Customer Reviews

Making Memories Slice Cordless Design Cutter Machine Starter Set

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

This is the first die-cut machine I have ever owned so I am by no means an expert but so far I absolutely adore my Slice Machine!
I am a frugal and practical shopper and I like to do my homework before I invest a chuck of money into something. So when I arrived at a point in my scrapbooking when I realized I would love to have a die-cutter I did some research. All die-cut machines are costly but the electronic ones are outrageously so. The affordable ones seem to have so many drawbacks that they are just not worth it. I looked at the Xyron cutter for a while but it got alot of bad reviews for the cutting mat which wore out too fast and had to be replaced alot. Cricuts and Pazzles are crazy expensive and their designs are costly as well.

Then one day in my research I saw an ad for the Slice. I checked it out and knew this was it. In a nut shell here are its strengths:

-Price. At $150 MSRP it is affordable. I actually got mine brand new on Ebay for $110. The design cards hold 100-150 images and some have 2 to 3 different alphabets and retail for $40 MSRP. Once again, I have found them as low as $27 online.

-Cutting Mat is infinitely reuseable. The Slice comes with a 6X6 glass mat but you can purchase a 12X12 for around $20. You simply paint on a tacky adhesive to keep the paper in place while you cut and wash it off the mat when your done. The adhesive comes with the product and when you run out just buy some more at around $6. One application of adhesive has lasted me 3 sessions of scrabooking and I've cut about 50 things so a little goes a long way.

-Portability. If you are into scrapping away from home you can easily transport it. Its very light weight and compact and they make a carrying case especially for it as well.

-Large screen. Its easy to choose what you need to cut and the menus are so simple a child could use this.

-Fully Self Contained. This product does not need to be hooked to a computer. It is fully rechargeable and a charge lasts for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs of cutting. Plus, if the charge runs out when you are cutting, you can plug the charger back in and continue.

-Range of designs and sizes. The Slice cuts most designs on the design cards from 1/2 inch to 4 inches giving you 8 sizes in most images. Currently there are 8 different design cards available but Making Memories is planning more. They also offer a orginizer bag for the design cards that matched the carrying case.

-It will cut Bazzil and photos and anything thinner than that.

Weaknesses:

-It only cuts up to 4 inches. This is not a problem for me but it could be for some people.

-It will not cut chipboard or anything thick like that. I don't think most cutters do though.

-I honestly cannot think of anymore drawbacks!

I LOVE MY SLICE!!!

There are only 2 reviews for the Making Memories Slice on Amazon.com at the time of this writing. I cannot imagine why. I purchased the Slice about 4 months ago. I have used it to complete approximately 20 pages and 5 cards. I love it. I also own several other die cutting systems and machines. As I stated in the title, the Slice is NOT a portable Cricut.
If you want a Cricut, save your money and buy a Cricut -- the cost of The Slice puts you half way there. However, if you don't have or don't want to spend Cricut-level money, read on...

SPEED/INDIVIDUAL CUTS:
To repeat the comments of the other two reviewers; with the exception of pre-formed words -- of which there are few (see the cover of the Slice SD cards,) each letter and shape must be cut individually on The Slice. Frankly I don't understand the complaining about that though -- it doesn't take THAT long to cut even the largest letter or the most intricate shape (flourishes etc. -- it takes seconds. I hold the device while it's cutting. As the blade returns to the "home" position I move my machine back to the protective cover, left of my work.
Besides, what else are you doing that a few seconds of holding the machine would be such a waste of time? It's paper crafting. If there is a desire to mass produce dies, a cricut or a sturdier (see below) user powered device might be a better choice.
Frankly, I find The Slice faster than the manual Sizzix, Quickuts or Cuttlebug systems. BUT!! The Slice is not as fast or efficient as the Cricut -- especially when performing multiple cuts.

NOISE:
While I'm sure each unit is a little different, my slice is no noisier than my Cricut. The perception may come from the fact that the user has to rest both hands on The Slice during the cutting operation. Since The Slice operates CLOSER to the user than say a Cricut that is off to the side on a table, it may only seem noisier(?). Mind you, it is noisy. As an example , while cropping and running The Slice, I cannot hear/understand my GF who is cropping at the other end of the table unless she raises her voice.
But I'll bet that if I leaned over my Cricut while it was cutting, and tried to hear her I'd have a similar challenge.

STURDINESS:
The moving parts of The Slice are numerous and very visible on the underside. I hope that I am wrong in this instance -- but it seems somewhat fragile. Like I said above -- so far, no problems other than operator error.

COST/Flexibility:
For the cost, and the number and size of available die cuts, it can't be beat right now. If you desire size selection (1/2" - 4") of the die cut -- Sizzix, and Quickuts are not comparable. Although Quickuts is working on an electronic die cutter it only cuts a single size based on the size of the die -- plus from what I saw on the Internet, it's not "cute".

Portability:
I dare say that I've tried all but one of the die cutters on the market. The Slice is fun, flexible, and VERY portable - I like the bag designed to hold the machine, power cable, glass mat, tool case and SD cards. In a pinch, you could crop successfully with only the slice start-up kit, (including it's tool bag and mat etc), a couple ink pads, 3-4 small, rubber stamps your cropadile, a ruler, scissors and a glue stick. All but the cropadile would fit in the bag designed for The Slice. Since the charge only lasts for a couple of hours cutting time, you would need a wall plug if you planned to crop for more than 3-4 hours.
With that said, figure the odds that anyone could take so little to a crop -- right?

CONCLUSION:
I like The Slice. Its' small, light weight, portable, flexible and sorta cute (purple would make it REALLY cute). If my Slice lasted 3 year and died, I'd probably look to buy another one or something just like it. None of the s-CRAP we craft with is cheap (unless you want to revert to school paste, newspaper clippings and the utility scissors). All die cutters etc. get especially pricey when you outfit them with all the extra bits and pieces (cards, cartridges, dies, cases, extra blades, goos, tools and blah blah blah...). Nonetheless, they are fun. I count The Slice among my favorite tools.
Look at the videos on the Internet or stop at a local scrap store. That will give you a pretty good idea of how they work.
Happy Crafting!


**** 7 August 2011***** Yes, since I purchased my Slice Making Memories has created a device that holds the cutter in place while it's cutting. That leaves the users hands free to work on other things and it gives the user the option to place the cutting a little further away to compensate for the noise factor.
I am continuously amazed at the reviews that rate this product so low. Again, it's not a Cricut or a Silhouette or any other big cutter but it's REALLY good for what it is and does. I like it so much that I also bought the Slice Fabrique -- it's dedicated (for my craft room) to cutting fabric for quiliting and applique. Oh and in case I didn't mention it before I own more than a few Cricut machines and I still use my Slice. It's not that I'm cranking out so many crafty products so much as when I want to use one over the other, I do and sometimes the Slice is perfect. For those who are having problems with their Slice, visit the manufactures websites and scour the user forums for lessons and Q&A. Take the time to learn to use your device properly. No,the blade won't last forever. No it won't cut through BRICK or STEEL or super thick paper. YES! It may occasionally need to be recalibraterd. No the battery won't last forever. All of these situations are addressed on manufacturer and fan/group websites. YES! It is possible to get a new one which has genuine, non-user addressable problems. If that happens, give the manufacturer a good chewing out for your trouble and send it back. If you really want to own the capability, exchange the failed item and try again with another one. I find it unfortunate that commercials and internet ads over-simplify the use of what are effectively sensitive,technical tools and toys. No matter how awesome or easy to use they look in the advertisement, they still take time and patience to learn to use. Happy Crafting.

1. Each letter must be cut individually. If you are cutting out a phrase, you won't be getting up to work on your page while it cuts the phrase. You will be setting up each letter individually, and holding the Slice while it cuts each letter, I-N-D-I-V-I-D-U-A-L-L-Y.

2. If you use the Cricut, you know how the mat is reusable, but needs to be replaced after the mat loses it's stickiness. The Slice has a glass mat that you spread a small amount of glue over with a sponge brush, to give it it's stickiness. Sounds great, until you try it. There was always too much or too little glue. Too much glue and you'll tear your paper trying to get it off. Then you'll have to scrub and wash the glass mat to remove the residue and paper. Too little, and the paper moves around. You'll ruin your design.

3. You have to hold down the Slice while it's cutting. Remember, you'll do this for each individual letter or design. It needs to be "homed" when you first use it. It adjusts the blade height. The directions say to "hold down the Slice lightly" while it cuts. I had to hold mine down forcefully. Actually, sometimes mine jumped around wildly and made grinding noises; it sometimes cut, sometimes didn't, and there were some letters that did not cut at all, even with the same cartridge, same paper, same setting. Sometimes it shredded the paper. The customer service line told me it needed to be "homed" again, and that I was doing it improperly. What? Do you really want it to be this complicated to cut out a letter? I followed the instructions exactly. When it worked, it cut nicely; when it didn't it, was very frustrating. I did the same thing each time. And again, it was always with the same thickness of paper, same font, same setting--sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.

4. I charged the battery for half a day when I first got it. They said it needed a couple of hours. It had a low battery after not more than 12 cuts.

5. You are not sure where the cutter will cut within it's 6 inch block. It may be in the upper left corner, or the lower right corner. Therefore, you'll find yourself wasting a lot of paper. If you're still interested in getting the Slice, get the 12" mat so you won't have to continually have to cut quarter sheets of paper to fit the 6" mat. You'll still waste a good bit of paper, but you'll have less work.

6. They tout it as "portable". Not really that useful of a feature. With all the other scrapbooking stuff we have, who cares if there's one more box? Not having to hold down the Cricut for each cut more than makes up for it's lack of portability. I know that they say you can cut a page, with it's lack of predictability, I'd be scared to try it.

All in all, I worked with the Slice for about 4 hours. When I talked to Customer Service, they said my complaints were probably user error. They may be right, but given all of the other drawbacks, I returned mine. The only reason they were willing to return the unit was for "low batery life". I'm not sure I agree, but at least be aware that there might be a large learning curve if you are still interested in purchasing the Slice.

I read about a million reviews on this product before I bought it so I had a pretty good idea about the pros and cons of the Slice. So far, I like it- it does pretty much what I thought it would do- cut die cuts quickly and (usually) accurately. From the bulk of my research, I decided to purchase the 12x12 cutting mat, tool kit and extra glue. I also purchased 2 cartridges- basics 2 and Mistletoe. I bought Mistletoe because it has the boost on it that makes your machine go faster.

What I like about the Slice:
1. It's cute and small making the machine very portable.
2. It's quick (meaning it's quicker than cutting it by hand- there are other machines that cut faster but there's no comparison to when I was doing all of my shapes by hand).
3. The price! For $150 and $25-$35 for design cartridges, it's the best deal on die cutters period.
4. Innovative. As far as I know, this is the first portable cordless die cut machine. I'm sure there will be more to come but I like that Making Memories got here first.

What's no so great:
1. Glue. I hate the glue. It's runny, messy and the dinky tube they give you with the starter kit is certainly not enough to get very far. I understand that the glue is what makes the paper not move but it's a royal pain.
2. Clean up throughout the cut process. Although the machine itself is portable, I'm not sure how it's going to work when I go to a crop and I need to wash my cutting mat with soap and water. My first instinct would be to pack some bleach wipes for a quick fix but it says not to use harsh chemicals.
3. Holding it down while it cuts. Maybe I'm just a wimp or something but I find I have to hold the machine pretty hard while it's cutting. It's to the point where my arms are a little sore. Maybe I just need to work out more but I certainly have to hold it more than "just resting your hands on it" like it states in the directions.

All in all, this is a great little cutter. Just a few quick tips from my own trial and error:
-wait until the glue is COMPLETELY clear. If you don't, you get left with a stuck on mess
-when the directions state to remove the blade protector, they mean the plastic cover right when it comes out of the box, not the rubber stripping that lines the bottom. If you remove the rubber stripping, it's impossible to hold while it cuts. And, the rubber stripping is VERY hard to get back on. I might be a dumb @ss, but I wanted to share my mistake so you don't have to repeat it.

Apparently there are quite a few defective Slice machines. I had 2 of them. I was pleased the first time I contacted Making Memories, they had me send the machine in for repair, it still did not cut right, they eventually replaced the machine with a brand new one admitting I had a defective machine. Received the new machine, used it only a couple of times (my original goal with this machine was to use it cordless at crops, which is impossible because neither held a charge for more than a cut or 2). Finally took out the machine and it does not cut, now every shape cuts as a partial circle, it's like the motor is junk. I can't even calibrate it. MM will only look at the machine with the original sales receipt, and even though the new machine is only a few months old, the warranty covers only from the purchase of the original machine which was over 1 year ago, so now I am stuck with a machine that does not work and a bunch of cards and accessories I can't sell. This was a very expensive mistake, very disappointed. Buy a Cricut, I've had that 5 years, cut with it every week, never had a problem.

I am not a scrapbooker so this product isn't going to be used 24/7. I got this product with the intention of making tags - there's an additional accessory - tagmaker - which will be my next purchase

Thoughts before I purchased this product: is it worth paying $$$$ for this? Will I get my return on investment?? Will I regret buying it? I did ALOT of research through online forums/customer ratings before making the ultimate decision that this was it.

Why did I choose Slice over Cricut? What I wanted was for a product that does tags - the slice comes with the shapes that I want. It's also wireless (some reviewers have complained that they can't use it for over an hour, but I don't plan on doing that, and I also don't mind using it plugged in). Significantly less than the Cricut. Slice cartridges are 1/2 the cost of Cricut. I don't intend on doing large projects. It only prints from 0.5" to 4" (in 1/2" increments).

What I've done so far? I've made a few cut outs and tags - I still need to get the "tagmaker" which will make the metal rings around my tags - really excited for that. I just got an embosser so I have cut outs of 2" circles - emboss, and will use the tagmaker to attach the metal portion and BAM - instant glam.

Thoughts on the machine: Yes it's annoying to have to hold the machine steady during a cut - but it's not "physically demanding" and it's a fair tradeoff in getting some nice/snazzy tags for our gifts (especially with the holidays around the corner, and I don't have to manually cut each individual tag). The cuts are surprisingly fast - it takes a few blinks of an eye to cut out an intricate "love" or a letter. I have to get use to the cutting layout so I don't waste paper. Seems like once I have that figured out, I'll be getting maximum usage of the overpriced scrap booking stock paper. I like that is SMALL (it's about the size of my p-touch label maker) - which makes it portable and I can leave it on my desk without being annoyed with wasting valuable real estate.

Future: I can see many other projects evolving from this - making little "saying" banners (spell words out and connect them with yarn or metal rings) - intricate and more personalized gift tags - school projects for my kiddo. I also like making cards so this will be a great project to make our monogramed cards.

KEEP IN MIND:
Read instructions - the power button is small and in the back of the machine - you have to push a few buttons before the cut starts - you have to push the menu button to "home" the blade - there is also a "protocol" to selecting shapes, then selecting the size you want and then cutting it (I wanted/expected something like a single push)
DO NOT use the glass cutting mat without the "adhesive on it" - place a thin line (like the line of the grid on the mat) of glue from 1"-4" markers, and then use the sponge to spread it on the glass - it seems like that's the right amount without making it overly sticky - do let the glue dry - takes only a few minutes
Keep the bottom plastic packaging piece - it helps to have that be the home for the machine when not in use - I don't worry about the machine getting dusty
Get the tools if you want - really don't need it. You can get by with a nice pair of tweezers - I have the 15pc tool kit - I like the way it all looks and is contained in 1 package but it's not necessary - the accessories are inexpensive - I also got the embossing kit - really looking forward to that
I have read reviews that this product doesn't cut well - not sure I agree, I used some thick texture card stock and it was fine.

I have no regret on buying this product. I think I'm getting my money's worth. It's saving me time and keeping my tags looking uniform. I'm really excited about using this product in the future and creating some more personalized and unique items. Well worth the money.

UPDATE: Shortly after I got the SLICE, I went and got the Cricut Expression as well. I think the Cricut is way better!! (Read my other review). But if you have limited space and need something occassionaly - the Slice is great! The glass cutting board it uses is amazing (while the Cricut, the mats are expensive and you go through them easily). I did end up getting the tag maker and it's AMAZING! I've got an embosser with our name and address, and we make personalized tags to go with our gifts. Beautiful and classy.

I just received my Slice for Christmas and couldn't be more pleased!! This is a great machine for all kind of papercrafters!

To address some of the issues I see on other reviews, yes, you have to cut out letters individually but that takes less than about 10-15 seconds per letter. And you have the added bonus of being able to change paper in seconds if you want your letters to be different paper. My machine barely needs to be held down, using only the slighest pressure so cutting individual letters is not that big a deal.

My glue was quite easy to apply and I REALLY like the idea of being able to wash off the mat and apply more instead of buying a whole new mat like with the Cricut. I have read where wrapping it in plastic wrap will prolong the stickiness but haven't had it "not" stick yet! Just be sure to let your glue dry completely before using (2-3 minutes) and you shouldn't have any problems.

The charge is an issue as even Making Memories says it will only hold the charge for about an hour BUT just take the cord with you and it's just as portable!! Frankly, I just leave it plugged in on my crafting table!

With a little practice, you won't waste any paper at all!! The display shows you where the blade will start cutting and if you use the inch marks on the side of the base, you can just about always cut in right place on your paper. I think that with the 12 x 12 glass mat you'll even have less waste!

Yes, it is not the Cricut and some of the smaller designs do get a little distorted but for the price and small "footprint" on my crafting table, I think it's a heck of a buy and my new indispensible crafting tool!!

I decided to write this review because I completely disagree with the only negative review on Amazon. That review seems not to be true.

I have my Slice for about a month now. When I used it first time I got very excited but the next day I thought I got a defective machine and was ready to call for assistance. My recommendation is that you read reviews and forums on scrapbook websites. It helped my problem a lot.

What I would change is the glue. You use some amount for one session and the next day you have to apply new glue. But suppose you only had to cut one or two designs, then the glue is wasted, anyway you would have to wash the mat either you used the glue for 50 cuts or only for one cut per session. I tried to use the same unwashed mat the following day and the paper was sliding around and I could not get any cuts at all. Consider this was my first experience with this type of machine. I also own Cuttlebug by Provo Craft which I adore.
The best advice I could get from the forums-buy yourself KRYLON Easy-tack repositionable adhesive which is sold in a spray can. You just spray once and you are ready to go. Much better and much less expensive than slice glue. I also heard about using Cricut mats but I did not try it.

You definitely don't have to hold the machine forcefully while it's cutting, just slightly, otherwise it's something really bad with your machine.

Yes, the machine has to be charged or plugged in. If it's not fully charged after cutting for a while it may start running out of power while cutting and then you damage you design. So from other people I learned to charge it the same way as I would do with the cell phone, plug it in overnight. If you don't scrap a lot just charge it for an hour or so before starting. Definitely it does not take half of a day.

The machine is light and looks nice. I got mine in a package with 12x12 cutting mat, additional glue, spatula, extra blades and 2 extra design cards for just $150 in an online store with %10 off coupon. I am trying to buy new cards on Ebay for about $20 each. Only newly released cards are impossible to buy less than $30. Each card has so many designs that having just one card you would be able to make hundreds of different projects.

I am very happy with my SLICE and I would recommend it to anyone but please take your time and read additional information and reviews from other crafters and you would not have to call for assistance or replacing your SLICE!!!

Worse of all, my Slice simply died after only using it a handful of times. I wrote the company and they were responsive and sent me a new machine. Unfortunately, the new machine didn't work either. Finally, the third machine did work, but there are inherent issues with the machine. One company represented denied there being any issues, but another did say they have had several returned due to battery pack or cable problems.

Overall, I am extremely disappointed. There is a fine line between applying too little and too much glue to adhere your paper for cutting. Too much glue and your paper adheres to the glass and you can't release it. Too little glue and your paper slides. I've wasted quite a bit of paper in the process of getting it right and it continued to be a hit or miss venture. It's time consuming and the end results aren't worth the time and effort.

The blade needs to frequently be replaced as they do not last and the thickest paper I have used is cardstock. The blade is easy to replace, but it's ridiculous how it only lasts such an incredibly short time before you have to do so.

It doesn't produce a clean cut through some of the scrapbooking papers and with some of the thicker papers it will not cut through. I have wasted a lot of cardstock as the blade does not always cut all the way through and adjusting the blade only occasionally solves the problem. There is also an issue when it comes to cutting words, especially if you attempt to cut words with certain letters such as "e", "b", etc. The words typically do not turn out right if you attempt to cut them in a size smaller than 3.5 inches.

I love the concept and size, but it also needs to perform and the Slice is a major disappointment. I suggest you invest in one of the more proven and popular cutters and not waste your money on this disappointing machine. The machine is a waste and even if it did perform, the cartridge are expensive for the limited amount they contain within.

after much research and delaying I bought my FIRST Slice in 2008 and LOVED it.... I used it pretty regularly for just about an year when it mysteriously stopped taking a charge...I contacted customer service and they determined after "trouble shooting" that it would need to be replaced, so, they sent me an entire, brand new in the package Slice. THIS one I used even less...maybe a dozen or so cuts and the SAME EXACT ISSUE HAPPENED.

But NOW... I own over 15 design cards, the 12X12 cutting mat kit and other accessories......

And MAKING MEMORIES? Well...they want nothing to do with this replacement machine...EVEN THOUGH THE DEFECT IS THEIR FAULT. I have been told that I can dig up my reciept (from almost 2 years ago) and they will only honor the replace/repair warranty on the original machine ...Which they TOOK BACK in January 2010....

OH! But it gets better, I've been told that I should just "check back in a month or so to SEE if they are changing policies" on this warranty/repair for folks like me. Guess I'm not the ONLY one out there with this...funny I thought TWO IN A ROW? NO WAY.....well...maybe not NO WAY...huh?

But in the meantime...YOU do the math....over 15 cards at $40-50 a pop...The NEW cutting mat kit $40...the Slice $149... And I, as the consumer, is being told to EAT THIS.

Thanks Making Memories.