Cricut questions

[Belle0101]

So the bug has bitten here. I'm looking at some new ones on ebay and I noticed one auction that states the "Keypad Overlay is included, many do not include it".

Why would some new machines come without it and some with it?

Just what is the keypad overlay and how important is it?

I'm looking to stay in the $150 range ... any rumors of sales coming up or good deals at other online stores?

Thanks!!

 

[PamCo88]

The overlays come with cartridges, each cart. has an overlay. So, no overlay - no cartridge. You can buy a new Cricut (the small one) for less than $150 new when the go on sale. The Expression ( big one) goes for $320 at ACMoore and comes with 4 cart. Full Carts run $90 full price, half if on a good sale. I sold a small one on Craigs list when I got the Expression. I like the bigger one better.

 

[Belle0101]

The overlays come with cartridges, each cart. has an overlay. So, no overlay - no cartridge. You can buy a new Cricut (the small one) for less than $150 new when the go on sale. The Expression ( big one) goes for $320 at ACMoore and comes with 4 cart. Full Carts run $90 full price, half if on a good sale. I sold a small one on Craigs list when I got the Expression. I like the bigger one better.

Hm, the auctions all say they are new and come with the George and Basic cartridges. Maybe the ones not advertising the overlays have just overlooked putting that in their ad? I suppose I should be asking them to make sure. I wouldn't want to win an auction and have cartridges that won't work because the overlay is missing.

Or, maybe I should be patient and wait for a sale. I really don't like to wait once I make up my mind I want something.

 

[jnjusoioa]

I have a quick cricut question myself, I was playing around with mine a little bit tonight and I have a question about the cutting board, I know it isn't really called that but you know what I mean, how do you keep it sticky??? I put the plastic cover back over it for now, but just wasn't sure how it works with keeping it sticky so your paper sticks to it, I do realize also that you will need to replace them from time to time, any idea how much they run??? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kim1964]

The 6 x 12 mats run about $10 for a 2 pack, and the 12 x 12 mats are around $12 for a 2 pack. As for keeping them sticky, I use the scraping tool that comes in the Cricut tool kit to remove the little bits of paper. I've tried baby wipes and air drying, but I haven't had a lot of success with that.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

It all depends upon the cutting mat. Some of mine come right back with the wiping of the baby wipes. But other ones, I have to make sticky again with blue/clear glue sticks. Just becareful with re-stickying. My one mat I must have put too much glue one, because card stock tore the first time removing it. It's okay now, but I bet if I used thinner paper, it would be a in the garbaga mat.

 

[4mickey2]

sorry i know this isn't the thread but, i clean my mats (scrub them really good) and re-spray them with repositionable spray adhesive. i found it at hobby lobby. works really good.

 

[Caitsmama]

Keep looking on ebay, i got a great deal on an expression (the big cricut) i got the machine (new) and 2 cart.s for 250.00 shipped! Not bad!!

As for the keypad, i would assume that all carts would be sold with it, as it is a vital part of the cart. It really has no effect on the machine per say, but you definately can't use a cart. without one.. LOL (unless you are super good button guesser! LOL)

 

[ColleenG]

I got an e-mail today from ohmycrafts.com and they have the original Cricut on sale for $139. Good luck getting your bug.

 

[wdwdancerwannabe]

HEY!!! Joann's: 279 for the Expressions -- not a bad price!

The machines do not come w/ a keyboard overlay......the keyboard/machine does not do ANYTHING without a cart - that is why each cart needs it's own overlay.

DO NOT buy a cart that does not come w/ an overlay. It will be useless to you.

On the mats: it is OK to turn it around and insert it from the other end...this way you are not using the same spot over and over again.

Also - you can reposition your blade "set paper size".

I actually replace my mats quite often. I may have 2-3 mats going at the same time if I'm doing a lot of layering/shadowing/blackouts.