Cricut update

Post by **maria** » Tue Jan 26, 2021 3:48 am

LOVE LOVE LOVE THE ENTIRE IMAGE! And that clock is perfect

Post by **paulrace** » Tue Jan 26, 2021 9:21 am

Thanks, Maria. "Regulator" clocks were used in government offices, train stations, telegraph offices, etc. for nearly a century. This is a repro, of course, and I'll probably replace it if I ever come across a better one that I can afford, but in the meantime, it helps set the period. I'm thinking about getting a carpet roll, painting it black, and fastening it so it looks like a stovepipe. Every detail helps.

Post by **paulrace** » Thu Feb 18, 2021 9:26 am

Update. I've started rewriting ALL of my articles on Craftcutters. During my research, I have also picked up an extra Cricut Expression to use in my workshop, a used Cricut Create for portability. Got them and my used Silhouette Cameo (1) on Shopgoodwill.com. They DON'T guarantee that anything you buy will work, and you have to make certain they have the power cords.

That said, the old Cricuts were built like tanks, and they work with Sure Cuts-a-Lot 4 and 5 now if you follow the instructions here:
http://forum.surecutsalot.com/viewtopic ... 72#p137072 If you have Windows 10, you may have to download a new driver for Cricut as well. I may have one somewhere if you need it.

In the case of older Cricuts, try to make certain they come with at least one cartridge (unless you already have some). I have also ordered a used Explore, so I can experiment and report on Design Space. It has yet to be shipped, though. They DON'T rush shipping.

I'll post here when the new articles are available.

Post by **paulrace** » Fri Feb 19, 2021 4:56 pm

At the moment, ShopGoodwill.com has a ridiculous amounts of Cricut Expressions at auction. They are not guaranteed to work, but I have bought 3 Cricuts this way and all have arrived in working condition (though one was pretty dusty). If they have a power cord, a blade, and at least one cartridge, you can use them with Sure-Cuts-a-Lot 4 or 5 to cut original or third-party patterns. (The cord that connects them to the computer is a regular USB printer chord.) Yes, the instructions for using first-gen Cricuts with SCAL4 or 5 are complicated, but I've got it working.

I have NO idea why so many have been dumped on the market at the same time. Maybe the later models are really catching on or something. Before you bid on one, check the shipping. If you spend $30 on one and shipping is $30, you've spent $60. Which is still a really good deal for a working Expression, but it's better if you can find one, with, say, $15 shipping. SCAL 4 or 5 will cost you another $60, and then you're into craftcutting for about $120. Just sayin' . . . . .

Warning, the Expression 2 is useless. It's the first Expression (CREX001) you want. Alternatively, some of the newer models are showing up. Cricut Explore or ANY Silhouette Cameo will also let get started craftcutting, with free downloadable software, so if you can get one of those for a good price, you're also good to go. Again, there are no guarantees, but these things are built like tanks. Questions welcome.

Post by **paulrace** » Thu Mar 04, 2021 7:42 am

Stumbled across some great O and HO building projects using these. Walls, shingles, boards, windowframes, all cut out with a Cricut (I think an Explore).

Here is a thread with some great examples: http://www.railroad-line.com/forum/topi ... hichpage=4