I am going to order my Cricut Create from Amazon this weekend. They have it for $149, which is about $80 cheaper than retail. Gotta love that, right?
My questions-
Do I need to order anything else to go with it, like cutting mats, or will it be fully operational as is?
With the SCAL (??) software, will I need to have it hooked up to the computer when I want to design from the computer, or is there a way to transfer images/words/etc to the machine in my craft room?
What are your favorite resources for vinyl?
Educate me, before I order!
10 comments:
lucky girl! im going to keep ckg back to see what other say. i have been hinting that i want one from the hubby this year. being that it is a big birthday (the big 3-9...you know, the top of the hill!) i let him know i want something good!
i'm pretty sure mine came with a mat and a blade, and 2 cartridges. also, the sure cuts a lot software voids your cricut warranty, just so you know...but i don't have any experience with it. and the create is the smaller machine..so you won't be able to make big vinyl things. the expression is the bigger machine for large projects...the mat for it is 12x12, the create is smaller.
that being said, i love my cricut!!
There is another post earlier, which gave me a lot of great advice on it. One of my biggest hold backs on getting one, was the cost of the cartridges. However, there are programs you can get for the CPU that will allow you to use the tools you already have to design stuff, without a cartridge. Since I dabble in graphics design, I have an extensive font collection, and can cut up and make anything I want on my cpu without dropping $40 here, and $60 there, and $30 here, etc.
The create will cut up to 11.5, so it's not exactly small. Big enough to do what I want, at half the price, though. I think, at least to start, the Expression is just too big for a tool I won't be using all the time. Heck, I'm still having a hard time convincing myself to spend $150! ;)
From what I'm reading online, the SCAL will NOT void the Cricut warranty.
Q. I heard installing and/or using Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) will void my Cricut's warranty.
A. This is simply not true. Using SCAL does not modify your Cricut in any way, nor does it use the Cricut beyond it's capability. SCAL is a piece of software that is installed onto your computer, which communicates with your Cricut. It does not directly interface with your Cricut. Your Cricut has no clue that it receiving cut instructions from your computer instead of a cartridge. Also, if you use or are familiar with Cricut Design Studio (Cricut's own computer software), you know that it is quite similar to SCAL in it's installation and use.
I highly recommend this site.
http://joyslife.com/
She has really great info and tips.
I also think a must have is the tool accessories. Especially when dealing with vinyl.
www.uscutter.com seems to have the cheapest vinyl and shipping.
Have fun!!!
I got the Cricut Expression for Christmas. I guess it really depends on what you plan to use it for regarding what cartridges are the best. I like the font cartridges (especially Jasmine). Doodlecharms is awesome for icons. I want the SCAL software but a Cricut supplier website recommends one called Make the Cut which they say is cheaper and easier to use than SCAL. I'm looking into getting that one next. Because I ordered my Cricut from ProvoCraft directly, it came with 2 cartridges and "some" tools. My husband bought me a full tool kit too so now I have doubles of some tools, but that's okay. If you buy the smaller Cricut and buy it in-store, it may not come with much/anything. Just check the box contents. You will need some removal tools like a spatuala tool and pick for small items. Hope this helps you out!
ok, try this site lol to help you get started when you order scal...
scal-efiles.blogspot.com. he is amazing! LOVE my scal. as for the computer question, as far as I know you can only download one copy onto one computer so you have to be able to hook your cricut up to that computer to use it. i don't *believe* you can send the file to another computer and have it cut unless you've got scal on that computer...
Hey I love the PB for 77 cents-very clever:)
http://clever-jenoe.blogspot.com/
Before you order from Amazon, check out Joann.com. They have the Cricut that cuts 6x12 for $85.00!! And the cartridges are on sale for $35.00. I buy mine from ebay, usually paying around $30.00. One cartridge I just picked up is the Calligraphy one. I absolutely love it! Enjoy your new toy!
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