Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639 
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Dec 5, 2015 16:55:45 GMT
I'm figuring this machine out, I think.
I do have an issue with the blade holder lock lever -- it fell off. I examined it and don't see any "broken looking" places -- so I put it back on. It has never seemed to open or close the blade holder very much. I've emailed Silhouette support but apparently they only answer on weekdays.
Anyway - I was trying to cut a doily - Silhouette store pattern - fairly intricate - and I wanted it on "thin" paper -- so I set up the machine as it directed. It cut -- some; it crinkled the paper -- some; it was a total PITA to clear the mat (repeatedly, I wanted 4 total) and try to cut the uncut places ....
I'm going to go buy some doilies .........
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Post by maribeth on Dec 5, 2015 17:30:12 GMT
Loydene - I am with you! I have a Pazzles, and it works for basic shapes, and since I do a lot of series scrapbooking (you may remember me I am the courthouse lady, you sent me photos of courthouses), it works for my labels (the Pazzles also writes so I use it a lot for labeling) But I have never really been successful for doing intricate work. Here is what I want (Santa WON'T be bringing me this, this year) Glowforge
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Post by LisaDV on Dec 5, 2015 19:20:41 GMT
maribeth, thanks for sharing that. I now SO want one.
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Elsabelle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,606
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Post by Elsabelle on Dec 6, 2015 14:58:28 GMT
I don't think I can help with the blade holder thingy, but yesterday I had great success cutting thin paper. I was using thin paper from a Recollections paper pad. I used blade setting 1, speed 3, and thickness 8. I cut a cursive title and it turned out great with no tears. This was after I used the copy paper settings on my first try and it tore the title to shreds. I hope this helps.
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Dec 7, 2015 4:52:20 GMT
I did another thing today -- one design x 4. I think I'm going to turn the blade up and the speed down and double cut everything in the future. It took so LONG to get the pieces out of the design. I like it in the end -- which is a good thing.
At least I'm getting a little better -- I'm actually keeping the stuff I cut!
I just can't get into practicing on "chunky" cuts -- I can cut chunky myself -- as a matter of fact, I'm pretty good with a craft knife so I can also cut intricate myself -- which is a good thing since I needed those mad knife skills cleaning up these cuts this morning!
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Post by maribeth on Dec 7, 2015 16:01:29 GMT
I did another thing today -- one design x 4. I think I'm going to turn the blade up and the speed down and double cut everything in the future. It took so LONG to get the pieces out of the design. I like it in the end -- which is a good thing. At least I'm getting a little better -- I'm actually keeping the stuff I cut! I just can't get into practicing on "chunky" cuts -- I can cut chunky myself -- as a matter of fact, I'm pretty good with a craft knife so I can also cut intricate myself -- which is a good thing since I needed those mad knife skills cleaning up these cuts this morning! Lucky you. I have no knife skills at all, and not very good scissor skills either. That is really why I want a RELIABLE cutter. I think that Glowforge will be perfect me. I am looking forward to hearing what the first customers have to say about it. Glad you are feeling better though about your machine. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 9, 2015 14:46:48 GMT
Loydene - I am with you! I have a Pazzles, and it works for basic shapes, and since I do a lot of series scrapbooking (you may remember me I am the courthouse lady, you sent me photos of courthouses), it works for my labels (the Pazzles also writes so I use it a lot for labeling) But I have never really been successful for doing intricate work. Here is what I want (Santa WON'T be bringing me this, this year) Glowforge I have a Pazzles Pro that I've used for over a dozen years, an Inspiration that I use periodically depending on the project and an almost new Silver Bullet Cutter that will eventually replace my Pro. I've used all of these machines to cut very intricate designs. The key to good cuts, especially with intricate designs, is to have a clean design (no tight angles that haven't been rounded, etc.) plus the right paper, the right pressure and the right speed. Having a sharp blade and a mat that isn't too sticky or too linty helps too. |
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Post by maribeth on Dec 9, 2015 15:37:01 GMT
Loydene - I am with you! I have a Pazzles, and it works for basic shapes, and since I do a lot of series scrapbooking (you may remember me I am the courthouse lady, you sent me photos of courthouses), it works for my labels (the Pazzles also writes so I use it a lot for labeling) But I have never really been successful for doing intricate work. Here is what I want (Santa WON'T be bringing me this, this year) Glowforge I have a Pazzles Pro that I've used for over a dozen years, an Inspiration that I use periodically depending on the project and an almost new Silver Bullet Cutter that will eventually replace my Pro. I've used all of these machines to cut very intricate designs. The key to good cuts, especially with intricate designs, is to have a clean design (no tight angles that haven't been rounded, etc.) plus the right paper, the right pressure and the right speed. Having a sharp blade and a mat that isn't too sticky or too linty helps too. All the designs I have used have been created by either Pazzles or Miss Kates Cutables, available through Pazzels. (I was looking at the Silver Bullet, I have an inspiration). I am sure my biggest problem is the right paper. I tend to used thick textured cardstock, and that often makes my mats quite linty. Although I have used smooth paper, and that does not seem to come off the mat cleanly (even though I have prepped the mat as instructed). Wish I lived near you, sounds like you could give me some excellent pointers. Happy cutting! |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 9, 2015 15:48:43 GMT
I have a Pazzles Pro that I've used for over a dozen years, an Inspiration that I use periodically depending on the project and an almost new Silver Bullet Cutter that will eventually replace my Pro. I've used all of these machines to cut very intricate designs. The key to good cuts, especially with intricate designs, is to have a clean design (no tight angles that haven't been rounded, etc.) plus the right paper, the right pressure and the right speed. Having a sharp blade and a mat that isn't too sticky or too linty helps too. All the designs I have used have been created by either Pazzles or Miss Kates Cutables, available through Pazzels. (I was looking at the Silver Bullet, I have an inspiration). I am sure my biggest problem is the right paper. I tend to used thick textured cardstock, and that often makes my mats quite linty. Although I have used smooth paper, and that does not seem to come off the mat cleanly (even though I have prepped the mat as instructed). Wish I lived near you, sounds like you could give me some excellent pointers. Happy cutting! I tend to use the smooth papers as much as I possibly can. They tend to be "crisper" than the textured papers and they are much, MUCH easier to get a clean cut with when you have fine details in the design. The textured papers have shorter fibers which makes the paper softer and harder to cut. Textured paper gives me fits, especially for anything intricate. Some colors of textured papers are impossible to cut no matter what you do. Humidity plays a huge role as well when it comes to how well any paper cuts. |
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Post by DinCA on Dec 14, 2015 5:40:36 GMT
Loydene, I keep a separate blade to use just for thin paper so it doesn't dull as quickly. A sharp blade is key. I'm glad to hear that you're warming up to the machine!
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Post by htstepper on Dec 14, 2015 7:14:56 GMT
I agree, there may be some things not worth cutting, but I will give a few pointers that I have learned along the way.
As for paper, certain brands of paper are more fiberous and don't cut as well. You just have to experiment to find brands that work. I know recollections, American Crafts and Bazzil all work well, but those aren't thin like you were wanting.
Also, I have a little scraper tool that helps clear the remnants from a cut quickly. Also, for thinner paper, I like the light hold mat. It's easier for thinner paper.
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