I love the little Bira machine! I use it almost every single day while my Big Shot sits idle - it is just so easy to fit this little machine on my desk and most dies work well with it. I gave it 4 stars only because the replacement plates are so, so expensive - about half the cost of the machine. I do use my machine a lot but it is nearly time for me to spring for replacement plates (and you are required to buy a new embossing plate even though you don't need it) after having the machine less than 2 months.

If I ever had to replace the machine, I would definitely strongly consider buying another Bira - I like the wider path (a full 3") over some of the competition, but I might take a look at prices for plates of any competitor that also has the 3" opening, before determining which to purchase.

This little die cut machine performs great! I was leery of suction based die cut machines as I did have some initial issues getting it to stick but once I wiped the bottom with a baby wipe and stuck to my glass mat it has not moved! I put this little machine through the paces- I used Crafters Companion 3D embossing folders, Crafters Companion cut/emboss (meant for the Gemini Go as they are 3"). For the 3D embossing folders I had to add paper shims and create a different configuration by using the silicone mat but once I had the right amount of add'l paper shims the results were great. The machine cut intricate dies from Crafters Companion without a problem! I intentionally used Crafters Companion products to test this little guy as the CC products comprise a significant amount of my craft stash but I also own the Gemini's and wanted a manual die cut machine that could handle the most intricate of dies and still be portable. I love all my other Gemini machines (I own all 3) but definitely wanted something I could just quickly pull out and a few cranks have a sentiment or a simple border die. I would also like to add that the machine did stick to my glass mat w/o moving even when I used thick Crafters Companion cardstock!

I just ordered this so there's always the chance that something could go wrong; but right now I love it, it's just as described and works wonderfully. I have a Diamond Press that works great for small dies. I keep it at my desk and use it a lot for sentiment dies but the plastic folders warp quickly and the opening is right under 2" . I then tried the Sizzix Sidekick, with a 2-1/2" wide opening. I liked that it used plates instead of folders but the plastic gears broke after about 8 months and the plates aren't very long. A few months ago I bought a new potable paper trimmer. Although it's a little big, I love it because it cuts pretty clean even though I've used the same blade it came with after daily use over three months ago, it scores okay ( could be better) and is great for a paper crafter. it is very well made. So when I looked up small die cutting machines I saw that Bira has one. It has a 3" opening instead of 2 -1/2" like the Sidekick. That extra area makes a big difference . There were so many dies that almost fit, it's terrific to grab and go. It cuts great, even detailed dies, dry embosses better that my Cuttlebug & my Platinum 6 - although they're great too. It comes with a base plate, cutting plate, embossing plate and unlike the other two small machines, it has an embossing pad for embossing with dies. It has long plates/pad and has a small platform, instead of just a hole to put your plates in, the handle turns very easy and smoothly too. The machine itself is solid and has a very nice weight to it. The level auctions it to your workspace. It works great on wood and glass. Don't hesitate to get this little machine, I highly recommend. The price was fantastic, at less than thirty. Thanks Bira, you have a customer for life as long as things keep going the way they are, and I don't think that will be a problem.
Buy it, you won't regret it.

Edit: I'm always impressed when people actually care about their customer service and making things right. They were quick to respond and genuinely concerned about fixing the issue. Mistakes will always happen it's about how you handle them.

This was supposed to be a new product but the "sunlit" cutting machine was obviously used. The plates had indentations from die cuts and the plates were dirty. The box listed different contents than the instruction manual so according to the box it's missing items but if you go by the manual it's not. I was choosing between this and one other on prime day and I picked the wrong one so now I have to pay full price for the other. Disappointing all around.

Well this product seems to work efficiently enough, it's frustrating that the suction cups don't seem to hold uneven surface beyond the first pass-through of the days. So I am constantly having to re-stick it down to the surface to use. Other than that it seems to cut well, have sufficient plates and sandwich directions. I like the product, except for the crappy suction.