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[LindaBabe]

the Cricut Expression for less than $400 (I can't remember if it was $347 or $397) it the sale flyer beginning Sunday.

Now, I need to decide. Cricut or Wishblade.

 

[TiggerFamily]

My ACM has it list week for $379. I'm loving my Big Cricut. I don't know much about the wish blade I didn't want to have to have a PC on hand to be able to cut things out. My Cricut can go places with me.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I really wanted the Wishblade for fonts, but I am finding that I really like the paper piecing features with the Cricut. If I wanted the disney characters I would have needed a file with all the features. Plus I'm not tied to my computer which is great for crops. When I take my bug, I am now up to 3 bags. If I took my laptop I would have 4.

 

[kaddjr]

I have both. There are pros and cons to both. You have to ask yourself what exactly are you looking for in a cutter, how much time do you want to invest in it (there's a big learning curve w/wishblade unless you know how to use a drawing program such as Illustrator), and how much are you looking to spend in the long run.

When I bought my wishblade in March, I was thinking it would be my only major investment. I almost sent it back after the first few days of playing with it. I was that frustrated with it. If you are considering this machine, I would highly suggest you join one of the many wishblade yahoo groups and read, read, read. Most have tutorials on how to do certain things. Another plus is many people offer cutting files for free (with some restrictions). There's lots of talent in those groups. The more you read and understand before you get the machine, the better off you will be. Once you get the hang of it, the basics are fairly easy. My biggest problem has been learning to use the Bezier tool in the Create and Cut software. Tracing in the wishblade software isn't too bad, but the more complicated the drawing, the harder it is. If you know how to use a drawing program, you should do well wtih it. The possibilities are endless. Even though I still haven't learned everything about it, I don't for one minute regret that purchase. I love the fact that I can cut just about any TTF in sizes ranging from under 1/2 inch up to about 8 inches. I haven't purchased any kind of lettering, with the exception of some rub-ons that I got for a fantastic price, since I've had my wishblade. And, since I can put whatever it is that I'm cutting anywhere on the mat, I tend to waste less paper. Those two things justify the cost to me.

The cricut was a purchase I made with my mother. She just started to scrap and isn't too fond of her computer. But she didn't want to have to come to me everytime she wanted something cut. Bottom line- we bought it because it is easy for her to use, plus I wanted to be able to use the Disney cartridges. It's nice that it's portable and easy to use. You don't have to draw your own things. The downside is you're limited to what's on the carts and you have to puchase different carts to get what you want (as long as what you want is available on a cart). In the long run, it can add up to a lot more money spent.

One last thing. If you are considering an expression, I would also suggest that you look at cutters that will cut bigger than the wishblade. paperthreads.com has a good comparision chart.

Good luck with your decision whatever it may be!

 

[kaddjr]

I really wanted the Wishblade for fonts

If you ever want some lettering cut, give me a shout. I'd be happy to cut them for you!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

If you ever want some lettering cut, give me a shout. I'd be happy to cut them for you!

thanks! I'm a font junkie so I have tons on my computer but I just print them for now. I have been known to cut them out by hand too.

I may get the Wishblade in the future. I'm not sure if the new ones are Mac compatible yet either, or if I need to dual boot processor. So for now I'm pretty happy with my bug. But if I need something I'll let you know.

 

[kaddjr]

thanks! I'm a font junkie so I have tons on my computer but I just print them for now. I have been known to cut them out by hand too.

I may get the Wishblade in the future. I'm not sure if the new ones are Mac compatible yet either, or if I need to dual boot processor. So for now I'm pretty happy with my bug. But if I need something I'll let you know.

I'm not really sure about the other machines, but I believe the wishblade isn't Mac compatible and you would need also run XP on Mac. I haven't been to the yahoo group I'm on in awhile to know if that's changed, but I'm pretty sure that's how it has to be done. There was a big stink raised about it when the pink wb was released because Mac users were lead to believe it was Mac compatible.

You know, if you're looking to get one just for cutting letters, if you look around for an older model (blue), you might be able to find a used one reasonably priced. Shortly after I bought mine, paperthreads was selling a brand new craft robo fairly cheap. I could've bought that and the WinPC software for scrapbooking (runs about $99 and is like the Create and Cut software for wb) for around $100 less than what I paid for the my wishblade. Just something to consider...

 

[KimAshton]

It's interesting to read everyone opinions on both. I am looking to get one soon.

 

[LindaBabe]

Tonight at 6:30, I will be the proud owner of an Expression! I'm SO excited. I decided that 'ease of use' was better than the steeper learning curve of the wishblade - I know I don't have much patience with stuff like that. Thanks to everyone who offered advice and experience! Happy Birthday to me (my birthday was in February, but I never did get a prezzie. This was worth waiting for!)