CraftROBO vs. Wishblade

[mickeyfan2]

I am thinking of buying one of these. What are the pros and cons of each. Are there other choices out there?
Thanks

 

[rlovew]

I would suggest the wishblade if you are purchasing in the next couple of months. Wishblades new pink machine is better than either of the blue machines from my understanding- it also comes with the software to weld and make mats that you can purchase to go with either machine. I used a blue craftrobo a few times and then decided to go with the craftrobo pro because of its ability to cut thicker materials (chipboard and supposedly foam but I haven't done that yet) and because I can cut out of a 12 by 12 sheet.

Other similar machines are the pazzles machines- I believe their are 3 sizes - they are more expensive but come with better software to start than comes free with either the craftrobo or wishblade. Also their is a Klic-n-Kut which has come out that is more compareable to the Pazzles Pro or Craftrobo Pro in size, expense, and abilities.

If you are looking at getting the blue wishblade or the craftrobo they are the same machine and I would go with the better price.

That being said in a few months craftrobo should be debuting their new machine (the pink wishblade) and so if you are looking at a purchase a bit further out then you could see what the differences are between the software with it or the pink wishblade.

The machines are made by graphtec and have different labels but nothing else is actually different about the machines itself instead it is the software bundle and drivers that are different.

If you want a better comparison between the cutters than go to yahoo and check the cutter groups. Many of them have comparison documents that are laid out by people that use both machines.

Whatever your decision realize that their is a large learning curve with using the software and te particulars of any of these machines. None of them are ready to take out of the box and cut welded words. Once you decide to make a purchase join some of the yahoo groups and begin reading the tutorials and questions from new users. I was quickly frusterated with my craftrobo which is why it is sitting on a shelf in myy craftroom to be disposed of while I use the Craftrobo Pro that I got later after reading some tutorials and getting direct help from the company I bought them from.

Rebecca

 

[mickeyfan2]

Rebecca,
Thanks for the great input.

 

[hopemax]

How often do the blades and cutting mats need to be replaced?

 

[KAMommy]

I have to say that I really like my CraftRobo, and I haven't even scratched the surface of what it will do. Mine could only be classified as "casual use" and is almost one year old. I am just now thinking about replacing the blades and the mat. Honestly, I like the mat better when it got less sticky. It was easier to use.

 

[rlovew]

I have a pro so and use it very regularly and have not replaced the blade. From the groups I have been on if you sharpen the blade you can keep it longer (when it get dull not regularly). It sounds like many people have them last 10 months or more if they are regularly using the machine- it depends in part on the thickness you have to cut and the amount you cut. I know that on both machines it is recomended to do a double cut for any Brazzill paper ( very easy to do) or anything else about that thickness. I would say on aveage - cutting a few pages a day probably 10 months to a year from what I hear.

Mats- I go through these a bit more and it sounds like many people do. I cut exclusively on mats although you can set the blades right and cut Xryoned pages without the mats but I am not brave enough- if you cut through the cutting strip it must be replaced or you may not be able to cut in that section again without having problems. My regular craftrobo came with 2 mats(8 by 11.5) and my pro came with 1(12x 18). I use all the mats with my pro. I have not purchased more small mats but I have resticked them with repositionabale spray adhesive and one of the mats has sections on it that I cannot always cut small details well. I really need to get a new one (I have had them for 9 months and use them interchangably but only one has had deeper cuts when I wasn;'t paying attention to blade depth that can cause problems with the small cuts. The large mat my machine came with is used anytime I use larger paper or do a print and cut. I messd up a side of it and had trouble using it even when the stickness wasn't gone because the side was curling (a mistake I made caused this). I purchased 4 mats at one time of the large size because I got a really good deal on them. I moved on to using 1 of those mats and it has been about 4 months and I just pulled out a second mat because the first one is losing its stickness and not holding the spray adheasive for very long. I guess for me the mats last about 4 months- but I do not do test cuts (which would keep them from getting scorred deeply) and I cut an average of 8 pages a day.

I tend to get all of the things I need together and then position them on the mat so I will cut a number of projects at one time as long as it is all the same color.

The only other expense I have had with the machines (other than a constant supply of cardstock) is purchasing some of the files I want. Again I have plenty of free files from websites and groups but occasionally I want something specific and I will buy it from some of the designers that offer free files.

Rebecca

 

[hopemax]

I've been avoiding the cricut, because I don't like the idea of buying expensive cartridges, and the idea of making my own files sounds more my thing. But I'm nevous about the blade/mat replacement if I get one and use it for tons of swaps, plus my own scrapping, and I would want to cut Bazzill. That could get kinda pricy.

I didn't actually think much beyond "wishful" thinking, but DH just got a 7% raise and the cruise saving has proved that I can limit my shopping. So now I'm thinking I could get one of these before the end of the year. I just signed up for one of the Yahoo groups, to do more investigating.

 

[New England Eeyore]

This is helpful! Thank you!

Those of you that have one, where did you buy it? Online or in a real store?

 

[rlovew]

I bought mine online.

Rebecca

 

[angelmom]

I have the older blue wishblade. I love it. I have downloaded other programs to use with it for connecting letters and making dingbats into paper piercings. I am not very computer savy, but by getting help at the yahoo sites, I was able to connect letters after having the machine a few days. There are step by step intructions to do lots of things and many people willing to help.

 

[kaddjr]

Check out paperthreads.com. There is a cutter comparison over there that may be helpful. They also have a CraftRobo there for $281 shipped. Not a bad deal if you want a basic cutter.

 

[cryssi]

I want one of these too...you cut your own designs, right?

 

[kaddjr]

Yes, you can cut your own designs. You can also cut just about any TTF, trace and cut clip art, and print and cut clip art. There's just so much these machines can do. Keep in mind however, there is a learning curve to them. They are not really a "plug and play" type of machine. If you are considering purchasing one, I would suggest signing up for one or more of the many yahoo groups and read, read, read.

 

[cryssi]

lol I am already a member of the wishblade yahoo group...

I doubt I'll be getting one anytime soon (I have lots of toys already) but it's on the list for sometime in the future...