What's new

If I were going to get a cutting tool....

RebeccaH

RebeccaH

Life is exciting, yes it is!
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
11,875
I've never one single time been tempted by the Cricut / Silhouette products, because I never have a need to cut paper into cute little shapes. I'm a digi girl all the way.
Until now... the planner products that are coming out here at the pad have me wishing week after week that I had a cutting machine of some sort. The thing is, they're a big investment, and I know NOTHING about them.
So, if I were going to get a cutting tool of some sort to use the svg cut files that are in the downloads, what would I need to know / which one(s) is(are) best?
 
Silhouette Portrait - affordable and perfectly fine for US Letter or A4 paper which is all you need for planner stuff
The basic software will be fine, but I think you would use the PNGs instead of the SVGs. IIRC, only the designer edition opens SVGs, but PNGs are easy enough since they put traceable all-black versions in the files here :)
 
I almost bought a Curio....
Sarita gave me £150 for Christmas to use towards the Silhouette, and as I never spend any money on myself I thought why not.... but then I saw some videos and I thought I better first look very VERY well before spending all that money (because of my brain needing to be re wired...and things costing me 10 times to understand than usual ) and now we maybe needing the money for major stuff...
but I still think I will get it, just need to get organized...
There are tons of great vidoes online to teach you how to use it @RebeccaH I think you are doing a great job already, imagine with a Silhouette!!!!! :heartlub

So, @lorryfach the Silhouette comes with the software? you don't need to buy it separately, am I right?
 
I've has a Cricut. I currently have a Sizzix eclips and silhouette cameo.

Where you have the experience with Adobe products, I recommend the Silhouette. You can pull pngs onto the workspace with the software that comes with the machine. If you want to use. Svg you will have to buy the additional software. For the planner stuff, especially the stuff sold here, the basic software included works just fine.

If you have the space and money you may want to consider the cameo over the portrait. The portrait will fit your needs, but if you ever wanted to make pretty boxes or other papercrafts, you would probably want the additional space.
 
I recently sold my Cricut and all the accessories and switched to a Silhouette Portrait. It took some getting used to, but there are tons of Facebook groups that can help out. The one I joined is pretty good and I've learned quite a bit already.
 
I love my portrait. I use it for so many things. I did try to be happy with just the included version of the software but I just wasn't happy not being able to use svg files. It's just so quick (for me).... if you decide to get the upgraded software Amazon and Etsy frequently have bundles with the machine, the upgraded software, and usually a kit of some sort (vinyl or etching or stamping, etc). Walmart's website has the software much cheaper than normal right now, too ($27)
 
Cricut is too limiting I find. I'm going to sell mine cheap on Kijiji and help fund a silhouette cameo.
 
Lindzee said:
Cricut is too limiting I find. I'm going to sell mine cheap on Kijiji and help fund a silhouette cameo.
Click to expand...
I need to sell mine as well. I have a cricut personal cutter, the 001 model, and it is basically a paper weight. I rarely use it, and hate that I have to purchase separate cartridges to do anything with it.
I want a cutter I can use with my computer to cut what I want.
 
klee73010 said:
I need to sell mine as well. I have a cricut personal cutter, the 001 model, and it is basically a paper weight. I rarely use it, and hate that I have to purchase separate cartridges to do anything with it. I want a cutter I can use with my computer to cut what I want.
Click to expand...

I think that's the same one I sold on eBay a couple of months ago. I sold all my cartridges/accessories with it too. That is what I love about the Silhouette, that it can be used with the computer. I just need to figure it all out. Learning a little at a time.
 
StarryEyedDesigns said:
I think that's the same one I sold on eBay a couple of months ago. I sold all my cartridges/accessories with it too. That is what I love about the Silhouette, that it can be used with the computer. I just need to figure it all out. Learning a little at a time.
Click to expand...
Lol, no. I've had mine for a few years now. My husband bought it used from someone he worked with. Haha. :)
 
klee73010 said:
I need to sell mine as well. I have a cricut personal cutter, the 001 model, and it is basically a paper weight. I rarely use it, and hate that I have to purchase separate cartridges to do anything with it.
I want a cutter I can use with my computer to cut what I want.
Click to expand...
I was lucky and bought the software to cut svg files with the Cricut before the lawsuit. But I sold it all to buy the Sizzix. I still have the Sizzix, and am undecided as to selling it.
The software for svg cutting in silhouette is next in my list to buy. Amazon has had it pretty consistently around $25-$30.
 
This is an interesting thread. Do any of you know which machines would work with both paper and fabrics? I'd love to use it for scrapping and sewing/quilting, too.
 
QuiltyMom said:
This is an interesting thread. Do any of you know which machines would work with both paper and fabrics? I'd love to use it for scrapping and sewing/quilting, too.
Click to expand...
You may want to consider the brother cut and scan. I always see the demos using fabric.

@knhoward has one, would you recommend it for fabric?
 
I have a portrait & find that I have never wished for the larger size! :) I've cut vinyl, fabric & paper- it works wonderfully with sticker paper for planners, labels, etc! Like previous poster- amazon often has the best deals including the additional software- which is the one thing I think you'd want as an extra. Hth!
 
I would do a Silhouette :) only because I have one too, and love it when I do use it! It does/cuts so many different things!
 
Thank you thank you thank you for the input!!! I just ordered a Silhouette Portrait on sale @ Amazon. Thanks to Prime, I should have it sometime this week to play with! :yesss Hopefully I'm not a total idiot, and I can figure this out!
 
Back
Top