difference between WB SILHOUETTE & Craftrobo ??

I went from wanting a cricut to wanting a machine that I could cut any image from. What is the differences between the three machines, WB Silhouette and craftrobo? Obviously made by other companies the WB is currently unavailable but do the machines differ so much that one would lean toward a certain brand? Also which has the best software included?? Are you able to import your own images into the supplied software or do you have to use Adobe Illustrator for example.
Thanks!
I think I'll have to see one in use before I fork over that kind of cash.

Ok... I'm going to answer what I can! lol

First, they are all the same machine, marketed by different companies and having different software.

I have a Wishblade and love it, however if you use Vista, you might want to look into the others. I know that Wishblade is having some trouble with vista. Evidently, they are working to fix the problem, but I'm not sure when they are going to start selling them again.

I am not familiar with the other machines and vista, but I'm sure their websites will tell whether or not they are compatable. I believe that the Wishblade is the only machine that will run on MAC, but please don't take my word for it before checking.

All three machines use the same type of file. (gsd) This makes it great because we can share files with the people who use all the machines.

I have the old Wishblade , and you can't directly import another type of file for immediate cutting without conversion program. You can import jpegs, etc for tracing. I am pretty sure that the Create and Cut progam traces automatically, but I'm sure that someone else will know the answer for sure.

I also use the craft robo software. I love that it will let you import DXF files. This allows you to import 'ready to cut' files from other vector based software.

I am completely unfamiliar with the Silhouette software, but I'm sure it is similar to the others.

ALL the machines allow you to cut any True Type Font. They all allow you to make or trace any picture you care to use. They have a feature that allows you to print your picture on your computer and then cut around it.

The possiblilities are endless!! You would be happy with any of them, I'm sure!

Welcome to the neighborhood! If you have any specific questions, private message me and I'll try to help.

Thanks Robbie! The Silhouette is Vista compatible with the new units and a download is available for the older software. It did say if you want to weld you need do it WORD or sim program and open it in the cutters program. I guess I'll lean toward the Silhouette since it is much cheaper and it works with Vista, which is what I have.
Thanks again!

I have the CraftRobo (older model) and I love it. There is a download for the upgrade to vista. The new machine is vista compatible. I don't know if it is mac compatible tho. The Robomaster software is very easy to use for simple letters and "print & cut". To weld letters you can use any graphics software then import into the robomaster software, trace, then cut. Simple. I chose the CraftRobo because it was the least expensive of all the machines from all the prices I could find. I also have read that the customer service from the company that produces the CraftRobo is far superior to the other companies. The CraftRobo also comes with a 1 year warranty. As far as I have heard, the other machines only come with 3 months.

Hope that helps...

I use the Wishblade on my computer with Vista.

Wait...dxf as in a CAD file?

I have a craft robo pro and it is MAC compatible. It has a bit of a learning curve (the instructions are a poor translation from a foreign language). Once you get it set up figure out the instructions, it is a great machine. I cut some very thin fonts with it the first time I used it and it worked beautifully.

I use Illustrator with mine and don't have any issues with the robomaster software. Mine came with an extra CD of images all ready to cut out, several hundred fonts and a bunch of other things too like tools and vinyl sheets.

I researched cutting machines over a year and had leveled it down to Wishblade , Silo and Craft Robo. My DH got this one for me for christmas and after extensive research on the 3 I leveled it down to, his decision to buy this machine in particular had to do with durability, software compatibility, capabilities of the machine, warranty, company reputation, etc...

Good luck with your decision!

• Joda Said:

Yes, .dxf as in a CAD file. All of the cutters use vector files and most of the programs that you either get with the cutters or you can buy separately, are based on CAD Programs. For example, the new KNK Studio GE (which is designed for the Blue Wishblade , Pink Wishblade , Craft Robo's I and II, and the Silhouette) is based on a $1300 CAD program from CADLink, a Canadian company.

trying to figure out...

if they are the same, why the price difference?


can you buy one and put the software for hte other on it?

meaning if i buy a craftrobo, can I put the Wishblade software on he craftrobo?

you might be able to buy the different software, but that would probably eat up and differential in price.

As I understand it, the different software won't work with the various machines, due to the drivers.

For example...I have an "early" Wishblade . I have the Craft Robo software loaded, so I can load a DXF from Inkscape, save it as a GSD...but I can't cut from the CR software. I have to open the GSD in my Wishblade software to cut.

thanks. dh is a computer guy and he wanted to know. But after looking the robo craft is about as much as the sil.

So now I really don't understand the difference b/w the three. same machine, just different software, but the softwares are all based on the same software?

Exactly. LOL!

Robotech is the original maker. They licensed the technology to xyron ...*if* I recall correctly, there was a period of time before the Craft Robo could be purchased in the US.

Then, at some point, QuicKutz got in the act with the Sihouette.

Basically, it's down to the packages that come with them. They all have pluses and minuses.

what's inkscape?

dh bought me the sil last night! It should be here Thursday.

Inkscape is a free vector program, like Illustrator. I use it to auto-trace, merge words, etc. inkscape.org.

I love my Silhouette and QuicKutz the company they are awesome with support. You can call or e-mail them and they are always helpful and nice. I have the squeeze tool and have never been dissappointed with that either.

I read this on another board about QK's new update:

Any files that you create after the upgrade are now encrypted. This means there will be no more sharing of files with Wishblade or craftrobo people.

• fiabella Said:

can you explain what this means?

does it not cut gsd files? Does this mean I can't create my own files? because that's the whole point of me buying it.

• Megan - ForumTech Said:

THanks!!!!

• EeyoreLynn Said:

*As I understand it*, and this just chat from cutting venues...you can create your own files. You can't share with others, tho, OR use files that the WB or CR have created.

The 2nd part is what has folks fuming a bit...

• Megan - ForumTech Said:

I don't know if that last part is true... I d/led the newest update and have been able to open all my .GSD files, including those made by people with different software.

ooo uh?


dh said it was possible... I guess I'll see when I get my sil on Thursday.

Exactly... you will have to delete the update.

Check out the following link for a thorough comparison list of all die cut machines:

http://www.paperthreads.com/newsletter/Febraury2007/machine_comparisons.htm

well, that upgrade is stupid then.

I wrote to QK people to get the down low on the upgrade. I do not want to upgrade if I'm not going to be able to share files.

That's the whole reason I bought the dang thing. It's irritating that they did that.