****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I spent weeks reading and watching reviews on the different die-cutting machines out there after my original cricut became obsolete. I decided to go with a manual machine this time. Even though the physical dies tend to be more expensive than digital kits, I wanted the ability to flat emboss (without a bunch of complicated steps), and the embossing folders are not very expensive at all. I have not used any other manual machines to compare with, but I am very happy I chose this one for three reasons.1) The mode knob. I've been using my Bira Craft pretty frequently for three weeks now and I love that the different modes are changed right on the machine instead of building different "sandwiches" like I see crafters doing in videos. Whether I'm cutting or embossing, I use the same single cutting mat and single platform; I just turn the knob to change the rollers. Though my cutting mat is developing a slight curve, I don't notice it affecting the cuts, and the super-heavy-duty platform for etched dies is still rock solid flat. If I were using the thinner platform for steel rule dies, it might warp like the ones I see being used with the other machines. The only drawback to turning knobs instead of building sandwiches is that you might forget to turn your switch, though it becomes pretty apparent once you get cranking if you're in the wrong setting.2) The depth knob. Most dies cut just fine on the 0 setting, but I have two so far that need to be tightened up in order to get every little section cut all the way through. I try tighter and tighter settings until I get a clean cut, then write on the back of the die with a sharpie so I know for next time. Also, if I want to cut craft foam, or use some craft foam as an embossing pad, I can keep it on the die cut setting, but adjust it looser so my foam doesn't get too squished. I have not tried it yet, but I suspect the looser setting might come in handy if I want to cut through adhesive paper, but not through the backing sheet. Also, I have read reviews in which other machines' rollers get loose over time. I feel that if this happens to my machine, I will be able to adjust the tightness knob to extend its operating life.3) Finally, I love that this beast is quite heavy and shifts around NOT AT ALL on it's little rubber feet while I'm using it, but can fold up neatly and even store its own handle out of the way when I'm not using it.All in all, I'm very happy with this machine, and manual die-cutting and embossing have already been an even bigger and more versatile addition to my scrapbooking, card-making, and gel-plate printing than I had hoped!Tips! If you're new to die-cutting like me, you can find lots of great ideas on youtube. My favorite is that a single dryer sheet folded in half (other people use other numbers of layers) under my paper grabs the little garbage bits as beautifully as a tacky cricut mat, but releases them way easier, or you can just throw it away. Having the bits held in place on the dryer sheet can even make them useful for other techniques. Also, rubbing the top of the paper with a scrap of waxed paper before cutting (some people cut the wax paper along with the card stock) allows the die to release the paper so you don't have to poke everything out with a piercer. These two techniques together have saved massive amounts of time otherwise spent separating embellishment from die and garbage from embellishment, and saved money I might otherwise have spent on specialized tools for that purpose.
