Cricut help please

[joyfuljan]

My mom gave me a brand new cricut personal cutter #29-0001 that she bought from HSN about 3 years or more ago. It has never been taken out of the package. I have purposely not purchased a cricut because I didn't want to have to buy lots of cartridges. I remember reading here on the forum a bit back about SCAL software (?) that would allow you to cut most anything with the cricut. Can someone help me with any info on this. I know that it is in the forum but have already spent a good amount of time searching and reading without finding out what I need other than cricut made SCAL stop making the software. I would really like to use this machine to cut images not on the cartridges that came with it. Thanks so much!!

[sewnmachine]

If I were you I would go to the community forum at Cricut. For some reason I don't think SCAL will work with the Cricut machines anymore.....but I could be wrong.

But if it doesn't you might still want to invest in at least of couple of value packed cartridges. The 2 I would recommend are;

Close to my Heart - Art Philosophy ( comes with 6 over lays- tons of designs) and -
Ultimate Creative Sampler.

If you only have those 2 cartridges you would be pretty well set with almost everything you'd want. Figure it this way - the machine was free - so indulge yourself with a few good all purpose carts, and see where it goes from there.

Oh and since it's never been used, you will probably want to register it. And if you sign up and install Cricut Craft Room online you can usually get some free designs that way too. I don't have too much other info about CCR because I use a Gypsy so have never taken advantage of the craft room. But read through the forums on the Cricut website and you'll get a good idea of how to proceed.

[KaileysMama]

SCAL is no longer sold for Cricut machines at all. The makers of SCAL and MTC softwares were sued by Provo Craft and they had to cease and desist. A few months ago, copies of the software were going for $250 on ebay.

[Leeann34]

I feel like I heard not long ago that PC had their own SCAL-type software coming out but I could be wrong.

There's some info that might help answer your question better here -> http://thecutsource.blogspot.com/?m=1

[joyfuljan]

Thanks so much for the advice. I need to spend some time reading, researching and learning to use my new toy.

[joyousgirl80]

I know that cartridge costs can add up quickly. I purchased most of mine for less than $15 a piece on EBay, and they were all new sealed in the box.

[Lazorkay]

cricutmachine.com has had some great prices on carts!

[dbrpuppets]

There is no outside software that works with the cricut anymore. Cricut has the craftroom but you still have to buy cartridges. You may want to look at the cameo. I don't have one but I have heard great things about it. On sale you can get it for $215.00. You don't need to use cartridges with this machine. There are a number of post about the Cameo on this site.