Most DIY users require cutting machines that are loaded with special features and various functions as this will enable them to make their projects quite easy to handle. Besides, cutting machines also help save money as they reduce cutting and designing errors as well as several trips to an establishment with one.
However, given the high demand for cutting machines, there are plenty of brands out there that continue to make cutting machines with distinctive features and higher specs. While there are loads of cutting machines out there, the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 3 are two cutting machines that are favored by a lot of arts and craft makers.
In order to help you decide between the two, let’s look at some of the qualities that each machine boasts of and what makes them loveable.
Cricut Maker
FYI, for more varieties of the Cricut, you can check our full breakdown of the Best Cricut Machines…
Pros
The Cricut Maker is a great cutting machine that enables users to cut different kinds of materials with a lot of agility and accuracy. It doesn’t matter whether you are handling a paper, leather, balsa or even vinyl material. All that matters is that your Cricut Maker is able to handle more than 100 different types of material hence giving you the ability to achieve whatever it is that you desire with your craft and designs.
This Cricut Maker machine saves on space especially for those who don’t have the luxury of large empty spaces that can be utilized and is also portable. Because it is space-saving, your work table won’t have to look messy as you can also work on your designs wirelessly and send them to your machine via the Bluetooth wireless technology.
Having the Bluetooth wireless technology feature means you get to enjoy creating your own loved designs from your smartphone or tablet and then easily pairing your machine up with your device and you are ready to cut. In addition, the machine has the Cricut Design Space software which lets you upload your preferred images and fonts and is available for all Android, iOS, Mac and Windows users.
This Cricut Maker machine also happens to have a slot for your smartphone or tablet which makes it really convenient for when you’re using designs from your mobile devices. Besides, you can also make use of the USB port available to charge your device, so you don’t have to move around the room looking for a power source constantly.
Cons
While all these shiny features give it an enormous advantage, it doesn’t come without its own flaws. This Cricut Maker isn’t suitable for arts and craft makers who make long designs given that it has a maximum cutting size of 11.5 by 23.5-inches. Users who make long designs can, therefore, struggle in achieving what they want and are better off finding a machine with a larger cutting space as this is geared towards artists who make compact designs.
Besides the cutting size, the cut sizes for this machine are also limited especially when using the Print and Cut function. For those using Google Chrome as their web browser, 5.5-inches is the maximum width and 8-inches maximum height. For Safari, Internet Explorer and Firefox users, maximum width and height in inches is 6 by 8.5 respectively while iOS app users get 6.5-inches as the maximum width and 9-inches as the maximum height.
Silhouette Cameo 3
Pros
What we love about the Silhouette machine is that it is your best bet when it comes to a DIY machine. With this, you are able to cut more than 100 different types of materials like fabrics, vinyl, cardstock paper and more with a width of 12-inches and 10 feet long. This is, therefore, a good machine for those looking to create longer designs like signages.
In addition, you also get to use your own designs just like the Cricut Maker allows you to, given that the Silhouette Cameo 3 also comes with the wireless Bluetooth technology and the Silhouette Studio design software. Whatever device you are using, you can be rest assured that your designs will come to life just as you want them using this machine.
The Silhouette Cameo 3 is also compatible with Print and Cut technology as well as PixScan. Wondering what that means to your craftsmanship? Well, it means that you can easily capture your desired image using your scanner or smartphone, import it and then turn the image into a cut life. Another feature that makes this machine loveable even for beginners is that it comes with a guide.
The guide is meant to help you avoid mistakes whether you are a beginner or a professional as it has a touchscreen menu that comes integrated with speakers and auto blade setting hence you don’t have to be troubled about how to use the machine’s function. The machine has a matless cutting capability. This is to say that you won’t need to utilize a cutting mat for vinyl cutting and heat transfer. It also has a 2mm clearance that helps you create deep cuts even when you are cutting through thicker materials.
Cons
Just like the Cricut Maker, the Silhouette Cameo 3 also has its own flaws. To start with, the Silhouette Cameo 3 is very slow and not as accurate as you’d want it especially when you are using the dual carriage feature. The dual carriage’s cutting is somewhat weak limiting you from cutting complex designs unlike with the Cricut Maker.
Secondly, because it’s only available in white, you have no color designs to pick from when it comes to this cutting machine. However, this is a non-issue given it has a compact and sleek design that is simple and will work for just anyone that isn’t picky about the color choice.
Another downfall is that the Silhouette Studio software is quite difficult to use for beginners because it has a steep learning curve that is suitable for advanced artists.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to both machines, you get to enjoy the use of wireless Bluetooth technology as well as their own individual software system. Also, they are both portable and easy to use which makes your job much easier when you are using both machines. With both machine, you also enjoy the ability to cut through different kinds of materials and have a small design that is space-saving.
That said, if you want a machine with exceptional accuracy, fast performance, and a lot more convenience, then the Cricut Maker is the best cutting machine for you. If on the other end, you’re more keen on creating large designs, then the Silhouette Cameo 3 should be what you get. In the end, the choice is yours.