Since scrapbooking die cutters are the the hot thing at the moment among scrapbookers and cardmakers, I figure it was about time to write a Xyron Wishblade review and see how ti compares to some of the other personal cutters out there, such as the Cricut Expression and the Pazzle.
While the Cricut machines (the Expression, the Cricut Create and the Cricut Personal) are the leaders in electronic cutters market, other less known brands such as the Xyron should be considered as well.
The Xyron Wishblade Review
The Xyron Wishblade one of the most powerful and flexible cutting systems available today. You can effortlessly cut fonts and shapes in any size from a 1/2-inch to 8 inches wide and up to 39 inches long, from various materials: everything from vellum and paper to vinyl and textured cardstock.
But the number one feature that makes it so popular is the fact that it’s a computer-driven machine. This means it must be connected to a computer (either PC or Mac) and uses a program to handle machine operation.
You can use any true-type font available in your computer. Any clip art downloaded from the internet or swaped with other users through forums and websites can also be used. If you have drawing skills,you can use the Wishblade software to create your own designs.
Another great feature is the ability to send any image through the Wishblade machine to be cut. It means you can print something in your regular inkjet-printer and than have the Wishblade cut it. Or,you can replace the cutting blade with an ink pen and let the it draw instead of cut.
This system comes with two different software: the standard “Print and Cut” and the exclusive “Create and Cut”, which can be used together or alone. The first one offers regular print and cut technology and drawing tools, while the other enhances Wishblade functionality to include outlining (shadows), word welding and auto-trace feature.
You May Also Be Interested In Reading:
Xyron Wishblade and “Create n Cut Plus” Software: The Full Scoop
Using The Cricut And The Xyron… Together!
Cricut Expression vs. Xyron Wishblade: which is the best?
Want More Xyron Wishblade Reviews?
Keep reading for more reviews from Wishblade users below, and drop us a line if you have a question or something to add.
It was my understanding that the Wishblade used Proprietary fonts. How do you make it work with TTFs?
Sue, that’s the older model. The new one cuts any font, as long as it’s True Type.
There are several programs you can use to do this. We have discovered you can use Word, Adobe Illustrator, and Corel Draw, among others. This means the Wishblade is the most versatile cutting product on the market.
Also, how does it do compared to a Pazzles? I’ve heard Wishblade doesn’t do as well on cardstock?
The Wishblade cuts cardstock just fine! I cut 20 crabs out of cardstock. Crabs have lots of little edges. They were each about 1 1/2 inches across. I had no problems.
I can’t resist saying something about the Wishblade/Pazzles deal. I ordered a Wishblade but sent it right back as it didn’t do the things they said it would. You can draw your own things but only in their program which is a very low level drawing program and when questioned about it they admitted that it didn’t cut “exactly” on the outline but within margins. My only interest was in drawing my own designs in a drawing program and importing them to cut — which it didn’t do. My friend felt hers didn’t cut cardstock all that well and ended up sending hers back.
I hate to admit I did buy the Pazzles and I know it is just outrageously expensive…but I sold an antique slot machine and made enough money profit to buy it. It does exactly what I want plus I’m able to cut stencils, emboss on parchment and even engrave on metal. I do know it is completely out of the question for most anyone without a shop but it does do the work that Wishblade didn’t.
Hi Margaret,
I’m wondering…when did you return the Wishblade? Just curious as to how long ago that was. Maybe they have improved things since then.
Sue…
I think I got the Wishblade in September 2004. I had really big hopes that it would do what I wanted…but it didn’t do even close to it. Maybe I should have waited to see if changes were made.
Pen Tool on Pazzles. It is a holder that holds Sakura Gel Pens and you can color or write with them. But when I try it, the pen drags sometimes between things and, of course, this ruins the design. I tried it about five times, called and talked to them. They said my matt might be warped. Used a new mat…same thing. They said the matt may be not absolutely straight but I have the tables in front and back to keep the matt straight. So I don’t know why it’s doing that. I should have persisted with it but I really didn’t care all that much as cutting and engraving were what I most wanted to do. I will probably try it again when I have more time. Since I usually use stamps for words and messages, didn’t think the pens were that big of a deal but I was disappointed that I didn’t get them to work right away.
Margaret, the older versions indeed had a lot of problems, but it seems the manufacturers listened to customer feedback and the new Wishblade is much improved! I’m sure you will change your mind when you try the new version. =)