Crafters, I...we need your opinions [Which die-cut machine?] About This Page:

[Charlie97]

Rachel is interested in purchasing a Cricut, but then began reading reviews about the Silhouette Cameo. The Cameo seems a lot cheaper (referring to the price of the Cricut cartridges) and I saw some of the detailed cuts that it made, very nice. Anybody have any experience with either 1 or both machines? Your input/ opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[minemoz1]

I have a Silhouette. It is amazing. For one, you are not stuck buying expensive Cricut cartridges-that's where you spend the most money on the Cricut. You can buy individual designs from the Silhouette store or look online for SVG files from other companies/designers-your options are limitless and usually cost between .99-$3.00. You can also cut out your own type from your computer.

The cuts are very detailed. The cards in my signature and on my etsy store (link below) were cut using a Silhouette SD (old version). I use a graphic design program so whatever I design can be cut. You can also cut fabric, vinyl wall clings, use a special marker to "draw" your design, etc. They sell kits to make your own rhinestone t-shirts/clothing items too. You can also do a print and cut where you can import an image, say mickey, run a filter to outline him. Print him out and the Silhouette will cut around him making your own cut out. Cricut cannot do this.

The learning curve is higher than the Cricut as you need to learn the program, but it's fairly intuitive. There are many YouTube tutorials if you can't figure something out. If she has any specific questions, let me know. I've been using one since 2011.

[Charlie97]

Very nice designs. Thats what caught Rachel's eye last night, the way it cuts detail or very precise cuts. Thanks Michele. Any problems with it? We read about "A" blade becoming dull and damaging all the cuts beyond repair, but that's been the only we have read so far.

[DisneyDork712]

Originally Posted by minemoz1

I have a Silhouette. It is amazing. For one, you are not stuck buying expensive Cricut cartridges-that's where you spend the most money on the Cricut. You can buy individual designs from the Silhouette store or look online for SVG files from other companies/designers-your options are limitless and usually cost between .99-$3.00. You can also cut out your own type from your computer.

The cuts are very detailed. The cards in my signature and on my etsy store (link below) were cut using a Silhouette SD (old version). I use a graphic design program so whatever I design can be cut. You can also cut fabric, vinyl wall clings, use a special marker to "draw" your design, etc. They sell kits to make your own rhinestone t-shirts/clothing items too. You can also do a print and cut where you can import an image, say mickey, run a filter to outline him. Print him out and the Silhouette will cut around him making your own cut out. Cricut cannot do this.

The learning curve is higher than the Cricut as you need to learn the program, but it's fairly intuitive. There are many YouTube tutorials if you can't figure something out. If she has any specific questions, let me know. I've been using one since 2011.

Aaand now I want a Silhouette.

I guess I should also add that my Mom has both, and I don't think she really does a whole lot with her Cricut any more. The last time we were in town, she showed me a little bit of what the Silhouette can do, and it seems pretty limitless as far as what you can cut out. She was still learning how to really use it, but seemed to be moving right along! (And she's not very tech savvy!) ;D

[GingerJ]

Or (for more money) you can get the new Cricut Explore, which uses cartridges, downloadable Cricut images, and SVG images like the Silhouette. I bought the E2 when it first came out and there were a few bugs, so I'll wait a few months before even considering this, but it seems to be the best of both worlds.

That said, I'm very happy with my Cricut system. I bought a Wishblade years ago, and it was so darned HARD, I gave up and gave it away after I made one stupid image and it had gathered dust for several years. I'm generally very tech-savvy, so it really was hard...newer editions may be easier, I don't know, and this was before I had a Cricut.

So there is a LOT to be said for ease of use, as well as having a system like Cricut that many of your friends are likely to have, so you can get help as well as share your cartridges and things.

Good luck with the decision.

Ginger

[Hugmonster]

Hard decision. I have a Cricut and love it. By adding the Gypsy and getting most Cartridges on sale for $20 or less I have a large collection and can usually find what I need.

[minemoz1]

Originally Posted by Charlie97

Very nice designs. Thats what caught Rachel's eye last night, the way it cuts detail or very precise cuts. Thanks Michele. Any problems with it? We read about "A" blade becoming dull and damaging all the cuts beyond repair, but that's been the only we have read so far.

I have only had occasional problems, but were easily remedied by helpful YouTube videos. Nothing that kept me down for more than 1/2 and hour. Tech support is great and you can email them any problem you are having.

As far as the blades go, the blades are universal. I've not had too much problems with the blades. They do wear out and you need to replace them when dull-usually they start damaging the paper. They last me about 3-5 months, but I cut hundreds of items. I had one wear within a month, but complained to Silhouette and they sent me a replacement. Also, you need to replace cutting mats occasionally. I restick mine until they have too many cuts and start ruining the paper.

[Charlie97]

Thanks all. Read your comments n i think they helped make up Rae's mind.

[GingerJ]

Don't leave us in suspense. Please let us know what you end up with when you make the decision.

Ginger

[Charlie97]

After much reading, watching videos, listening to reviews, and watching demonstrations, Rachel has decided I will buy her the Silhouette. Thanks for your input. Rachel and I really appreciated it.

[minemoz1]

Awesome! She will love it!