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Post by tinksmommy on Nov 13, 2021 17:46:32 GMT
I have a real dilemma and was looking for advice from the Peas. I have been thinking about getting a Silhouette Portrait since I see so many Cricut Joy’s used at my crops and retreats these days. I must admit I am pretty envious of those being able to use a cutting machine while they are at an event. I do precut out a few things for crops but it would be nice to have options real-time since I go to events monthly. Sometimes twice a month. My Cameo 3 is just too big to haul along with my other retreat/crop stuff. I have been thinking about getting a Portrait just to take with me for events. The Joy is not for me since I have a zillion cut files as a Silhouette design studio subscriber and the Joy cuts only 4” width.
The thing is…… the right roller on my Cameo 3 slips and doesn’t always hold my mat tightly which is a huge pain since I have to keep an eye on it as it cuts to ensure the mat has not slipped diagonally. It’s very frustrating with the waste of good card stock and time. I’m not sure if the roller can be fixed. I was thinking of upgrading to a Cameo 4 if there are any great Black Friday deals. I only cut cardstock so I put off getting the 4 since it didn’t seem to be that much of an upgrade over the 3 for that purpose.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the Portrait for crop use or upgrading to the 4? Can the slipping roller be fixed? I want to buy only one machine. Your insight would be most appreciated! Thx!
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scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,011 
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Nov 13, 2021 18:48:37 GMT
I think I would maybe call Silhouette CS and ask whether they think the roller issue is even a fixable thing. The answer to that would help me decide whether to just go ahead and upgrade to the Cameo 4 rather than deal with the uncooperative roller. If it were me, the other factor in my decision would be how often I cut the larger files that Cameo can handle vs. the Portrait. Smaller-width cuts might work fine for a crop away from home, but I personally use the full width of the Cameo to cut large titles & die cuts all the time, so if the roller rendered the Cameo truly non-operative, I would need to go ahead and upgrade the Cameo anyway since that is a primary usage for me. YMMV  |
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Post by mrssch on Nov 13, 2021 19:41:24 GMT
I would definitely go with the C4. The Portrait is just limiting with the size. I don’t think you’ll regret the bigger model. I have the Cameo and love it
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Post by Basket1lady on Nov 15, 2021 15:42:41 GMT
Definitely call CS about the roller. That would be very annoying! Dumb question—are you sure that you have the roller carriage locked?
I’m a bigger is better girl. If the roller can’t be fixed, I’d probably get another 3. I don’t need the features of the 4 and you may find a better deal for the 3. But if the roller can be fixed, I can see the appeal of a smaller machine to take to crops.
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Post by tinksmommy on Nov 15, 2021 16:06:23 GMT
Definitely call CS about the roller. That would be very annoying! Dumb question—are you sure that you have the roller carriage locked? I’m a bigger is better girl. If the roller can’t be fixed, I’d probably get another 3. I don’t need the features of the 4 and you may find a better deal for the 3. But if the roller can be fixed, I can see the appeal of a smaller machine to take to crops. Yep. I have it locked. It is so frustrating. I will try their customer service. I’ll also keep an eye out for a great Black Friday deal on a 4. Thanks! |
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,446
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Post by scrapnnana on Nov 15, 2021 17:16:06 GMT
I had accidentally unlocked mine. Mat started slipping. I relocked it, but it continued to slip. I had to unlock, hold down the bar then relock. I think I had to do that a time or two or three before I actually had it positioned and locked correctly, even though I was so sure that I had done it right the first time. You have nothing to lose trying to unlock and relock it, test it, and do it one or more times if necessary before calling customer service.
If you want a machine to take to a crop, the Portrait would be a good choice, especially since you have a lot of cutting files. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, and it’s a good machine, but I just can’t see myself ever buying another Cricut. My Explore is great, but I cannot say the same for the company. Silhouette isn’t perfect, but in my experience, they are more customer oriented, and I feel that they are a better company overall.
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Post by scrapcat on Nov 15, 2021 18:40:57 GMT
I have an original Portrait that I use and it is fine for what I need. I never felt like I need the 12x12 stuff. I used to have a cricut and still have the larger one, can't even remember what it is called, but don't use it. I am not a huge die cut machine user and fussing with them is not my favorite. I usually batch process things when I make the time to use it. I have taken the Portrait with me to events when I know I am going to focus on using it for things. I was using it with the pixscan mat to cut stamped images.
That said, I wouldn't buy it just to use at crops. I realize you are having an issue with the cameo and may need a repair or replace, but is there any way you can get a bag and maybe small table to take it with you? Also have to remember to have your laptop, cords to connect, power availability, the little tool to adjust the blade, good lighting...this is why I try not to take things like that bcz it's just such a setup! Some of the crops I attend have machines you can use, so if I really need a title/letter I will just do that.
Another option would be taking your laptop that you design on to design what you want for a page in the moment, with the intent of cutting it later.
But yea, I am happy with the Portrait when I can get it to work smoothly. If you are into huge cut files, like the Paige Evans kind on a 12x12 page, then no it would not be a good fit.
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Post by tinksmommy on Nov 15, 2021 20:26:25 GMT
I had accidentally unlocked mine. Mat started slipping. I relocked it, but it continued to slip. I had to unlock, hold down the bar then relock. I think I had to do that a time or two or three before I actually had it positioned and locked correctly, even though I was so sure that I had done it right the first time. You have nothing to lose trying to unlock and relock it, test it, and do it one or more times if necessary before calling customer service. If you want a machine to take to a crop, the Portrait would be a good choice, especially since you have a lot of cutting files. I have a Cricut Explore Air 2, and it’s a good machine, but I just can’t see myself ever buying another Cricut. My Explore is great, but I cannot say the same for the company. Silhouette isn’t perfect, but in my experience, they are more customer oriented, and I feel that they are a better company overall. I’ll give that locking method a try. Thanks so much! |
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Post by tinksmommy on Nov 15, 2021 20:28:57 GMT
I have an original Portrait that I use and it is fine for what I need. I never felt like I need the 12x12 stuff. I used to have a cricut and still have the larger one, can't even remember what it is called, but don't use it. I am not a huge die cut machine user and fussing with them is not my favorite. I usually batch process things when I make the time to use it. I have taken the Portrait with me to events when I know I am going to focus on using it for things. I was using it with the pixscan mat to cut stamped images. That said, I wouldn't buy it just to use at crops. I realize you are having an issue with the cameo and may need a repair or replace, but is there any way you can get a bag and maybe small table to take it with you? Also have to remember to have your laptop, cords to connect, power availability, the little tool to adjust the blade, good lighting...this is why I try not to take things like that bcz it's just such a setup! Some of the crops I attend have machines you can use, so if I really need a title/letter I will just do that.Another option would be taking your laptop that you design on to design what you want for a page in the moment, with the intent of cutting it later. But yea, I am happy with the Portrait when I can get it to work smoothly. If you are into huge cut files, like the Paige Evans kind on a 12x12 page, then no it would not be a good fit. That’s a great idea! I do have a little 3ft folding table from Costco that I could use at a crop. I may give that a try on my next weekend retreat. Thanks! |
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Post by hockeyfan06 on Nov 16, 2021 20:50:05 GMT
I have both the Portrait 3 and Cameo 4. One to take to crops and the other for the size. I love and use both equally.
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Post by tinksmommy on Nov 19, 2021 21:05:50 GMT
I had accidentally unlocked mine. Mat started slipping. I relocked it, but it continued to slip. I had to unlock, hold down the bar then relock. I think I had to do that a time or two or three before I actually had it positioned and locked correctly, even though I was so sure that I had done it right the first time. Woo hoo!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! This worked! I truly appreciate your advice. 💐💐💐 |
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