Which cutting machine???

[noodles]

Hi, well I looked around this site a while ago and was amazed at all your work, I was all set to buy a cricut expression and then I fell ill

Now Im better I come on here to see if the expression 2 will work with SCAL only to find that I won't be able to use it atall if I buy a cricut

So.....Im asking all you very knowledgable people, which cutting machine do you recommend? I really want one but I don't want to pay a fortune for cartridges but also I don't want to spend a lot of money and find out the machine I chose is rubbish! Please help me

[Rachell]

it really does depend on how you choose your machine and how much you are wanting to spend I own four machines and each has it own qualities, decide on what you like to create and cut the most, set your budget, think also as to how much you use your machine and research ,research and then make your decision.
I have yep a cricut, a Gazelle, and a 34" us cutter-MH-871 sweries cutter and my most prized cutter which if it had been my first I would not have spent money on any other cutters.
Please get what you can afford and not what everyone else has because you want to be happy to enjoy crafting as it soothes the soul.

[beeshive]

I have a Cricut but if hind sight was 20/20 I'd have another one at this moment.
Check out the comparisons on cutters. You may spend a little more $ initially on a different cutter but if you buy a Cricut you will be chained to cartridges. Their customer service isn't that great either.

However the other cutter companies are taking advantage of the ability to use 3rd party software They're the smart ones!

Here is a link for cutter reviews. You will notice that the CricutE isn't that high up on the list. Others have the ability to print and cut which is WAY cool! Also think about what you are primarily going to use it for, don't rule out the possibility of picking up new techniques and wanting more from your cutter. The ability to cut chipboard is imperative while some it doesn't matter.
http://die-cutting-machines-review.toptenreviews.com/

Also their are a number of blogs that have done cutter reviews one of my fave blogs is http://underacherrytree.blogspot.com check her headings and watch her videos on cutters.

I use my machine for so much more than what I originally bought it for...you are very smart to be checking the forum boards
Goodluck!

[Rachell]

here is a link to the comparison charts of many cutters.
http://thatsscrapinc.com/ComparisonChar ... ackCat.htm

[beeshive]

Yes and also the link that I gave you did not include the black cat lynx...which is getting incredible reviews. PennyDuncan@http://pennyduncancreations.blogspot.com bought one and has been raving about it.

[noodles]

Thanks so much for the replies, Ive just been looking at the Black Cat Lynx and it looks great! The Cougar also looks brilliant but its a bit pricey for me at the moment.

I want one to obviously cut out shapes with but I know Ill be seeing people engrave or cut out slightly thicker things and wishing I could do it lol so I think the Lynx sounds like a great machine for the price.

Wish create and craft sold it for the flexi pay option lol! Never mind Ill get saving, I think it will be worth the wait and then I can join you all on here properly, I probably won't be much use to anyone to start with but after a while who knows

[beeshive]

I totally agree about flex pays or even a layaway situation would be fantastic...They sure would sell more alot faster.

[Silvertip]

I totally agree about flex pays or even a layaway situation would be fantastic...They sure would sell more alot faster.

The problem is these are very small companies, and they pay outrageous shipping and duty charges, and actually loose money when they do layaway plans.

The machines are so worth it though, I have had a black cat for 2 years, and just the customer service alone is worth the price of the machine. How many companies do you know that the owner has a laptop by their bed to help even in the middle of the night. Not many.

Check out the Black US forum [url]httpl://www.blackcatus.com[/url], dont' let the name fool you. It is for all cutters and software. You can get a lot of great information from them. Also Penny Duncan who everyone loves talks about her lynx.

[beeshive]

I would imagine that duty and shipping charges are part of the cost of the machine. I surely don't want these retailers to go out of business nor large losses. I've always been pro Mom & Pop over the big chains anyday. It's only that 500 plus dollars is a alot of pocket change that I don't have but I sure could send in 100 a month. But I realize also that there are warranty limitations and such. But hey layaway worked for ALOT of years, and since credit isn't so readily available to so many, it just seems like an avenue that could be explored.

[frkrhe]

I am also going to check out the other machines, just in case. I have a few Cricut Expressions and happily continue to use them with SCAL 2. I am not happy about all the hype with Provo Craft but I also can't just walk away from my investment of about 125 cartridges. I know the day will eventually come when I can not use one of my Cricut Expressions with SCAL 2 and I will have to have yet a second type/brand machine. Matter of fact I have thought about that day coming before the need arises. I am in no way a pro at this so I want a simple machine that will work with SCAL 3. I like the Sizzix Eclipse but I am on the fence about a special edition of SCAL being developed to use with this machine. So any recomendation for a simple machine would cetainly be appreciated.