Tried & Tested - Brother ScanNCut
Helen Rourke tried out the Brother ScanNCut CM900 and shows us what you can achieve using it!
When I first saw the Brother ScanNCut machine I knew it was the one for me. I had been interested in other machines,but was disappointed in what I saw was the need to purchase files to be able to create anything. The ScanNCut can be used as is, it is described as a 'standalone system', there is no need to purchase files to get a great result because there are basic shapes, designs and text already programmed into the machine, the range and number of fonts and designs varies between machine versions but they all have the same basic range, these can then be edited on the touchscreen as required.
The machine can be used by someone with very little technical knowledge but, with time to learn, there is computer software to allow you to create your own new designs. You then can also download designs from the Brother website and many thousands of other sites offering both free and purchased designs in SVG format to widen your repertoire.
New designs can be saved in the memory of the machine, to be used over and over again, or they can be saved on a computer or a USB memory stick for later use. The newer machines are also Wifi enabled allowing designs to be wirelessly transferred to the cutting machine from a computer.
My favourite part of using the ScanNCut is that I do not have to rely on other people’s designs as, using the ‘Canvas Workspace”’ computer programme created by Brother, I can create my own files to draw or cut.
The machine can cut fine details in vinyl which can be used to decorate projects such as sports bottles, glass blocks, cutting broads, wall art, bags and clothing.
Designs can easily be made smaller or larger to be the size the user needs, so just imagine that one shape can be as small as 3mm or as large as almost 12”, what a saving compared to having to purchase dies for cutting, that's if you can find a die and cutting machine that cuts 12x12”.
The machine can cut paper, card, vinyl or material to create a wide variety of projects using the 2 different blades (standard or deep cut). The CM series of machines can cut between 0.7mm and 1.5mm thickness and the new style SD machines can cut up to 3mm thick. The package includes a holder for a set of small pens too, or you can invest in a universal pen holder to be able to use a wide variety of your own pens.
There are two sizes of cutting mat available, a 12x12” and a 12x24” so designs both small and large can be created, cut and drawn.
The special thing about these machines is that they have a built-in digital scanner, this can be used to scan a design so that it shows on the screen before you cut it out, so for example you can use your favourite stamp or a photograph scan it and then cut it out. The scanner function also allows you to use all your little scraps, stick them on the cutting mat, scan them into the machine then, on the screen, you can position your designs so that they cut out of the little scraps, a great function for the frugal crafter with a drawer full of small pieces of paper that are kept 'just in case'.
Over time Brother have created add-on kits to extend the functions of the machine with; line and region embossing; rhinestone setting; a stamp starter kit; a foiling kit using glue and cold foiling; stencilling and a printable sticker set.
Brother has recently produced a new generation of ScanNCut with even more features including an automatic cutting blade, a higher resolution scanner and a vinyl roll feeder. I have yet to try that one.
It’s also worth remembering one of the amazing things is that Brother has promised – and that’s that with any software upgrades that are made available will be suitable for all their machines!
The Brother ScanNCut is available from www.createandcraft.com for £388.88