I’m only vaguely aware of craft/robo/CNC cutters that aren’t laser cutters. I don’t want one of those has to use cartridges to give it different preprogrammed cutting patterns – I want to be able to design my own shapes for cutting. So, I ask you now for your help…
- Is there a difference between robocutters, craft cutters, hobby cutters, and CNC cutters?
- What brands are there?
- How reliable are the various brands?
- Besides just paper and cardstock, what kinds of materials should they be able to cut?
- How easy are they to use, program, etc?
- What kinds of reuseable supplies do they require? (Blades?)
- What should I watch out for?
- What questions should I be asking?
- What do you use your cutter for?
Big differences between craft cutters and cnc cutters. The craft cutters are basically plotters with some sort of drag or other knife used to cut the materials. CNC use bits and mills to do the cutting. Must ask yourself what is it you want to do and how much you looking to spend? Most craft cutters can also cut vinyl for signs/stickers and stenciling. I have always wanted to try to make boards from this stuff :
http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G17115
As far as software goes some cutters can use programs like Inkscape. But as far as hobby software, the best as far as features go is likely SCL:
http://www.craftedge.com
Not much but hope this helps.
@KRG: Thank you so much! I would be happy to have a machine that could cut small (A4 size?) flimsy (paper, vinyl, cardstock) materials. I’d like to spend as little as possible, but would consider investing in a decent machine if I knew some of the other potential uses. It may not have been much for you, but since I knew nothing to start with, I’m infinitely better educated now!