I use MTC with the Gazelle. I prefer it over Funtime. I don't even have Funtime installed on my computer any more. Three point registration is in the new machines, so, try not to buy used when getting a Gazelle because details are still sketchy but we might have to replace our Motherboard. If you buy new everything is ready. BK is still waiting on a couple of details with the software. I am a computer geek so that is common with MotherBoard updates. BossKut likes to be perfect with their machines. I meant to add we are getting a three point registration cutting instead of the one dot laser cutting as before. Three point is always accurate.
Now, that's my con, lol. BossKut's perfection. Don't you let that sway you at all. It's my con since I am a computer geek. I am like it's my machine I can figure it out for myself thank you very much. I get all miffed and insulted, lol. I get it from BossKut's side and I appreciate how they treat their machines. Please don't let that con sway you. I get grumpy about all the hand holding with the machine. A few of the other cutters out are like that too. It's the same in the sewing machine world so I understand why the companies do it.
Next to the Silhouette SD this is the most accurate of the machines I have tried for detailed cutting. I have got to try them all, luckily. Black Cat cuts accurate but it's so huge. I like the Gazelle's small size.
There is a huge learning curve on this machine. You will need to set down and learn it. Take your time and go through all the tutorials on Gazelle's site. This will help you use MTC better too. I am a Cricut user too and it's a big difference.
It's a noisy machine. I have an antique desk which makes it even noisier. I have to set it on a towel to muffle the noise. BK even has said the machine is noisy.
Pro's-
Detailed cutting is accurate.
Circles & Ovals are perfect.
Cuts curves at a sharper angle than the Cricut. Cricut cuts at a more rounded angle. Both of those are pro's to the machines depending on the look you want.
Can take any pen, marker or writing tool you throw at it. You can use Copics in this machine.
Can use the Cricut mats for good placement cutting with MTC.
Machine is made out of all metal. The only plastic is the side drawers.
Cons-
Noisy
Funtime does not vectorize images correctly. Since you already use MTC you will see what I mean when you try to vectorize with Funtime. It's frustating.
Gazelle advertises that it does needle pierce. No, it does not.
Learning curve but since your using MTC it will be easier.
Going from a Cricut to a Gazelle can be a bit of user shock. The buttons are much different than the Cricut. the buttons can be confusing. I am a three year Gazelle girl and I get all turned around going from a Cricut project to the Gazelle.
I think the machine might ship with the pre-set blade holder. If not you will get the original blade holder. That is a learning curve too. It is easy to master once you watch one of Terri's videos. I do not have the Pre-set holder since I was able to figure out my original one.
That cuss word dongle to use Funtime drives me absolutely crazy. Big reason why I went with MTC. I got tired of fooling with the dongle. It wasn't an issue of misplacing the dongle. it was an issue of remembering to put the dongle in when I wanted to use it. I am not even thinking of upgrading the machine when the upgrade comes out because I hate the dongle so much.
You might have read Jin's review on the Gazelle (Under A Cherry Tree). She said it leaves black scuff marks on your table. Yes, it does. I couldn't believe she got yelled at for that. I have black marks on my table to prove it. I know that might seem a silly thing to con about. I agree with Jin it does bother me too. Also bothers me the Cricut feet like to fall off.
That's all I can think of right now. If you have specific questions about it I can Pro & Con those questions for you in more detail. As you can see I can get nit picky.
I do want to say that any fibrous cardstock is very hard to cut with any die cut machine. I had trouble with thick Bazzill and the Gazelle too. It just tore it to pieces and destroyed my blade. I did turn around and do a test cut on my Cricut and it cut. It didn't cut well but it didn't look like a dog ate it either like the Gazelle did.
Hope that helps.
Pros and cons of the gazelle
I LOVE my Cameo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
