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I am thinking of getting this, but it is such a BIG investment I want to learn about it more.
I have checked out the website. I mainly only make cards. I love paper pups, walk in my garden and new arrival. They seem to be wonderful one's for cards, but again your paying a lot for the cartridges as well.
Here are my questions-
If you are a card maker do you find this useful?
Do you end up wasting a lot of paper using it?
How long do the mat's last?
How long do the blades last? (I don't know if these two items need to be replaced a lot as that can be costly)
I was saving my money up for nestabilities, but am thinking of getting this instead. I just know it can be costly and don't want to end up spending a fortune. If I did invest in one though I may as well get this one instead of the regular cricut as it cuts larger. Thanks for any advice.
I am thinking of getting this, but it is such a BIG investment I want to learn about it more.
I have checked out the website. I mainly only make cards. I love paper pups, walk in my garden and new arrival. They seem to be wonderful one's for cards, but again your paying a lot for the cartridges as well.
Here are my questions-
If you are a card maker do you find this useful?
Do you end up wasting a lot of paper using it?
How long do the mat's last?
How long do the blades last? (I don't know if these two items need to be replaced a lot as that can be costly)
I was saving my money up for nestabilities, but am thinking of getting this instead. I just know it can be costly and don't want to end up spending a fortune. If I did invest in one though I may as well get this one instead of the regular cricut as it cuts larger. Thanks for any advice.
I have the baby bug or Original Cricut. However, there is a thread on SCS where several have the Expression machine. You should check it out. It will help you decide. I so love my OBug!!!
Did yours come with any cartridges. I found one around that price with no cartridges, but then I am thinking I could buy it and then buy one cartridge I really want
Did yours come with any cartridges. I found one around that price with no cartridges, but then I am thinking I could buy it and then buy one cartridge I really want
That is a great idea, I think! Just be a little careful on eBay. Recently PC had something up on the cricut MB that said if you buy a machine from an unauthorized dealer (ie: eBay), your warranty will be void. There are some eBay sellers that have storefronts, so if it were me, I would buy from them.
Like anything else, we hope a new product will work properly when we receive it. I am on 4 yahoo groups related to the Cricut and there are a fair amount of people who have had to send the machine in for a replacement. PC has been AWESOME with the customer service and all has been well in the end.
I have one and absolutely love it. One of the best investments I've made. My friends and I share our cartridges. I would be very leary of ebay as previously stated. I debated on the cricut or the expressions but ended up with a killer deal on the expressions and am so glad I went with the bigger machine. You will love it and find so many uses you never knew you needed....lol.
I am mainly a cardmaker too, and love my expression machine. I have loads of cards made with it on my blog if you want to take a peek. You will wonder how you ever managed without it! The blades last quite a long time, mats seem to be variable, but there are tricks to make them last longer/make them sticky again.
I too am looking at an Expressions machine. Is it able to interface with fonts on your computer? I thought I saw a posting about an upgrade. And does anyone know how this compares to the Silhoute or Wishblade? As others have said, its a large investment and you want to to all your research!
Did yours come with any cartridges. I found one around that price with no cartridges, but then I am thinking I could buy it and then buy one cartridge I really want
Hi, mine did not come with any cartridges. When I purchased mine, the CE's with 2 cartridges were going for quite a bit more. I knew I could buy the same 2 carts if needed and still save $.
I did buy mine from someone who is an authorized dealer. I thought in case the machine has problems I would be covered. Also, if you use your credit card with paypal you are covered. Paypal gives you 45 days to file a dispute. Your cc gives about 6 months.
I jumped on the bandwagon and got the original Cricut because both of my sisters got one (ya right...keep up with the Jones) I have 20 cartridges and I have not had the unit out in at least 6 months...I have all the bells and whistles including design studio..just waiting for some attention...only so much time to go around... YIKES...the money I have it that stuff... :(
Blessings.
I too am looking at an Expressions machine. Is it able to interface with fonts on your computer? I thought I saw a posting about an upgrade. And does anyone know how this compares to the Silhoute or Wishblade? As others have said, its a large investment and you want to to all your research!
Thanks
There is a program an independent retailer is selling called Sure Cuts A Lot. This will let you use True Type Fonts and dingbats you download for free with your Expression. (I think the website is something like www.craftedge.com)
As you can imagine, PC has said they will void the warranty if you install this on your comp and run it with the Cricut. I don't have SCAL (only because I cannot add anything else to the computer right now) but I know several people that do and they L-O-V-E it.
When it first came out, I think people using Vista had issues with a USB port after installation. But, the CS at SCAL is apparently awesome and the programmer has fixed the program and also has added upgrades already.
The other thing with SCAL is that you have to have PC's program, Cricut Design Studio, on your computer. So, you can either buy that for $60 or get a free "trial" version offline.
I had a friend with a Wishblade who did not care for it at all. In fact, after 1 year, she returned it to Xyron (that is who makes it, right?) and got an Expressions. I should say, the PC products will work independent of the computer and my understanding is the other products will not. So, if you don't want to be tied to the computer, a Cricut would suit your needs better, IMO.
cricut expresions.....
curious
