Cricut vs other cutting tools

[MidnightMilkman]

Hi :)

I previously had a cricut but sold it a few years ago as I found the software really glitchy (may have just been my shit laptop) and I wasn't using it enough.
I did use it alot for wedding stuff, then it sat in the loft for a while. It was a cricut air I think.

I was just searching for something online, and can't find what I'm looking for - even something close is very expensive, and I know I could make exactly what I want cheaply with a cricut. But I can't decide whether to take the plunge again or if I'd be wasting my time and money. I also no longer have a laptop, so would be using the software from my mobile.

So I guess my questions....

Has the software improved/is it OK from a mobile?

Is the Joy OK? Size wise I'm not too worried, but is there any major benefits of the bigger machines if I'm not worried about size or cutting/engraving wood, etc?

Can you cut fabric for sewing patterns on the maker?

Is it better to go new or 2nd hand?

Are there alternative brands that are any good?

Thanks:)

I have a friend who has a Joy and she really dislikes it as it’s quite limited in what it can do.
Personally I use a die cutter with separate dies. However if I was going to buy a cutting machine, I think I would go for a Brother scan and cut because it is much more versatile and you can use svg cutting files from other people such as the Gentleman crafter. He has a library of svg files he has designed himself. Not sure about using your phone but you could check it out on the Brother website.

I have a silhouette portrait but it must be about 10 years old now. I design in Adobe illustrator and can load that in the silhouette software. I'm not sure it's useable without a laptop though.

You might be better looking on some of the Facebook pages for Cricut. I have the joy xtra, it’s good but using your mobile limits what’s you can do, you don’t seem to get all of it the design space options. I had to buy a new laptop. The joy is small so I would recommend going up to the xtra to give you a bit more capability but without having a big machine to store. I’ll definitely be upgrading to the maker 3 at some point. Yes you can cut fabric on the maker 3. They seem to be selling second hand for almost as much as a new one. Lots of offers about, so I would buy new if you can. I’ve read that curry’s and John Lewis have options for extended warranty’s as cricut is only 12 months.

I get on quite well now with the software, it does take a lot of patience to get to know it. Since getting a laptop I’m more confident using it.

Thank you, I'll have a look at Brother.
I was under the impression you could upload external svg files into design space - I'm sure I did that before. I hope that's still the case!

Yes you can upload svg files into design space.

I have a brother scan and cut and bloomin love it, there's loads on the machine itself and when you add your laptop it even more it can do!

And you can use any svg on the Brother ScanNCut? Are the accessories any cheaper than cricut? Or any that are interchangeable?

This may be the machine for me...

I think I've changed my mind 20 times tonight already, definitely going to research for a couple of days.

May go for the joy, as its cheapest, get to grips with it all again and then sell on and upgrade if I end up using it a lot.

That still leaves me with the 2nd hand vs new decision. New there is a deal for free hat press, which I almost definitely won't use but would sell on via vinted - but it looks like everyone is doing that so I might not even be able to sell it!

Weigh that up with the slightly cheaper but risk of no warranty 2nd hand bundle. It's really not that much of a saving.

If only the free gift offer was something I'd use!

I was under the impression you could upload external svg files into design space

i have definitely done this.