poodleskirts Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 I can't decide between the base model at Michaels for $70 or the Expression from Menards for $150. I don't do a TON of paper crafting, but its something that I'm gradually getting into more. Suggestions? pros or cons of either? Thanks!
smga1 Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 I have the base model. I can cut alot of things but no bigger than 5 3/4 inches. The expresssion cuts up to 12 inches and vinyl plus other materials. I dont have a lot of room so the base model is great for me.
dealluvr Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 how do you pronounce that name cry cut cricket i have heard it both ways just curious
coachdj5 Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 It is pronounced Cricket (the logo is a little green cricket). I would get the expression. I have that one and you can do sooooo much more with it. I got it when it first came out and paid $450 for it and I still think its worth that much. (Although I would have loved to have gotten for the great prices its been offered on sale the last 2 years).
kselzer Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 I have the Create machine. I'm really surprised no one has that model on sale this year. All three machines can cut paper, vinyl, thinner chipboard etc. The difference is getting the deep cut blade for thicker things. But the regular blade will cut vinyl on any of the machines. I think the main point of concern is whether you paper craft in your home or you're on the go a lot. I mostly craft at crops and retreats so I knew I didn't want to lug the big machine around. However, there are a few people that will take the big ones to crops. I personally just don't want something that big to carry or to take up space at my table. But if you craft at home mostly I would probably go for the Expression. The original machine is just lacking some of the features that the Create and Expression have. Although if you get a Gypsy that will make up for most of the lost features.
JackJack Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 This is just me, but I would buy a Big Shot instead. I have a Cricut and wish I would have gotten a Big shot instead. Great for cutting felt and fabric!
kselzer Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 You can cut fabric with the cricut. I saw someone do it at a crop before. I think she had to put some sort of backing on the fabric first though. Also I've seen discussions of cutting felt on the Cricut message boards. I'm not sure on the outcome of that though, you may want to check their MBs out for more info.
nebraskaparkfan Posted November 25, 2010 Posted November 25, 2010 I have the regular cricut. (cricket like the bug). There have been very few things that I wanted to cut that were bigger than 6 inches. And it's easier to transport if you want to take it to crops.
AuntieJul Posted November 27, 2010 Posted November 27, 2010 I have the regular cricut because the expression had just come out and was too far out of my price range. I don't do a lot of paper crafting (just Christmas scrapbooking, some cards) and I only have three Cricut cartridges, but when I do it really looks great. If I had a choice today of which machine and if I had the room for it I'd probably get the bigger machine. Other than being able to cut the vinyl (which lets you do your own etching and wall quotes) and heavier materials, I think it lets you put in larger sheets of paper. The regular Cricut lets you cut characters out of a 6"x12" piece of paper - in other words, half the size of a 12x12 scrapbook card stock piece of paper. They sell Cricut paper that size but if you want to use any kind of special paper you have to cut it yourself, so I ended up buying a paper trimmer so I could easily cut paper to the size the machine could use. I sometimes want to do larger letters or images that the regular Cricut can't handle. If you don't mind either of those two issues, there's nothing wrong with the cheap basic machine.
eileenrich Posted November 27, 2010 Posted November 27, 2010 (edited) I was able to get the expression yesterday for 185 at wm but then felt guilty and returned it when I found the personal Cricut for 99.00 at Kroger's in town! Now I can buy cartridges, maybe! Edited November 27, 2010 by eileenrich spelling erros
wortmanfamily Posted November 28, 2010 Posted November 28, 2010 LOVE my expression!! bought it Black Friday of 09 - never bought a cartridge either - bought this software and LOVE it!!!!
iamlynn98 Posted November 28, 2010 Posted November 28, 2010 Yes, go with Make-The-Cut. You won't ever need to buy a cart again!
jendeere Posted November 28, 2010 Posted November 28, 2010 I have the base model. I can cut alot of things but no bigger than 5 3/4 inches. The expresssion cuts up to 12 inches and vinyl plus other materials. I dont have a lot of room so the base model is great for me. The expression can cut up to 24 inches
poodleskirts Posted November 29, 2010 Author Posted November 29, 2010 Thanks all I went with the base model and I'm totally happy with it! I've been playing all weekend. Bonus too that it rang up as $60 instead of $70 at Michaels!
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