Plug In for the Sizzix Eclips, please!

sk8rsmom · October 2011

Have been wanting to get the Sizzix Eclips for a long time now for it's ability to do the most intricate cuts and scorelines, but have been waiting for it to be compatible with a design program like MTC. Recently learned that the Eclips is now working with SCAL... I have used and loved all the wonderful features of MTC for several years and really wish to continue using MTC when I get my new Eclips cutter...

StampaLady · October 2011

Yeah, would it be possible for MTC to add plug in for Sizzix eclips eventhough they working with SCAL. I too just bought an eclips recently & would be much more happy to have plugin tru MTC.

Rhoda Jayne · October 2011

Just out of curiosity I asked the same thing a few days ago in the recent Cameo thread.

susan_ID2293 · October 2011

An Eclips plug in might be useful as the Eclips has the ability to do score lines and cut lines in a single pass. So no changing blades or blade depth for boxes with score lines. That is the one feature that made me look st the Eclips awhile ago. But at the time it could not be used with a computer, so I didn't look any further. Sizzix has some cartridges for boxes and thye do perform a single pass to crease the scorelines (I think it is just a way of changing the blade depth and/or pressure through the software) and then cut the outer box shape, with no user intervention in between. I think there is a "line type of scoring"

I wonder if the Zing plug in could be programmed to do this, since it is software controlled also.

Ineke · November 2011

Any news on a plug in for the Eclips ? A friend of mine just got one, and I'm looking into it as an alternative to the Zing. Don't like the Cameo enough. But the Eclips looks good, has a lot of cutting force and seems to do intricate designs also very well.

juliefes · November 2011

I have the eClips, and it is cutting well. However, it will not work with Make The Cut, which makes me very sad. The software for it should be done in the next couple of weeks.

Ineke · November 2011

juliefes said:
I have the eClips, and it is cutting well. However, it will not work with Make The Cut, which makes me very sad. The software for it should be done in the next couple of weeks.

Can't seem to make up my mind. A Zing or the Eclipse, with the software they can do the same, only thing against the Eclipse is it not working with MTC. But on the other hand if I buy one I could have it next week, and the Zing will take untill late December, or January before it gets here....... I already have muscles acting up from punching for christmas cards.....I hope the software will be released this week so we can download a trial and see how it works.

juliefes · November 2011

I think you will find the Zing to be a better purchase in the long run. The eClips is supposed to have 700 grams of cutting pressure, but its blade does not extend out far enough to cut through thicker media. Also, its pressure wheels limit the thickness of materials it can cut. The Zing has special blades to cut thicker materials, and it can handle material that is twice as thick as what the eClips will handle. Another limitation of the eClips is its maximum cutting width of 11.8", while the Zing can cut wider media. MTC not working with the eClips is another downside. The software for the eClips is not due to ship until Mid-November. Making a choice of machine based on delivery date is not a great idea. The machine of your choice should last you a long time. Pazzles, Gazelle, Cameo, Silhouette are all available now. Select the machine that will best meet your pocketbook, design and cutting needs. A great machine that doesn't meet your needs will not be a good investment.

Paperthreads · November 2011

@juliefes

isn't it true too, that the eClips doesn't do print and cut in the right way? While you can do it, what you have to do is keep tweaking your blade start point, then send the laser light around the object to see if it is around the cut (you visually have to watch it trace around), and if it's not correct, then you move your blade start point and do it again, until it's in the correct position.

Just checking ;) I haven't seen one in over a year, but that was how it worked back then, maybe with it running with software it will function a little differently, but when I talked to the reps there, they didn't know.

Ineke · November 2011

Paperthreads said:
@juliefes

isn't it true too, that the eClips doesn't do print and cut in the right way? While you can do it, what you have to do is keep tweaking your blade start point, then send the laser light around the object to see if it is around the cut (you visually have to watch it trace around), and if it's not correct, then you move your blade start point and do it again, until it's in the correct position.

Just checking ;) I haven't seen one in over a year, but that was how it worked back then, maybe with it running with software it will function a little differently, but when I talked to the reps there, they didn't know.

The software Julie is talking about will take care of that. Ther will be a print2cut option. Software should be released this week.

I know there are other machines but over here in The Netherlands the Cameo and the Eclips are the only ones available in stores. All other brands are only available through foreign shops, that means a lot of shipping and custom duties to be paid, and questions about warranty.

Paperthreads · November 2011

Can you send me a link to where it talks about the print2cut option and how it works? Because the only thing I have been able to find is the information on the laser guiding, which is a bit different.

I would be interested to read more on it! thanks!

Ineke · November 2011

http://www.craftedge.com/support/faq/faq_ecal.html#

The print2cut program that is talked about in the video wasn't released, it should be in the new Ecal software.

Paperthreads · November 2011

THANK you for the link!

juliefes · November 2011

I just tried the print and cut with the Beta software on the eClips, and got perfect alignment.

Ineke · November 2011

juliefes said:
I just tried the print and cut with the Beta software on the eClips, and got perfect alignment.

Do you mean the ecal software beta? Do you have a download link or isn't it "available" ?

juliefes · November 2011

It is not available yet. But the software should be available next week.

Ineke · November 2011

Ok Thanks !

PapaSue · November 2011

eCAL for the eclips was just posted on the CraftEdge site for download. I'm off to buy it and the machine since it is one of the only software packages that works on my Mac. Yipeeeeee!

Ineke · November 2011

Keep us posted ! Like to know if you like the machine and the software

juliefes · November 2011

eCAl is a special version of SCAL for the eClips. The machine cuts fine, but I sure would rather be cutting from MTC. Some of my favorite design features of MTC are missing in eCAL and SCAL, so it is not likely that I will use it for anything much more than importing the SVG files for cutting to the eClips. I got lots of cutting of heavy cardstock done on the eClips during a retreat I attended over the weekend. I didn't cut any vinyl. I did try cutting very thick chipboard for someone - unsuccessfully, as the blade would not extend out far enough to cut through it. It also did a very nice job on a print and cut project, with its 3 point registration. I am disappointed that the eClips software allows a cut that is a maximum of 11.8" wide, as I like to cut 12" wide projects.

candicej · December 2011

I see a lot of comments here, but nothing from Andy....please, please, please give us a plug in for the Eclips!

MeFlick · December 2011

candicej said:
I see a lot of comments here, but nothing from Andy....please, please, please give us a plug in for the Eclips!

Before he can even consider doing a plugin for a machine he has to have the machine its self.

ClippyGirl · January 20

I've tried cutting chipboard with my eclips but so far haven't found any thin enough to work. It won't go under the roller. Is there an adjustment for this? I bought the regular chipboard package the sell at Joanne's crafts.

marilyn2222 · January 21

I am interested in another machine since MTC won't work with Cricut anymore. I know, how can I have waited this long, but I don't have the $$ just sitting around. I just heard of the the Eclips and am interested if I can use MTC. Any idea if this is in the future?

kmscrap · January 23

I originally purchased Sure Cuts Alot, actually 2 different versions and never used it. I then bought MTC and use it all the time. I just ordered the Eclips, eventhough I have 4 other cutters including the Cameo. I got a great price. Trying to sell 2 of my Cricuts. MTC is #1 software. I will not purchase the Ecuts software!

juliefes · January 23

I tried cutting .022" chipboard on the eClips, and it worked nicely. Cut cleanly in a single pass. Still hoping for an MTC plugin.

IfuPleasEM · January 30

I have the eClips and really like it, mine is connected directly to my computer, or you can use base that comes with i . One or the other just not at same time. Easy to switch back and worth, if you would like to do so. I also would like to use MTC with it eclips. Is there any way to do project in MTC, then save and then sent to eCal or any other software and use it that way???? I hope soooooo.,..... Any suggestions would be great. Thanks, Diane

juliefes · January 31

Select All (Ctrl+A) in Make The Cut. Export as SVG (Ctrl+Shift+S)
Import the SVG file into eCal and cut to eClips. This is how I currently use my eClips almost exclusively. I much prefer create my cutting files in MTC, and just use eCal for cutting. The eClips is a very nice, heavy duty cutter, with lots of potential. I am really hoping that we will get an MTC plugin for it so that we can cut directly to it from MTC.

IfuPleasEM · January 31

Julie....Ohhhhh THANK you......I am so happy!!!!! I also really like my eclips.....And SCAL and eCal doesn't compare to MTC. IMHO....

Ineke · February 3

How is the eclips on intricate designs ? I'm deciding between the Cameo or the Eclips. I know that the eclips won't cut from MTC but that's not a problem. I can do that with the method Julie described in an earlier post. I'm not sure about the Cameo cutting heavier cardstock and the blades, had a Sil SD and those blades were gone in no time.

juliefes · February 4

Cameo cuts heavier cardstock well. I did have a problem with my first Cameo blade. But since I have dialed the new replacement blade they sent down to a 4, I am having excellent cutting with that blade and heavy, 90 # cardstock. Cameo cut a lot heavier media than the Silhouette SD, Silhouette, Craft Robo, and Wishblade.

eClips cuts with much more pressure when you need it, such as cutting through .022" chipboard, white on one side, in a single pass. It takes Cameo two passes to cut through this same chipboard. Both machines have a cutting width limitation slightly under 12" when using MTC or eCal. Both have a print and cut option, Cameo with the optical reader, and eClips with laser type registration. Sometimes the optical readers fail, especially on paper that is not white, or if the printing of registration points is not dark enough, etc. The laser type registration does not have these limitations, but you help the machine find the registration marks.

If eClips worked with MTC, I would probably choose it over the Cameo because I don't use print and cut projects much, and I love to cut heavier media. I also like that the eClips will use the Roland blades that also work in my Pazzles, Gazelle, and Cricut Cutters.

Ineke · February 4

Ok thank you Julie, somehow I already was leaning more towards an Eclips already. Is it good on the intricate designs as well ?

Maybe Andy will come with a plugin if we wait patiently *lol*

juliefes · February 4

eClips works wonderfully on the intricate designs that I love to use with my projects.

Ineke · February 5

Ok Eclips it will be : ) I'd rather have a machine that works great although I have to work around to design with MTC and cut with Ecal than having a machine that doesn't want do do what I want it to do *lol*
First getting rid of my CE..... Thank you for all your information!

kmscrap · February 11

Someone above mentioned they have their Eclips directly plugged into their computer instead of the base. What does it do connected to the computer if you don't have software you are using ?

juliefes · February 11

I use the eClips with the eCal software rather than using the base and cartridges. If you don't have the eCal software, then you cannot cut from the computer to the eClips. You would use the handheld base and cartridges in that case.

Mommabird52 · February 11

I haven't even gotten my eclips, it should be here this week. I have been testing cutter software for a while so I purchased MTC and plan to import into eCal. Hoping for a MTC plugin too!

kmscrap · February 13

I assume she meant with Ecal. I'm waiting on the plug-in for MTC.

AndyPe · February 14

Hi there!

I recently got an eclips and eSCAL - but half way through cutting it switches itself off, has this ever happened to any of you? its just so weird! it cuts simple things well but suddenly with something more complex (and not that complex, to be honest) it doesnt like it... Has any of you had this before? any tips?

If anyone is pro with eSCAL or SCAL, have you found it easier cutting grouped lines or ungrouped lines? thanks and have a great St Valentines day!! :)

nelda · February 14

AndyPe said:
Hi there!

I recently got an eclips and eSCAL - but half way through cutting it switches itself off, has this ever happened to any of you? its just so weird! it cuts simple things well but suddenly with something more complex (and not that complex, to be honest) it doesnt like it... Has any of you had this before? any tips?

If anyone is pro with eSCAL or SCAL, have you found it easier cutting grouped lines or ungrouped lines? thanks and have a great St Valentines day!! :)

@AndyPe, this is the MTC forum (a competitor of eSCAL). You are more likely to get an answer on their forum.

digicrafter · February 14

AndyPe said:
Hi there!

I recently got an eclips and eSCAL - but half way through cutting it switches itself off, has this ever happened to any of you? its just so weird! it cuts simple things well but suddenly with something more complex (and not that complex, to be honest) it doesnt like it... Has any of you had this before? any tips?

If anyone is pro with eSCAL or SCAL, have you found it easier cutting grouped lines or ungrouped lines? thanks and have a great St Valentines day!! :)

It would be better to ask escal question over on the scal forum since there may be a few who can answer over there that have that software and the eclips

digicrafter · February 14

LOL Nelda we were aswering at the same time you just beat me.

juliefes · February 14

Make sure that your power saver mode on your computer is set so that your computer does not go to "sleep" during a long cutting session. If the computer goes into hibernation mode, it could interrupt the cut. Sometimes it is better to send just a portion of a large, detailed cut to the cutter at a time. So if you have this problem again, put part of the design on a different layer, and cut it, then hide that layer and cut the other.

nelda · February 14

digicrafter said:
LOL Nelda we were aswering at the same time you just beat me.

Hehehehe...you owe me a Diet Coke!

Ineke · February 15

Got mine today and I had little time to play with it, it's really good on intricate designs. I' m impressed, hope to play some more in the next days.

Ineke · February 17

Wow this machine rocks !!! made a box, added score lines, and it cut through very heavy cardstock in one pass and did a great job on the score lines.....

bluejeancreations · February 22

I noticed this thread was started some time ago. Is Andy any closer to coming out with an eclipse plugin? I am liking all the comments about this machine I am reading. It seems more in line with my budget currently than the zing.

nelda · February 22

bluejeancreations said:
I noticed this thread was started some time ago. Is Andy any closer to coming out with an eclipse plugin? I am liking all the comments about this machine I am reading. It seems more in line with my budget currently than the zing.

He has to have a machine before he can write the plug-in for it. If you think buying one machine is pricey, consider buying all the machines that currently have a plug-in! So unless he has one (or has one lent to him), it is unlikely that he will be able to write the plug-in.

Also from an economic standpoint, it is unlikely that sales of MTC will be boosted much if he writes the plug-in. Most of the people here asking for it already have MTC and he would not receive any income for all of his work. Before the Cameo plug-in was available (and even before I had a Cameo) I made a donation and marked it "towards the development of a Cameo plug-in", a little bribe so to speak!

juliefes · February 23

There are some updates of current plugins that need to be done before he starts working on a new one. We just have to be patient.

nelda · February 23

juliefes said:
There are some updates of current plugins that need to be done before he starts working on a new one. We just have to be patient.

Yes, but we have already proven that we are always chomping at the bit! Patience and crafting...hmm isn't that an oxymoron?

bbonko · February 23

if Andy really wants to make money...he just needs to sell more machines: Silhouette; Eclips etc. :))

Plug In for the Sizzix Eclips, please!

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