Cricut, Wishblade, Craft Robo & Pazzles Comparison
Let’s compare the new digital die cutting machines on the market today. They are so tempting for scrapbookers but also very confusing when trying to choose just one - the decision-making process is quite daunting. I’ve been doing some research for the past few days and thought I’d share my findings with you.
The Cricut by Provo Craft is getting a lot of press these days. They’ve just hit the mainstream market at Michael’s and Joann’s and many local scrapbook stores. The suggested retail price is $299, but I’ve seen many folks say they’ve been able to use their 40% or 50% off coupons to get them at a real bargain. Here are some of the main points about this machine:
- This system is a stand alone machine and does not require hook up to a computer. The Cricut is portable and perfect to take along with you to crops or weekend scrapbooking retreats. It is also an excellent option for those who are not computer savvy and don’t want to learn a new software program. There is virtually no learning curve.
- The letters and shapes are cut from a digital cartridge which must be purchased separately from the machine. Each cartridge runs around $80.
- You can cut the letters and shapes from the cartridges in 11 different sizes ranging from 1” up to 5.5” tall with this machine. The sizes are preset; you can’t choose the exact measurement.
The major downside to this machine is that the images and fonts are sold separately and the life-long investment can really add up. For instance, to buy the machine and just 5 alpha cartridges, that’s an investment of nearly $700. Provo Craft currently has 13 different alpha/shape cartridges for sale. To purchase all of them would cost you $1040 plus the initial investment of the machine. Make sure you factor in these additional expenses when deciding which is best for you.
The Wishblade is a die cutting machine that connects to your computer and uses fonts, shapes and images already there. Yes, that means you can cut any TrueType font that is already installed on your computer. Or download more fonts from all the fabulous free-font sites and cut those too! Wishblade was bought out by Xyron and now bears their label and retails for about $450 but there are many deals to be found if you’re diligent in your search. Here are some of the major points about the Wishblade:
- A computer system is needed and it only works when connected. This is not a stand alone machine and not designed to be portable. However, if you’ve got a laptop it would be easy to bring along for long cropping events. The actual cutting machine is very small and lightweight.
- The Wishblade comes with the basic software program to allow you to die cut your fonts. The software does allow for creating connected letter titles or design your own die shapes by manually tracing each shape or moving the letters together. However this cumbersome process is eased with the use of additional software. The whole realm of software for the Wishblade is a huge, deep pool of research that I haven’t waded fully into yet. However, I've included below several documents that describe the capabilities of the different machines when combined with different software programs - lots of great information there!
- Although Xyron designed the Wishblade to originally require their Design Cartridges – they changed soon the machine to allow for the cutting of any font or image as described above. But that means you can also use the cartridges in this machine – which retail for $40 to $95. You don’t NEED the cartridges to make the machine work, but if you want pre-designed images, this option makes it convenient.
- You can print images on your printer, then send those print outs through the Wishblade for precision cutting.
- There are many Yahoo Groups and other design forums online that specialize in both the Wishblade and Craft Robo - where actual users of the machines share their designed images and special tips/tricks they've learned while using their machines. Many free downloadable files are available for sharing.
The Craft Robo is the exact same machine as Xyron’s Wishblade. In fact, the Craft Robo was the original design until Wishblade bought the rights to manufacture the same machine for the U.S. market. However, the Craft Robo is still available in its original design and not just in the UK anymore – it is now also for sale in the United States. Craft Robo is selling for approximately $399. Here are some of the main points of interest:
- Again, this is a computer-based machine and needs a computer connection in order to work.
- The Craft Robo comes with software that is essentially the same software as Wishblade’s “Bridge” – but it is included with the product rather than sold separately. Again, check out the files below for more details about what this machine can do with various software.
- You are able to cut any true type font (including dingbats), create shadows for your letters and trace shapes and other graphics to create your own custom die cuts including cutting certain elements out of a photograph.
- You can also print from the Craft Robo software to your regular printer, then have the die cutting machine precisely cut out the image through the Craft Robo.
Pazzles machines are similar to the Wishblade and Craft Robo in that it is connected to your computer and cuts true type fonts and various shapes that you can design. The price is higher than the other machines (approximately $650) and comes with the software needed to cut any true type font or image – no additional software purchase is needed. The Pazzles Company also offers higher-end machines that are designed for industrial use and specialize in vinyl die cutting of signs and banners. From my research, this seems like a more professional type company who just happens to be selling their machines to scrapbookers – it wasn’t originally designed as a craft tool. I saw a demonstration of the Pazzles Mini and was very impressed with how easy it is to “weld” individual letters together to create a connected letter title. Like the Wishblade and Craft Robo, the Pazzles also has an adaptor that replaces blade with a ball-point ink pen so you can draw with the machine rather than cut – a mini plotter for CAD users!
So which one do I recommend? And which one will I buy?
Tough question – I know I’ll go with one of the computer-connected machines rather than a stand alone. I don’t want the investment of future cartridges to make the machine work. That’s one of the main reasons I’ve never invested in any of the manual die cutting machines. I’m already a fontaholic and have plenty of adorable fonts to keep me in dies forever.
But, I think I’m going to wait a while to see how these new machines evolve, watch for what else is coming onto the market and wait for prices to come down a bit. Or maybe my impulse-buyer genes will kick in unexpectedly and I’ll splurge one day soon.
Resources
I’ve created a comparison sheet that shows the specs for each machine side by side. You can download it here: Wishblade, Pazzles, Cricut, CraftRobo Spec Comparison Spreadsheet
I’ve also come across some great comparison worksheets compiled by someone else. There’s no credit in the document, so I don’t know who created it or where it came from – but the information is valuable and wanted to provide it here.
Wishblade, Craft Robo, Pazzles Comparison Chart
There are 3 files that show the details of what each machine will do with different software packages. View them here:
Wishblade Capabilities
Craft Robo Capabilities
Pazzles Capabilities
Obviously I’m not a user of any of these machines (yet) and I’m relying completely on my own research and that of others. If you have first hand experience I’d love to hear from you – or if I’ve stated any incorrect information here, please let me know so I can get it corrected.
Please let me know if you find this information helpful.... Let's hear comments from you about which machine you'd like to own.
Talk to you soon,
~Pam
44 comments:
Thanks Pam for the information. I too, have been debating on which to invest in. I have a QK, so I was thinking that it would be much different than investing in it to get the Circut. But you're right something connected to my computer would be more economical! Thanks again for this great comparison!
Hi Pam. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience with a Pazzles Pro. I tried to start a business with it, got the state and city licenses. The software did not communicate to the Pazzles Pro via serial, parallel, or the serial to USB adapter I purchased as suggested. The support was hard to obtain. The two times it cut paper and chipboard, it cut through the letters. So I obtained an RMA and paid insured shipping (I ended up paying both ways) to return it. Pazzles decided to give me credit less a 10% restocking fee ($305) claiming that I was rough with the machine (untrue) and that the blade was out too far(I really don't know about this one), and that the mat was "gouged" (with two cuts I was finally able to achieve after several software crashes). Then there was a claim that I didn't give enough time to respond. I only had 30 days. I spent a few all nighters and a lot of business time calling and trying to email. Prior to going on vacation for two weeks, I was emailed return instructions. When I returned from vacation 2 weeks later, there were no emails, phone calls or letters. I immediately got an RMA. I did everything with courtesy and kindness and think that if the mat is damaged, it should be about $13, not $305. The manner in which I was dealt with was unprofessional. Customers have a right to be informed especially about the 10% restocking fee on the web site, and prior to purchase. Unfortunately for me, it was a surprise when the machine arrived. Unfortunately for me, I am out $305 plus two way shipping and licenses. I will be working to get the money back, and I think that other customers deserve to make informed decisions. I hope the machine and support works for others. There is room for improvement.
Roxanne Saccketti
3056 W. Avenida Cresta
Tucson, AZ 85745-1025
(520) 743-7286
reverbs@earthlink.net
Thanks for the very interesting post. Amazing to see the comparisons too. If you can, look for the June/July 2006 issue of Scrapbook Answers Magazine. They did a comparison of Pazzles and Wishblade. Wishblade was rated 4 stars compared to 2 stars for Pazzles!
Just a bit of clarification of some information in your post. Craft ROBO (and Wishblade) is designed and manufactured by Graphtec Corporation in Japan. It was introduced more than 2 years ago in Asia and Europe.
In the U.S., Graphtec America (U.S. subsidiary of Graphtec Corp.) initially licensed the product to a company called Granite Peak in Minnesota. Granite Peak started to launch (Craft ROBO) with the Wishblade brand and their design cartridges for scrapbooking. Xyron bought Granite Peak and acquired the Wishblade product rights. Xyron does not manufacture the cutter or software; they distribute a customized version of Craft ROBO, branded as Wishblade.
Earlier this year, Graphtec America introduced Craft ROBO directly to the market, making it available at the company's web site CraftROBOstore.com and through Graphtec's sign industry distributors such as SignWarehouse.com, SignSupplyStore.com and ScrapbookDieCutter.com. There are also some "2nd tier dealers", scrapbook and candy wrapper related web sites offering it.
In Europe and Asia, Craft ROBO is used for scrapbooking, as well as in schools, offices, shops and businesses.
There is great video segment on Teachers.TV that shows Craft ROBO in action at a middle school design class where the students learn how to design, print, cut and fold a box design, just like it is done in the Pro' world!
There are a couple of companies in the U.K. that have developed software for Craft ROBO. MagiCut Lite by The Magic Touch for the heat and image transfer cutting market, and 2D Design v2 CAD software by TechSoft UKused in the schools with Craft ROBO to teach the middle school students how to design 2-D and 3-D paper models cut by Craft ROBO. This is certainly NOT the drafting class I had in 7th grade! I'd love to see our schools using Craft ROBO like this.
Craft ROBO is really versatile so it is getting more attention and is being used for a lot of cutting besides scrapbooking. Graphic designers and small businesses are using it particularly for making sample die cut designs, and for short run print and cut designs, such as for photo and logo magnets, vinyl lettering and stickers, labels, cropping printed photo pages, etc.
Eventually, I think desktop cutters will be as common as desktop laser and inkjet printers. If more consumer type design programs work with desktops cutters, people will find out what they can do and everyone will want one.
Thanks for the great comparison information and for spreading the word about electronic cutters!
I'm so glad people are sharing their experiences. If you own one of these machines, please tell us what you love (or hate) about it. Your comments might sway someone else's decision on which one to buy.
~Pam
This is great information. My husband bought me a sizzix this recent Christmas so I'm set for dies for a while. But like you, I'll be watching the market and doing research and seeing if the prices come down in the future. I like the idea of being able to cut out the fonts that are already in my computer.
Hi Pam,
I don't know if you've made your choice already on which machine to get but I thought I'd give you my 2 cents. I got my Craft Robo about 3 weeks ago and I love it! I did some comparison between all the machines, like you did. I finally decided on the CR because I loved the idea of being able to use all the fonts on my computer. I am still figuring everything out but I am so in love!
I have a Wishblade and I just LOVE it. It seems to me to be a much better value than the cricut. Why would you want to pay nearly $100.00 for each font and then be stuck with only those fonts when the wishblade does all fonts for no extra cost? Not to mention the shapes and clipart it also does. I have not cut any lettering since I got my wb. I gave away my sizzix and qk.
Can someone tell me the difference between the Ellison Big Shot and the Wizard Embossing and Die Cutting System? I have the Big Shot but can't seem to find any info on the Wizard. Would appreciate any advice.
I love my Craft Robo. The use is easy and intuitive and The cutting options are UNLIMITED. With this machine you are not limited to fonts, ANYTHING can be cut.
Use the half-cut (kiss-cut) function to cut around stickers while leaving them attached to the backing sheet. Use the cut-through function to cut out designs on paper or card. It will even make window clings out of vinyl for your car.
You can literally cut out anything you can print from your computer. Craft Robo uses the Robomaster software to draw outlines the machine can see. simply print out pictures, mats, frames, etc. the machine will do the rest.
The software also has a tiling function, use it to cut out large elememts in sections, such as a giant flower for the background in a 12x12 layout.
When you consider that the Cricut is so limited and expensive in the long run and the Pazzles is So unfriendly and hard to use, I'm sure that the Craft Robo is the very best electronic die cutter available.
Another note about Pazzles, The only advantage I see here is the ability to weld fonts together. But I don't think that small function justifies such a high price tag. Expecially when you can do a similar thing with Craft Robo simply by stacking two fonts on top of each other in separate layers using Photoshop! Carol
I too fell into the pazzles trap. Let me explain. I bought one second hand from ebay, but it was unused, only six months old and I paid about $100 less than retail. Upon receiving it, I could not get the software to work. I called customer service. They REFUSED to support me, saying since I didn't purchase it from them, they would only help me if a) I got a letter from the seller and myself sent to them with the machine i.d. number, date of purchase, signatures, original sales receipt, (basically more than dmv requires), AND I paid $30/hour for support THEN they would help me. Oh, and I needed to purchase new software for the cutter at $129 because they didn't use that software anymore because of THEIR programming flaws. Unbelievable. At this point, I have a very expensive doorstop.
I offered to meet them in the middle, but they refused to budge. Great customer service....
scalkins@baymoon.com
I have had a Wishblade for a year now. It is AWESOME - I wouldn't sell it for any amount of money! It's the best $375.00 I've ever spent!! I figure that I have saved well over $1000.00 on fonts had I purchased sizzlets, sizzix, etc. for all of the different fonts I have used that I was able to download for free. PLUS all you do it type in what you want to say and it spits it out! No crancking a handle and all of the pain in the rear things I had to do with my other die cut systems. I sold my sizzlet alphas on Ebay and used that money to buy my WB and have NEVER regretted it!
Don't forget that the Cricut also comes with a USB port built in the back....and that they have been saying from the beginning of the design process that they do intend their machine to be able to do ttf fonts in the near future. Rockester
I have a question--it seems as if wishblade and craftrobo are the same--but when I look at the craftrobo site it looks like you have to print out the image first and then let the machine detect it and trace and cut--can't you got straight to cutting like the wishblade and do no printing?
Both the CraftRobo and Wishblade have the option of "cutting" with an ink pen. You just replace the blade with a ballpoint pen and it will draw the imagine instead of cutting it.
I believe both machines also have the option of printing an image on your normal printer ... which includes special marks that the CR or WB will read, then cut out the printed image. For instance, print a photo and it will cut around the photo - or something like that.
Neither the CR or the WB is a printer and do not have ink cartridges.
HTH
Pam
I bought the new pink Wishblade and absolutely hated it! I was tearing my hair out trying to figure out solutions to all of the little problems I had with it. I'm not a computer expert, but I can use Adobe. I have no knowledge of corel or vector drawings. You really have to be a graphics artist to figure out the terminology. When I first opened it and guessed about how to use (because the manual is completely worthless)I was able to cut letters and a die-cut shape, although parts of the die cut were cut apart (somehow you have to adjust your drawing by deleting cut lines, etc). But, after I downloaded the pressure control patch from the website, it wouldn't cut through anymore or it gouged the mat. Adjusting the blade type or pressure amount just made more problems. I see how it could be used easily for fonts, but I wanted it for diecuts too at that price and I just couldn't digest all the material on support groups for trying to figure out how to use the thing - I do have a life. Sadly, since I had only a few days to try to figure it out, I had to return it before my return time was up. I was really crushed! I was so looking forward to it, but the problems are so vast and the software is so bad and the manual is so technical and poorly laid out. I guess I'll wait until they make a tutorial or fix the manual or simplify the software. Truly, for those thinking of buying it, its NOT EASY! You will spend numerous hours perusing support groups for information to solve your problems. The groups in themselves are very friendly, but it takes forever to look through the off-topic replies to find the information you're looking for (eg. Say "Hi" to your husband for me" or "Sorry to hear that you're not feeling well." replies). UGH! It's with a heavy heart that I don't recommend this machine. If only someone with sense had designed it's process. SIGH!
Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve for the computer-based diecutting machines. That is to be expected and people who purchases a unit should expect to spend several weeks perfecting the techniques of the software.
In fact, I recently heard of a person who downloaded the software for several different machines BEFORE she decided which machine to purchase. The machines are basically all the same... it's the software that makes the difference in usability. So learn the software first, then buy the machine that goes with whichever program you find the easiest to use.
As for the online Wishblade groups. The previous commenter mentioned having to wade through a community-based group with regular everyday chit-chat. This is typical of any online community and is to be expected. We're all people, after all, right? But if you approach those groups are a place to network and meet people and learn from them you'll have a completely different experience, I think.
~Pam
I purchased a Cricut on black Friday for a very reasonable price. I was then asked by our Director to do a retirement scrapbook for her secretary of 25 years. The project was very easy with the Cricut and came out very well. I appreciated not having to use the computer with it, but have not discounted purchasing a Wishblade or Craft Robo in the future.
Maybe this has been pointed out - I didn't see it. The Wishblade is crippled in that it has to talk to wishblade software running on your computer. It will not talk to the robocraft software on your computer. Why? Because if the Wishblade could talk to the robocraft software you could directly import common vector graphic formats like DXF. Instead you either have to enter your own or pay xyron big $$$ for images. I have a Wishblade, I think I should have gotten a RoboCraft.
Yes, I know you can JPEG -> inkscape -> DXF -> robocraft ->
wishblade -> paper. But it's a pain.
Alternatively we could all buy vinyl plotters which actually can be used with just about any software and forget about paying $100s or $1000s for patterns. It's just that these (much better and much larger plotters) start in the $1000s.
The the previous anonymous poster...
There is NO reason to purchase the graphics and fonts from Xyron for the Wishblade. There are literally thousands of FREE downloads available by Wishblade users all over the world on the net. I don't know of anyone who has actually purchased those graphics from Xyron for their Wishblade - it's a waste of money in my opinion.
And there's no need to purchase one of the $1,000+ priced vinyle plotters --- the Wishblade and the CraftRobo can do the job for just about any project a scrapbooker needs. The only advantage of one of the high-end commercial diecutting machines is that it has the power to cut chipboard. Personally I don't think the software issue you bring us is that big of a deal.
~Pam
Thanks for the compairisons. I just heard about the wishblade recently and was wondering how it differs from the craftrobo. The wishblade has now been launched in Europe via qvc UK but does cost more or less the same price as the craft robo so can't see why they did it. Seems to be the same product. I think the idea of trying out the software before purchasing is fantastic, but where can you get the software without buying the cutter ? I would love to know and play around with it for a while before I make up my mind.
I manage a scrapbook store. Could not do without the Pazzles pro. However, their customer service and support leaves a ton to be desired. We just had a malfuntion with our machine. It cost $100. to send and insure back to the company because they said they had no idea what was wrong when the error sign came on and the machine quit. After several days they told me I had been too rough on the machine and that goo gone should be used on the wheels. I called and asked where was this in the manual. IT ISN'T THERE!!! They kept saying it was only common sense ( a polite way of calling me an idiot), like changing the oil in a car. I responed that there are millions of cars on the road and they still put it in the manual. The machine is a godsend, but the company needs a lesson in how to treat a customer
August 21, 2007 - I am interested to know first the date of all of these comments. I can't tell if I am behind a great deal or just a little.
Secondly, I have a Xyron Personal Cutting System and the cutting mat only lasts for a few cuttings, as the "sticky" isn't sticky anymore. It seems to me that all of the systems use this same cutting mat technology. Just looking through the specs of the Pazzles, they have different mats for different materials, ie, fabric, vellum, etc.
Can anyone comment on their products and the life of their cutting mats?
Heather -
The original message was posted in June 2006. The comments have come in throughout the past year. Some of the pricing information in the article is outdated, but the statistics and specs are still accurate.
I am not qualified to comment on the cutting mats ... maybe another commenter can help you out.
~Pam
This website:
This text is a link to a page on www.scrapwitch.com.au, that says to spray the mat with quilt basting spray to renew the sticky. I still don't have a Craft Robo (I'm saving to get one for the holidays), so I'm not sure if it works. It seems logical the way they explain it. Hope this helps and sorry for the poor html (my son refused to help me!).
T.
I have had my craft robo for about 3 weeks now and I LOVE IT!!! Check out UKSCRAPPERS.COM forums then craft robo. Look at all the amazing things these people are doing with this machine. I have been downloading and cutting like mad! I've yet to really create anything of my own. All kinds of images, pop up cards, titles, little tags and boxes. Overwhelmed with possibilities! If you can read you can do this! Scissors are officially for cutting hair in my house!
Best of Luck! Craft Robo is on Ebay check it out tell hub you want one for christmas! NOV 2007
What do you think about the "KLIC-N-KUT Element"? It seems to have more options than any of the rest, but also comes with a bigger price tag.
I am a cake decorator. After seeing the Cricut infomercial this weekend, I've been considering purchasing the machine to cut stencils. Writing on cakes is challenging. I thought it would be cool to be able to cut out a greeting on stencil paper, lay it on the cake and transfer the greeting.
I'm not a scrapbooker and really don't anticipate becoming one. However, I can see making signs, etc.for my shop using this machine.
I really don't see purchasing loads of the cartridges because of their limited use for cake decorating.
Also, has anyone ever used edible image paper (icing sheets) on these machines. I'm thinking if I could cut out letters from an icing sheet it would save a lot of time. The icing sheets are attached to a backing sheet.
My question: is the Cricut a good choice for my use; or should I consider the Craft Robo? I really need some help here before I make this investment.
Thanks so much!
Will the Craft Robo cut directly from the attached PC or does the image first have to be printed on a standard printer?
Craft Robo will cut directly from the PC if you just want letters on your choice of paper. If you want to print, and then cut, an image, you need a printer. Someone stated accurately that the CR prints guidelines when you print from the CR software to your regular printer, and it even prints a little "Feed paper this way" hint on the bottom of the page.
I love my CR and wouldn't trade it for the world. However, the help that the company gives you (manual, online info, Help feature) is unbelievably, well, unhelpful. You need to search forums and Google to get your answers.
I have had my Pazzles for almost 4 years ago and I LOVE IT. I have had the best customer service, so far, I have done virtually anything my brain will come up with...so the limitations are the ones that I have put on myself.
I know as we look through cutters, etc, alot of times there will be negative opinions about many things from customer support, the way it cuts, etc. BUT, I have had a wonderful experience with Pazzles and have made a business with it.
Just like all electronics and machines, you have to learn how to use it. Everything has trial and error.
Bottom line is...decide what YOU want YOUR machine to do for you, then figure out what you want. Once you figure out what you want...then research the machines...I caution you...don't listen to all the negative talk, but take time to LEARN. If you go to scrapbooking conventions, visit those booths that carry the different machines and get a hands on demonstration. Look at the longevity of the company in electronic cutting....(Pazzles introduced electronic cutting to the scrapbooking community)
Pazzles has just released a 12" cutter called the INSPIRATION...and it is so awesome. It is the first of all these machines that was created FOR paper crafting and not other markets, where the machines had to be made to work with paper.
I HIGHLY recommend Pazzles, they have great customer service, tech support and TONS of knowledge, because they will always be the originals.
Hi Pam Thanks for the comparison that has answered all the questions I had. Neat to see Craft-Robo responded to your post also.Scrapper from Canada
Pam, thank you very much for the information. I was about to purchase the Cricut machine not realizing that I would have to invest a lot of money to obtain the cartridges. I am going to look into purchasing one that hooks up to the computer. Do you know if these can cut other things other than letters like the Cricut?
Very good comparison data. I used when evaluating which I wanted to buy. I ended up with the Cricut and pleased that I can use it without a computer. But I can also use their USB port and program called Sure Cuts A Lot that lets the Cricut cut TT fonts from my computer. I feel like I have the best of both worlds.
I have been reading reviews and really can't make up my mind which machine to get. I got a wishblade (the orignal one) but it would not work with windows vista thankfully I purchased it used from someone selling it and I only invested $60 in it and resold it on ebay for $250 so now I'm trying to figure out what to do. I know the new pink wishblade has the software that allows to use on windows vista, but my problem with wishblades and craft robos is this- I can't find blades, mats or anything for them around my area. Everything and I mean everything in my area is focused only on cricut machines. I can go anywhere basically and pick up extra mats or blades for the cricut so that makes me want to go with a cricut. I love the idea of computer based cutters though, I have a laptop so bringing a cutter with me to crops would be a breeze so its not the non computer cutter I'm after but I want something that I will get a lot of great use out of. I only want it for scrapbooking and maybe occasional use for my sons school projects. I just read the comment about the sure cuts a lot. I have been looking into that, I tried out the free software to see how it worked with vista and I thought it was simple to use but since I don't have a cricut I had no way to test its cutting abilities. I also am scared if I purchase the sure cuts a lot what will happen in the future will the software keep getting updates after so long? I just don't want to purchase a cricut and the sure cuts a lot not end up working in 6 months. Can anyone that's tried sure cuts a lot for their cricut give me some advice. I am wondering can you use that software for die cuts too or just true type fonts? I like the idea that if I purchase a cricut I'll get 2 cartridges and then if I got the sure cuts a lot have the option for a computer kinda give the open idea of best of both worlds. I just want to get a great cutter so its a big decision for me. I like the idea of craft robo and the wishblade (pink) version but the cricut just has more ease of getting mats and blades so that's why I am leaning to cricut. Can someone give me some advice on your experience.
Thanks!!!!!!!!
I have the original Cricut & I L-O-V-E it! I only have a few cartridges, but have gotten them all on sale, some as low as $25 each but none more than $45.
This year my original Cricut started having problems a little over a year after getting it, but customer support sent me a brand new one even though I was was the one-year warranty AND I didn't have my recite!
It is easy to get replacement mats & blades, much more so than for the Wishblade that my neighbor has to order online & ship. And much cheaper! Make sure to price out the replacement blades when making your decision. I can usually use a 40% off coupon to get my mats & blades at Robers Craft. I've only been through 3 blades in a year and a half, but the Wishblade blades are VERY expensive! (I think the mats are all about the same price & life.)
Last night I cut vinyl to put a phone number on my husband's work tractor - couldn't have been easier! I've also cut plastic sheets, magnet sheets, and various kinds of paper. I've taken my little bug all over for crops & love how transportable it is. The carts are what let you cut on the fly. BUT I like the new option of hooking up to the computer through software. I've used Provo Craft's "Design Studio" several times (its very easy to start on), but like Craft Edge's "Sure Cuts ALot" much more. I've been super impressed with Craft Edge's desire to please & support their customers. I have a good friend who owns the program and she loves it, so I'm saving my pennies right now!
So, my vote goes to the Cricut. Its cheaper but with the new software has all the bonuses of the more expensive, crappy customer service cutter out there.
I suggest you browse some of the forums I've found helpful:
http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/
http://forums.surecutsalot.com/index.php
Hi Pam, Great information! I was not able to open up any of the comparison sheets for the cutter machines. Could you please send me the information?
Thanks!
simplyshelly@comcast.net
I love my Klic-n-Kut element. I can cut almost anything out and I am not limited to expensive cartridges. I love that I can cut any true type font and welding letters together is a breeze. I do find however that it is not easy to do a print and cut using registration marks. I have had no success and so far there is no video on how to do this. But other than that I would definately buy another klic-n-kut product. Customer service with Accugraphics is awesome as well.
Thank you for this information. I came across this in my research about these machines. I also came across a great comparison sheet for them that helped me decide what to buy:
http://www.paperthreads.com/bonus/paperthreads_machine_compare_112008.html
This sheet compares the specs of slice, cricut create, cricut expression, wishblade, silhouette, craft robo, pazzles inspiration, bosskut gazelle, klic-n-kut
Based on what my needs were for the machine (being an artist and designer) I decided on getting the Pazzles Inspiration. I wanted to be able to have complete freedom in using my own drawings and designs scanned and created in design software and not wanting or needing premade designs. Also having a more powerful machine thats able to cut through various materials besides just paper such as felt, foam, balsa wood, light weight metals and plastic. Also this machine allows me to emboss, distress, punch, make rubber stamps, engrave, and draw with pens (various attachments are needed that are sold seperately)
I did find the cricut and craft robo allows me to do some of these things but what helped me decide best is by going on youtube and entering the name of each machine and watching demos. Watching the demos of the Pazzles by poster, "photocontinental" proved to me that this is exactly the machine that will meet my needs.
It does appear that the Pazzles might not be for the casual scrapbooker with little background in using design software. For me having used a lot of design software programs like photoshop and illustrator, learning this software was a breeze. So like a poster said previously it is best to first determine exactly what you need from the machine. Some people dont want to use a computer at all, in this case the cricut would be best. The cricut also now lets you use your computer but says on the specs that the cricut editing capabilities are limited. I'm still not sure ecxactly what this means but I do know that I dont want to be limited at all.
I found the pazzles on clearance for $450.00 on hsn (including about $100 in extras not typically coming with the machine) so shop around for the best deal on whatever machine you decide on.
1/11/09
sorry the previous link for the comparison sheet didnt show up correctly. here is the link again:
machine comparison sheet
Great post, it is good to point out that while the Cricut is cheaper to get into, you do have to buy at least some cricut cartridges, which can add up. Thanks and keep up the great work.
I bought a pazzles second hand from Ebay and at first i didnt understand it. It is a great machine with alot of options and capabilities. I find that the hardest part is that unless the cutting mat is NEW or relatively new it ruins the paper when it cuts because the paper loses its traction to the mat. Other than that the machine does some pretty cool things i love being able to find any image on the wen and convert it into a template and cut it out and improvise on it as I wish. Unfortunately though the software is very complex and now after 3 months im just figuring it out. There is a yahoo support group for pazzles and the actual pazzles has a forum website where owners can congregate and share images ideas and helpful hints !!! Definately do your homework before buying your machine though because it sucks to invest so much money and be disppointed with your product. But like i said at least now I am starting to like it =)
Great post here. Thank you for all the information. I'm looking to buy a craft cutter for my wife for her birthday. The Lord bless you.
I think it is important to point out also that - the pazzles and the cricut does not have the ability to cut out designs that have been printed out on your computer like the craft robo and the wishblade can. The craft robo and the wishblade can cut designs out like the pazzles and the cricut and then can also cut out via registration marks in design software - designs/letters you have printed first from your printer - giving you more options like making t-shirt transfers. I would like to point out that the pazzles has 500 cutting force while the robo craft and the cricut only have up to 300. I wish the robo craft could up their cutting force and add the ability to use the attachments like the pazzles has. If the cricut would upgrade their cutting force, add the ability to do registration marks and add the ability to use all the accessories like the pazzles - it may be the absolute best of all worlds because you can use the sure cuts alot or as a stand alone. Personally, I am looking to buy the pazzles because of the cutting force and accessories and also looking to buy either the wishblade or robo craft because of the ability for transfers and cutting out printed designs.
has anyone that has a pazzles tried to line up cuts - meaning printed letters/graphics and then used those same outlines in the pazzles and put the printed out copy into the pazzles and have it cut out the graphics along the correct lines? like the craft robo/wishblade can - except no registration marks - by personal tweaking in the design software. If I knew that I could do that - I would only need the pazzles with a bit of learning curve.
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