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I asked for SCAL verson 2 for Christmas and am pretty sure that I will get it. However I just stumbled across a thread that just showed you a new program similiar to SCAL called Make The Cut. A lot of people are commenting on how much easier this program is to use than SCAL. In fact a lot of people have commented on how complicated SCAL is to use. Now I'm a bit disappointed because I was so looking forward to getting it and having fun with all the files that some have generously shared using this program I am looking for any opinions on SCAL. Would love some advice on how to get started with the program, any good websites to go to or just any advice at all. I ask that you please keep your response regarding the program SCAL not the new software Make the Cut. Not trying to shun anyone's opinion I just want to try and get some of the excitement back for the great gift I will hopefully be receiving.
Hi Theresa, I bought SCAL 2 a few months ago and love it. There are so many files that are free and and the ones that I have paid for have been relatively inexpensive. There are a lot of YouTube videos that are also great. I haven't explored Inkscape much but after watching a few youtube videos didn't find it to be that complicated. However, with any new software, there is a learning curve.
I don't regret buying it and especially love finding specific svg files to use instead of having to buy a full cartridge for one or two images. I still buy carts but now only buy those that I really want.
I agree wholeheartedly with shelly. svgcuts.com is my go to site for cut files, but honestly, it is so easy to make your own that I do a lot of that too. You will love it. I spent days just playing when I got it. My biggest piece of advice is to go into your first few projects with an idea. Don't just start looking around, or you may be overwhelmed. It is satisfying to complete a few projects, and I think you will feel much more positive about using it! I hope you love it as much as I do!
PM me if you need any help,and I will do as much as I can for you.
Hi.....Yes, Linda sent out an entire e-mail about the new program last night with links to get more info on it.
For me, I prefer my Cricut Cartridges, I just find them easier and less hassel. I'm also not a fan of purchasing a program off the internet that I don't have a hard copy for. Just my opinion.
The new program is called "Make the Cut", I've been playing with it for a few days & liked it so much I put it on my die cut site and did a news article on it. Check it out before you decide, its a lot easier than SCAL IMHO. They do have a free trial that is fully working except you can't cut with it until you buy it (it makes a slice through your design).
Oh, and this program opens & breaks apart layered SVG files, amongst many other things. Woo hoo! If you don't have any to try it with there are a bunch of free SVG files on my site. Just click on the FREEBIES tab at the top.
I just bought the SCAL program. I took a look at the other program as well and decided to go with SCAL because it has been out longer and there are a ton of tutorials on it. Also..it's cheaper and pretty much does the same. Either/or would probably suffice. Also..I believe right now they have a 10% coupon. I purchased from Michele at http://www.scrappingtable.com
I am now going to sell all my cricut cartridges because you can do SO MUCH with these programs.
Good luck deciding, but don't be disappointed...either one you will be happy. Merry Christmas!
I prefer scal, easier to use and things import at the right size which is essential when making boxes or paper piecing. I did like the break apart feature on mtc but I can only see it being handy when you want to fiddle with someone elses designs.
There are groups at Yahoo for both programmes and the members are always happy to help.
No need to convert to svg in 2, just chose file, trace image then it will trace the jpg. If you want you can save that as an svg before clicking ok to put it on the mat. You can work in layers, fab for wordbooks. Zoom in & out, better basic shapes and a few other things. For me the best though is scal2 lets you chose to import at 90 or 72 dpi so you can design in inkscape/illustrator and know the size at the design size. Makes my life a heck of a lot easier knowing I havent got to fiddle with sizes.
You can upgrade for $35 but you have to email them your reg details and wait for a discount code to come through. I wasnt going to bother but I'm soooo glad I did.
Thanks for all the great advice! I've decided that even though some say MTC might be a little easier in some ways than SCAL I am going to reserve my option until I play with it myself Besides SCAL has been around a lot longer than MTC so I trust it more right now. And to just clarify what some have posted I am NOT giving up buying any cartridges! I own many cartridges as well as Design Studio and now hopefully SCAL. For me they all serve a purpose in my crafting world! I am going to check out the websites mentioned later tonight. It will be nice to see what my options are as far as fonts and images.
You know whats funny...when I bumped up to a digital die cutting machine from my old red sizzix...I thought I'd get rid of the Sizzix & dies. But...I could never part with them. My kids still use them all the time, and people borrow them from me a lot. So, I'm with you...keep the carts ;).
__________________ Darcy :o) DesigningWithDiecuts.com
Free Cutting Files, Tutorials & Shopping Spree with MTC or SCAL purchase!
You know whats funny...when I bumped up to a digital die cutting machine from my old red sizzix...I thought I'd get rid of the Sizzix & dies. But...I could never part with them. My kids still use them all the time, and people borrow them from me a lot. So, I'm with you...keep the carts ;).
For me when I got my cricut machine I couldn't sell my sizzix machine fast enough (LOL). I hardly ever used it and it was my ONLY die cutting tool at the time.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I did receive SCAL v2 for Christmas! I just downloaded it and hopefully tonight be able to find a few files to download and cut them out. Thanks!
I've not noticed scal developers not responding as quick at the mo Gale. There was an issue last week when their site & forum seemed to have a virus but all is running as before.
I love my SCAL2 program and spend a lot of time on the Craft Edge site. Lots of friendly members and tons of free SVG files. While the new software program may appear to be easier to break apart files, I wonder if they make it look simplier than it really is to trace and perfect files on the videos in order to sell their program. I have to spend a lot of time with Inkscape to tweak nodes in traces to make them look good on any complex file. I find it hard to believe that the new software program traces complex files and makes them look good all by itself. I have checked out the new software and it's very similar to SCAL so unless they add a file converter so I can cut GSD files with it, I have no reason to switch programs. And as far as Craft Edge not responding, I have always gotten a reply the same day to any emails I sent them. Can't beat that for customer service so I'm not sure who is saying they aren't responding.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I did receive SCAL v2 for Christmas! I just downloaded it and hopefully tonight be able to find a few files to download and cut them out. Thanks!
You can find a lot of SVG and SCUT files on the Craft Edge site.
Also, when I first started out I didn't know that those are different types of files and I had a problem opening and cutting cause I didn't know I had to OPEN a SCUT file and IMPORT the SVG files.
If you remember those two commands when you first start playing with SCAL2 it will make things simple to open and cut them.
Hi.....Yes, Linda sent out an entire e-mail about the new program last night with links to get more info on it.
For me, I prefer my Cricut Cartridges, I just find them easier and less hassel. I'm also not a fan of purchasing a program off the internet that I don't have a hard copy for. Just my opinion.
Patti
I got a hard copy CD when I purchased my SCAL2 on Amazon.com
Also, there's no reason to worry if you download the program from Craft Edge as they require you to register so they know you bought the program. That way if there's a problem just contact customer service. They have always been really nice when I needed help.
Big News! There's a new free update for SCAL2 on the Craftedge website. Todd programmed in the features that MTC has, plus a few more that it doesn't have. I just downloaded the update over the weekend and it's awesome.
Big News! There's a new free update for SCAL2 on the Craftedge website. Todd programmed in the features that MTC has, plus a few more that it doesn't have. I just downloaded the update over the weekend and it's awesome.
Thanks for the info, I just downloaded the update. :-D
Just wanted to let everyone know that I did receive SCAL v2 for Christmas! I just downloaded it and hopefully tonight be able to find a few files to download and cut them out. Thanks!
I've used scal since the day I bought my expressions 2 years ago. In all that time I've never had a problem nor has my mate who uses it with an older original. I regularly read craftedges forum and a couple of yahoo user groups and can't remember anyone saying they had a problem caused by scal.
Where is the best place to purchase SCAL? Scrappingtable.com has in on special for $59.95. Is that as cheap as it gets?
I just ordered SCAL from candacraft.com. It was $69.95, but I used the code FEB14 and got it for $62.98.
I'm waiting to receive my serial number, but I noticed when I ordered that it was almost midnite their time, so I am hoping I get it in the morning. HTH!
I got mine from them too. I ordered it in the evening and my # was delivered via email by morning!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wvbeetlebug
I just ordered SCAL from candacraft.com. It was $69.95, but I used the code FEB14 and got it for $62.98.
I'm waiting to receive my serial number, but I noticed when I ordered that it was almost midnite their time, so I am hoping I get it in the morning. HTH!
I am on the fence over this subject. I was given money for my b'day to get a cartridge, and someone mentioned SCAL.
So for the past 3 days I have been searching forums, reading all about it.
I do not understand how to get the SVG formats.
I do not use Inkscape or Illustrator.. do I have to?
Need SCAL advice
