I am sick of my Cricut.
Well... I should say... I am sick of all four of my Cricuts.
Currently not one of them is working correctly, and I am really tired of replacing mats.
So here's what I need from you:
PLEASE HELP ME FIND ANOTHER MACHINE!
Here's what I don't like about the Cricut:
I don't like having to use mats {although I do realize that I may not be able to get around that}
I don't like having to use cartridges
I don't like that none of my machines are ever working properly: Right now, one of my machines is not cutting all the way through the paper {even when it is on a 5-5-6 setting}, two of my machines are not ending their cuts where they started, and the fourth machine won't power on
I don't like that if you don't have the settings just exactly right for whatever paper you are using, it tears it to shreds
I don't like that even with the Design Studio software, I can't really manipulate much
Okay, now here is what I do like, and what I am hoping that another machine will also be able to do:
Shadow letters {this is a must for my business}
I like that you can use tiny scraps of paper, and it doesn't have to be 6" or 12" wide
I like that I can do different sizes {but I also wish they could vary a little more, without having to use the software}
I like that I don't have to use my computer to run it {unless I am using the software}
Hmm... I guess that is all that I am really liking about my machines at the moment
So, now I need your input. Should I try another machine? What about the Silhouette or the Slice? Or anyone tried the eCraft machine??? I need any and all opinions here people.
My machines are used everyday, basically 4 or 5 hours a day.
They have to be able to cooperate.
Friday morning I left the office while Jennifer was trying to cut out some letters, and when I can back there was a mat in the machine... letters completely tattered with no clean cuts... abandoned by a frustrated lady.
Help us. Please.
I love love love my Silhouette.
ReplyDeleteHere are my responses to your pro's and con's.
I don't like having to use mats {although I do realize that I may not be able to get around that}
It does use mats, but I have been using the same one since I got it. I just spray it with repositionable glue when it loses its stickiness. You'd probably have to replace the mat more than I do since you're a heavy user. The Silhouette mats are more expensive than the Cricut mats, but there are tutorials online on how to make your own.
I don't like having to use cartridges
What I love most about it is that you can use any True Type font (though some cut better than others because of what they are) and make your own images. You can also buy fonts and images for very cheap (I only buy on sale for 50-75 cents)
I don't like that none of my machines are ever working properly: Right now, one of my machines is not cutting all the way through the paper {even when it is on a 5-5-6 setting}, two of my machines are not ending their cuts where they started, and the fourth machine won't power on
I've had my Silhouette for almost a year, and I've not had any major problems. I have had some bad cuts, but I figured out those were user error
I don't like that if you don't have the settings just exactly right for whatever paper you are using, it tears it to shreds
I haven't had this problem with the Silhouette
I don't like that even with the Design Studio software, I can't really manipulate much
Since the Silhouette will cut any image you create, you can do all kinds of things. There's a Silhouette blog that teaches you how. I haven't even gotten beyond beginner and I'm happy with how much control I have
Shadow letters {this is a must for my business} I did figure out how to do shadow letters finally
I like that you can use tiny scraps of paper, and it doesn't have to be 6" or 12" wide
You can use scraps if you are better than I am at remembering how to orient your paper. I have a tendency to put my scrap in the wrong spot.
I like that I can do different sizes {but I also wish they could vary a little more, without having to use the software}
you have total control over sizes
I like that I don't have to use my computer to run it {unless I am using the software}
I'm told there is a way not to use the computer, but I don't know what it is.
I have a cricut too and just got the sure cuts a lot software for it. It allows you to use any font you have on your computer and there are other things you can do with it too. Just google it and you can see videos and see if it would help. It was only around $30, so pretty cheap. I know what you mean about the mats and tearing though. Once I was making a bunch of notecards for a fundraiser and my blade was wearing down so fast. I can't imagine the frustration of using it so much for a business like you do.
ReplyDeleteEmmy - I wonder if someone over at Silhouette would send you a machine to review. I've seen lots of bloggers reviewing them over the last few weeks!
ReplyDeleteJust a thought!
~Donna
Ok sm I'm a former Cricut user turned Silhouette lover! When I did switch machines, I was leery, as it is easier to swing out your machine an cut without a computer and easier to know where the Cricut is going to cut. I also loved the shapes on the cartridges I had. BUT I hated the cost of cartridges and the limitations with fonts and shapes. Also, the first Cricut I purchased from Joann's brand new, did not even cut through the paper. I had to send it back and wait weeks for another machine, CS totally blows at that place!
ReplyDeleteLike I said earlier, the only cons I have about this machine are that it is hard adjusting to where you should put the paper placement on the mat(probably only because I had previously used a Cricut) and the comp issue. You are able to use the Silhouette SD without a computer when you use an SD memory card(sold separately). But you have the use the computer to make te images and sav them first. The Silhoutte is great when it comes to fonts. Literally, I downloaded atleast 30 new fonts to my computer from dafont.com when I received the machine. And the Silhouette stre will often have a sale off the membership price for shapes and fonts. Plus there is a free shape each week and lots of clearance shapes. Not to mention, actual users can design shapes, so you know that your getting shapes people love! (maybe Silouette should send me a machine! Lol) AND the machine it 4 times lighter than the Expression. it weighs like 7 lbs compared to the 22 pounder I wa carrying around!
Hope this helps!
I've never had a cricut or anthing else - I started with my Silhouette and I am beyond in love with it! The only time I get frusterated with it is when I end up making the mistake, position something wront, etc. I LOVE that you don't need these $60 - $80 cartridges that only have a few shapes/images, when with the Silhouette, you can buy exactly what you need on their online store for $0.50 - $1.00. I've never tried any other cutting machine, but I would NEVER give up my Silhouette to try one. I haven't had anything go wrong with it at all. If you use it 4 hours a day though you will have to replace your mats and probably blades more often. I have had mine for probably 4 months and haven't had to replace anything. I've looked on e-bay for the replacement mats and I think they're a little cheaper there than on the Silhouette site.
ReplyDelete