Scrapbook cutting machines?

[aunt lissa]

Hello everyone! I am wanting to get a cricut machine but after doing some research on it I don't think it does what I want. I am wanting a machine that I can hook up to the computer and print designs that I make or find online. I thought I had a pretty good concept on these machines but I obviously do not. I want to be able to make and print things for a scrapbook and card making and other crafts. The cricut from what I understand has really expensive cartridges that one has to buy and are limited to what is on them. Can somebody please give me a better explanation and tell me what other machines are out there that I can get.

[rlovew]

There are a number of machines that do what you are looking for: craftrobo, wishblade, shilouette, gazelle, bosscut, klic n kut.

I know more about the first 3 which are essentially the same machine with different software options.

The cricut with a different software can cut TTF. But if you want a print and cut - print a flower photo and the machine cuts around it I believe you will need to go with one of the machines listed above.

Rebecca

[aunt lissa]

I think I really like the silhouette one. Do you know anything about this one in particular? Have you ever used it?

[rlovew]

I have only used the cricut, the craftrobo, and the craftrobo pro.

My understanding is that the shilloutte, craftrobo, and wishblade are the same machines with different colors. They are all made by graftec- which puts out the craftrobo.

If you want one of those i would go with the one of them you can get for the best price- my understanding is that costumer service is better for the shilouette and the craftrobo but I can't say for sure- just go by what girls on the groups write about.

I would suggest joining a yahoo group about cutting- easywishbladers is my favorite for new people to the machines- they should have charts that compare the diufferences between machines and tutorials for using the machine and making files.

The software has a bit of a learning curve but isn't to hard once you get the hang of it.

[Ricky's Girl]

Don't know if this will help or not. I just received a JoAnn's holiday flyer in the mail today; it listed the Cricut Design Studio software system. It says it connects your computer to either Cricut electronic cutter model and allows you to experiment, create and cut your exact designs. Mousepad and cable included. It didn't list a price but I did an on-line search and found it on sale for $49 (reg. $89).

I'm going to go to JoAnn's tomorrow in hopes of learning more about it.

[devonsmommy]

I actually have the Wishblade and the Cricut Expression.

Like everyone mentioned before me, you want something like the wishblade, craftrobo, etc. You can actually have it cut any font from your computer as well.