Klik-Kut vs Wishblade vs Xyron PCS

[Dena]

Hi everyone. I am new to die cutting machines and had ordered the Xyron PCS a couple of weeks ago. I was not happy with the quality of the product, although I only used it a couple of times. First the mat wouldn't hold paper in place, and second I didn't think the quality of the cut pieces looked nice. The edges weren't crisp, and there wasn't a lot of detail. I returned the machine and now am considering getting the Element or Wishblade.

Before I do, I have a couple of questions... How does the quality of the cut pieces compare between the three machines? Do the Wishblade and Element make professional-looking cuts with smooth edges and lots of detail? I understand the Element can cut thicker paper. What is the thickest (in cm or inches or whatever) material that the Element can cut?

Also, I am leaning toward the Element and was wondering if they are all sold out at Paperthreads or if I can still reserve one.

Thanks again.

-Dena

[Paperthreads]

We are still taking reservations for the machines at Paperthreads :)

The Element has more pressure, so ultimately, you do get better cuts :) If you peak in the gallery, you will see all the many many files people have cut with their Wishblade and Element. They are both good machines!

The Element, however has more pressure, more speed, ONE ALL-IN-ONE program to do tracinge, welding and much more....You can also add on to the Element the tools you need to do embossing and use a pen. You can also cut more materials with the Element. Felts, CraftFoam, Chipboard, polymer clay, and more!! I don't know an actual "thickness" as it depends on the materials, but basically, for papers/chipboard, if it's bendable, it will cut. The more heavier material might take 3-4 passes.

[Dena]

Thanks for the reply about the different machines. Now for my stupid questions... I've been reading posts about people using pens in these machines but for the life of me I can't figure out what for! Does the machine write text for you with whatever pen you stick in there? And can I use any embossing tool with the Element or Wishblade, or are there special tools to buy with the machine?

I've tried a few times to check out the gallery, but the photos aren't showing up. Is there some trick or setting I need to see the files in the gallery? All I see is a description of the file/photo and a blank space where I'm guessing the work would be.

Anyway, thanks again for all the help.

-Dena

[dkchac]

Dena -- For the KNK Element, the embossing tool is a special tool that will sit in the blade holder and do the embossing or etching. The blade sits in a holder and a screw tightens it in. The blade is removed and the embossing tool is put in its place and screwed into place to use. The pen tool is used the same way. I used the pen tool once. I used the embossing tool only a few times (but I intend on using it much more as I get into more embossing and etching). Hope this helps. :)

Debbie

[Dena]

Yes, that does help, thanks. What did you use the pen tool for, out of curiosity? I didn't think about this before, until this thread, but could I use the pen to "print" text or draw pictures, such as scrolls, etc? I think it would be a neat look to have a computer-type font "printed" with a regular pen. It would look sort of like I have super neat handwriting or can draw perfect lines, etc!

Thanks again. I think I'm going to place my order for the Element tomorrow! I just hope it gets here in time for me to make invitations for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. I have to have them in the mail by the beginning of July.

[Paperthreads]

Yes, Dena, you can use the pen for something like that....but remember, when it does the font, it will "outline" draw it, so for it to look like journaling, you would have to use a very very thing font, and then do a fill....

In the beginning, you do everything with just the pen, to practice, and get a feel to where the blade/pen placement would be relative to the cutter and position on screen!

[Dena]

Okay, thanks. One more question (and then I'll stop, I promise!). Can I make word stencils with the Element?

I know I can use the paper from which a design has been cut as a stencil, e.g., a heart. I can take the paper with the heart cut out of it and use it as a stencil. But with words, I'm afraid that certain letters, such as "a, o, d, p" etc., would have a negative space left behind on the paper. For example, the letter "o" would just look like a circle cut out of the paper and not the letter "o."

Is there a way around this?

[Paperthreads]

Yes you can.

You would need to manually adjust any fonts that are like that, to make them into a stencil.

You would bread the path apart on the letters, and then "bridge" the inside of the letter to the outside. To explain exactly how to do it would just confuse you at this point, but once you have a machine, and learned how to use all the tools in the software, you would be quickly on your way to doing this.

[jadkinsmd]

There is a very similar thread here:
http://www.paperthreads.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1937
But you'd be overwhelmed to start there. Go through the tutorials first and learn the simpler stuff first. The easiest way to make letter stencils at first would be to use a "stencil font". Check out www.dafont.com and they have a stencil themed section.

[Dena]

Thanks so much for the information. I will definitely check out the tutorials when I have the machine. I just wanted to make sure the Element can do what I want before I invest. It seems so versatile. I can't wait to get it!