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I have been a Graptec user a long time. I get my Cameo on Monday. I am really excited. I can help with the pro's and con's. Even though I have not used this machine extensively. I have used the other Graphtec machine's extensively. Since the Cameo is just an upgraded version of the larger Craft Robo (Graphtec) machine I am pretty familiar with it.
Pro's-
-No other machine on the market will cut as detailed. These machines were made for the sole purpose of detailed cutting.
-Three point registration Print & Cut is dot on.
-Free software unless you need SVG function then it's $50. I am pretty sure the upgrades will always be free.
-Graphtec makes some of the best vinyl cutters on the market.
-I think Silhouette customer service is the best.
-The store has major stamping companies like Hero Art's.
Con's-
-Can't cut heavier material like acetate, foam, balsa wood, etc...
-It's noisy. If your a Cricut owner this machine is noisier than the Cricut. If you cut late at night when your family is sleeping you will want to that in consideration. I use a towel under mine. It helps a lot. My DH can't hear it.
-I don't like the new blade housing. I know Silhouette is fixing this problem. The new blade housing is hard to clean. You will have to use compressed air. It sure does beat the caps on the old Silhouette machine. I don't lose things. I still managed to lose the caps on my machine. Thank gosh I kept doubles around. The blade housing really did have me on a fence when the machine first came out. I finally have worn down. Actually, I learned enough geek fixes it's not an issue for me any more.
I have/had a lot of cutters. The Graphtec machines will always be one of my favorites. I am not affiliated or anything with them. I just really love well quality machines so I will rave about them.
Right now I own a Cricut Expression, Cricut Imagine & will be getting in the Silhouette Cameo.
Another fan here--I've had my Cameo for about three weeks and I think it's amazing. The precision, the ease of use, the ability to cut any shape in the universe. I'm most amazed by the print & cut feature.
Here's a pic of something I cut... check the precision. The curves are perfectly smooth.
I'm thinking of buying one of these... my Gazelle is not performing as I anticipated it would. My only concern is, there are a LOT of free SVG files out there, it seems to be the most common version of cut file out there. I have tons of them. Will I be able to use them with the Cameo? How difficult is it to convert/import SVG's for use with the Cameo? I am not a big fan of of proprietary file formats. This may be make or break whether I will get the Cameo or not....
Thoughts?
I have a Cameo and love it. I have never had a machine cut detail as well as the SD (sold the SD once I bought the Cameo) and the Cameo. I have another cutter for the larger and/or heavy duty stuff so the limitations of the Cameo doesn't affect me much.
Katarina, the software with the Cameo is free, but you can upgrade the software for @ $50, less if there's a sale on it. Upgrading the software will allow you to import svg files. I have the Designer Edition as I have thousands of files, many of them svgs. You could always save as a different file type (convert it with Inkscape) to import into Silhouette Studio, but that might be more work than it's worth if you have a lot of svgs.
Here are some samples I cut back in January showing the intricacy of the cuts and sizes:
Thank you Shelly! That is exactly what is attracting me to the Cameo. I love intricate, detailed designs and my Gazelle was such a disappointment with those. I think I will invest in the software upgrade, and buy the Cameo.
BTW, how easy is the Cameo's software to get a hang of? That's another thing I did not like with the Gazelle, Funtime was not beginner friendly.
Thank you for your input!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3 Little Love Bugs
I have a Cameo and love it. I have never had a machine cut detail as well as the SD (sold the SD once I bought the Cameo) and the Cameo. I have another cutter for the larger and/or heavy duty stuff so the limitations of the Cameo doesn't affect me much.
Katarina, the software with the Cameo is free, but you can upgrade the software for @ $50, less if there's a sale on it. Upgrading the software will allow you to import svg files. I have the Designer Edition as I have thousands of files, many of them svgs. You could always save as a different file type (convert it with Inkscape) to import into Silhouette Studio, but that might be more work than it's worth if you have a lot of svgs.
Here are some samples I cut back in January showing the intricacy of the cuts and sizes:
I recently ordered mines from scrapbookexpress.com for $235 + free shipping in the U.S. I think the sale is over, but it might come back! Everywhere seems to be selling it for around $269 though.
I just ordered mine from Overstock for $240 plus free shipping & handling. I got a $30 off coupon from Overstock for being a new customer. Yes, I admit it I have never ordered from Overstock, ROFL! I have been on the Internet for a billion years too. I got my coupon from RetailMeNot. I had to go through their site to get the code.
The software is very easy to get the hang of. I was fearful of that, but I found it much more intuitive than the Gypsy that I have. Do not let the software be a concern, you will master it easily.
I'm sitting here just setting up my brand new Cameo, having upgraded from an original Silhouette becuase I wanted the larger cutting area. I'm blocking my ears to how cheaply you can buy these machines in USA, in the UK they are �299 (that's about $490!!!!).
I'm struggling to get the software to recognise the 50 downlaods that come with the Cameo, it' just showing me my own original library.
I'm just off to cut my first shape using the new larger cutting area! I also want one of the new even larger cutting mats (12"x24") but it could take some time for those to reach the UK.
Thank you Shelly! That is exactly what is attracting me to the Cameo. I love intricate, detailed designs and my Gazelle was such a disappointment with those. I think I will invest in the software upgrade, and buy the Cameo.
BTW, how easy is the Cameo's software to get a hang of? That's another thing I did not like with the Gazelle, Funtime was not beginner friendly.
Thank you for your input!
I didn't find the Silhouette Software to be very difficult to learn. You can also join the Silhouette Plus Forum as they have so much information and helpful hints. It is a friendly board.
Sherialane, my friend just bought one from OMC with 25% off of the price using coupon PINK25 for orders over $150, expiration date 2/14. However, I believe she said the ship date wouldn't be until the 19th.
I just ordered mine from Overstock for $240 plus free shipping & handling. I got a $30 off coupon from Overstock for being a new customer. Yes, I admit it I have never ordered from Overstock, ROFL! I have been on the Internet for a billion years too. I got my coupon from RetailMeNot. I had to go through their site to get the code.
I have been watching the OMC coupon as well and then saw in very fine print at the bottom of their newsletter that the coupon could not be used on the Silhouette Cameo. Has anyone ordered from OMC using the coupon and then had it disallowed?
I have been watching the OMC coupon as well and then saw in very fine print at the bottom of their newsletter that the coupon could not be used on the Silhouette Cameo. Has anyone ordered from OMC using the coupon and then had it disallowed?
I've known several people who ordered using the coupon and didn't have any problems.
I checked it out too and you're right. My girlfriend ordered hers towards the end of this past week and was able to use the coupon, they must have changed it. Bummer!
I got mine with the OMC coupon back in November but it could have been a different coupon.
I upgraded to the designer edition as well for the Silhouette Studio and I have been able to cut EVERY svg file I wanted. It took me about an hour and few sheets of wasted cardstock to get the hang of defining cut lines, folds and coloring in Silhouette Studio but now it does all the hard cutting work for me!
I have been watching the OMC coupon as well and then saw in very fine print at the bottom of their newsletter that the coupon could not be used on the Silhouette Cameo. Has anyone ordered from OMC using the coupon and then had it disallowed?
I was going to order from OMC. I saw the exclusion also. I was going to try it anyway. I have heard on other forums the coupon is going through. Then I saw OMC is out of stock on the Cameo's till the 19th. Then I also heard some of the girls are getting their Cameo's in. I didn't want to take the chance so I used Overstock. I had a migraine so I went the easy route for me. I have ordered from OMC before. I like their company. I never had any big problems. I say try the coupon codes. If they work you saved a bundle. If not you got Overstock.
Why oh why did I ever look at this thread??!! Now I am totally intrigued by this machine! I have the Cricut Expression and hardly use it because it ruins a lot of my cardstock.
So my question is, if I buy this machine where do I buy the software for the svg files? Is it downloadable software? I'm looking at the machine on Amazon but haven't found the software yet.
Also, does this machine use a cutting mat like the Cricut, or do you just feed the cardstock etc..in?
This site, UKSCRAPPERS has laods of advice & tutorials for the Silhouette. Also loads of downloadable files when you have been a member for a month. SVG files can be converted to GSD by using Inkscape, , which is a free file conversion programme, so the paid for upgrade isn't a necessity!
Ok, I think I'm taking the plunge and going for it. I'm home recovering from a hysterctomy so this will be my gift to myself...and since I'll be home for a bit at least I have time to play!!!
Ok, I think I'm taking the plunge and going for it. I'm home recovering from a hysterctomy so this will be my gift to myself...and since I'll be home for a bit at least I have time to play!!!
You are going to love it! I actually downloaded the software from silhouetteamerica.com before even buying the machine hehehe. I fiddled with it a bit. Converting the svg files is easy, I downloaded Inkscape for free somewhere online.
Can I convert SVG's in Adobe Illustrator? I know it's similar to Inkscape and would rather not download another program if Illustrator is capable of doing the same thing.
You are going to love it! I actually downloaded the software from silhouetteamerica.com before even buying the machine hehehe. I fiddled with it a bit. Converting the svg files is easy, I downloaded Inkscape for free somewhere online.
Get better soon!
Sitting on my duff and playing with a new toy is just what the doctor ordered!!! I'm not a tech savvy gal, but I also don't have a lot of SVG files either, so I'll play around with that part...
My machine will be delivered on Tuesday and I can't wait to shop for new files for the Cameo!!! Swoon & Thud!!!
Katarina, I don't use Illustrator so I can't answer this for you. I'm sure if you post this question on the Silhouette Plus forum you'll get a quick answer.
Melanie, congrats on getting a Cameo! Don't forget to wait on getting the subscription to the Silhouette Online store until they have a sale...less money = more files! lol! Hope your recovery is going well, have fun with your new toy!
CraftyMel- I hope you recovery quickly. Sending you get well thoughts.
Here's the Silhouette software: Silhouette - Download New Software It's free to use but if you want to use SVG's it's a $50 upgrade. I use Inkscape to convert my SVG files for use in the Silhouette.
Here's the way I do it. Open Inkscape-Open SVG in Inkscape-Save As PNG-Open Silhouette Studio-Trace PNG-Save as Silhouette Studio file.
I have two reasons why I convert my files this way. A lot of times files you download from the Internet have been converted wrong, extra nodes, nodes in the wrong place. I retrace so I can fix any node mistakes. A bad conversion jobs can destroy your machine. Doesn't matter which one you own. A high percentage of times when I hear about machines not behaving well I can usually guess it's the file.
My second reason I have been doing this a long time. Least six years now. It's like second nature to me. If you have an extra $50 you can spare upgrade the software. It will be easier. You can also cut SVG files in MTC & SCAL. In my opinion if you don't own these programs already I would just upgrade Silhouette Studio.
I agree with Shaz about UKScrapper's. One of the best Silhouette resources on the Internet. I have been using that site for years. They taught me so much about Graphtec cutters.
Katarina- Yes, you can convert your files in Illustrator.
buttons- Silhouette has sales quite often. Sign up for blog updates to be notifed of sales. Silhouette Blog
I had no idea they have sales on subscriptions! Do you know what kind they have or around when? Thanks!
I think I've seen at least 3 or 4 sales in the time since I've had my Cameo and I've had it since November. I was able to get 20% off of my subscription. They had one over CHA, hopefully they'll have another one soon. Did you sign up for their newsletter? That will keep you in the loop.
Does anyone have the new Silhouette Cameo???
