There was a request to provide my cheat sheet for the settings I talked about in this video. I thought it was a fabulous idea! So here it is - docs.google.com/document/d/1J_zJYMPhc9ZqWHLyB_j42mg64rGGPAF684jYM0CFhFY/edit?usp=sharing I hope that's helpful. If you find other successful settings, please do comment and share!
I have this machine and really like it. I just make the sandwich with the cutting mat on the bottom then paper and die.then put the platform on top! It works great so just flip the sandwich. I like cutting into the mat too.
Rewatching. Thanks for the explanation about the dials. Now it makes more sense. I am going to order the 9". I love making cards again instead of dreading it as i was from the electric i was using. It was just too stressful, and costly to keep using the electric, only little more than 1 yr old! It has a great star rating, but I would give it a 2 star. When it has new plates, it cuts beautifully, but the noise is terrifying! The Bira is such a joy! Only once in a while do I have like gaps, but I have loved it to death! Some dies are different, too. I shim the weak spots. Good tips to avoid injury, too, thank you! We forget about that. My thumb literally fell off... well, the right thumb joint totally wore out so it dislocated, and I could no longer use it. That was from mouse use. They had to clean out fragments of bone, clean up what was left, splice a tendon from my arm, and hook the thumb back to my hand. It worked, but the other thumb is bad now, too. Ha! Now i just use a tablet and phone. That creates other issues, but i am getting pretty old now, so... 😊 Thank you so much for the wealth of tips.
@@TheLakingc OMG I hope your other thumb stays put. The surgery you described sounds so painful. I did a review of some different plates for my Gemini. I don't know if it's the same electric machine you have but I have found a plate combination that feels like the right amount of pressure.... Enough to cut consistently through most everything but not so much that the plates warp. I'll go find it and drop a link here for you. It might help and then you don't have to manually crank the Bira machine
Very thorough! Thank you! I bought the Gina K, which appears to be the same machine except the color. I love it. I bought the electric (2) and wish i hadn't because the plates are a nightmare. I have the Empress, too, but i could not do the crafter's companion 3D embossing with that. The bira/gina K is SO much easier and i can do it with a lap board, too. I have serious arthritis, but it hasn't bothered me yet with the Bira. I have used it daily for almost 4 months with no problem. I wish now that i had bought the Bria 9 inch, because i have large dies that need the larger machine. I am sick of buying plates all of the time for the other machines. Yes, the magic mat works perfectly for the Bira/Gina K, but not as well for the two electrics i bought. The Gina K has already paid for itself as i am not scared, stressed, or buying plates constantly. The other electric brand (2) plates caught and destroyed the machine. They replaced it, but it still warps easily and catches. Part of the new machine broke, too. It cuts great, but not worth the stress and expense. I feel sorry for the huge investment their company put into it. I hope they research the plates and fix them. I can't in good conscience even give it away. 😢
Wow! I had no idea the plates could catch and ruin the machine! I love the bira and it's a great price point too ! I actually have a review on CraftFirst plates for the Gemini and I get very little warping with the plate combo I'm using now. I don't know if it will help you because I have the original Gemini not the new one but here's the video ruclips.net/video/FMpRbpVSMl0/видео.html
Very nice video! I am using my Bira Craft for everything and love it. I can add that I cut with my platform on the top so I am cutting into my cutting mat paper down. Also I have found that Close To My Heart has their own take of the Bira Craft and they have a longer platform and a magnetic mat Thank you for your breakdown!!
Thank you, this was very helpful. I have this brand (but the bigger version) and I haven't gotten to do a lot of experimenting yet. I never hear anyone I watch using this machine so it's so nice to hear it can do everything I want to be able to do going forward! Very helpful and informative. 😊
Hi friend! I have a document w/ my settings and findings from my cheat sheet! Here it is if you'd like - docs.google.com/document/d/1J_zJYMPhc9ZqWHLyB_j42mg64rGGPAF684jYM0CFhFY/edit?usp=sharing
@@fds7101 thanks so much, friend! I appreciate you!! And this doc is gonna be helpful for me too. Thank you for suggesting it! I kind of lost the original and had to watch the video again. Lol now I can just print it when I need. 😂
Found your video to be very informative. Your review of equipment is very useful & thorough. Explanations of pros/cons are great. I would have liked copies of your cheat sheets! Keep up the good work! Thank you!
Thank you so much!! You are so kind. ❤️I didn't even think of it but it would be so easy to type it up and make it available. Plus then I can have a beater copy for myself. 🤣 I'll do that and share. Thank you for the idea! ❤️❤️
Hi!! I don't have the Gina K machine so I can't speak to that for certain. I do have two videos on the mini empress. One of an unboxing / first look. The second is my review after using it for about a month. Both are on my product review playlist - Product Reviews: ruclips.net/p/PLDRzc2MUjTgXCzsTFkc0ujvZf5O_A1gZx
They look identical to me! I have been looking for non-sponsored (by a handful of crafting influencers) reviews and I can't find even one! Makes me go hmmm...what's up with that?
I have one, it is the same, but different color. The instructions are the same just with a color change and name. She said it was different, but i cannot find them. I love it! I give it a 4+ stars. Maybe a 5 would be fairer. I used it constantly and used the magic mat, too. I had to heat the magic mat twice, i used it so much. It started getting uneven using the original mat. So i just ordered a new bira mat to replace the original if that's what it needs. Yes, i flip and turn! I am ordering the 9" Bira now. I guess it is a lot heavier, but the 6" i can use on my lap desk on the couch. I have bad arthritis and can use it fine. Just don't force it. I have seen unboxing vids that made me cringe. They did not read the instructions. It was awful seeing them trying to force the handle on... it is so simple to put on and take off. Then they put on too much pressure, not paying attention to the dials. I thought they would snap the handle off for sure! I thought, what next, a sledge hammer!? 😂 Just read the instructions and love on it.
Mine are great though i have really used and used and used them. I use the magic mat some, too, trying to give the nat a break. I accidentally cut into the platform twice when i first got it. I was horrified. I had just had surgery and not seeing too well from the meds. I had the dies upside-down! But it still works fine. I cannot say enough good about it. I have had 3 machines; 2 electric 1 manual. They were a hassle and one literally blew apart. After that, i almost quit until i saw the Gina K which i am sure is her brand of Bira. Now i can hardly sleep wanting to make cards, i have so many ideas and people who need the cheer. I am ordering the 9".
There was a request to provide my cheat sheet for the settings I talked about in this video. I thought it was a fabulous idea! So here it is - docs.google.com/document/d/1J_zJYMPhc9ZqWHLyB_j42mg64rGGPAF684jYM0CFhFY/edit?usp=sharing
I hope that's helpful. If you find other successful settings, please do comment and share!
I have this machine and really like it. I just make the sandwich with the cutting mat on the bottom then paper and die.then put the platform on top! It works great so just flip the sandwich. I like cutting into the mat too.
Hi Mary! Glad you're loving your machine. Thank you so much for the tip! 💗
Rewatching. Thanks for the explanation about the dials. Now it makes more sense. I am going to order the 9". I love making cards again instead of dreading it as i was from the electric i was using. It was just too stressful, and costly to keep using the electric, only little more than 1 yr old! It has a great star rating, but I would give it a 2 star. When it has new plates, it cuts beautifully, but the noise is terrifying! The Bira is such a joy! Only once in a while do I have like gaps, but I have loved it to death! Some dies are different, too. I shim the weak spots.
Good tips to avoid injury, too, thank you! We forget about that. My thumb literally fell off... well, the right thumb joint totally wore out so it dislocated, and I could no longer use it. That was from mouse use. They had to clean out fragments of bone, clean up what was left, splice a tendon from my arm, and hook the thumb back to my hand. It worked, but the other thumb is bad now, too. Ha! Now i just use a tablet and phone. That creates other issues, but i am getting pretty old now, so... 😊
Thank you so much for the wealth of tips.
@@TheLakingc OMG I hope your other thumb stays put. The surgery you described sounds so painful.
I did a review of some different plates for my Gemini. I don't know if it's the same electric machine you have but I have found a plate combination that feels like the right amount of pressure.... Enough to cut consistently through most everything but not so much that the plates warp. I'll go find it and drop a link here for you. It might help and then you don't have to manually crank the Bira machine
@@TheLakingc here's the plate combo I use with my Gemini ruclips.net/video/FMpRbpVSMl0/видео.html
Very thorough! Thank you! I bought the Gina K, which appears to be the same machine except the color. I love it. I bought the electric (2) and wish i hadn't because the plates are a nightmare. I have the Empress, too, but i could not do the crafter's companion 3D embossing with that. The bira/gina K is SO much easier and i can do it with a lap board, too. I have serious arthritis, but it hasn't bothered me yet with the Bira. I have used it daily for almost 4 months with no problem. I wish now that i had bought the Bria 9 inch, because i have large dies that need the larger machine. I am sick of buying plates all of the time for the other machines. Yes, the magic mat works perfectly for the Bira/Gina K, but not as well for the two electrics i bought. The Gina K has already paid for itself as i am not scared, stressed, or buying plates constantly. The other electric brand (2) plates caught and destroyed the machine. They replaced it, but it still warps easily and catches. Part of the new machine broke, too. It cuts great, but not worth the stress and expense. I feel sorry for the huge investment their company put into it. I hope they research the plates and fix them. I can't in good conscience even give it away. 😢
Wow! I had no idea the plates could catch and ruin the machine! I love the bira and it's a great price point too ! I actually have a review on CraftFirst plates for the Gemini and I get very little warping with the plate combo I'm using now. I don't know if it will help you because I have the original Gemini not the new one but here's the video ruclips.net/video/FMpRbpVSMl0/видео.html
Thank you so much for the cheat sheet!! Also for the indept review.
Thank you so much, Sherri! 💗 I'm so glad you found this helpful. :)
Very nice video! I am using my Bira Craft for everything and love it. I can add that I cut with my platform on the top so I am cutting into my cutting mat paper down. Also I have found that Close To My Heart has their own take of the Bira Craft and they have a longer platform and a magnetic mat
Thank you for your breakdown!!
Thank you so much!! I like your workaround for die cutting face down. ❤️ I didn't know CTMH had a similar machine.
@@LVHandcrafted exact machine just their color and name on it. I think it’s a pretty popular machine.
Thank you, this was very helpful. I have this brand (but the bigger version) and I haven't gotten to do a lot of experimenting yet. I never hear anyone I watch using this machine so it's so nice to hear it can do everything I want to be able to do going forward! Very helpful and informative. 😊
Thank you so much! ❤️ I'm glad this is helpful. I do love that it works with all the things. :)
Oh that's great! I don't want to miss out...looking forward to seeing your video w/cheat sheets!! Can't wait! Thanks so much!!
Hi friend! I have a document w/ my settings and findings from my cheat sheet! Here it is if you'd like - docs.google.com/document/d/1J_zJYMPhc9ZqWHLyB_j42mg64rGGPAF684jYM0CFhFY/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks so much! You went above & beyond. I really appreciate all your time & expertise that you share with all of us! Take care!😊👍🏽👏🏽
@@fds7101 thanks so much, friend! I appreciate you!! And this doc is gonna be helpful for me too. Thank you for suggesting it! I kind of lost the original and had to watch the video again. Lol now I can just print it when I need. 😂
Found your video to be very informative. Your review of equipment is very useful & thorough. Explanations of pros/cons are great. I would have liked copies of your cheat sheets! Keep up the good work! Thank you!
Thank you so much!! You are so kind. ❤️I didn't even think of it but it would be so easy to type it up and make it available. Plus then I can have a beater copy for myself. 🤣 I'll do that and share. Thank you for the idea! ❤️❤️
im thinking about this machine...
I like mine. Prices on Amazon go up and down a lot though, just an FYI. :)
Just wondering if this machine is the same as the “new” Gina K INSTACUT MACHINE?
Do you have a review of the Mini Anna Griffin EMPRESS?
Hi!! I don't have the Gina K machine so I can't speak to that for certain. I do have two videos on the mini empress. One of an unboxing / first look. The second is my review after using it for about a month. Both are on my product review playlist - Product Reviews: ruclips.net/p/PLDRzc2MUjTgXCzsTFkc0ujvZf5O_A1gZx
They look identical to me! I have been looking for non-sponsored (by a handful of crafting influencers) reviews and I can't find even one! Makes me go hmmm...what's up with that?
I was speaking to the Gina K machine.
I have one, it is the same, but different color. The instructions are the same just with a color change and name. She said it was different, but i cannot find them. I love it! I give it a 4+ stars. Maybe a 5 would be fairer. I used it constantly and used the magic mat, too. I had to heat the magic mat twice, i used it so much. It started getting uneven using the original mat. So i just ordered a new bira mat to replace the original if that's what it needs. Yes, i flip and turn! I am ordering the 9" Bira now. I guess it is a lot heavier, but the 6" i can use on my lap desk on the couch. I have bad arthritis and can use it fine. Just don't force it. I have seen unboxing vids that made me cringe. They did not read the instructions. It was awful seeing them trying to force the handle on... it is so simple to put on and take off. Then they put on too much pressure, not paying attention to the dials. I thought they would snap the handle off for sure! I thought, what next, a sledge hammer!? 😂 Just read the instructions and love on it.
how are the plates holding up?
Pretty good but I cut into the magic mat though so they aren't getting cut into anymore. :)
Mine are great though i have really used and used and used them. I use the magic mat some, too, trying to give the nat a break. I accidentally cut into the platform twice when i first got it. I was horrified. I had just had surgery and not seeing too well from the meds. I had the dies upside-down! But it still works fine. I cannot say enough good about it. I have had 3 machines; 2 electric 1 manual. They were a hassle and one literally blew apart. After that, i almost quit until i saw the Gina K which i am sure is her brand of Bira. Now i can hardly sleep wanting to make cards, i have so many ideas and people who need the cheer. I am ordering the 9".
I bought a Bria just last week both my husband and I tried every which way for it to accept the 3D embossing folders….would not work….sent it back.
Oh no! Sorry to hear it. I'm glad you were able to return it. But I did manage to get it to work with the Spellbinders and a sizzix 3D folders
They worked for me.
Please get to the point
Hi! The video is timestamped if you want to skip to what you're looking for. Hope that's helpful
Please don’t be rude.
@@SweetT601 thank you! ❤️❤️
OTMG. If Lynn’s tutorial or review style is too detailed for you, don’t watch. Trying to tell her how to do it is not your business.