Inspiration vs Gazelle

[deigh_z33]

Hey everyone! I'm still lurking on the forums and trying to decide what cutter I'd like to purchase. My hubby said that he would pay for half of the Pazzles Inspiration for my combined b-day/Christmas and I am soooooo excited! Could anyone make a recommendation between these two machines? I like the Gazelle because it is a little bit cheaper and is more compact, but the Inspiration seems to be an awesome machine too! I'd appreciate it if someone who has had experience with either of these machines could provide some information about the quality of the machines and what you like and dislike. TIA!

Amber

[Paperthreads]

The Gazelle has only been on the market for 30 days, and so if there are any issues with it yet, it hasn't been disclosed. The company is also new to the industry, having NO previous electronic cutting machine experience. While Pazzles has had diecut machines geared to the scrapbooking industry for several yeats! So they have a proven track record.

[deigh_z33]

That is my concern with the Gazelle. Not only am I concerned about what potential bugs are in the machine, but also the lack of tutorials available for it. However, I have only read positive reviews about the Gazelle so I'm not sure. I'm very interested in the Pazzles though, and will probably go that route but I want to check out all my options! :)

[Paperthreads]

Well, one of the reasons you ONLY hear positive is because to get help and the tutorials they offer, you have to sign into their "exclusive" group. Then, if you have a problem or complaint and post it it another group, they monitor, and do what they can to remove them and point the person back to their group. You also agree when you join that group that you will not freely share the information you glean from there. They do this so that if there are any negatives, you can't find out about them until you actually own a machine and are allowed access to their exclusive group.

whereas the Pazzles has their forum, and they also have one of their designers with her own yahoo group, as well as places like here or elsewhere, where information is shared freely!

No matter WHAT machine you go with, either Pazzles or Gazelle, you will be getting the EXACT same software, as they both use the same vendor for the software. So any tutorial you find for software that applies to the Pazzles will apply to the Gazelle....

[deigh_z33]

That makes perfect sense! I've also been looking into the accessories for the Pazzles and like the idea that it embosses and they have special fabric mats (since I'd love to cut felt shapes!). With the Pazzles, can you cut fun foam on the regular mat that comes with the machine or would I need to buy an additional mat? The Pazzles is also very appealing because of the design CDs that can be purchased to go with it that aren't very expensive.

Thanks for your help!

[Paperthreads]

You can cut foam with the current mat. Just make sure you stick it down well.

[Eliseb3333]

These look like good machines too, but that MAXX machine looks like it will cut so much more things, I'm hoping to get one for christmas.

[sckimakastaja]

This is my first venture into the electronic die cutting market and I was a bit hesitant to plop down this kind of money but I continue to fall deeper in love with my machine as I am learning more and more about it. I am not a computer genius and haven't taken the time to learn PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro (I own both) because they have such learning curves...and I forget what I learn before I actually need to learn it again. NOT SO with the Gazelle. It is easy to use and limited only by my artistic abilities and time... I've cut fonts, titles, clip art, created signs for work; I've even used markers (a big plus is that the gazelle uses any marker including my sharpies and regular pens).

I love being able to download "free stuff" and now smile everytime I see dies on sale because I truly don't believe I will ever need to buy another die, sticker letter, title strip etc.

The tutorials available are truly all that are needed. This is truly a machine that even a beginner can be using within an hour...I did.

[sheabella]

This is my first venture into the electronic die cutting market and I was a bit hesitant to plop down this kind of money but I continue to fall deeper in love with my machine as I am learning more and more about it. I am not a computer genius and haven't taken the time to learn PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro (I own both) because they have such learning curves...and I forget what I learn before I actually need to learn it again. NOT SO with the Gazelle. It is easy to use and limited only by my artistic abilities and time... I've cut fonts, titles, clip art, created signs for work; I've even used markers (a big plus is that the gazelle uses any marker including my sharpies and regular pens).

I love being able to download "free stuff" and now smile everytime I see dies on sale because I truly don't believe I will ever need to buy another die, sticker letter, title strip etc.

The tutorials available are truly all that are needed. This is truly a machine that even a beginner can be using within an hour...I did.

HI,
I just got my gazelle and am trying to figure out funtime. Could you point me in the direction of good tutorials and maybe this 'free stuff' you are writing about? I have looked at the tutorials offered by the gazelle site but I find that because there is no one explaining what they are actually doing, it's a bit difficult.
Thanks for your help
sheabella

[Shirley803]

Here's some stuff on WPC or Funtime (http://www.paperthreads.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=60).

Here are the WPC files (http://www.paperthreads.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=116).

[Beloved K]

I am in AZ right now helping out with a family medical issue (normally I live in GA) But if you have an issue or a problem let me know and I will see what I can do to help!!!

I love love love my Funtime!!!!

Lori

[sarahwms]

I own an Inpiration Pazzle and I LOVE IT!! I owned a Wishblade prior to my Pazzle, but sold it because I wanted the 12 inch cutting bed! I will never look back! The software is fairly simple and there are TONS of groups that offer either free cutter files are files at a VERY low cost! Lori (Beloved Keepsakes) is the current QMC designer here at Paperthreads and she has GREAT files! The QMC's are a great deal...at least 20 files for only $10!

[sheabella]

Here's some stuff on WPC or Funtime (http://www.paperthreads.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=60).

Here are the WPC files (http://www.paperthreads.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=116).

I have been away from the site for a while but I really appreciate the time you took to help me. Can't wait to look and learn.

Nadia

[sheabella]

I am in AZ right now helping out with a family medical issue (normally I live in GA) But if you have an issue or a problem let me know and I will see what I can do to help!!!

I love love love my Funtime!!!!

Lori


Thanks Lori,

I hope things are going well for you. I am slowly getting in and I am loving it too. I just know I can love it even more. I'll keep your kind offer in mind.
Nadia:D