Skippy的craft and hobby

剩下20幾天就要跨年了耶

Wow~時間過得真快！快得我都要喘不過氣來了！實在可怕！

怎麼覺得年紀愈來愈大，時間就過得愈來愈快？？怎麼會這樣呢？

手藝人最關心的就是手藝大事啦！像是最新的商品是什麼？最火的商品又是什麼？（就是最夯的啦）或是什麼商品是必備的或最實用最優惠的．．．．

2009年的工具裡頭，刀模機應該算很夯吧！也算是這４～５年來都不退潮流的工具，只是”品牌”很重要，那代表著不僅止有價格，還有品質與相關的刀模圖款夠不夠實用，夠不夠”廣用”

從國外很多作品裡，就可以看出端倪了吧！

刀模機又分機械式（手動的啦），和電動的（要插電才能用的）

2010年即將到來，最新的電動刀模機也將襲捲而來，敢推出新機種，一定是跨越目前市場上各家機種能有的特色吧！而且，電子產品也會不斷的更新，像電腦一樣，像印表機一樣的一代又一代的推出～

先來看看外型:

對Die Cutting有興趣的朋友，可以自行閱讀以下的Q&A

What can it cut? Paper (standard, flocked, glitter, magnet), card stock, vinyl, and Tim Holts' grunge paper (it’s the only PECS on the market that can).

Do I need to change settings for each type of paper? No. The eCraft has a paper sensor that automatically adjusts the blade settings (its magic!).

How large is the cutting capability? The eCraft is 12 inches wide like most PECS, but does not have a specified length. This is due to the fact that the eCraft does not use cutting mats. Paper feeds directly in and out of the machine like a home printer. So you can cut images that are 12” by 48” if you want and beyond. AT the CHA this machine had a wheel of paper loaded behind it and continually ran. A similar paper wheel will be available to consumers in future.

Does it take cartridges? The eCraft uses SD cards similar to those used in digital cameras. They enable you to work independently of a computer. Like a cartridge, you can purchase these cards preloaded with shapes on different themes. The SD Fun Cards (as they are called) are cheaper than current market cartridges (around $40) and hold more content…each holding hundreds of images. They also offer a card holder (much like the Cricut JukeBox) which will hold up to 10 cards.

Can I use my own designs? The eCraft Pro software version will enable the use of your own designs and True Type fonts. When using Adobe or similar programs, you may need to save your work as a specific file type (no problem!).

Can I connect to a computer? Yes, using a USB connection. But it is not required (see above). You can, however, use your computer (with the included software) to rotate, weld letters and make other cosmetic changes to images).

Will it work on a Mac? The initial release is for PC but we are hard at work on the Mac version.

Does it draw? Yes. It holds colored pens that can be purchased separately. The cool thing is the pen can always stay loaded next to the blade so that you do not have to swap one for the other. It will draw first and then proceed to cut it out.

What are the differences between the models? The basic unit has a B&W display and will come with one SD Fun Card. The deluxe unit has a color screen and will be bundled with two SD Fun cards. We are planning a unit designed for heavier use that is ideal for craft stores, clubs and power users, It will be equipped with a heavy duty motor drive and other industrial features. All units will have the same cutting capabilities.

The cutesy stuff: The cutter comes in three color choices; white, green and pink. The eCraft will also have available hard cases and soft cases for portability in a variety of styles.

How heavy is this unit itself? It’s around 4lbs, so it is fairly light and (having seen it in person) it is much more sleek than other PECS. It is very slim in design.

How much? The MSRP for the eCraft ranges from $249 to $399 depending on the model and SD Fun Cards are expected to retail for around $39. Replacement blades will run about $1.00 each and will be available in a 25 pack. (actual retail pricing is usually lower)