I am looking to replicate a number of parts in styrene and have been told that a Cri-Cut machine can do it easily. Does anyone have any experience with this technology? How easy is it to use? My understanding is that these use drawings to produce the part. What drawing software is used? Are the drawings portable?
Does anyone offer a service cutting parts with their machine?
Many thanks,
George
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I picked one up a few months ago. It uses a software program called Design Space. You can now download the software (cricut.com) to your computer to check it out. Its not particularly intuitive but there are many tutorials on Youtube and the web. I was pretty disappointed with their service department. If you get a used one or your machine is more than a year old and it breaks they don't sell parts. If it breaks in the first year they will replace your machine. I was able to repair a stripped gear in my used one but I don't believe many users could duplicate that as I had to get the gear from Stock Drive parts and machine it to fit.
I have only tried to cut paper on it but have seen the videos of it cutting styrene. When it is working, resolution if very good, down to a few thousands of an inch. I have gotten sidetracked on other projects and haven't used mine in a while but plan to again in the future.
Another application that some use these for is cutting stick on vinyl for lettering. Its capable of pretty fine work but I have yet to try that either.
Pete
My wife has several cutting machines, and her Cricut is probably her favorite. She uses hers to cut cardstock, foils, and stencils. It actually does an amazing job and is very detailed oriented. My wife is on her second machine, and the original one still works and she gave it to our daughter. She never had any problems with either machine, and she uses them a lot.
She buys all her cutting mats, blades, and pen on-line, and most importantly, on sale!
My only concern is that you can reach a point when the material you are cutting is too thick and will not cut well.
If you decide to buy one, look for sales at the craft stores (and Cricut) and look for bundles. I think the last one my wife bought was 30%+ off!
Jim
All:
Would anyone on this forum be willing to cut a number of thin styrene pieces for me using a Cri-Cut machine? Please send me e-mail (in profile). Material would be .015" thick Evergreen sheet with maximum length of 10.5".
Thanks,
George
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