Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Pazzles Arrived!

I got my Pazzles via UPS yesterday and of course I immediately unpacked it. I also got the different tools - distressing tool, engraving tool, pen tool, etching tool and embossing tool. Of course I havent had time to try those out but will try to get to them eventually. My main concern was getting the Pazzles hooked up and seeing if it worked.

It was no problem getting it out of the box and plugging it in. I installed the software, which I haven't tried either, updated drivers, etc and tried a cut in Make The Cut. IT WAS A FRIKKIN DISASTER! I am not quite sure what I did wrong, other than probably not read all the directions and follow all the guidelines but it was cutting very weirdly and making terrible noises. So in order to fix this problem I promptly took a 2.5 hour nap! HEY! After seeing 33 people I was very mentally exhausted! Of course finding out Walmart messed up where my spare tire goes and me having to go to a junk yard and get the tire out of there and then to the tire shop didn't lessen my mental stress for the day either.

After waking up I was dreading a bit about even trying the Pazzles again and I was on the phone with Carmen talking to her about the issue and she kept asking what I needed to do and trying to give me suggestions...because ya know she is an expert on Pazzles - NOT! Anyway after some frustration and me pushing this button and that button I decided to push the little red button where the blade housing is and the pulled it and then pushed the blade housing back *okie wonders if that was the order or if she could even possibly remember the order she did things since she was pushing everything constantly to get the thing to work*. Finally after that the blade housing lined up right and I was able to get a proper cut...NOT! Guess what? The mat orientation is different so it was in the wrong place *okie gives herself a V-8 smack on the forehead*.

After getting the mat orientation set correctly I first I just cut a simple plus sign and then I thought I would try something a little more difficult and cut a happy birthday image I had in MTC format. Chuck was rather hilarious at telling me I was messing up and he grabbed the manual, put on my reading glasses which I am quite sure almost gave him a headache, and proceeded to try and tell me what I needed to do. I changed the pressure settings and was able to get a nice clean cut. After getting Chuck's approval that I was able to use the machine and him leaving to go play his Xbox and leaving me alone I decided it was time to cut something a little more difficult.


I tried a very intricate cut after a happy birthday cut went well and these were cut at 2.5". I tried, from left to right - speed 5, speed 4 and speed 3. As you can see in the picture speed  3 seemed to do the best but 4 was not far behind. Speed 5 at something this intricate is a definite NO NO!






I cut the shadow in a darker color of some very cheap thin cardstock, which did cut beautifully in the Pazzles, so I could show the contrast well.  I am not sure how well the Cricut would cut these at this size but I might have to try it so I can do a side by side comparison between the machines and handling intricate cuts.

I do know the Pazzles is going to take some getting use to but the different pressures are going to be awesome! Carmen was nice enough to look online and find me a cutting guide that will come in handy! I am going to give their software a shot and see if I am able to do anything with it but if not...I always have Make The Cut!!

28 comments:

  1. Glad you're the one with the Pazzles and the patience to figure it out! Sounds like it's a great machine but too complicated for me if it took you that long to get it up and running!

    I'm anxious to see what you'll do with the embossing and engraving tools! What's the difference between engraving and etching?

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    1. It didn't really take that long, I took a 2.5 hour nap in the process! LOL

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  2. Awesome! I am especially interested in the comparison between the same cut on the two machines. I have had no problems with intricate cuts on my baby bug, but lots of people do.

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    1. I will readily admit my baby bug cut a lot better than my E ever did!

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  3. Those crosses look awesome. I look forward to all the cool things yo are going to do with this machine.

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  4. Good job on the Pazzles. They all have a learning curve but from what I've heard about the cutter, you will love it. I have the Cameo and am crazy about it (I've packed my Expression and Gypsy up and put them in a closet). Have fun. Looking forward to all of your creations. hugs, eileen

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  5. I'm looking forward to seeing the difference between the Pazzles, the Cameo and the Cricut.

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  6. Glad it arrived and you got to use it. Also love the cuts you showed us...Thanks for sharing. Wish they would send step by step videos with new machines. Well have fun when you get a chance. Can't wait to see what you create. Know it will be something wonderful.

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  7. Oooo... so excited to see what you do with it! I may be tempted...

    PS - sometimes a nap is the perfect solution!

    KCM

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  8. Did I miss something didn't you get a Cameo?
    -- Rosa Lee

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    1. I was going to get the Cameo but I did some research between the two machines and I felt the Pazzles did more of what I like to do. My main concern was the thickness of materials that the Cameo can handle and the Pazzles handles heavier materials better.

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    2. Now I have to research, My Mom is telling me I should get a new something.... I always try to do what Mom says. :)

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  9. Nooooo, I will not buy this machine...I will not buy this machine...You are such an enabler :) I will feel guilty having over 100 cricut carts...

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  10. Good Luck with the Pazzles!! I am anxious to see how it compares to other machines since I have an E and a Cameo. Have fun with it!!

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  11. Looking forward to hearing your learning experience. I went with the silhouette last spring. It has quite the learning curve as well if you are creating your own images and not just using downloads from the store. I'll never give up cricut. Too much money invested. I use them both!

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  12. Good Luck Okie! I am sure you will be determined and a pro with this in no time!

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  13. Embossing, engraving, distressing and etching!!!! Oh my!!! I think I need me a Pazzles...... So looking forward to your creations. :-) Jude.x

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  14. Even when frustrated ur as entertaining as ever. Lol. Glad it's working for you.

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  15. Keep us posted. Can't wait to see your creations.

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  16. Sounds like you are going to be having lots of fun!!!!
    Can't wait to see what you come up with!!

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  17. Glad to see you're enjoying your cutter! I was so glad I didn't have to try all those different settings to learn the right thing on my Sillhouette. I know that would have beyond stressed me ! I'm looking forward to seeing your projects !!

    Anna

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  18. I haven't learned any of the advance process yet though and I'm sure that's when I'll be FULLY confused !
    Anna

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  19. Congrats! Can't wait to hear more of your review on the Pazzle machine, I hadn't heard about it before.

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  20. Okie, So glad that you have been able to figure out some things on the Pazzles. I know that you were looking at different machines before you bought the Pazzles. I would really be interested to know why you chose the Pazzle over the Silhouette Cameo. I consider you someone who would make an informed decision, so I would like to see what determined your decision.

    I recently bought a Cameo and am having fun figuring it out, but I am still interested in your opinion. God bless, Smoochie

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  21. Guess I should have read all the comments. I see where you answered the question I had in another post! God bless, Smoochie

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  22. Wow, that is great that you already are successful! A friend has one and she has found it a bit tricky, but the potential is really amazing. Can't wait to read more! Thank you.

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  23. I have a Pazzles and I adore it! I have had it about 4 years. I will admit there is a bit of a learning curve, but it is worth it. I have the original software, not the newer program that most likely came with your machine. It is doable, but it takes some practice. You will get the pressures, speed and blade length figured out soon. I am a fellow Okie (I live in Perry), so maybe we should get our Pazzles together for a play date! Enjoy.

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  24. I just got my pazzles and it is still in the box. Wow, I will get it out now as I see you are beginning with one...Looking to you to know how to do all this. lol...

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