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Post by Restless Spirit on Aug 21, 2014 18:40:34 GMT
First, let me just say I know *nothing* about cutting machines.  So, I'd really appreciate any and all opinions of the Cricut Expression vs  ? well, any other machine. I received an ad today that the Cricut Expression will be on sale at Menard's for $129 plus a $30 rebate (only good a Menards once you receive it). They also have a limited selection of Cartridges on sale for $9.99. I've been wanting a cutting machine and now I have the opportunity to get one I find I'm not sure that a) this would be a good starter machine and b) is this a good price? I'd love to hear the good, the bad and the ugly if any one with experience or knowledge about the Expression would care to share. TIA! |
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Post by anniefb on Aug 21, 2014 19:26:01 GMT
I don't have an Expression but I have the smaller Create. I don't use it with cartridges any more as I have Sure Cuts a Lot software which allows me to cut SVG files and any font on my computer. I've been happy with the way the machine cuts, but honestly I wouldn't buy another Cricut as it gets soooo expensive with the cartridges. I believe there are other options now for the Expression with the online Cricut Craft Room i.e. you can purchase individual digital images to cut. However, if you're going to be using mostly cartridges, the costs really mount up. Also I prefer to have any software for a machine on my own computer.
From reviews I've read and the experience of friends, the Silhouette Cameo is a superior machine - and that's what I'll be buying next.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,903 
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Post by tracylynn on Aug 21, 2014 19:40:01 GMT
That would be a good price for both the Expression and the cartridges! I love my Cricut.
I'm pretty picky about the cartridges I buy anymore. I want ones where I'm going to get a lot of bang for my buck - one where all the extra buttons are used, w/ a font, shapes, special things like boxes, special cut cards, envelopes, etc.
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lisavb
Full Member
Posts: 148
Jun 25, 2014 21:49:19 GMT
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Post by lisavb on Aug 21, 2014 20:43:38 GMT
Can I ask you where you live? I am interested in getting a replacement Cricut for my classroom, but it isn't showing up in my local Menard's ad.  |
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on Aug 21, 2014 20:47:37 GMT
For that price....yes. It will get your feet wet in the die cut machine world . I have a E2 and I hardly use it because I can't figure the thing out and have no patience lol
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Post by mamatoa on Aug 21, 2014 20:53:59 GMT
I think it is a good price for an Expression and if that's the machine you want I would go for it! having said that, the Cameo is a superior machine. The Cricut has 2 downfalls (IMHO).
1 being the cartridge system. You do need to factor the cost of cartridges you want into your cutter budget. If you buy the Cricut and just 5 cartridges at $9.99 (which seems to be about as cheap as you can get) you are looking at $150 (after the rebate) and that is just for 5 carts. It is also frustrating to want to cut just 1 mustache one time and you have to buy a whole cartridge for that one image. it does take away from some of the freedom of the machine.
2, the machine just does not cut as well as the other digital cutters out there. You will not get as accurate cuts and it's very difficult to cut a small image.
Good Luck with your choice and enjoy your new toy!
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,449
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Post by scrapnnana on Aug 21, 2014 23:21:50 GMT
It is a good price for an Expression, but my first question would be if it is for an original Expression (and is it really, really old merchandise being cleared out), or the Expression 2.
The Expression 2 cuts better detail than the original one. If it is the Expression 2, it is a very good price.
The Expression, whichever it is, is one of the easier machines to use, and it is very portable for taking to crops since you use it without a computer. The downside is that it is usually hard to find cartridges for $10, and even on sale, they are usually more than that. Over time, in order to get the most use out of your machine, the temptation is to buy more cartridges. I thought I would be content with a handful. I ended up with 104 in the long run, making it the most expensive cutting system by far. The cartridges have anywhere from 30 to 700 designs on them, depending on the cartridge. Obviously the ones with more designs are the more expensive cartridges. The ones with 700 designs are by Close to My Heart. There are inevitably designs you pay for that you may not care for and will never use.
The Silhouette Cameo is a better machine. I love my Cameo! You can buy files individually instead of on cartridges. Getting a subscription makes the designs cheaper. You can use a variety of free designs from the Internet or buy them, or even make your own, too. It is not quite as easy to learn to use as the Cricut, and you need a computer to use the Silhouette.
I have both machines and hardly ever use my Cricut these days. The Silhouette does a much better job, and it is a lot easier to find what I want in my Silhouette library than hunt through cartridges. However, my Cricut Expression IS still a good machine, and I refuse to get rid of it even though I almost never use it anymore. The fact that I can take it to crops if I want is a nice factor. Technically I could take my Silhouette Cameo and my laptop, or use the SD card feature (which I have never used), but it is just easier to take my Cricut, which doesn't need a computer and is easy for my friends to use if they need to.
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Post by Restless Spirit on Aug 22, 2014 0:16:24 GMT
Thank You so much for your replies! Lots of really good points made by all. The sale starts tomorrow, so my DH and I went and looked at it closer today. Yes, it appears to be the original Cricut Expression. It's very typical of Menards to sell older or close-out merchandise. DH is afraid since it's an older model, I'll eventually be disappointed that it doesn't have the newer, more advanced options. And Yikes! The costs of the cartridges could really add up! I do so appreciate everyone's input. I think I'll hold off and continue my search. Thanks so much! Oh - I'm in NE Indiana. The sale is for Menards 3 Day Crazy Day Sale, starting tomorrow, Fri. It's on the first page. Menards Crazy Days Sale |
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Post by SunnySmile on Aug 22, 2014 1:34:07 GMT
I have an Expression and have been happy with it. I didn't know about the Silhouette when I bought mine, and it would be a better machine because you can cut from the internet, etc. However, I just got an account at cricut.com for the Cricut Craft Room. This is where you can buy individual images if you want, and design your paper layout on the mat. I've linked all my cartridges, so everything I own is at the touch of a button too. I always buy my cartridges on sale. I've gotten them on ebay, amazon, some from the cricut website on a great sale. $9.99 is a good price, especially if it has a lot of images on it. Cricut has the Explore now that uses Design Space on their website instead of cartridges. I think it will only use cricut files though, I'm not sure. The price for the Expression is a good one, and if you just want to get your feet wet, I think you would like it.
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? well, any other machine.
