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I recently purchased one (the original - it was so cheap and I have a laptop). I have seen many threads here about should I buy one or not, but I haven't found a thread with lots of tips.
So I thought it would be fun to find out what we've all learned from playing with ours.
I use lots of Bazzill and I learned that it works better to cut face down.
I also learned that with the vinyl, you don't need the carrier sheet.
So have any others found any useful tips or ideas?
Wish I could help. I REALLY need to get mine out of the box and hooked up again--we moved more than six months ago. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed and was never able to get it to cut just how I was hoping it would--looked so easy on QVC. I also didn't give it enough tries or patience either. Do you know if it has to be hooked up to the internet to use? The computer that I have it on is XP and not hooked up to the internet right now. I realize I wouldn't be able to download new shapes, but it'd be nice to use what I have.
First of all No the computer does not have to be hooked up to the internet to cut with the silhouette. Next I too do love mine. A few of the things that i have learned are:
- never walk off and think that a cut will be doing fine when you get back
- always use a slow speed it helps with all media
- have a can of basting spray on hand to help resticky mats in a pinch
-try to keep all non quickutz files downloaded to one folder in sub folders for the specific catergory e.g. holidays then christmas
There are so many other things that I have learned ust from trial and error but I just don't have time to list them all ;)
I have had mine a couple of months and love it! I am still in my Silhouette infancy, as it were, and I am still learning all the things that it will do.
One thing that I would recommend (just posted this on another thread) is to join the Silhouette Users Yahoo group. There are tons of free files you can download to cut and it is just a great source of info. I haven't had a ton of time to spend there recently (that whole life thing, ya know) but have found some great images when I have needed them.
I am looking forward to this thread and sharing what we all learn about this cool little toy!
You can use dxf files for the machine and here is a link for a great free dxf site. Just save it to your computer and open it through the software. Make sure that you have the newest version of the software first. It has the capabilities to weld letters together to make titles.
Another suggestion - consider joining the yahoo group called "wishblade" because there are many folks there who can answer questions, provide assistance etc. Also, lots of great ideas and free files available.
Wishblade is the exact same machine as the Silhouette, with slightly different software.
Since my library is tied up to their website, I have made files of my favorite images. If my internet ever goes down and I NEED to have something, I would have it saved. I don't know if it's a good idea or not; it just makes me feel better.
Another thing that I forgot that I do is take a stamped image and scan it and then outline through the software and basically have a mask that I can put over the image without having to cut around some of the really tiny swirls in some images I have. I also sometimes like to use those masks as mats for the stamped image.
Another thing that I forgot that I do is take a stamped image and scan it and then outline through the software and basically have a mask that I can put over the image without having to cut around some of the really tiny swirls in some images I have. I also sometimes like to use those masks as mats for the stamped image.
I've been wanting to try this myself. Glad to hear it works.
Another thing that I forgot that I do is take a stamped image and scan it and then outline through the software and basically have a mask that I can put over the image without having to cut around some of the really tiny swirls in some images I have. I also sometimes like to use those masks as mats for the stamped image.
My best tip is to practice lots of different things. I had mine foreve but never took the time to use it. When i finally did I loved it.
I took a class at my LSS and learned a few little things but the biggest thing i learned is to turn down the speed becaue it will make your blade last a lot longer! Also, check the new images on the Quickuts sit offen because sometime they offer them for free!
I just got my Quickutz Silhouette and after reading all the good things about metal blade holders decided I would get one before I started using my machine. I bought one from black cat cutters. When it arrived it was missing a second blade and when I contacted them, not only did they send the 60 degree blade but an additional 45 degree blade. What customer service. I highly recommend them to you.
Also the original silhouettes are selling for as little as $100 on ebay. Great Buy. I bought one of the refurbished ones with $50 in download cards and free shipping.
I just got my Quickutz Silhouette and after reading all the good things about metal blade holders decided I would get one before I started using my machine. I bought one from blackcatcutters. When it arrived it was missing a second blade and when I contacted them, not only did they send the 60 degree blade but an additional 45 degree blade. What customer service. I highly recommend them to you.
Also the original silhouettes are selling for as little as $100 on ebay. Great Buy. I bought one of the refurbished ones with $50 in download cards and free shipping.
I had another chance to play, and I learned a trick for cutting out a more intricate design. Copy it once it's on your page and then paste it directly over top. Then cut, and the machine goes over each cut twice. It worked well.
I had also had a tough time figuring out relative sizes, until I saw that you can add a grid on your page. The grid is measured off in .5 inch segments, which allows you to pick your size fairly well.
I have the Wishblade, which is the same machine. I 2nd the cutting/pasting with intricate details as well as when you use SU CS. If it doesn't cut through the 1st time (which it usually doesn't), just Ctrl+C then Ctrl+V and cut again. Also, if you use 8.5x11 paper, be sure to finish out the carrier mat by adding a piece of the same CS at the bottom. Reason: when the rollers roll off of the CS during a cut, the blade gets stuck on a point sometimes and just goes up/down in the same spot. I thought my machine was broken and the wonderful gals on the Wishblade Yahoo group helped me with that one.
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Quickutz Silhouette Users - Tips?
