Computer Cutting Tools

[Chris Fuhs]

I want to purchase a tool like Wishblade or Silhouette. I want to be able to use computer software to design page titles and/or shapes and cut them out. I am good with technology (a computer programmer) so ease of use isn't essential.

I don't like the thought of having to purchase every shape I want to use.

What would be best?

Thanks in advance!

[ckidd]

Hi,
I bought a Silhouette about 3 weeks ago and I like it. That being said, I do believe that there is a learning curve to it. I also feel pretty comfortable around computers, but have never used much in the way of graphic design software, but there are many tutorials that are very helpful. I downloaded the free Inkscape software to use with mine, mainly to weld letters together. I love that the Silhouette uses any font from my computer. With Inkscape, I am able to make titles, mats for those titles and incorporate shapes with the title or cut shapes by themselves. You can incorporate most clip art too. This is a link to another message board that has tons of information:
http://www.paperthreads.com/forum/
You have to create an account with them to be able to access the tutorials.
You might also want to think about joining some Yahoo groups, as they also have tutorial and free files to download.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CRFun/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/easywishbladers/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/silhouetteusers/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Wishblade/
Did you know that the Wishblade and Silhouette are basically the same machine? (Craft Robo too) I didn't, until I joined the Yahoo groups. So if you are set on one or the other, I would get which ever one you can find the best price. I ordered mine from here:
http://www.scrapbuggy.com/store/inde...e43069211c443e
That is the price I paid for mine and also there is free shipping.

I am certainly no authority on all the great things this machine can do, as I am still learning, but if you have other questions, feel free to PM!

Hope this very long post has been helpful!
Connie

[bjtstamper]

I just bought a silhouette, also from Scrapbuggy. She has wonderful customer service and FREE shipping. I got the cutter and the Wildflower CD with it as a package deal. I ordered on Friday and had it on Tuesday morning. Now if I could just find some extra time to play with my new toy! Check out her site, she was wonderful to work with!

[Angelnorth]

I have a CraftRobo (UK name for the Wishblade). I use the free vector graphics program Inkscape, mentioned by ckidd. If you're happy with software and you're happy to see a shape as something made up of basic geometrics that are overlapping and then 'welded' together you'll be fine. I hear lots of people say they got so frustrated with their CraftRobo at the start that they wanted to throw it out of the window - I never had that issue so it may be a case of how comfortable you are with technology.

I think Quickutz sell shapes for the Silhouette in a format you can't use on others, even though it's the same machine as the Wishblade. There are loads of free gsd files out there though if you don't want to design everything yourself. I love the ability to cut any size or style of lettering and dingbat fonts can be really useful for shapes, too.

[Chris Fuhs]

Excellent advice. I soooooooo appreciate it.

After reading the Paperthreads info, it sounds like they recommend the Klic-N-kut Element. Anyone got that or considered that?

[AccentsByEddita]

Hello,

I currently own the KNK Element and LOVE it!!

The design program it comes with is not difficult to learn and from what I understand from friends of mine who own the Craft Robo and Wishblade, is that my machine is Much quieter than theirs.

There are so many reasons I like my machine but the biggest is that I can design my own files (including welded titles) and don't have to pay for any cartridges. I can also cut chipboard, grungeboard, SU Paper, Bazzil and Winworld Papers without problem.

If you have any questions about the element, don't hesitate to ask me.

Hope this helps!
Eddita