Best cutting machine for SVG files?

jamiev · 03-13-2012, 07:26 AM

New to this. What cutting machine would you reccomend for cutting SVG files? There are so many out there and I don't know which is best bang for my buck. Thanks!

Leeann34 · 03-13-2012, 02:28 PM

I believe the most popular is either Silhouette Cameo (12" wide) or SD (6" wide), especially after Provocraft, the makers of Cricut stopped allowing the use of 3rd part software to print SVG files. I have the Cameo and love the freedom of being able to buy, download free and even designing my own (most rewarding) SVG files. The best feature on the Cameo is the Print and Cut where you print your graphic on your printer then send it through the cutter, it uses Registration Marks so what you see on the screen is what you get. So much fun to use! I should also mention it doesn't only cut paper but I haven't ventured into fabric or vinyl yet.

Hope this helps!

lylacfey · 03-13-2012, 11:45 PM

I have a Cameo too. It's definitely best for intricate cutting. My favorite machine for SVG files is my beloved BossKut Gazelle. I use it with MTC. I get perfect cuts that are intricate every time.

arubberstamper · 03-14-2012, 09:56 AM

I just got my Eclips machine about three weeks ago. I can't say enough about the machine. The intricate cuts are cut perfect, I love the scores the machine leaves. There is so much... picture in pictrure, the laser light that shows where the machine is going to cut and just where you want it to. (not sure if I explained that right, but learning) You can cut any sizes to the smallest and biggest. The hand held little computer (I call it) is bright and big enough to see without having to squint to see anything. There are a lot of screen features. You can also use the Ecal (the 3rd party software that Provo took to court and sued, you can't use any party software, only Provo Crafts)
It come with a 2 hour Dvd, showing you everything... I love it, gives you so many tips and tricks. And the cartridges are not expensive. You can use your computer and cut anything from pictures and fonts that you can weld to make one word instead of separate letters. And Sizzix customer service is wonderful.
I love my Eclips, and I know there are many other features to the Eclips, I'm still learning.

I know that Achievers (sp?) has the Eclips in their store, and they love it. And oh, there is Tim Holtz teamed up with Sizzix and the Eclips machine as well. After all, Sizzix is the number one die cuts in my book, so how could you go wrong with the Eclips.

CHA 2012 - Tim Holtz --the eClips Now Cuts His Stamper's Anonymous Stamps + New Sizzix Dies! - YouTube <---Check out that video.

arubberstamper �

wendya78 · 03-15-2012, 02:41 PM

I have a Cameo and love it too!

Do be aware that the Silhouette software cannot directly import SVG files though. You either have to upgrade to their designer software ($40) or use a program like Inkscape (free) to convert the files.

Lisa Barrie · 03-15-2012, 04:37 PM

I've had my Cameo since Christmas and I love it. I really like the Silhouette Software I find I make a lot less mistakes because I can see everything on the virtual mat before I cut.

dbrpuppets · 03-16-2012, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lylacfey

I have a Cameo too. It's definitely best for intricate cutting. My favorite machine for SVG files is my beloved BossKut Gazelle. I use it with MTC. I get perfect cuts that are intricate every time.

I love my gazelle too. Only had it for a few months but it is awesome.

darlenemcg · 03-17-2012, 11:45 AM

Whatever machine you decide on I would recommend using it with Make The Cut! I use this software with all of my cutters because it's that easy to use. If you go to Paperthreads website there is a comparison chart on cutters. What cutter you buy would depend on your needs and budget. Also, maybe go to the MTC website and forum it might help.

dbrpuppets · 03-17-2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darlenemcg

Whatever machine you decide on I would recommend using it with Make The Cut! I use this software with all of my cutters because it's that easy to use. If you go to Paperthreads website there is a comparison chart on cutters. What cutter you buy would depend on your needs and budget. Also, maybe go to the MTC website and forum it might help.

I second this. Make the Cut is an awesome software and easy to use.

yellowcherrios · 03-19-2012, 06:37 AM

Those that have a BossKut Gazelle, can it be used with a mac??

Is there software that comes with BossKut Gazelle and if so, is it hard to learn?

yellowcherrios · 03-19-2012, 06:43 AM

I read the comparison chart that was recommended to look at and the KNK Zing and BossKut Gazelle look to be similar in features.

Has anyone worked with the Zing or with both and tell their experience with either or compared to one another?

lharnish · 03-19-2012, 08:27 AM

I'm leaning towards the Cameo or the Eclips when my Cricut eventually dies. I've lusted over the Black Cat Cougar but that one will definitely be out of my price range. For software, I preferred Sure Cuts A Lot over Make the Cut but I can't recall what exactly made me pick one over the other. They were both very similar when I downloaded the trial versions and gave them a spin before I picked.

yellowcherrios · 03-19-2012, 10:09 AM

I too am interested in the Eclips! I guess the software will help me decide which to go with! That's a good idea, lharnish---I need to download the trial versions and see if I can do either!

KatarinaM · 03-20-2012, 02:41 AM

If you are an advanced digital cutter user, the Gazelle might be for you. They have their own software (Funtime), which I found a bit rough and not user friendly. I had an older Gazelle that I was not very happy with.
I have since purchased a Cameo and use it much more often, with fantastic results. I think it is easier for a beginner to learn to use. Their software is very nice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowcherrios

Those that have a BossKut Gazelle, can it be used with a mac??

Is there software that comes with BossKut Gazelle and if so, is it hard to learn?

melissa59 · 03-20-2012, 08:03 AM

I have the original Silhouette. I would LOVE to have a Silhouette Cameo! I have a friend who has one and it's a wonderful machine.

creativec · 03-20-2012, 12:20 PM

I love my Cameo! Its really amazing and I have been using it a lot since I got it this past thanksgiving!

I converted my silhouette studio to designer edition and it was totally worth it. I can now buy and cut any SVGs as well as make my own.

CandyStripe · 03-20-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arubberstamper

I just got my Eclips machine about three weeks ago. I can't say enough about the machine. The intricate cuts are cut perfect, I love the scores the machine leaves. There is so much... picture in pictrure, the laser light that shows where the machine is going to cut and just where you want it to. (not sure if I explained that right, but learning) You can cut any sizes to the smallest and biggest. The hand held little computer (I call it) is bright and big enough to see without having to squint to see anything. There are a lot of screen features. I love my Eclips, and I know there are many other features to the Eclips, I'm still learning.

I know that Achievers (sp?) has the Eclips in their store, and they love it. And oh, there is Tim Holtz teamed up with Sizzix and the Eclips machine as well. After all, Sizzix is the number one die cuts in my book, so how could you go wrong with the Eclips.

DITTO to EVERYTHING you say!!!

I just love my Eclips machine, it's just so simple to use and always a perfect cut, even for the tiniest intricate designs, and on the heaviest of cardstock, is just amazing! The mats and blades etc are so cheap to buy too.
I couldn't recommend it enough.

I spent many months researching another cutting machine as I felt strongly about not wanting to use my cr!cut anymore after the lawsuit and I'm so happy with my choice.

darlenemcg · 03-21-2012, 07:35 PM

I'm really a electronic cutter junkie (my sickness) and like all my cutters, but don't have a Gazelle. The Zing is a sturdy machine and has more pressure for cutting (I've read that the eclips has comparable cutting pressure). Zing doesn't come with a click holder ...but you can subsitute other holders in it. Of all my machines, I gravitate to my Zing the most.

vikkijo · 06-16-2013, 06:42 AM

my sister is giving me her silhouette.

I have my Cricut, love it. But I really want to enjoy the SVG files MDS has too! SO I am so excited.

No clue how or what I need to do, never even gave any of this a thought.

Someone please tell me step by step, like you would a 10 year old, how do use this

lharnish · 06-17-2013, 10:49 AM

My Silhouette Cameo just arrived in the mail today. Got a really great deal for it from Massdrop.com but it was a long time waiting for it to make its way all the way across the USA and then up to Nova Scotia, Canada. I can't wait to get home from work and start playing with my new toy!

vikkijo · 06-17-2013, 01:42 PM

Thank you Gale

HeatherHolbrook · 06-18-2013, 04:27 AM

I have the Silhouette Portrait with the Designer Edition software it makes converting SVG's super easy , I used to use Inkscape and it works but it's a pain, this is SO much easier!

bluesh4rk · 06-19-2013, 06:13 PM

I highly recommend the Silhouette. I have the original one and it is awesome! I'm sure the Cameo and other newer ones are even better. I actually really wish I never got into Cricut at all and had gone with the Silhouette before all that. I would have saved so much money!

lharnish · 06-20-2013, 05:48 AM

I'm loving the quality of the test cuts I did on the Silhouette Cameo. I'm having a bit of a hard time finding how to do things in the DE software but that's because I'm more used to SCAL2. I know it seems easier in SCAL2 because that's what I learned first. I can't wait to try more of the features as I get a better feel for the machine and the software. I can't believe how much better the cuts are as compared to my Cricut. It is day and night and they really can't even be considered in the same light.

pbbennett · 06-20-2013, 02:15 PM

Am I correct from what I am reading here that you cannot cut SVG files with any Cricut product ( not that I know what an SVG file is or how to use it)? SU had something on the blog you access from the home page from one of their designers about using SVG files with MDS. Am I to assume that that is not possible for us who have Cricut products?

Leni · 09-02-2013, 07:12 PM

My question is this - I already have SCAL 2 which I use on my Cricut Expression but the Expression is starting to give me some problems, is it possible for me to use the SCAL 2 that I already have with any of the other cutting machines and if so which one? I don't want to have to buy a new machine and a new cutting program if I can use what I already have. I have several SVGs downloaded in my computer some of which were bought and some free that I want to keep and use if at all possible.