Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
Trying to decide on what shape cutter to buy. I am really Exacto knife challenged, so I need a system that is goof-proof. :lol:
I know Fiskars has a shape cutting system. For those that have it, is it good? I hear that Creative Memories has a great system, but I dont have a consultant near me, and the ones I have contacted, havent replyed to any of my messages. :? So, if there is a CM demo here, please PM me.
Thank you ladies once again for help. I really appreciate your advice!!
Location: I live in the beautiful state of South Carolina.
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have the Fiskars and the CM systems. It depends upon what you want to use them for. The CM system is good for straight and wavy lines plus a few shapes. The Fiskars is good for shapes, esp. tags and alphabets.
I don't think I could substitute one for the other because they are different.
I have a shape cutter, and a Coluzzle. The shape cutter is tricky to use, untill you get it adjusted to the thickness of paper you are using. Once you get it adjusted, it works great. I mostly use SU paper, and I find the blades tend to not last too long. Fiskars has a great variety of templates. For basis shapes, a Coluzzle, is MUCH easier to use that a shape cutter, IMHO
I have the colluzzle, Fiskars Shape Cutter, and CM cutters (circle and oval). For circles and ovals, the CM is the best - nearly goof-proof. The fiskars handles ok, but it's tricky. It has more shapes/designs than the CM. Colluzzle has the most versatility-thye have some really great design templates, but I find it to be the hardest to use. I really have a tough time getting it right and I have tried all the tips. It just seems to work better the more I practice with it. All 3 have pros and cons. It just depends what you are going to use it for. JMHO
I tried the Fiskar's one - maybe it is just me, but I could not make it work - kept ripping things. I love my CM one - use it all the time - and I could make it work on the first try, that is what sold me. I do wish it had more shapes, but they added some this year, and I'm sure they will add more.
I have the Fiskar's Shape Cutter and haven't been able to cut anything out with it. I've tried and tried so much that the blade may be dull, so I bought a new blade to try again. I haven't thrown it out yet!
I love the Coluzzle. They have lots of great templates and it's very easy to use.
__________________ The only thing better than a good friend is a good friend with a bag of M&Ms.
The colluzzle knife is like an exacto, but swivels. It turns so it can follow a template. The templates are plastic tracks that the knife follows. I find that my colluzzle knife continally cuts into the template though. I wish they would make metal templates and maybe the knife would glide around it easier!
I have the Colluzzle too and really don't like it. I find the cardstock slides too easily. You need, must have, the Colluzzle knife, template, and cutting mat, you cannot use other brands with any of these pieces or it will not work properly.
Kelli
The colluzzle knife is like an exacto, but swivels.
eeeek!! lol I have a swivel Exacto now, and let me tell ya, I am not kidding when i said i was challenged with it!!!! lol I would have the template looking like a pile of hash browns before i cut a circle from it!!! LOL :lol: :oops: :lol: :oops: :lol:
I have the CM system, it has great ovals, circles, hearts, triangles, geometrics and some new wavy shapes. I started out with a fiskars oval and circle cutter and after using CM system, I will never go back. It is easy to use and the different blades mean perfect matting of the shapes. My best friend is a CM consultant but it might not do you much good as she is in Canada. I can always let her know for you if you have no luck with the ones near you.
I vote for the fiskars. I have had it since I started scrapping 4 years ago and it was easy from the start. I also have the coluzzle which I find the hardest to use. JMO.
I have a Lighthouse Memories shape cutter. It is very easy to use. I have a Coluzzle that I never can get to work correctly. :( The Lighthouse cutter has several different "cams" that you change for your shapes. I saw it demo'd on Scrapbooking on DIY. You can check out the website at: www.lighthousememories.com
I tried the Fiskar's one - maybe it is just me, but I could not make it work - kept ripping things. I love my CM one - use it all the time - and I could make it work on the first try, that is what sold me. I do wish it had more shapes, but they added some this year, and I'm sure they will add more.
I am completely impared with the fiskars cutter....I am actually just sending it and my templates out to a friend who professes to actually be able to cut paper, not just RIP it! :shock: Who knew it was possible?!
__________________ ~Debbi~
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. ~Author Unknown
I would go for the CM system--it's wonderful! My mom has gotten several sets from ebay for a reasonable price if you can't find a consultant. (shhh..don't tell on me for saying that! :oops: )
I love the Fiskars shape cutter. They have many templates and you can find the best prices on the cutter and templates on www.scrapbooking-warehouse.com. I think for the difference in price and the versatility you get with Fiskars, it is the way to go.
Hi- Just like any new tool, "practice makes perfect"!
If you follow the directions and these suggestions it should work just fine!
-use painter's tape or masking tape that has some of the stickiness removed to tape the stencil to the paper you are using -at least to begin with
-make sure the blade is set to the correct height for your paper selection
-make sure the blade is pointed in the direction you will move at the start
-go slowly so that you can follow the template -especially around corners
-do not pick the tool up until you are sure the shape is completely cut out (may have to make a second pass)
and
-don't damage the blade!.... always set it down in the plastic lid it comes with
also, I find with any new cutting tool it sometimes makes it easier to use if you stand up so that you are directly over the area you want to cut out-at least to begin with.
I used this tool in a project that I taught at a local scrapbook store and everyone did just fine(of course they all practiced first!)
shape cutter opinions please
