Is SCAL the only one out there?

[maslex]

Please forgive me ahead of time. I really and TRULY have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to certain things associated with computers. And one of those things would be SCAL. I've heard MANY people talk about it on here and other sites as well. It seems like something I am interested in. I just recently got a computer in my scrap area over the weekend and I am SOOOOO lovin' it right now!!!

So long story short....I would like to order SCAL but wondering if there are other options of something similar out there??? Are there different versions of SCAL and if so, which one is better? Or would I need the original SCAL before downloading any other versions? Am I making sense, 'cause sometimes I don't understand myself. LOL

I have seen a couple video tutorials on SCAL and it seems like something that I could learn after some time (I'm not real quick on these things ya know lol)
How long did it take you to understand it all and be able to use it without even thinking about it?

What about your fonts? Where did you get them? Were they free or did you have to pay? And did you sit down one weekend and download a ton of them or do you do them a couple here and there? I'd like to get a nice big library of them, ya know?

Thanks for any help you can give me!!!

 

[LindaBabe]

What about your fonts? Where did you get them? Were they free or did you have to pay? And did you sit down one weekend and download a ton of them or do you do them a couple here and there? I'd like to get a nice big library of them, ya know?

Thanks for any help you can give me!!!

There *is* another program called Makes-the-cut, but I don't have either one of them.

A big advantage to them, apparently, is that they will cut any font that's on your computer - that would be the ones that come with it - the ones you find for free - and the ones you buy and install.

 

[dogcarbon]

The other main program is Make the Cut.... I don't have that software, so I can't talk about it. For the most part, I think they are very similar. Check out the forums on each software's site. I know the SCAL forum is very helpful.

I think for me it took about several weeks of watching about six 3-5 min videos over about 2 weeks, then I went on to learn inkscape, which was another few weeks, then I would get things confused, then one day it clicked... so maybe a month total. But that was just putting in a minutes a day as I couldn't devote much time due to work/family and household stuff.

You won't purchase the "orginal" SCAL (version 1.xx) you would just purchase the latest and greatest version 2.xx (and I think it is version 2.40) on the download page of SCAL. I bought mine directly from SCAL, but it is available on other affiliate websites too. I really like svgcuts.com for their videos and free files too.


For fonts, go check out dafonts.com and there are LOTS and LOTS of free fonts. You don't have to install the font to work on your computer. when you install the font - it takes up more memory and makes your system go slower. SO if you don't install the font, you just open it, and then open your software, and you can then use the font, do your work/design, and then close the font after you are done.

 

[JennyKS]

I have Make-The Cut. Both programs have trial versions. I highly suggest taking the time to download them both. I found make the cut more user friendly, but that's just me. Try them both, thats the most important thing!

 

[disney-akj]

I have Make-The Cut. Both programs have trial versions. I highly suggest taking the time to download them both. I found make the cut more user friendly, but that's just me. Try them both, thats the most important thing!

I agree!! Download both and see which one is easier for you. I have the original SCAL and Make the Cut. I prefer MTC, but there isn't a huge difference, just a little easier to use IMO.

All the fonts are a huge plus (plus welding, shadows, triple mat, etc.). I also love with either program that you can find free images to cut or buy images cheap ($1-$2) instead of buying a whole cartridge. You can also trace images to cut once you get good and learn all the tricks which will come with time (I am still not a pro at this-LOL) For example I found a free ELMO file someone had on their blog. My son was ELMO for Halloween. I didn't want the whole sesame street cartridge, so I cut one out using MTC!

You can make your own embellishments that you can't even buy anywhere. Ex: Convert sport logos for pro, HS, middle school teams.

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

So long story short....I would like to order SCAL but wondering if there are other options of something similar out there??? Are there different versions of SCAL and if so, which one is better? Or would I need the original SCAL before downloading any other versions?

There is a second version of SCAL. If you buy directly from them, you will automatically get the second version. Other sites might still be selling version one, which you would then pay to upgrade to version 2, so you'd be better off getting the newest update straight from the CraftEdge website.

There's also Make-The-Cut but since I fell in love with SCAL after downloading the demo, I never tried that.

How long did it take you to understand it all and be able to use it without even thinking about it?

I could do most things the first day I had it with no problems (especially cutting words, simple shapes, etc). But I am still discovering new amazing things it can do a month later. Best scrapbooking purchase ever for me.

What about your fonts? Where did you get them? Were they free or did you have to pay? And did you sit down one weekend and download a ton of them or do you do them a couple here and there? I'd like to get a nice big library of them, ya know?

I am a font junkie, so I had a ton of fonts for printing long before I had SCAL. Since I got SCAL, I have an even better reason to go find fonts. Dafont.com has a great free selection. I like LetteringDelights.com for my paid fonts. You could have thousands of fonts without ever paying, but I really like their stuff, and as I mentioned, I'm a junkie.

What's really great though, is the number of free SVG files out there to cut shapes and frames and embellishments and even detailed paper piecings.

Whatever program you get, I'm sure it will make your cutting machine three times as useful! Have fun!

 

[PhotobearSam]

I know this is an older thread but I wanted to warn people about the lawsuits that Provocraft brought againt Make the Cut and Sure Cuts a lot.

Make the cut has stopped making items to use with the Cricut.

They are now going after Sure Cuts a lot.

It's a shame. I really want to get Sure Cuts a lot but I am afraid it will stop working after the lawsuit is over.


What do you all think?

 

[beaucoup]

I also wanted to add, it might depend which cutting machine you have. Unless, I missed it, I don't see any of the previous posters mentioning they have Cricuts or a different brand.

 

[tyniknate]

I just purchased SCAL last week and it seems to work just fine. I was advised not to update the cricut software because that is how they will block the use of the SCAL Software. So, I guess if you purchase now and don't ever update your cricut it should be fine.

 

[PhotobearSam]

I just purchased SCAL last week and it seems to work just fine. I was advised not to update the cricut software because that is how they will block the use of the SCAL Software. So, I guess if you purchase now and don't ever update your cricut it should be fine.

I am just worried that Cricut will then come out with carts that won't work unless you update and then SCAL won't work anymore....I'm so confused.

 

[tyniknate]

I'm hoping that my SCAL purchase will mean not having to buy carts anymore. Frankly, I only ever used a couple images from each cart and that makes them really expensive. I will buy SVG files online from now on and only spend a small fraction of the money I was spending on carts. And this way I can pick and choose what I am getting for my money. At least I hope that's what will happen. I have about 30 carts and some of them I've never used a single image from.