scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jan 19, 2017 17:21:05 GMT
amayalylac, maybe I missed something, but what is it about the Scan 'n Cut that you feel will be better than the Explore? I could have sworn that you said the Explore cuts the best (as far as cutting ability for precise details).
Is it mainly the software? Or are there additional reasons you feel the Brother machine may be better?
I haven't had time to play with the Explore, other than to make sure it worked. I bought it for the ability to cut leather, and my investment in cartridges did influence my decision. I'm not regretting my Explore purchase, because I am a sucker for electronic cutters, and they each have advantages and disadvantages.
I'm mostly curious about the Brother machine, because I am a big stamper, and the ability to scan and cut around my stamped images is appealing. (I want to buy the Silhouette PixScan mat first and see how well it works, but reviews have been mixed.)
Do you mind my asking the reasons you feel the Brother machine would be better than the Explore? I really respect your opinion, especially when it comes to electronic cutters and their technology. You know and understand more than I do about them, although I feel fairly savvy about most things that are cutter related.
Thanks!
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 23, 2024 17:48:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2017 9:13:09 GMT
scrapnnana - You are very savvy about cutters. This is going to be long. I know Shocker, lol. I want a Scan n Cut for pretty different reasons. I collect dolls and do dollhouse miniatures. I want the machine for dolling work, textiles, embroidery files. I do really want it to scan in my own artwork and cut it out. It has more options personally for me than the Cricut does. I can also use SD cards & SCAL. Right now I do have two machines that are not doing what I need them to do- Cameo & Explore. I have just grown into different needs. No, I don't want a Scan n Cut for the software. I do all my designing in Inkscape & my other graphic programs. Then take it over to the cutter of choice for the final cutting. Native software on cutters is not too important to me. If it cuts my designs then I am happy. My biggest peeve with Cricut is trying to work with my Cricut files on the basic software or try to fix a small mistake on my own file. Cricut just does not have any type of editing. It is beyond barely basic. Plus, offline options are important. No matter how good our connections are. What I have seen so far in comparisons on web I do think the Explore cuts better than the Scan n Cut. I will definitely be comparing the Explore, Scan n Cut & my Cameo cuts when I get my newest machine in. I am curious. You all know I will run all three machines through same testing. I have noticed other users have little chads, burrs and small tiny errors on their Scan n Cut projects. This is really not a big deal and could be new user error too. IMO both machines seem precise. I do think Cricut Explore is going for more precise cutting like the Cameo. Scan n Cut is going for fabric cutting and scanning precision. I have noticed that many stampers do own an Explore and Scan n Cut. They are using the Explore for SVG's & Cricut designs. Using the Scan n Cut for stamping. I really thought about getting the PixScan mat too for my Cameo. It would be a lot cheaper than a new machine. I still don't like all the steps & calibrations. I think the Scan n Cut has advanced scanning techniques. I can cut out sewing patterns. That is really nice for tiny doll patterns. I can cut images out of fabric. Why do I think the Scan n Cut is better than the Explore? Of course the ability to native Scan n Cut. The machine is made for textile art. The ability to store files on SD cards and cut them out. I know Cameo has this feature too. Brother 650 models read PES & PHC applique stitch data for cutting applique files. We can add seam allowances. I have read there are tutorials for Cameo to do this. It is native in Scan n Cut. Explore Pro's over Scan n Cut- Before I write this most of these are not important personally to me. I know they are very important to many users. Explore is easier to learn out of box. Scan n Cut will have a higher learning curve. Larger die cutting library plus licensed designs and subscription service. If you are a user who does not want to design their own files then this is where the Cricut really shines. Quieter machine. In videos the Brother Scan n Cut is so loud. Explore is much quieter. Ability to use third party German Carbide blades. Scan n Cut is proprietary. That might change because I am still researching that one. Cricut mats are made better. What I have seen in pictures and videos. I think Explore has a better built blade housing. Brother's looks kind of flimsy. I have seen some wobbling as it was cutting. Wobbling example would be Cricut Expression cutting while the Explore is more steady. This is not a big issue but bears mentioning. I do think the Explore might handle heavier materials better than the Scan n Cut. The machines look equal. The reason I do have an Explore is to cut styrene. Both machines will cut Styrene up to 0.020 inches. I think the Cricut motor will handle heavier materials better since the Brother was originally made for fabric work. I am planning to keep my Cricut. I am frustrated with them right now. I do really love my Cricut designs. It is like my husband said about his Xbox today he loves the hardware hates the gaming library. If a cutter does get replaced in my room. I think it will probably be the Cameo. Only reason because I have a feeling the Scan n Cut will make my Cameo redundant for what I use it for. I hope that helps.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 20, 2017 21:07:47 GMT
Ontario Scrapper, don't feel too bad about not having the Cameo 3. A lot of Cameo 3 owners reportedly have not been able to get the Bluetooth technology to work. I have an iPad, but I don't plan ahead enough to download something first, either. I am disappointed that the CEO is unwilling to ever allow offline software use. I really need to start playing with my Explore now that Christmas is over. There's one group on FB I am in where some tech ladies were discussing that it can be possible to make Design Space off line. Then some "ex" cricut tech came on and try to say no, you can not. A big row happened because well frankly he talked down to them. We all were getting the impression that it was because these experts were "female" by they way he talked to them. He finally got booted out but it sure was entertaining to read! DS is the CEO's baby. He was hired to developed this program. Many of us in the (we can say as I want) groups believe that's why he's so intent on keeping it cloud based because he has said often enough that this is the future way! Yeah well cloud based stuff can suck if your servers can't handle surges in usage like around christmas when crafters get new machines.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 20, 2017 21:15:19 GMT
Update on file- It is user error and I am not trying to pass the blame but I do think it is part of PC's error too. To do the Print & Cut layering I will have to cut only a few pieces of the skin and a very large black background. I keep thinking of all the wasted ink. I have plenty of ink but my file is 7-inches in height. That is a lot of black ink. I think I will pass on this file and call it a Fail. I would have drawn her face in. I was going for a different look. I can draw Disney Princesses. I just might do that instead. Why I think it's PC's error. I was looking at the other Aurora files. They are all different in the face, even the ones that are similar. Each file has a small shift in layers that if you Print & Cut it will still look wonky. OntarioScrapper - That is disturbing news. I had one of the power ups tell me they were working on offline software. I didn't really trust it. When the CEO says we will never have offline software then that is final for me. I did buy the machine with a bit of good faith that we would have offline software. This is my fault. I should have never fell for the power ups words. You know fool me once shame on them. Fool me twice shame on me. I have been fooled six times now. I am pretty ashamed. Cartridge investment topic. I told my DH this evening that I am finally admitting the Explore was a bad purchase for me. I do think it is a good purchase for a lot of people. Not for me. I told him I felt bad about it. He was like "Why do you feel bad? You learned something." He pointed to a bunch of his games and said they were not a good purchase either. He doesn't feel bad about it. He learned something. Even though I feel like he's regretting the Xbox now. Especially when it came out that Crackdown 3 will be 2018 release date or possibly cancelled. That is what game #3 exclusive from Xbox that could have a cancellation? Motto- Don't feel bad girls about our machines. It happens to our guys too. I am going to upgrade to a Brother Scan n Cut. I love my Cricut designs. It is not the investment for me but I do love a lot of the files. I will use the Cricut for very specific files. I am thinking of getting a Mini to use with my Gypsy. Truth be told that is what I should have done in the first place when I was upgrading. I thought the Mini I had to use Cricut Craft Room. Another user error, lol. I have seen many crafters on FB who have admitted they have several different machines for different functions! Some do work better at other things. I just can't afford to do that! You weren't dreaming. There was talk on FB about making DS off line. Now they all claim they don't remember EVER saying that. Sigh. And I did get my Explore because I thought it was going in that direction. I live out in the middle of nowhere so I can't have the fastest speed known to man kind. However right before I got my Explore, my area got some higher speeds so I upgraded. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to get an Explore at that time. I've got the Xbox 360 and have no desire to upgrade yet to the One (I still have lots of games to finish!). Never been one for exclusives but always thought it was stupid. But I do understand your husband's pain by buying something that promises something that can't be fullfilled!
|
|
|
Post by Night Owl on Jan 21, 2017 5:20:54 GMT
There was talk on FB about making DS off line. Now they all claim they don't remember EVER saying that One of the Administrators of a Cricut Facebook group where Cricut employees post even said it.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jan 21, 2017 6:26:02 GMT
amayalylac, thank you for explaining. If you are into dolls and making dollhouse miniatures, it makes perfect sense to choose a machine that you feel is better suited to the task.
And for what it is worth, I would rather read a long post that gives all the details. Thanks for taking the time to write it all out.
I will look forward to hearing how you like the Brother.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jan 21, 2017 6:39:30 GMT
Ontario Scrapper, don't feel too bad about not having the Cameo 3. A lot of Cameo 3 owners reportedly have not been able to get the Bluetooth technology to work. I have an iPad, but I don't plan ahead enough to download something first, either. I am disappointed that the CEO is unwilling to ever allow offline software use. I really need to start playing with my Explore now that Christmas is over. There's one group on FB I am in where some tech ladies were discussing that it can be possible to make Design Space off line. Then some "ex" cricut tech came on and try to say no, you can not. A big row happened because well frankly he talked down to them. We all were getting the impression that it was because these experts were "female" by they way he talked to them. He finally got booted out but it sure was entertaining to read! DS is the CEO's baby. He was hired to developed this program. Many of us in the (we can say as I want) groups believe that's why he's so intent on keeping it cloud based because he has said often enough that this is the future way! Yeah well cloud based stuff can suck if your servers can't handle surges in usage like around christmas when crafters get new machines. I had heard that Design Space is the CEO's creation. I assume that is why he thinks it is perfect as it is. IMO, Design Space is crappy software, and it looks like I will have no reason to change my opinion anytime soon. I think that I need to go back to doing my design work in Illustrator, which should let me cut my designs on either my Cameo or my Explore. I have to use Illustrator if I want to use all the special glyphs of certain fonts (like Samantha), anyway. I just haven't tried importing one of those files to the Explore yet. I may be asking questions here if I have trouble importing to Design Space. Thanks. You have been a great source for anything Explore related.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 23, 2024 17:48:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2017 11:30:17 GMT
OntarioScrapper We still have our Xbox 360 too. A lot of our games are still not on the Xbox One backwards list. I think the exclusives are silly too. It is the specialty crafting cartridges in the gaming world, lol. I always laugh when a lot of those games come out on other systems a few years later. I did get a PS3 for cheap to play the Uncharted series. Nathan Drake's my man. I will always be a Nintendo girl even though I am not buying a Switch at launch. I just bought our WiiU this Spring. Me & you are the perfect candidates for www.reddit.com/r/patientgamers/scrapnnana We are here for you when you need help importing to Design Space. It is a weird process. I mean it works but it works ProvoCraft style. They just won't open the SVG file they run it through their conversion software. The biggest #1 rule about importing an SVG in Design Space is save it as an ungrouped native SVG. I learned this the hard way. We can't save as Inkscape SVG, Adobe, SVG or Corel SVG. ProvoCraft won't be able to read the file.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Jan 21, 2017 17:51:05 GMT
Thanks, amayalylac, for that tip. I was wondering if there would be some issue like that.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 23, 2024 17:48:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2017 11:38:00 GMT
I can say I don't think I will like Brother Scan n Cut's software. IMO it is even weirder than Design Space. I have come to the conclusion I don't like Cloud based design software. I am thinking of getting Silhouette's PixScan mat. It is cheaper than a new machine. Plus, takes up less room, lol. I saw a tutorial tonight I can scan fabric with the PixScan. This is a feature I really want. My question is that I heard through the grapevine several girls are using Explore to turn their Cricut designs into textile projects. I definitely know the basics like machine embroidery, applique, etc... I have found tutorials for importing patterns. Very excited about this. Do any of you know more advanced tutorials? I am looking for seam allowances, advanced embroidery, advanced anything. I know weirdest question ever on a Scrapbook forum. I know a lot of us are sewists & needle artists. I also do put a lot of my fabric and embroidery items in my memory books. The idea of the beautiful Cricut designs as sewing projects would make me very happy.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 23, 2017 15:08:09 GMT
There's one group on FB I am in where some tech ladies were discussing that it can be possible to make Design Space off line. Then some "ex" cricut tech came on and try to say no, you can not. A big row happened because well frankly he talked down to them. We all were getting the impression that it was because these experts were "female" by they way he talked to them. He finally got booted out but it sure was entertaining to read! DS is the CEO's baby. He was hired to developed this program. Many of us in the (we can say as I want) groups believe that's why he's so intent on keeping it cloud based because he has said often enough that this is the future way! Yeah well cloud based stuff can suck if your servers can't handle surges in usage like around christmas when crafters get new machines. I had heard that Design Space is the CEO's creation. I assume that is why he thinks it is perfect as it is. IMO, Design Space is crappy software, and it looks like I will have no reason to change my opinion anytime soon. I think that I need to go back to doing my design work in Illustrator, which should let me cut my designs on either my Cameo or my Explore. I have to use Illustrator if I want to use all the special glyphs of certain fonts (like Samantha), anyway. I just haven't tried importing one of those files to the Explore yet. I may be asking questions here if I have trouble importing to Design Space. Thanks. You have been a great source for anything Explore related. There are many that think DS is a crappy programme whereas the Explore itself is an awesome machine. We just need a kick ass programme to go with it! I figured there would be enough Cricuteers to have a dedicated thread. Helps keep everything together. I don't do any designs outside of DS so glad that others can answer your questions on that.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 23, 2017 15:10:33 GMT
OntarioScrapper We still have our Xbox 360 too. A lot of our games are still not on the Xbox One backwards list. I think the exclusives are silly too. It is the specialty crafting cartridges in the gaming world, lol. I always laugh when a lot of those games come out on other systems a few years later. I did get a PS3 for cheap to play the Uncharted series. Nathan Drake's my man. I will always be a Nintendo girl even though I am not buying a Switch at launch. I just bought our WiiU this Spring. Me & you are the perfect candidates for www.reddit.com/r/patientgamers/ I just got my daughter a new 3DS XL (hers went missing). That's about as Nintendo this household ever gets. I refused to jump on the have all the consoles bandwagons. My son has gone back to computer gaming and my daughter does most of hers on the Xbox now. I use both. So won't be getting the Switch. Though it is an interesting idea. Hope it works out for fans.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Jan 23, 2017 15:14:04 GMT
I can say I don't think I will like Brother Scan n Cut's software. IMO it is even weirder than Design Space. I have come to the conclusion I don't like Cloud based design software. I am thinking of getting Silhouette's PixScan mat. It is cheaper than a new machine. Plus, takes up less room, lol. I saw a tutorial tonight I can scan fabric with the PixScan. This is a feature I really want. My question is that I heard through the grapevine several girls are using Explore to turn their Cricut designs into textile projects. I definitely know the basics like machine embroidery, applique, etc... I have found tutorials for importing patterns. Very excited about this. Do any of you know more advanced tutorials? I am looking for seam allowances, advanced embroidery, advanced anything. I know weirdest question ever on a Scrapbook forum. I know a lot of us are sewists & needle artists. I also do put a lot of my fabric and embroidery items in my memory books. The idea of the beautiful Cricut designs as sewing projects would make me very happy. My e-mail through Bell went to cloud based. What a pain in the ass it is! I have to log in and walk away from the computer as I wait for emails to load. I don't know anything about the textile projects. Though it is not unusal for the Explore to be used for other crafts.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Feb 4, 2017 6:31:41 GMT
Question:
I bought the deep blade housing and blade, since I wanted to be able to cut leather. I set the cutting material to the faux leather, which is thinner than the light weight leather setting. The leather I was cutting was 1 mm, so the faux leather 1 mm setting seemed more correct than the 1.4 mm setting for light weight leather. I expected some scoring into the mat, but it scored a little deeper than I expected. The deep cut blade poked way out of the housing. I checked and double checked to make sure it was in all the way, and it seemed to be. Since the blades seem to be self-adjusting, I assume it has to do with the built-in settings. I probably overlooked something, but is there a way to truly set a custom setting, other than just choosing from the Provo Craft options?
The leather cut beautifully with the Explore. I was able to create my design and import it without any problems. My son was very happy with the result.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Feb 4, 2017 19:16:37 GMT
Question: I bought the deep blade housing and blade, since I wanted to be able to cut leather. I set the cutting material to the faux leather, which is thinner than the light weight leather setting. The leather I was cutting was 1 mm, so the faux leather 1 mm setting seemed more correct than the 1.4 mm setting for light weight leather. I expected some scoring into the mat, but it scored a little deeper than I expected. The deep cut blade poked way out of the housing. I checked and double checked to make sure it was in all the way, and it seemed to be. Since the blades seem to be self-adjusting, I assume it has to do with the built-in settings. I probably overlooked something, but is there a way to truly set a custom setting, other than just choosing from the Provo Craft options? The leather cut beautifully with the Explore. I was able to create my design and import it without any problems. My son was very happy with the result. You can make your own custom settings. When you sign into DS, pull up the menu that comes up under your name. Go to "Manage Custom Materials". You do need your Explore on and attached (I was looking for the settings and am not near my Explore right now, got the message to hook up my Explore). I have had to make my own settings for cutting magnetic because it was cutting to far down and wrecking my mat. Not all machines will work with the preset settings. You can make your own settings and name them in the custom area.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Feb 4, 2017 20:06:55 GMT
Thank you!
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Feb 17, 2017 3:59:52 GMT
Well humbug. No update to Design Space yet.
|
|
|
Post by teri on Feb 17, 2017 21:12:52 GMT
Ok ladies.... i need some guidance I have an Expression (12 x 12), gypsy and about 60 carts. All has been packed up for over 2 years due to a move. I'm wanting to start using it all again. I know I had a purchased software at one time, but that computer is long gone. Was this the Craftroom software?? All the carts I have are linked to my Gypsy. I'm really wanting to start using a cutting machine to make HT vinyls for shirts. I've been heavy into sewing again. I love all the svg files I've seen other put onto tshirts. My question is..... would I be better off getting a non-cricut brand just for cutting svg files or can a newer cricut machine do this for me plus use all my existing carts?
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Feb 17, 2017 22:24:44 GMT
Ok ladies.... i need some guidance I have an Expression (12 x 12), gypsy and about 60 carts. All has been packed up for over 2 years due to a move. I'm wanting to start using it all again. I know I had a purchased software at one time, but that computer is long gone. Was this the Craftroom software?? All the carts I have are linked to my Gypsy. I'm really wanting to start using a cutting machine to make HT vinyls for shirts. I've been heavy into sewing again. I love all the svg files I've seen other put onto tshirts. My question is..... would I be better off getting a non-cricut brand just for cutting svg files or can a newer cricut machine do this for me plus use all my existing carts? The newer Cricut Explore machines can cut svg files, plus you will be able to cut your cartridges once you bring them into Design Space. I had the Provo Craft customer service gal do it for me because I thought my Gypsy had died. I had to take photos of each of my cartridges and email them to her. It took her about three weeks, but I had over 100 cartridges. If your Gypsy still works, there is a way to use the Gypsy to get them into Cricut Craft Room (online, free program), and they transfer to Design Space for use there. The Silhouette also cuts svg files IF you buy the Silhouette's designer software. The newer Explore can cut more materials than the Silhouette Cameo, and you can use it for the svg designs as well as your cartridges, so I would recommend the Explore.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 23, 2024 17:48:23 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2017 10:56:20 GMT
This is my rule about vinyl. Get a Cameo. The Cameo and other Graphtec machines are plotter vinyl machines. If you want to do larger projects in the future such as wall decor then the Cameo is the way to go. It can cut vinyl up to 10ft long. Cricut Explore is a lovely machine for vinyl but it is not a true machine for vinyl. It does have more limitations working with vinyl. What I have noticed is that most HT vinyl creators get frustrated with the Explore and upgrade to a different plotter. Yes, the Cricut Explore will cut all your SVG files and your existing cartridges. The Explore does it very well. You must have a good Internet connection to cut. If you don't have a good Internet connection do not look at the Explore and look at one of the other machines on the market. Cameo is an offline machine. scrapnnana is correct the Explore cuts more material than the Cameo. I have both the Cameo & the Explore. If the Explore had offline software and 600dpi print & cut capability then I would only own the Explore. I don't work with vinyl and when I do it is small type card projects. The two things I hate about the Explore is the online software & the low resolution print & cut. I make a lot of stickers and the Cameo is my sticker machine. I do a lot of print & cut too.. I will say I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE print & cut on the Explore. It is the best accurate cutting I have ever seen on a machine. It can only print at 300dpi. I need higher for my own illustrations. One more tip the Cricut Explore software is beyond basic. It can be very frustrating to use. Even if you don't plan to create your own SVG files you should still have another vector program on your computer so you can edit the ones you purchases. I use Inkscape & PaintShop Pro. There are other lovely programs on the market both paid and freeware.
|
|
|
Post by teri on Feb 21, 2017 14:36:04 GMT
Ok ladies.... i need some guidance I have an Expression (12 x 12), gypsy and about 60 carts. All has been packed up for over 2 years due to a move. I'm wanting to start using it all again. I know I had a purchased software at one time, but that computer is long gone. Was this the Craftroom software?? All the carts I have are linked to my Gypsy. I'm really wanting to start using a cutting machine to make HT vinyls for shirts. I've been heavy into sewing again. I love all the svg files I've seen other put onto tshirts. My question is..... would I be better off getting a non-cricut brand just for cutting svg files or can a newer cricut machine do this for me plus use all my existing carts? The newer Cricut Explore machines can cut svg files, plus you will be able to cut your cartridges once you bring them into Design Space. I had the Provo Craft customer service gal do it for me because I thought my Gypsy had died. I had to take photos of each of my cartridges and email them to her. It took her about three weeks, but I had over 100 cartridges. If your Gypsy still works, there is a way to use the Gypsy to get them into Cricut Craft Room (online, free program), and they transfer to Design Space for use there. The Silhouette also cuts svg files IF you buy the Silhouette's designer software. The newer Explore can cut more materials than the Silhouette Cameo, and you can use it for the svg designs as well as your cartridges, so I would recommend the Explore. thanks
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Feb 23, 2017 6:36:01 GMT
Ok ladies.... i need some guidance I have an Expression (12 x 12), gypsy and about 60 carts. All has been packed up for over 2 years due to a move. I'm wanting to start using it all again. I know I had a purchased software at one time, but that computer is long gone. Was this the Craftroom software?? All the carts I have are linked to my Gypsy. I'm really wanting to start using a cutting machine to make HT vinyls for shirts. I've been heavy into sewing again. I love all the svg files I've seen other put onto tshirts. My question is..... would I be better off getting a non-cricut brand just for cutting svg files or can a newer cricut machine do this for me plus use all my existing carts? That software that you bought can no longer be used anyway. Craftroom replaced it which is free to use. There are crafters out there that would still buy an Expression for the offline ability. If you decided to ditch Cricut, you would have no problem selling the Expression, with the Gypsy and 60 carts. Just look at sell sites to see what others are selling for.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Feb 23, 2017 15:34:20 GMT
Ok ladies.... i need some guidance I have an Expression (12 x 12), gypsy and about 60 carts. All has been packed up for over 2 years due to a move. I'm wanting to start using it all again. I know I had a purchased software at one time, but that computer is long gone. Was this the Craftroom software?? All the carts I have are linked to my Gypsy. I'm really wanting to start using a cutting machine to make HT vinyls for shirts. I've been heavy into sewing again. I love all the svg files I've seen other put onto tshirts. My question is..... would I be better off getting a non-cricut brand just for cutting svg files or can a newer cricut machine do this for me plus use all my existing carts? I overlooked what you mainly wanted to do with it. If you plan to focus on using HT vinyl transfers for shirts, and you are used to using design software to actually design your own cutting files, the Cameo is a better choice than the Explore IMO. The Design Space software is not really intended for design work. It's terrible software IMO. The Cameo designer software is a one time fee, and you can sometimes get it on sale, but you can do a lot with just the regular software. You only need the designer software if you need to import svg files that you have purchased. If you use other software, such as Inkscape, for designing files, you should be able to create dxf files, which can be used with the regular software. However, before you buy any new cutting machine, I recommend that you consider whether or not you think you may eventually want to do more than HT vinyl, and how much of the design work you plan to do yourself. I used to use Adobe Illustrator to design my own vinyl and paper cutting files, but the Cameo software is capable enough that I don't use Illustrator as often anymore. I also have gotten lazy. I buy a lot of designs from the Silhouette Design Store because it saves me time, and my time is valuable to me. I like the Silhouette designs better than the Cricut designs overall, although Cricut has some good ones, too. If you think you may buy designs from other sites, either machine (Cricut Explore or Silhouette Cameo) will work. Like you, we recently moved and had to put some things into storage. I had a Silhouette Cameo and Cricut Expression prior to moving. I kept my Cameo somewhat available, while I put the Expression, Gypsy, and cartridges into inaccessible storage early on. After we finally moved into our new home, I ended up buying the Explore, but it was mostly because it could cut leather, and my son likes to design leather projects. I do like the wide variety of materials it can cut. The Cameo is the machine that I currently use the most and probably will continue to use the most. I do a lot of vinyl cutting with it, both for home decor, and some HT vinyl for T-shirts. I find it very easy to design whatever I want with the Cameo software. If you have no interest in cutting anything beyond vinyl and card stock, and you prefer to design your own cutting files, the Cameo is an excellent choice. When we first moved into our new home, our internet connection was very poor. I did not even consider buying the Explore until we finally got a reliable internet connection.
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Mar 4, 2017 18:54:44 GMT
I recently bought my first Close To My Heart cartridge, Artbooking. I'm in love!
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Mar 5, 2017 1:37:16 GMT
I recently bought my first Close To My Heart cartridge, Artbooking. I'm in love! That is one of my favorites!
|
|
|
Post by OntarioScrapper on Mar 5, 2017 4:54:48 GMT
I recently bought my first Close To My Heart cartridge, Artbooking. I'm in love! That is one of my favorites! I'm using it right now to make some birthday cards! Love the stamps that came with it.
|
|
|
Post by nightnurse on Mar 5, 2017 14:36:31 GMT
The CTMH cartridges are amazing and th only ones I have paid full price for. I use them all the time. The artbooking font cuts beautifully even in tiny sizes.
|
|
|
Post by riversong1963 on Mar 6, 2017 13:51:04 GMT
Oh, I have Artbooking too. Love it! I, too, bought it at full price, but I use it a lot.
|
|
|
Post by Night Owl on Mar 7, 2017 3:58:43 GMT
Lilac colored machine debuts Wednesday on HSN. Wish they worry more about fixing Design Space than new colors.
|
|
scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,114
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
|
Post by scrapnnana on Mar 7, 2017 17:48:51 GMT
Lilac colored machine debuts Wednesday on HSN. Wish they worry more about fixing Design Space than new colors. New colors are super easy to turn out, though, and it does entice some people to buy. When I saw the beautiful pale blue one at Michael's, I finally caved. However, I was already intending to buy it, just not quite that soon. The CEO of Provo Craft is reportedly the one who designed the software. No matter how many customers complain about it, I doubt we will see any improvement in Design Space as long as people keep buying the Explore. I bought the Explore because it can cut leather, and my son designs leather projects. (The pretty blue just got me to buy it sooner than later.) Design Space is frustrating and inadequate compared to the software programs of my other electronic cutters. Design Space is apparently intended mainly to promote sales of the Cricut cutting files. It is adequate for cutting their files, nothing more. The ability to design original files is important to anyone who uses their cutter to earn money. I used my other cutters to earn money (using my own designs), and most of my other electronic cutters paid for themselves. The Cricut Expression did not, because I could not really use it or the cartridge designs to generate income. It was by far the most expensive cutter I have owned. At least with the Explore, I can cut my own designs, even though I have to use another program to design my cutting files. Unfortunately, I doubt that the Provo Craft CEO will ever truly fix Design Space software. Customers continue to buy the Explore because it is an excellent cutter. Also, a lot of crafters are content to buy files rather than design their own. I sometimes buy files for personal use, even though I am perfectly capable of designing my own. As long as Provo Craft is making money, I doubt they will bother with improving their software, no matter how much customers gripe.
|
|