Tell me about your cutting machine (vinyl, paper,etc.) and laminating machine.

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Hi all, I posted a thread regarding this in the Community board (I have not received any responses yet) and thought this might be a better place to ask. I am looking to purchase a cutting machine. Tell me about yours, pros and cons. It will be used for personal use. I plan on making some vinyl letter, die cuts for school projects (kids use) and try etching some glass. I might also try and make a shirt or two. I also would like to purchase a xyron machine, which type is most useful? What type of projects do you do on yours? Thanks Tink

 

[keh422]

I have a Silhouette Cameo that I LOVE. I haven't even begun to use it to its full potential, but I've had a lot of fun with it so far, and I have a lot of plans for it. I've done all sorts of vinyl projects, I've etched several glass pieces, and I've made several shirts for my kids. The very first project I did was cutting out a bunch of birds from card stock to hang on the wall. The only laminator I have is a Scotch thermal model that I've seen on sale many times. It doesn't do all of the neat things that a Xyron does (it only laminates), but I love that thing.

 

[Tink-n-MrIncredible]

Thanks keh422. I am not tech saavy, how complicated is the cameo?

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I have a cricut baby bug (original), create, Expression (E), and E2 (expression 2)... They all work great but you are limited to what you can use with this machines.. (ie you will need to buy cartridges).

There is a new die cutting machine by Cricut called the Explore Air... this machine allows you to cut svg files with ease... I do not have it but hopefully one of our scrappers that has it will post additional information... (I will tag her: @Poppins2000 ). I know she will probably be able to answer you best about the new machine.


I also have the Silhouette Portrait (8x12 cutting mat) and the Silhouette Cameo (12x12 cutting mat)... I love my cameo. I can cut svg files with ease. I have cut chipboard, vinyl, both heat transfer vinyl and vinyl for cups and such... I have yet to cut fabric with any of my machines. I love my cameo.. it's amazing. The learning curve for me was pretty easy and I am not tech savvy in the least. Also, don't hesitate to look at youtube for help. There are some great tutorials out there.

ETA: You do need internet/Silhouette software for the Silhouette cameo and portrait. In order to cut SVG files you will need the Designer Edition software (it's the upgrade from the regular software). I do not have an subscriptions but there is the ability to purchase such from Silhouette. I can also buy any needed images from the Silhouette online store. I can also utilize other svg file stores for a fee such as MissKateCuttables, SVGcuts, or any free ones I can find online.


Hope that helps just a little.

 

[PrincessNancy96]

As for the xyron machine, I have the one like an "X" I use for my little items but I have found lately I prefer to use the tweezers and zig pen to adhere them.

I also have the bigger xyron machine but it sits more than anything else.

I don't have a laminator as I just have not found the need for it. If I have something I need to add to my scrapbook's I tend to copy and print it out on cardstock or photo paper and safely store the original. But that is just my personal preference.

 

[Poppins2000]

Yes like PrincessNancy mentioned above, I just got a new Cricut Explore Air about 3 weeks ago. I love it!! I still have my old Cricut Expression (uses cartridges) but I can do so much more with the Air.

1) I can cut SVG files AND use my cartridges - very easy to do and cuts beautifully.
2) The machine also has a built in attachment for colored pens (purchased separately) and can write/draw on your paper/cardstock as well.
3) It also cuts/designs on vinyl, fabric, poster board and heat transfer film (Iron-On's) (these are areas I have yet to explore).
4) It can write and cut or emboss and cut at the same time.

Keep in mind that this machine will not cut ANYTHING without a computer and internet connection. You have to use their Design program called Cricut Design Space. This program includes access to over 25,000 images that are included in a $9.99 monthly subscription (I did receive a four week trial subscription with my purchase). There are some images also for sale from $0.99 - $1.49 (like Anna, Elsa and Olaf).

I can also download the Cricut Design Space app on my iPad and pair the machine and my iPad via Bluetooth (have yet to do).

Best of luck to you on whatever you decide Tink!

 

[Luv0fDisney]

I have a big shot machine, which is a manual machine. I found it at a good will store the day after I was looking at it on the internet. lol. I was wanting it and didn't want to pay full price so I coincidentally found it at good will for $5.00 lol. It was missing the white board and plastic sheets so I had to put more $$ into the accessories but the machine was (and is) in great condition. Only thing is that I don't have room to use it so I don't use it often. I have many dies for it and recently bought a ton of new dies at an AC moore that was closing.