12" Machine from Funtime

[hlpatrick]

Does anyone know anything about the 12" cutter being offered on e-bay by Funtime Scrapbooking? The seller has a 100% positive review rating, and there is a picture, but the specs provided are few.

Acceptable media width 2 to 12.5 " inches
Maximum cutting width 11.5" inches
Maximum cutting speed 10 - 280 mm/s
Cutting Pressure 10-500 grams
View Listing (http://http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=150219515090)

I'm looking for a relatively light use machine (2-3 weekends a month) to be used primarily for titles and occasional shapes. As such, I was all set on the CRII with KNK GE. However, I've read several good reviews on the Funtime software, and this cutter that they're offering with it for about the same price as the CRII/KNK GE combo boasts twice the pressure and an 11.5" cutting width.

Obviously, I don't want to get something that's not sell supported or that I won't be able to get replacement blades and accessories for. But a personal use cutter with that pressure and width and decent software for less than $450 is attractive.....

I've asked the seller numerous questions, and will be glad to post the responses when I receive them, but I would like to get some unbiased feedback from someone with personal experience....

Thanks,
Heather

[Paperthreads]

The only thing I can say, having not have seen that machine in person and not able to test it is this, they are located in Canada. if you have a problem with the machine and need to send it in for repairs, you will have to pay international shipping to get it back into Canada.

We did post a review of the machine by a manufacturer that had one in their possession, if you search back using the search function at the top, you'll probably find it.

Also, Funtime and KNK Studio are very comparable, you can find many reviews on it here as well, it's half dozen one to the other.....there are many great features in both programs, 98% similar, and the other 2 percent has somethings easier to do on one program and some easier to do on the other.

BTW, the price on that machine is $449.00 plus $69.00 for shipping and handling, total of $518.

The new Pazzles Inspiration, which is EXTREMELY similar to the red machine is only $559 including shipping, http://www.paperthreads.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3201

You aren't paying much more.....

I don't know what the replacement costs for blades on that machine are, but I do know the replacement costs for the Inspiration, it's $12 for 2 blades.

[hlpatrick]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I agree, the Inspiration does sound very similar and isn't that much more. And I REALLY like the 500g pressure and 11.5" cutting width. Those two things alone are worth the extra $130 over the CR/KNK combo. However, I was a little disappointed to hear that it doesn't come ready to handle "Print n' Cut" and that the "Pen Tool", which comes standard with several of the other cutters, is a separate $40 purchase. I don't see myself using the PnC all that much, but I was really looking forward to the pen tool! Speaking of which, I see that you don't have the pen tool in stock. Are those expected in any time soon?

The only other question is how does the new "Inspiration Design" software compare with FS and KNK (ease of use + features)? Am I going to spend $600 on the machine only to have to turn around and spend another $140 on a different software package. By then, I'm almost up to the KNK 13. Considering I really only had budgeted for the CR/KNK-GE combo, that's a pretty big difference.

Thanks,
Heather

[Beloved K]

My understand - and Michelle - please correct me if I am wrong.... but I think that the software that the PI is running is the Funtime Software?!?!?!

Yes?? No???

Lori

[Paperthreads]

It is a "version" of the Funtime software. Pazzles has always used a version of that software, and with this machine are again using a Funtime "version" on their machine.

I will have the pen tools and all the other add ons, they just aren't fully available yet, I have them ordered, so when they get here, we'll add them as being in stock.

[hlpatrick]

*Edited Post*
Please ignore the post below. I spoke to another representative in Tech Support today, and they indicated that, while the software included with the machine has a new name "Inspiration Studio", it is licensed from the same folks who do Funtime and is reported to have all the same features.

Thanks!

*Ignore This Post*
I spoke with Pazzles customer service today to ask specifically if the "Inspiration™ Design software" mentioned on the spec sheet for the Inspiration Cutter was a version of the Funtime Scrapbooking that they had included with their previous machines. She stated that, while they had in the past included Funtime Software, this was a totally new application designed from the ground up specifically for the Scrapbooking market and the Inspriation machine by Pazzles. I'm now a little concerned, as this is a big part of the purchasing decision. I've heard lots of good things about Funtime, but don't know anything about this potentially brand new application. Was she mistaken? If she wasn't, where can I learn more about this new app? :confused:

Kind Regards,
Heather!

[Paperthreads]

Lol...she was most definitely mistaken :)

While the software is labeled Pazzles Inspiration Studio, it is made by SignMax, and has the SAME visual interface as the Funtime. Files made in both programs are .wpc extension.

Here are two images...you tell me if you think they are two TOTALLY different programs!!

I would venture to guess that there are some minor differences in the programs, but so far am not aware of WHAT those differences are! The first image is funtime, the second image is pazzles...on both, I have a portrait letter size page as my work area.

[Beloved K]

Well it looks like the "minor" difference may be the icons on what I call the "dummy button"?!?!? That would be minor!!!

LOL

Lori

[Paperthreads]

They basically are all the same buttons, just have a different "look" to them... but they are targeted to the same tools!

Melinda, a group owner of another group has actually been sending Pazzles Inspiration owners to her Funtime group for tutorials, and not one of them has pointed out that the tutorials don't apply, so I'd say they are more alike then different!

[Sonja]

I love my Pazzles Inspiration and it is really easy to use.:cool: