I know many of us dont think like this, but...

What would you estimate the "shelf life" on your cutting system to be?

I was given a Cricut Expression over a couple years ago. It makes me happy; it gets used. However, I understand one day it will stop; machines are like that. They either reach their end of days; or the manufacturer no longer makes parts to repair it... or both. I'm trying to figure out when that day might be. How much longer do I get to enjoy my machine... kinda like "how many gumballs are in this jar?"

What estimates do you have, if any?

I figure for many electronics 5 years is fair. Especially if they're computer dependent because software and computers evolve so quickly. And in 5 years (or less!) I'll probably be wanting newer and fancier bells and whistles so I'd be wanting to swap it out anyway. If something lasts longer and continues to be useful and happy-making, great!

I have had my cricut since the came out....literally one of the first ones. It is going strong. If it does break, I will invest in another one since I have so many carts. Great thing is that the price has come down since I bought mine. I don't use mine every project but I do enjoy it when I use it!!!

• binkiemonstermom Said:

Same here, I bought one of the first ones and it lasted a good 5 years until the power cord gave out. I decided it was probably worth just buying the newer/latest model instead of ordering a new power cord. I also have a Pazzles that I've had for the last 7 years I believe, it hasn't shown any signs of slowing/failing/etc.

I'm a pretty happy camper with both and the amount of time they've lasted.

I think that is going to have to depend on how often you use it. I use mine a couple times some months and then go for months without touching it.

Mine gets very low usage - I get a lot of my letters from my Slice.

I've had my expression for 4 or 5 years now. It works just fine. I used to use it weekly for about 2 years and now it gets used maybe once every 2 months.

I've had my Cricut (I have the original baby bug) for well over 6 years...still works just fine, and I use it quite often. I don't even really think about the "shelf life" of it...when it dies, it dies, I guess.

Thanks, everyone! I'm glad to know that I can expect to keep enjoying my E for at least a few more years. LOL! Of course, it will be even more fun, once I remember to replace the blade.

I should use mine more often. Right now, it's once every couple/few weeks; but I can also go a couple months without crafting a single thing -- with OR without the machine. When I do use it, I create a ton of embellishments, boxes and titles in a day. Yesterday, I wanted to make use of DH's paper gift to me, so I started cutting out Halloween titles and shapes.

And now I have the desire to window shop for new cartridges. That's the other thing I tend to think about now. Will it be worth it to invest in more cartridges? For sure, window shopping is free.

Again, thank you for your help!

New cartridges are fun. I bought Ole yesterday - such cute letters!

Darn it, Henri Jean! Now I have to go look at that cartridge. I DO NOT need any more cartridges - I have 96 and many of them have never been used. But if one has a cute font on it, I find I just can't resist.

My girlfriend was with me yesterday and I think she bought it too, we went to the cash register separately so I'm not sure, but she picked it up to get it.

It's on sale now at Michaels or Joann's - think it was $19.99. Not sure.

I was excited to finally figure out what "digital" meant when I looked on the site. There are several I now want, but can't rationalize....yet.

I WANT A CRICUT SOOO BADLY!!!! OOOH, I am jealous of all of you, but just can't swing the initial expense, plus all the carts...I do have a $50 Michaels gift card to use, so maybe when they price them low between now and Christmas...

I think the Cricut is made better than other machines, such as Making Memories' Slice machine. I've had mine less than two years and it's already having major issues. Too bad I invested some serious dough into it.
I think your E will be just fine for a good number of years. They seem to do well with having the cartridges work on all the machines. I like that.

• Juansmom Said:

Black Friday perhaps? I always end up getting cartridges on BF for great prices. You might also check Craigslist, seems like there's always people selling their Cricuts on there.

I've had my cricut for five years and it has given me no problems!! I haven't updated any of the software so I don't know if that might be something to consider...

• dwelch Said:

NINETY-SIX?! Wow! I thought my 20 or so were a lot!

Yeah, I love my Expression, but sometimes I go months without using it. I'm kind of in a scrappy dry spell right now. I've just been busy and also dabbling in digital scrapbooking a bit. I hope it lasts for a long time...it's had so little use I'll be disappointed if it goes bad anytime soon!

I always worry about that too. I think if I see them on sale for a real good price I might buy another one to hold for just in case. I know for Christmas one year they were so much cheaper than when I purchased mine. Either Walmart or cricut machine site. They have good sales around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I think my cutting system will last a long time! I have a Revolution and an Epic...love them and don't have to worry about power cords etc.