Can someone tell me if the silhouette cameo is easy to use?

[angel]

Just sitting here wondering if the cameo is as easy to use as the eclipse/cricut? Any information is greatly appreciated.

[dragonlord666]

Yep, it is.

you plug it in, turn it on and cut.
it has pressure & blade depth settings along with speed adjustment.

works with both PC & mac

Gaz

[pastda3]

If you use SCAL it is.

[Jax]

I believe more questions need to be asked before this question is answered....

What are you currently using or is this your first machine?
What program do you plan to use or are currently using?
What do you plan to do with this machine and are you willing to take the time to learn it?

These are important questions because the Cameo does have some limitations.

For me it is a great machine. 90-95% of my work on it is vinyl. It can cut vinyl to my hearts content and even get the really detailed parts without pulling it off the backing. The best part of it, at least to me, is the cutting vinyl with no mat. This is an awesome feature.
My other crafting is card stock and heavy card stock but I don't do chip board, yet, but heard that the Cameo isn't really meant to cut chipboard, anyways. Though I heard that they introduced a type of chipboard at CHA that will go through this machine.

Now if you are going to use SCAL and are used to using it then no problem. If you haven't used SCAL there will be a bit of a learning curve. If you decide to use the Silhouette Studio you might find some difficulty but it's not that bad. Also for both applications you can find You Tube videos. I learned Silhouette Studio via You Tube before my machine arrived and it really helped.

Also the price of upkeep, blades, mats, etc. Silhouette offers all the items you could want for their machine. I really like that because if no one has it on sale I can just buy it straight from the manufacturer. Also, despite what anyone try's to say about this machine, it's not a toy. The parent company to Silhouette is Graphtec, manufacturer of some really nice plotters and vinyl cutters. Check out Graphtecusa.com to see the whole line of cutters available, and yes they even list the Cameo on their site.

Now the question is if I knew what I know right now would I still have bought the Cameo....YES..It fits my needs right now and fit my price range. My next machine will be a Silver Bullet...I was looking at the 24" format cutters and right now that would be my next choice. But that isn't for a while.

Hope this didn't discouraged you from buying one..

[newbiecat]

Everyone I know who has one loves it - however and there is always one or two

As Jax says the biggest limitation is the size of media you can cut and also the thickness and variety.

Definately consider what is the largest size you might want to cut and also what types of media - I am currently having fun engraving onto 2mm perspex, and flexible metal, whilst still being able to cut vellum successfully in very intricate detail, so really it is as suggested consideration of what projects you are going to undertake

think every cutter is great - if it enables you to achieve what you want rather than preventing you

best wishes
Pandora

[apday]

I just watched a video at their website. I think it would be cool not to use a mat to cut vinyl. How detailed of a cut can you get with this machine?

[angel]

Thanks for the responses and info. Im currently using the eclips, I love that it scores, but if the sensors are going to keep going bad every 6 months, Im thinking of getting a different brand all together.

I mainly cut vinyl and cardstock, and do print to cut, those are my main hobbys. I dont do any real big jobs with vinyl except for some big words for the wall, and heat transfer for tshirts.

Thank you so much, I will definately look into this machine further, anyone know of a great sale on it right now?

[angel]

Will I be able to import svg files with the cameo? I dont want to lose all my files i have, if not what is the work around for it. thanks

[apday]

Is this a good price for a Cameo with Free Shipping?

[Jax]

If you want your machine right away...stay away from Oh My Crafts...you can find a 25% coupon online that will bring the price down but it will take 2-3months to deliver.

Currently there is a place called Paperwishes that has a 20% coupon, free shipping and an extra mat. Someone posted in another forum they got it for $215 and change.

I believe US Cutter had a deal where they offer "open" box Silhouette Cameo's for $195 and change.

The average price for the machines right now is $269.99.

Hope this helps.