Review on 🔪 Efficient Bira Craft Die Cutting & Embossing Machine, 9" Opening - Ideal for Paper, Fabric, and Various Materials by Morgan Gilmore

I spent weeks reading and reviewing reviews of various dies after my original Cricut became obsolete. This time I chose a mechanical car. Although physical stamps tend to be more expensive than digital sets, I needed flat embossing capabilities (without many complex steps) and embossing folders aren't expensive at all. I haven't used any other manual machines to compare, but I'm very glad I chose this one for three reasons. 1) Mode selection button. I've been using my Bira Craft quite a bit for the past 3 weeks now and I love that the different modes are changed directly on the machine instead of building different "sandwiches" like I see the crafters in the videos. When cutting or embossing, I use the same cutting mat and platform; I just turn the knob to switch reels. Although my cutting mat flexes a bit, I don't notice it affecting the cuts, and the heavy-duty etched punch platform is still rock solid. If I had used a thinner die bed with steel rulers it might have warped as I see on other machines. The only downside to turning the knobs instead of making sandwiches is that you can forget to turn the switch, although this becomes pretty obvious when you turn the knob if you're in the wrong position. 2) Depth knob. Most dies cut well at the 0 setting, but I currently have two that need to be tightened to cut each small section. I try harder and harder settings until I get a clean cut, then write on the back of the stamp with a marker so I know what to do next time. If I want to cut out the craft foam or use the craft foam as an embossing pad, I can also leave it on the die setting but adjust less so my foam doesn't shrink too much. Haven't tried it yet, but I suspect a looser setting might come in handy if I want to cut through sticky paper but not through the backing. I've also read reviews of other machines having their rollers loosen over time. I feel like if this happens to my machine I can adjust the tension knob to prolong its life. 3) Finally, I love that this beast is quite heavy and does NOT move on its little rubber feet while I'm using it, but can fold its handle neatly and even tuck away when I'm not using it. Overall I am very happy with this machine and the manual die cutting and embossing has 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 thing is that a single dryer sheet folded in half (other people use a different number of layers) underneath my paper catches small bits of dirt just as well as a sticky cricket blanket, but releases them much more easily or you can just throw them away be away. Capturing the bits on the dryer sheet can even make them useful for other techniques. If you rub the top of the paper with a piece of wax paper before cutting (some people cut the wax paper with the cards) the punch can release the paper so you don't have to pierce everything. These two methods together have saved a lot of time that would otherwise have been spent separating jewelry from dies and jewelry debris, and saved money I could have spent on specialized tools for the purpose.