As I had already suspected, support for the first version of the Craft Robo Pro (the dark blue, CE3000-40) has been officially discontinued and is now unsupported in terms of any further software updates. What will this mean for the drivers in future versions of Windows and Mac OS? Who knows, but I for one, will not be buying any more products from Graphtec given how short-lived the CE3000-40 was and how those of us who invested serious money in the product have been left.

I’ve just completed my first template using Funtime Scrapbooking 2009 – a Radio card.

I put together a very simple example to show how it goes together (see the photo on the right).

I’m sure you’ll be able to do so much better (I really don’t like peel-offs). I’d love to see any cards you make using the templates. Drop me a line and let me know.

Use the following link to download the templates: Radio Card

The Funtime Scrapbooking 2009 software I ordered on 31 January finally arrived today (caught up in Customs of course!). I’ve installed it and have been trying it out with my CE3000-40 Craft Robo Pro.

First Impressions

The first thing I’ve found is that the documentation provided with the software is somewhat lacking in detail and gives few clues as to the what the various cutter settings mean and what values are appropriate for the Robo Pro.

I’ve spent some time trawling the Net for information and have gleaned some insights. I am continuing to experiment and I plan – subject to having the time – to produce a video to help people like me get up to speed.

The Software

I had already tried Funtime Scrapbooking 2009 Lite, so am familiar with the main features of the programme.

It’s relatively easy to use, but – like any software – it has a learning curve. Certainly not as steep as learning how to use Adobe Illustrator!

Support

There is a forum on the manufacturer’s website, but I have been unsuccessful in registering – that is, they haven’t activated my account for some reason.

The best group I’ve found is over on Yahoo! Groups: Funtimesoftware where there are lots of templates, video tutorials and written tutorials. A very helpful group and highly recommended.

I happened across a great cut and print project for the Craft Robo, complete with video, over at Etsy.com.

You can download the Adobe Illustrator file featured in the video from the Etsy website.

Imagine my surprise when I saw an old card of mine on QVC’s Creative Cardmaking with Dawn Bibby this evening. I am amazed they’ve kept it so long – almost three years – and have reused it in the show trailer and credits.

How basic is that card? It was the very first project I made using my Craft Robo Pro and features my first welded word. How things have progressed since.

I’ve just added most of the original templates to the site. They are in GSD format and are suitable for use with any of the Craft Robo machines. Future templates will be available in Adobe Illustrator, SVG and DXF format. I am in the process of moving over to using Funtime Scrapbooking 2009 software, so I may also be able to provide WPC format files.

After a number of years without any updates (since 2006!), I have decided it is about time I updated the site as it still seems to be of some use (judging by the number of visitors) to the CR Pro community. Please bear with me as I sort everything out and do let me know if you find any problems.