[jeeplover2]

I have kind of a lengthy question. I have a Cricut Expressions (I think it's the original) and I'm currently using Sure Cuts A Lot 1. I have Sure Cuts A Lot 4 Pro, but it won't cut with my older machine. The issue I'm having is when I cut smaller, more intricate designs. I can see the distortion in SCAL1 when I shrink the design, and of course, that transfers to the actual cuts. When I scale down the designs in SCAL4, I don't have the distortion. What I'm wondering is, if I can find another compatible program, do you think the distortion will present itself in the cutting if it's not in the software? I'm trying to avoid buying a new cutter if I can find new software. I haven't really had to do much smaller designs, but I will soon.

 

[pippin decals]

You may be screwed, I started with a cricut explore years ago for my first cut and instantly upgraded to a name brand cutter .. Go to Craftedge.com website and send them an email and tell them your issue.They are the creators of the software

There support is great. I use scalps4pro as well along with Ai cs6 . Scalps 1 and 4pro are so far apart in technology and the cricut is a poor cutter for some things due to it being a stepper motor cutter. Servo is more precise etc as well as being very quiet. You can send me a pm if you want and i can provide my contact number and i can try to help you out I am a huge fan of scalps4pro. Up to you if you want to contact me ..

 

[impression4444]

Hello,

I didn't want to start a new thread as we are asked not too if possible but this is a bit of a challenge right now - this part... I am wondering if I need a cutter. What software will I need and etc... I have a desktop mac which I purchased about 2 years ago - brand new - top of the line.
But, because I don't want to invest too much at first, I am wondering if I can't simply match the color of the t-shirt and not have to cut the image with a machine?
Right now some of my designs are text...
Any tip will be appreciated!

Thanks,

P!erre!

 

[seacookie]

Hello,

I didn't want to start a new thread as we are asked not too if possible but this is a bit of a challenge right now - this part... I am wondering if I need a cutter. What software will I need and etc... I have a desktop mac which I purchased about 2 years ago - brand new - top of the line.
But, because I don't want to invest too much at first, I am wondering if I can't simply match the color of the t-shirt and not have to cut the image with a machine?
Right now some of my designs are text...
Any tip will be appreciated!

Thanks,

P!erre!

In theory you could do the cutting with exacto...

 

[seacookie]

One more thingy...
Just ask your self how complex are your designs and what is your actual need for specific equipment. I understand someone wonna save money, life can be a *** somethimes. I seen people do crazy stuff by hand and exacto and there is bunch of you tube videos how crazy those guys are. There is probably a learning curve to get so good.

On the other hand here is one of mine stuff. Lighter is for size comparison. I sure wouldn't try this by hand. -.-

 

[TABOB]

For cutting things like this... I'd just buy a laser cutter.

 

[seacookie]

For cutting things like this... I'd just buy a laser cutter.

people told me you would burn material on such a small scale.

 

[TABOB]

people told me you would burn material on such a small scale.

I don't know what material this is, but with the correct speed settings, a 50 Watt laser cutter will not leave burn marks on paper.

 

[seacookie]

I don't know what material this is, but with the correct speed settings, a 50 Watt laser cutter will not leave burn marks on paper.

This is Mylar

 

[TABOB]

Obviously it is possible:
https://youtu.be/zyB-01p7AtI?t=410

 

[seacookie]

I wonder how big would be investment in laser cutter to get the same results like 1 buck knifes in vinyl cutter makes.

 

[TABOB]

I wonder how big would be investment in laser cutter to get the same results like 1 buck knifes in vinyl cutter makes.

I was thinking of buying one around a year ago, and from what I remember, you just have to keep the optics clean, and replace the CO2 tube after 500 hours of cutting. These are the the low cost lasers of course. Industrial lasers last much longer.
A tube costs around $250, which is $0.5 per hour, so I think they are on par.

 

[webtrekker]

A laser cutter would open up a world of new opportunities compared to a drag-knife cutter, but you also have to consider the need for fume extraction, which adds to the cost.

 

[seacookie]

I will stick with my cute knifes for now I still need to put a side money for hvlp turbo system, so there isn't a laser thingy in my plans for now