A cutting machine is a big purchase and can really enhance your ability to do crafts. As it is such a big purchase, a lot of thought and research should go into it. You should consider what materials you are looking to cut, how much room you can give the machine, if you intend to create your own artwork to cut, how capable you are at learning software, how much money you are willing to spend not only on the machine but the files for it, and of course if it does need to hook up to a computer, whether or not it is compatible with a PC or Mac. There are many other considerations that we have not even begun to think about, so we encourage everyone to do the research themselves. There are many talented crafters that share their ideas and knowledge on the web. Check it out carefully.
We've compiled a list of cutting machines and several variables that you may want to consider and emphasize that we create cutting files and do not have a suggestion of what machine is best for you. We welcome any additional data that should be added to this table. Please email us at support@inspiregraphics.com if you see anything incorrect or that needs updating.
| CUTTER | AI | DXF | EPS | GSD | SVG | Weight | Software | Need to know | Embosses | Draws | Engraves | Print & Cut | Cutting Width | Mac/PC | Cutting Force (grams of force) | Cost | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Cat Cougar | x | x | x | x | x | x | pounds | "SCAL | MTC" | cuts pretty much any material | yes | yes | yes | yes | "model size wide - | ||||||
| Available in 13in | 15in | 18in and 24in Cut widths " | Mac/PC | 900-1200 | 749-949 | ||||||||||||||||
| Black Cat Lynx | "compatible with all cougar accessories | doesn't cut as many materials as cougar" | yes | yes | "12 "" wide" | Mac/PC | 700 | 499 | |||||||||||||
| Craft Robo | x | x | "11""" | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cricut Explore | x | x | not sure which recommended | "no software necessary. use online program. internet connection neccessary | SCAL" | "duo-head | can score and cut at the same time" | yes | yes | yes | "12 "" wide" | Mac/PC | Proprietary | 249 | |||||||
| Cricut Expression | only uses cartridges | no | no | doesn't need computer | 179 | ||||||||||||||||
| eCraft | x | "MTC | " | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gazzle | x | x | x | "MTC | SCAL" | 700 | 399 | ||||||||||||||
| Kilc-N-Kut | x | x | x | double check file formats | "KNK Studio software | MTC" | yes | "up to 24"" depending on model" | Mac/PC | 950 | 849 | ||||||||||
| Pazzles Inspiration | x | x | x | x | WPC/PVG (native) | "Inspiration Studio Pro | MTC | SCAL" | "The Inspiration Vue can handle heavier things like chipboard and sheet magnet thanks to 1 | 000 grams of force." | yes | yes | yes | "12 "" wide" | PC | 1000 | 450 | ||||
| Silhouette Cameo | x | x | x | .studio (native) | svg with design studio only | "silhouette studio | silhouette designer studio | MTC | SCAL" | Features a full 12 inch cutting width and mat-less cutting for rolled materials. The machine also has the ability to register and cut printed materials and is PixScan™ compatible. | yes | yes | yes | "12 "" wide" | Mac/PC | 210 | 226 | ||||
| Silhouette Portrait | .studio (native) | MTC | The machine also has the ability to register and cut printed materials and is PixScan™ compatible. | yes | yes | yes | "Maximum Cutting Area: 8″ x 12″ (20.3 x 30.5 cm) with a cutting mat | and 8″ x 10′ (20.3 cm x 3 m) with a lined media" | Mac/PC | 210 | 179 | ||||||||||
| Silver Bullet | x | x | x | x | x | x | SCAL | One of the strongest machines on the markety with 1250 grams of cutting force. | yes | yes | yes | yes | "24""" | Mac/PC | 1250 | 849 | |||||
| Sizzix eClips | x | x | " SCAL | eCAL" | True Scoring – No more perforations… clean folds every time. Can use without computer if you have cartridges. | yes | yes | "12""" | Mac/PC | 600 | 200 | ||||||||||
| Wishblade | x | x | x | x | "Wishblade | Create and Cut" | yes | yes | yes | "8.5""" | Mac/PC | ||||||||||
| Janome Edge | x | as of March 2015 | imports several embroidery file types | Simple Cut software | Commercial grade steel components–yes it does…it is much heavier than other cutting machines out there. Designed with quilters in mind. | yes | "12""-15"" depending on version" | Not necessary. Transfer files via USB stick or CF card | 750 | 399 | |||||||||||
| Brother ScanNCut | No software. Does not connect to computer. | Worlds first home and hobby cutting machine with a 300 DPI built-in scanner. Scan virtually anything – from a handmade drawing to your most cherished family photo. | "yes | depending on version" | No computer required | 399-499 | |||||||||||||||
| Zing | x | x | x | x | MTC | Zing Air allows you to communicate with your computer wirelessly. ZingSpeak allows you to control the device using voice commands. | yes | "yes | depending on version" | yes | yes | "up to 14"" depending on version" | PC | 750 | 419 | ||||||
| Slice | uses design cards | no software needed | Fabric-cutting tool to make quilting easy. | yes | yes | "6""" | no need | proprietary | 115 |