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I've had nothing but trouble with Cricut machines and am wondering what die cut machines others have used and would recommend?
I had a Cricut Expression that stopped cutting right last December in the middle of a large project and had to borrow one to finish. In March I bought the Cricut Mini, thinking that I don't really need the larger size. I had 2 of them that were defective and never did get a cut out of them. After the 2 of them, I bought an Expression 2 and set it up on Friday night, and it's defective also. This one cuts beautifully, but won't let you edit the image at all, so I was unable to change the size. I took it back today and am going to buy a used older small one from my sister to use on the project I currently need to finish. I can't even call Cricut because they're only open while I'm at work.
I know there are others out there, but don't know enough about any of them to put the money into them yet. So, here I am, asking for your opinion and help.
I love my Silhouette Cameo. The quality of the detailed cuts is so great that you're not even comparing apples to apples when comparing it to the Cricut. Watch for a good sale and you'll never look back!
__________________ Leslie Harnish
Sambro, Nova Scotia
Canada
I have a Cricut & have enjoyed using it but decided to purchase the Sizzix Eclips last year. Absolutely love this machine. It's so easy to use & cuts beautifully. Also, it's the best of both worlds - can use cartridges to cut images or use your computer to cut digital files.
Hands down the Silhouette. I have a Cricut Expression too, but just keep due to the cartridges I have. But the ability to purchase only 1 image at 99 cents (actually less if you have a subscription), they give you a free image every week, plus you can trace images and make your own file as well. I still love my Cricut - but will not buy any more cartridges due to price and so many on the cart that I don't really use or want.
I've had a CraftRobo for about 6 years and it has been great, but sadly it won't cut properly anymore. I researched and researched and this type of machine (Wishblade/Silhouette/CraftRobo) were the best for what I needed at the time. I have since upgraded to a Zing (just got it last week but haven't had a chance to cut anything with it yet). I have really high hopes for this machine. If you want wide format and to be able to cut heavy materials (heavier than what the Cameo will cut), then the Zing is a good choice. Its a light weight industrial machine, but marketed for crafters. I'm so looking forward to actually using it this week (hopefully, sometime...)
I just got a Sizzix eClips this month. I've been playing a little bit, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. I haven't tried the cartridge yet, just trying to learn eCal. It is a little bit overwhelming, but I'm confident that I will learn with time. This is my first electronic cutter, I didn't ever have a Cricut product.
__________________ Terri
Paper Crafty Goals for 2013: 50/135 pages and 185/75 cards.
Thanks for all of the great answers. I found the Cameo on HSN and as a new customer received a 15% off coupon. I was able to order it for $229, which appears to be a great price. I love that they don't charge finance charges and the shipping was very reasonable. Now to wait patiently (not) for it to arrive!
I don't think you will be unhappy with your Cameo. I would recommend getting a subscription for the images (unless you are designing all of your own but them you have to purchase the design card) which gave me what amounted to unlimited images for a year at a cost of approximately 12 cents an image. The premium package it the most cost effective but not everyone is able to do that.
I checked their site almost daily and bought during sales too. I still have to purchase over 100 images before my subscription expires in two weeks..... Or sign up again.
Received my Silhouette yesterday, but I didn't get home until bedtime so it's still in the package. Very quick shipping from HSN! I can't wait until tomorrow when I can play with it a bit. The one I bought came with many extras, so it will be like opening a Christmas present!
So far I am loving this machine! I do have one question though. I purchased a month set and when I insert it into my page it appears that I have to print all 12 months at the same time. I haven't been able to find a way to cut them out to only print one at a time. I make calendars and don't want them to all be the same color of CS. Any ideas?
I've heard that Silhouette has excellent customer service, I would call them to find out. There is also a forum, set up just like SCS, where you can find answers to alot of questions too!.
I have a Cricut and it gave me a nice introduction to electronic cutters. I wanted to do more with my own and other designs (SCALII and MTC) so I researched other cutters. I decided on the Klic n Cut Zing and I LOVE IT!!!!! You tube has a lot of vids on it.
It used Make the Cut software. MTC has a great forum and I have had wonderful customer service and help getting started and toubleshooting any user/other problems I have had. Here is a link to it. IntroduZing: The Klic-N-Kut? Zing (Order Now!)
Good luck and have fun with what ever you choose!!!
You need to "ungroup" them, draw a box around all of them with your mouse and then right click, from the list that pops up click "ungroup" and now they'll be separated, drag the ones you don't want to cut off to the side (off the cutting mat on your screen), cut what you want, then move it over, move on the next etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stampintam
So far I am loving this machine! I do have one question though. I purchased a month set and when I insert it into my page it appears that I have to print all 12 months at the same time. I haven't been able to find a way to cut them out to only print one at a time. I make calendars and don't want them to all be the same color of CS. Any ideas?
Alternative to Cricut?
Alternative to Cricut
