Cameo cutter question using SCAL3

[Jax]

I'm seriously considering this machine due to its versatility and price (price being the major factor). I use my current machine, Cricut, with SCAL2 but the cutting on the Cameo is supposed to be cleaner and sharper than the Cricut ever could be.

My question is I saw a tutorial where they were using the Cameo software and cut without a matte. They adjusted the machine and selected None for the matte. Does the SCAL3 software have that option?

Like I stated I'm looking into this machine for that feature. I considered the Ecraft by Craftwell but I've read way too many bad reviews about that machine and when it came out I was very excited about it because of the "matte-less" printing.

[DogCarbon]

If they were cutting without a mat, i am going to guess that they were cutting vinyl.

I would never cut card stock or paper with out a mat with the cameo. (The vinyl has a backing that you are not cutting thru.)

I do use my old cricut mats with my Cameo without a problem. I also re-sticky my mats. I use the Xyron repositional adhesive refill cartridges and have great luck with this method. I have no problems with my mat being too sticky or not sticky enough, it is just right for about 6-9 months, then I just wash with soap & water to get all the paper fuzz off, let air dry, and then re-sticky again.

[Jax]

Yes my main cutting is vinyl. Every so often I use my cutter for paper or cardstock but mostly vinyl cutting.

I use the Zig method for re-sticking my mattes. I have had great success with it and it is a similare method. Clean mattes with soapy water then use the Zig glue to cover the matte. Let it dry to clear and then put the protective plastic back on. I've tried to use the Zig on the cutting mattes but not very successful with it.

[pastda3]

I have the Cameo and it really does cut a lot cleaner than the Cricut. I love that the circles look like circles. I have never tried to cut vinyl without using a mat and I'm not sure why. Maybe old habits die hard. The issue I have with my Cameo is that it is EXTREMELY LOUD. Sometimes the noise grates on my nerves.

You have to be really careful and make sure when you're using your mat that you have the "load cutting mat" selected or it will cut up the top of your mat and ruin whatever you were cutting. Ask me how I know. I've been using the same mat for months. It's not as sticky as it was, but I use a brayer and that seems to do the trick. You can use a Cricut mat, but the placement is all off and I'm very visual, so I stick with the Silhouette mats. Maybe I just haven't figured out the settings, but I personally feel that the Cricut did a better job cutting thicker materials. (Not intricate cuts.)

Another thing I don't like is that you can't just replace the blade. The blade and holder is one unit. Not eco-friendly IMHO. Maybe there's an alternative to that, but I'm currently not aware of it.

If I had the $$, I would've purchased one of the "cats" or the "bullet," but overall I'm happy with my Cameo.

[Jax]

Thank you for your response I really appreciate it and would like to hear more from more people..

I just learned about the brayer and don't know why I haven't used one in the past. It is a miracle tool that helps even with vinyl sticking to the matte. I actually stole mine from my wife, she won't miss it..

I have heard of people replacing the Cameo blade holder with a click type that takes Roland blades, just like the Cricut. I was doing some research and someone here on the site listed a website that specializes in making them. They run around $60 last time I looked but if you are buying blades like crazy it's easy to make up the cost quickly. If I find the thread I'll post it up.

I was looking at the Cat and others that are considerably more expensive than the Cameo, Ecraft, etc. I was looking at the $300 range for a new machine and HH has a special now for $269.00 for the Cameo. Still thinking about it..

[DogCarbon]

If you are willing to wait on shipping, Oh My Craft seems to be the best deal on a Cameo. As low as $205 with one of their codes, but some other forum's memebers have been "complaining" about shipping times exceeding the expected ship date by a few weeks. (but when I bought mine in the spring, it was shipped a few weeks earlier than expected... so I guess it depends on the demand at the time of order...)

Their list price is 269.99 and then add a 20-25% off code.... but there is a $15 shipping. Right now they are shippping in October.

[Jax]

Thanks for the advise. Looked it up and yes I can wait for the shipping of the cutter. Picked it up for $202 then shipping was $15 so my total was $217 but they include a $10 online card to the Silhouette site.

Ok now that I've taken the plunge any advise when I get it?

[DogCarbon]

Download the Silhouette Studio (SS) software and start playing with it.... the basic software is free and will be needed to use .studio files. You can upgrade to SS Designer Edition (SSDE) if you wish... for about $50 regular price or wait to find it on sale for about $30. (I bought mine when Plum District had a deal.... )

And then go to the Silhouette On line store, create an account and start collecting the free file that is offered each week. You can also start collecting in your wishlist file that you may want to buy (or use as inspiration recreate in svg format) with your $10 download card.

Also, there is a great forum for Silhouette users... http://s15.zetaboards.com/Silhouette_Plus/index/ and they can help answer any questions you may have on your Cameo.

But I always end up back here... this is my home. I love SCAL. And I love designing my own files in inkscape, so I know what the heck is going on.

[Jax]

Thank you for all the information...where do you buy blades? Have you tried that one vendor that makes a click blade holder and uses Roland blades? My main purpose for this machine is cutting vinyl and I do go through blades every so often so I'm looking to the future to save some $$ on them.

I will definitely sign up on the site and also start downloading items for use. Now I'm really excited to start using it since I have heard good things about its abilities to cut intricate designs. I have one customer that wants a template of lace...hoping the Cameo can do it...

[DogCarbon]

I have not bought that blade system. I have not had a huge problem with the blades, but I do like the idea of just buying the Roland blades instead.