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Post by zuke on Feb 16, 2017 12:26:14 GMT
If you were going to buy a new Cricut, which model would you recommend? My friend at work asked me my opinion and I really don't know the answer. She isn't a scrapbooker but does a lot of party decor, bulletin boards etc. She asked me if any models also print, which I didn't have a clue!
Can you give me your thoughts on models that you like and maybe some things that make that model great? She wants to buy one next week!! Thanks.
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pcaheather
New Member
Posts: 8 
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Post by pcaheather on Feb 16, 2017 13:35:25 GMT
the Cricut Explore Air 2, it is the newest version of the Cricuts..
Cricut Explore Air 2™ is a DIY speed machine. This smart cutting machine cuts and writes up to 2x faster than previous models and helps you make projects with over 100 different materials.
• Up to 2X Faster. Select Fast Mode when you need to make every minute count.
• Quick projects. Select from over 3,000 ready-to-make projects or make quick cuts from our extensive image library.
• Create on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Embedded Bluetooth® for wireless cutting
• Cut 100+ materials from vellum to leather
• Smart Set® dial for easy material settings
• Double tool holder for cutting and writing or cutting and scoring in one step
• Upload your own images for free (.svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .dxf)
• Thousands of designs and ideas to kickstart virtually any project.
• Cut Smart® technology for precision cutting and easy and pre-calibrated material selection
• Upload and use your own image files or fonts for free
• Works with Cricut® cartridges
• Cuts printable images
• Integrated storage compartments
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 1, 2024 0:07:29 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 16, 2017 13:49:02 GMT
the Cricut Explore Air 2, it is the newest version of the Cricuts.. Cricut Explore Air 2™ is a DIY speed machine. This smart cutting machine cuts and writes up to 2x faster than previous models and helps you make projects with over 100 different materials. • Up to 2X Faster. Select Fast Mode when you need to make every minute count. • Quick projects. Select from over 3,000 ready-to-make projects or make quick cuts from our extensive image library. • Create on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. • Embedded Bluetooth® for wireless cutting • Cut 100+ materials from vellum to leather • Smart Set® dial for easy material settings • Double tool holder for cutting and writing or cutting and scoring in one step • Upload your own images for free (.svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .dxf) • Thousands of designs and ideas to kickstart virtually any project. • Cut Smart® technology for precision cutting and easy and pre-calibrated material selection • Upload and use your own image files or fonts for free • Works with Cricut® cartridges • Cuts printable images • Integrated storage compartments  I actually own all of the machines and I second this! |
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sophikins
Full Member
Posts: 239
Aug 30, 2014 15:12:27 GMT
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Post by sophikins on Feb 16, 2017 16:24:53 GMT
Make sure she knows she has to have a live, good internet connection to cut or design with the Explore. That is the one thing I don't like about it. My craft area has unreliable internet, and when I go to crops the internet is very bad, especially if everyone is on their iPad, computer or smart phone.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,418
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Post by scrapnnana on Feb 16, 2017 19:49:19 GMT
The Explore can cut more materials than the older machines, which is why I finally caved and bought one. I got the newest version, but any Explore can cut the heavier materials.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,295
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Post by iowgirl on Feb 16, 2017 19:55:08 GMT
Honestly, unless she was married to Cricut because she has a ton of cartridges... tell her to get a Silhouette.
She will have much more creative freedom with it. She can do Print & Cut, where you print with your own printer, but cut with the machine. Cricut will also do this, but the Silhouette does it much better. IF she happened to have a larger format printer, she could print on larger paper and cut with the Silhouette also.
The new Cricut Explore is much better, as far as being able to use your own fonts and designs, than the older Cricut machines - but the Silhouette software is just leaps and bounds ahead of the Cricut software for those who want to create their own stuff. There is also TONS of free stuff she can use with it. Also many help groups on Facebook for both Silhouette and Cricut... but go with the Silhouette... LOL
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sophikins
Full Member
Posts: 239
Aug 30, 2014 15:12:27 GMT
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Post by sophikins on Feb 16, 2017 20:01:38 GMT
Honestly, unless she was married to Cricut because she has a ton of cartridges... tell her to get a Silhouette. What iowgirl said, plus the Silhouette does not require a live on-line connection to use it. I have both a Silhouette and Explore, and they both cut well. It is the software and on-line connection that is an issue. When the Circuit Provocraft site gets overloaded or goes down you are COMPLETELY out of luck and it becomes as useful as a paperweight. This is something that does happen from time to time, in addition to the issue of your own internet being fast enough. |
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Post by anniefb on Feb 16, 2017 20:13:18 GMT
I would go for a Cameo as well, unless she has loads of cartridges she still wants to use.
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Post by zuke on Feb 16, 2017 21:38:19 GMT
WOW! Thanks for all of this info. I have copied and printed all of your thoughts and will give them to my friend. I have the VERY old one that only cuts 6" wide that someone gave to me. These new ones sound GREAT! Thanks again!
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,418
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Post by scrapnnana on Feb 17, 2017 21:58:49 GMT
I have the Cameo, and I agree that the software is so much better than the Cricut Design Space (which is crap). But as far as the cutting abilities of the machines, the Explore has better cutting ability and can cut a wider range of materials.
I have both the Cameo and the Explore Air 2. I use the Cameo for paper crafts and vinyl, but the Explore for thicker materials that are more difficult for the Cameo to cut. The Explore cuts better detail, especially for designs that are tiny and intricate. The Cameo comes a close second for detail cuts, but the Explore does have an edge over the Cameo.
I usually get around the crappy Design Space software by using a separate program (which I already had) for creating something that I want to cut with the Explore. For example, my son had designed a project that he wanted to cut from leather. I used another program to get the design into the cutting format and then imported it into Design Space. It cut beautifully.
A lot depends on what she wants to cut. If she wants to be able to cut a wider variety of materials, she may want the Explore. If she will be cutting thinner materials, the Cameo would be a better choice.
Also, if she plans to use designs created by others instead of designing her own, she probably should check out both the Cricut and Silhouette designs that are available. That way she can get a feel for what designs appeal most to her, which could affect her choice of machine. Cricut designs and Silhouette designs are proprietary and only cut on the machine for which they are designed.
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I actually own all of the machines and I second this!
