of a few of my nested dies. Cheaper to replace the plates that way! I do find it to be loud but it doesn’t bother me.
I have the big shot, the regular Gemini and the journey, and the big shot is my go too as well because of convenience. I have had it for several years great use and my plates just cracked and have to finally be replaced. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hugs
The big shot is a work horse!
I couldn’t agree more. On every point, lol! The noise…the plates warping, the old favorite crank…all of it, lol!
My Sizzix Big Kick is my favorite. Bought mine at Tuesday Morning, too!
Thanks for the compare & contrast, Deanna.
((hugs))
My switch is very noisy, just like yours. My sister in law has Gemini and the plates warp really bad. I also have the big shot, but got the switch because I am having a shoulder replacement and it was to hard to turn the handle with torn rotator cuffs. Thanks for this.
Praying for you!
My first machine was the regular Big Shot. It started having issues after 4 years of use. It was a real work horse though. I considered an electric, but was unsure. Anyway, I thought I'd try a Spellbinders Platnum 6...it is manual. It worked pretty well. But it didn't seem heavy enough, and it wanted to slide on my counter whenever I used it, even holding it down on the top like you do.
I have a friend that loves her Big Shot Plus. So, I bought one. It is my absolutely favorite! It is heavy, but it stays out all the time. Warping plates seem to be minimal and not so extreme. Plus, you can use the regular Big Shot platform and plates in it...if you don't need the extended space, which is mostly what I do.
So, until I have hand issues, I'll stick with my Big Shot Plus. And if I do decide on electric, I may just try an Anna Griffin Empress. I have since heard good things about that one.
TFS!
Hugs 💕 Suzy
So I don’t have a Gemini . But I do have the sizzix switch and yes , it’s very loud and noisy. I craft at night as I have 2 littles , so I can’t be too loud . So i lean towards my manual die cut machine the momenta , that cuts perfect and makes no noise at all . I feel like my sizzix switch plates wrapped so fast too 😩
It’s loud! Can’t craft quietly with it! Lol
I have the hand crank sizzix big shot and love it. I have no desire to get an electric machine.
Really enjoyed watching your lovely video. A big thumbs up from Chris and Jane 👍👍👍🎉
I got my Switch at Hobby Lobby. It’s noisy but I love it. I got it on a side table that I got at a Antique shop in Clovis. Ca.we have tons of antique shops in old town Clovis. I was going down the street and saw it outside the shop. Called and it was mine. It has four drawers also. Love it.
Great
Hi crafty Deanna I like the Gemini jr. I don’t craft much these days due to my budget. It’s good to see you still craft and create unique things 👍🌸
I got the switch and gave up the Gemini. The plates (Gemini)drove me nuts warping, more movement meant increased mistakes. My switch is not noisy, I bought the black Tim Holt version.
Humm good to know about the black one
I'd love to have either one! LOL!
I am planning on buying a new machine. Thanks for the review. I think the Switch is for me.
Hi Deanna...
Thank you so much for making this vid about the machines.
I think I really like the SWITCH, but it is loud.
Something to think about.
Your product review vids are always so helpful.
Have a fun evening.
Surie
My fav is the Stampin Up die and emboss machine. Lighter in weight. Folds for storage and comes in two sizes. Of course I’m a bit more for SU as I’m a demo. But you can get the mini free by joining SU during January an February during Sale-a-Bration Thx for sharing
I wish I had this comparison back in November. I got the Sizzix because my hands are getting worse so is much easier I don’t have yo crank it. Thank you for the comparison. She say it straight out how it is and I really like it and appreciate.?
I use my Gemini jr for intricate dies that my manual Sizzix can’t cut. I don’t use it often but I still had to replace the plates and a couple of shims on the Gemini because of warping. Thanks for sharing the comparisons!
It’s so funny you made this video as I was just talking to my sister about the best electric machines and the two I was looking at was these two! Thank you for your review. I think you have convinced me to save my money for now and stick with my manual operated ones.
I can see how these would help benefit anyone who might have disabilities with their hands but otherwise I think it would be quicker to crank dies through manually…for me anyway🙂 But I will say that if I was to choose between those two electric ones I think I would pick the Switch. The noise wouldn’t bother me except if it was late at night and disturbed my husband’s sleep but the warped plates from the Gemini would definitely irk me. After investing so much money in it I just can’t see any benefits that would make me overlook the cost of constantly replacing warped plates. Hopefully everyone will find what fits their needs best🙂 Thank you so much for your reviews on them. Blessings and hugs🙂❤️
They are both good machines when it comes to cutting but the noise and warped plates is the draw back. I hope you find the best machines for you!
Call me annoying, but I like the Couture Creations Go Power and Emboss best - it's quieter than all of these. I don't have the Gemini Junior, but I did have the original Gemini and the Big Shot Switch Plus and while I like the Switch, I'd rather have the original Big Shot or the Tim Holtz Foldaway Big Shot. The Gemini I gave away last year because it was too noisy and cost me a bomb in plates and I didn't find the Gemini Foil Machine as good as the Go Press and Foil either, plus the Go Press & Foil also does Letterpress very well, hence the name. But I still keep the Switch and Go Power on my desk because I often run both at once if I've got a big project happening. The Foldaway I carry to crops or on holidays.
I am so happy you are doing a comparison of the two even the crake one plates warp use a shim with it I have manual one also if doing a lot of die cutting it affects shoulder thank you for sharing
Theola
Yes the crank one is hard on the shoulder when I do it a lot as well
I have the Switch and I love it to me the noise isn’t that big of a deal:) I have the Big Shot and I use that one the most:) tfs God Bless:)
Helpful comparison, Deanna. Thanks so much! From Cheryl in AZ.
You are so welcome!
You should name your Manual Machine! The other 2 have names; She should too! LOL!!! ~🙏💙🙏~
Hi Deanna, I think the Gemini is more quiet, however I am not a fan of plates/folders warping quickly. I have The Diamond Press manual crank cutting machine and the cutting folders warp super quick. You're right, it gets so expensive to keep replacing and seems wasteful, in my opinion.
I really like this video comparison.
I have the Sizzix Big Shot crank style and have never replaced the plates. Love it!! 💗😊
Good ole big shot!
Suzanne Reid, watch Jennifer McGuires CZcams video about a solution to Gemini plate warping. It works!!!!!! I've been using the same plate for well over 2 years. No warping.
@@CraftyCraftsByDeanna watch Jennifer McGuires CZcams video about a solution to Gemini plate warping. It works!!!!!! I've been using the same plate for well over 2 years. No warping.
Thank you for this comparison video! I want to buy a die cutting machine, but didn’t know what type (although, I have been leaning toward manual).
Deanna, the Gemini milky plastic plate is a shim and is used under the magnetic plate. A clear plate (which is heavier) goes on the top. It does still warp a little, but not like the white one.
Thank you for letting me know
@@CraftyCraftsByDeanna I use the Gemini quite a bit, but only because I'm using intricate dies. For everything else I use (LOL the exact same model you showed) the turquoise blue Sizzix manual machine. LOVE IT!! Thank you for doing these videos. I know they are not cheap to do, but they are very informative to everyone who watches. :)
Hobby Lobby doesn’t have that Switch anymore and you are hard pressed to find one for less than $280
I appreciate the comparison. I will stick with my Cricut Maker. The Sissix Switch would be my choice.
I have the large and small Gemini. My favorite is yours. Sizzix. Gemini is loud
Hi there! I’m still using my Cuttlebug from many, many years ago 😊.
Good to know!
Jennifer McGuire Ink here on CZcams shows you how to fix warped plates
Thank you!
Nice comparison! Very useful one. I have sizzix big shot. I heard that self healing mat works good with that. I have not tried yet. And if I use the manual one more definitely my shoulder hurts.
I like to do more die cutting but hand pain stops me to do.
Thank you
I think your plate is warping on the gemini because of your sandwich. I think you need a plate on top. I have had my gemini for years and never replaced the plates. I do clear plate, plastic shim, magnetic sheet and clear plate. I have the die face up and I think it makes a difference. If you do get warping cut into the beveled side, it will be a little hard initially, you will have to lead it through because they will be bowed at the front making it too wide for the mouth. Just cut this way a few times and your plates should straighten out. Please bear in mind this is for the sandwich using clear plates.
I use the Sizzix Chrome plate and 2 of the reg Sizzix plates( kind that the reg Big Shot uses) in my Gemini Jr. Plates don't warp as much. I have both the reg Big Shot and the Gemini Jr. & happy with both. Only buying one type of plates for both. Think if you use different plates it might affect the warranty but after 4 years using Sizzix plates in Gemini
Jr it doesn't matter to me.
Good to know! I don’t care about the warranty as it too much of a pain to replace it over the mail! I will have to check our the chrome plate
Deanna, I love my gemmi jr. but as you the warping drives me nuts. I have done all the oven
flatting, etc. , but you know how that works. Can we safely use plates from somewhere else (ex stampin up) on our Gemmi Jr.? Love your videos - thanks for sharing - Margaret/LA
I like my switch better than my gemini. You can cut the Bigz dies in the switch, but not in the gemini. TFS
Good thoughts!
I have both and definitely like my Sizzix better. Gemini is good, I agree, but if I had to give one up, it would definitely be the Gemini.
Good to know!
Nice comparison. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
It was perfect timing because I was going to ask you what you thought of the Gemini Jr. : )
I still use a Vagabond 2 and it works fine. If I had to replace, I’ll get the Switch. Not a Gemini fan.
They have a different tone but the decibels are the.
the gemini jr plates will fit in the gemini jr.
I have my gemini (reg) mandvi labeled the corners a and b on 1 side and side 2 c and d. Every time I run something through I alternate side 1 and 2 and which end I start in the machine, a or b. My plates warp very little that way cause the pressure is applied equally. I hope that makes sense. I love my gemini!!
Thank you for letting me know!
Forgot to say I have the Gemini Jr. and I love it.
The Switch noise doesn't bother me. Mine is loud also. But I really like it. I've been using mine all day.
Glad to hear it!
Great video. Tfs
Thanks for watching!
I would say the sizzix is louder
Sounds not that much different. Sizzix all the way.
Found u on Facebook:)