Craft Forum

This is something I have had on my pressie list for yonks!!! A member in another group bought one last year and made it sound fantastic.
For those who haven’t heard of it, it is a cutting machine that you attach to your pc so if you can draw the shape you can cut it out basically. It comes with various templates as well.
I think I am right that it isn’t very good for cutting thin paper, only thicker stuff like card or foam.

Please let me pick your brains if you have one

I was after one of those too and when I asked about and looked on various American sites I started to have my doubts. You have to plot out every little curve in your shapes.The American sites were very down on it
I eventually plumped for the Cricut. It is BRILLIANT!! Allright there is always the expense of having to buy cartridges forthe various shapes but the cartridges have so much in them. I have tried thick fine glitter card and it worked a treat and fine paper is no problem. I have yet to try foam which is my next project
I really wanted something that would cut out shapes on my PC but I notice the Cricut has a socket for a plug to enable it to connect to the PC so I am waiting patiently.
Hope that helps
Sadie

Yes it does thanks!!!

I am after something that I can cut my own designs out with rather than use templates. I am used to plotting designs so wouldn’t be phased by that in principle, but depends how difficult the software was to use.

Do you think the cricut would be able to do this? You mention a socket (USB?) but I am assuming you don’t actually run it from your pc normally do you?

Think I’ll have to google that for some images so I understand a bit better.

I wish

No sorry I haven’t got one.I don’t think I’m technologically minded enough for one(WOW,that was a big word.I think I’ll have to lye down)

They regularly demonstrate the Craft Robo on Create and Craft on TV.  It looks quite complcated to me.

I have one - but do not use it enough.  It is fabby though great for welded words etc.

The new Expression is supposed to now be as good and can work with other software.

I’ve got one although I’ve not used it to its full potential. I love it though and have had good success with what I’ve done with it.

You can use any truetype font with it including dingbats which gives you lots of instant shapes. It does take a bit of getting used to but is worth it as once you’ve got it it doesn’t cost any more, unlike all the ones that need different cartridges. You’ll always want another one to do what you want for a particular project (as I know to my cost with ordinary die cutting machines). Also you are not limitted in size (up to A4)

Hope this helps

Ooo, finally someone who’s got one….and then another one comes along after Just like buses

Does it just cut, or can it print as well? I know what the answer will be, but I can hope!

What I really, really want is something that can do both but I think we’re talking mega bucks for a machine like that.

Sorry, another question.

Do you have to use the software that comes with it to design your shapes, or can you import shapes from another software package? Say PowerPoint or Word?

You can print on your printer and then cut and it uses special marks - I have never done it - but I know it is possible.  Also you can add a pen/pencil where the blade goes and it will write instead of cut.

You can cut straight from word to the robo.

OR
You need to be able to create a DXF file to import into Robo.  I use Inkscape as it is free - but do have problems with the software - it does not seem that stable at times.

I do know there is other software (that you can buy) will save as DXF files.

You can also buy software from Graphtec for the robo - but I have no got i - so no idea if it is any good.  You can also use the standard robo software to draw an outline of a jpg image - this is hit and miss how well it works depending on the image.

If you type in craft robo into youtube you can see some demo’s on there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHfOzx6KlZU - it is in japanese - but gives you the idea.

here is another - but I think the machine is a pro as the one I have is not as quick at cutting as that!

I find it cuts through think card as long as it is not too shiny

sorry - have just found a better one now!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arNGWF9sMlg&feature=related

You STAR!!!

Thank you so much that is just what I needed to know. off to watch the demos…

too many crafts machines

im sooo confused lol