Advice wanted about a replacement for expressions

[lynne1]

I am thinking of eventually updating my cricut expressions to a different make of machine because of all the fuss about provocraft and lawsuits . I am looking for a machine that will cut a variety of material including chipboard. Is anyone using a machine with SCAL other than cricut? Does anyone know if the BossKuts Gazelle will be compatible with SCAL and how well does it cut? Any views about the Blackcat cougar or lynx would also be welcome. Thanks

[TOASTER]

I don't know about the various machines but I know a lot of info about other machines has been posted on the Facebook page "Boycott Provo Craft" as many people are disgusted with PC and are looking for new machines. You may have to look at older posts to find it.

[AnointedHands]

i have the Gazelle and love it. I have used it with SCAL but not since the recent updates. I love the Funtime software that comes with it but it has a serious learning curve. If that frightens you then just use SCAL. I have 3 Cricuts and haven't used them since May 2010. Since the bladeholder og the Gazelle does not travel under the machine I have been able to cut clay (evenly thinned out using a clay machine). Cut shapes, bake them and voila! you have a sturdier medium than paper. I know you can cut gum paste with the Cricut (about the same thickness as rolled clay) but you have to buy the deep blade holder. With the Gazelle, just cut some O-rings (they lift the blade up to travel) and increase the force on the machine so it goes deep enough to cut the medium.
Plus the Gazelle can makea full 12.25 inch cut...sweet!!!

HTH
Althea

[Jax]

I have been seriously looking at the Ecraft by Craftwell. I do vinyl cutting with my Cricut and the nice thing about the Ecraft is the lack of a matte. From what I understand it feeds from the back and is limitless on the length of the paper unlike the Cricut that limits you to the size of the matte.

[TOASTER]

I found a blog that talks about all of the cutters for anyone thinking of getting a new one.
http://whichmachinetobuy.blogspot.com/

[lindamac]

Keep checking on Penny Duncan's site. She just got the new Lynx and will be posting her experiences with it. I'm saving my money to buy one if she is happy with hers and then I am going to dump my Cricut. Almost two months after I wrote to PC and told them how unhappy I was with their lawsuits, I finally got a "canned" reply saying to follow the link to the lawsuit and to have a happy day. As usual, their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

[lynne1]

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[AnointedHands]

The lastest version of SCAL3 is compatible with the Bosscut Gazelle. I love my Gazelle and am going to download the update soon as i get home.

[bossie1]

I purchased a Black Cat 13 inch cougar two months ago. First let me say the service is unbelievably good, really. You will find no one more anxious to help you enjoy your machine. The machine is tremendous. I cannot say enough about it. Everything I have tried has come out fabulous. I will admit that I have not had alot of time to play, but have found each thing I try is very successful. I am especially impress with the detail blade and holder. It is amazing. I purchased, not only because I will not craft with out 3rd party software, and because my DD is getting married next summer and we want to do alot of crafting for the wedding.
Does anyone know if SCAL is compatible with the cougar, or if there is a plan to do so. I really hope so,. Valerie

[Sweetness4713]

Scal3 is compatible...http://craftedge.com/download/download.html