[Oa] craft cutter

[Jeff Rutzky]

On Apr 23, 2007, at 4:38 PM, Andrew Crawford wrote:
> I think the jury is still out on using the cutting machines for OA.  
> Some people are reporting good results but, there is typically a  
> learning curve associated with getting them to perform as expected.

> I bought a Klic-N-Kut (KNK) machine a few months ago.  I spent a  
> few hours working with it but, have not had any more time for it  
> since.  On my last attempt, I was able to get a passable result on  
> a fairly challenging pattern.  I have also seen some very detailed  
> cutting work that others have done.  So, I am optimistic.

The jury has returned a few months ago, and Mr. Crawford knows it. He  
is biased for the simple reason that he is a distributor of KNK (or  
was thinking of becoming one at my last recollection).

To see "challenging" models that will be in my upcoming book on  
kirigami, paper craft and OA, check out:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/enwhysee/sets/72157594505619363/

Everything you see there was cut on the Craft ROBO; a variety of  
paper weights, as well as some plastics.

The overwhelming verdict is Craft ROBO for price, performance, and  
quality with cardstocks up to 110 lb and plastics up to 3 mil.

I have discussed, at long length, with Chad at KNK's HQ in Florida.  
He and I agree that the KNK is a long way off from being of use to  
fine artists such as OAers--but especially Mac-based ones since you  
can't run it from a Mac...they ship software that is not Mac  
compatible. All ad agencies use Macs--to create prototypes of  
packaging, die-cut print samples--and would probably love to order  
10-20 CNC cutting machines for their huge art departments.

BTW: The KNK Element is Chad's baby, and he is committed to putting  
more resources into it, but he just doesn't have enough support from  
his bosses, and doesn't even have a reliable Mac to test on anyway.


So far, Craft ROBO has no competitor. And I've told Chad that very  
pointedly. They are missing a huge opportunity with the Element's  
weaknesses:

1) Price
2) Size/weight
3) Software
4) Support
5) No actual company behind it, distributor only, like old-fashioned  
Tupperware.

Craft ROBO's Graphtec has been making industrial cutters, scanners,  
plotters for many, many years. they are some of the world's best.

No, I do NOT work for Graphtec, nor do I receive any monies or  
equipment for making these statements. I am an independent artist,  
graphic designer and author who is an "early adopter" of new  
technology, and take it to the limits when given the opportunity.

Jeff Rutzky