HONEST review of the Brother Scan N Cut! A game changer for Junk Journaling

Not my typical video, I know! I've gotten SO MANY requests to do a review of the Brother Scan N Cut and how I use it so HERE IT IS!
The exact model I have is the SDX125E and I have that in my amazon storefront HERE: www.amazon.com...
Overall, I recommend this product! It is important for you to weigh the pros and cons of what this machine in your life to be able to decide. As an AVID junk journaler & business owner, this machine is an absolute MUST!
Thanks for watching!
Check out our digital junk journal supplies here: pinkmonarchpri...
Check Out the NEW kit shown in the video: pinkmonarchpri...
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AMAZON STOREFRONT with FAV items!! amzn.to/4eRD00b
Thanks so much for watching!!
PS. I am an Amazon affiliate and I get a small commission from them. But rest assured that I only link stuff that I OWN and LOVE!!!

[@giselakolossa7831]

You can re stick your mat instead. I use Crafter's Companion "stick and spray" to do so. I made a cardboard frame to cover everything but the grid. I place it on top of the mat, spray, and done! I can control how sticky I want it. I have also used a similar product that quilters use, a spray that keep fabric together. You can reposition your cardstock or paper, if you like. Residue is almost non existant! I have had a SNC for 10 years and still have the original mats. I bought 2 low tack ones about 4 years ago and I can use them as high tack with the spray method.

[@pinkmonarchprints]

WOW! You guys are teaching me more tips and tricks than I'm teaching you. I'm going to look into this, thank you ♥️

[@octavya30]

@@pinkmonarchprintsCricut mats are the same way. Once they get dirty, I scrub mine as clean as I can get them with a drop of Dawn and a toothbrush. Rinse, let dry. I use Aileen’s tack over and over and brush on a thin layer. Works perfect every time.

[@dianebuchanan9571]

I do the same thing. I’ve also found that Dove power wash cleans the mats beautifully!

[@karengp8263]

I use a liquid, Stick and Stick Again. Works very well, too.

[@RobinBaerr]

Great video, I am on my third ScanNCut, and there is a way to have (ALL) your pieces cut perfectly. Only I cant explain it here it would be to long, but it is easy. I use mine to cut all my fussy cuts and all my stickers. I rarely by stickers books because I can print and cut them myself, and I cant tell you how much better it is with all the free things one can get online, google, and we wont even talk about Etsy. Anyway, I will have my granddaughter to show me how to send you my email adderss, so I can email you the steps and you can share it with everyone here.

[@BluebonnetCrafting-Shelley]

Robin that is very nice!

[@Michelle-CraftyWACatLady]

That would be so nice of you.

[@janetstiner7741]

Awesome!

[@jessicaquick7450]

I’m having issues having my scan and cut only cut out the outside edge. It keeps cutting words out of labels and feathers out of birds tails. How do I get it just to cut the outside edge?

[@inggomez-allen7920]

You can use Aileen’s TACK IT OVER & OVER. I usually water it down and apply it with a foam brush. Once dry, you can use. I’m still using mats I’ve had for years!!! Truly works.

[@wendybagan1175]

You can clean up the image without defined borders by clicking into “Ignore object size” and increase the measurement until it does give you a clean edge. The scan is picking up some inner cuts that are really small, so by increasing the size of detail to capture, it solves some of these issues.

[@linmims3049]

I have had my Scan n Cut nearly 6 years now and I am ashamed to say, it sit on the shelf in my craft room, I don't know how to operate it ( I am 65 yrs old and just not good with technology). I have tried fussing cutting with it but it never works for me, I don't know what I am doing wrong. After seeing this video I have decided to get it down and give it another go. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@debbieford6862]

I bought the Nicapa StandardGrip Cutting Mat for Silhouette Portrait(8x12 inch 3 Mats) Standard Adhesive Sticky Quilting Cut Mats Replacement Accessories for Silhouette Portrait for Amazon, used packing tape to adhere to my Scan n Cut mat and it works great. Much cheaper than a new mat. Just make sure nothing obscures the black coding on the top of the mat

[@cynthianelson3634]

I have owed a Silhouette and Cricut and now only own a Scan N Cut and will never go back to anything else. I only use it for the same reasons you do, to avoid fussy cutting my stamped images. You can use a ZIG chisel tip to restick your mat. When the glue is blue it is permanent but when it dries clear in about 15 minutes, it becomes a tacky surface instead. You are correct the mats don’t last long but I’ve had more issues with the mats not loading into the machine. Sometimes you have to sand the back of the mat where the rollers are to get it to work. In Canada those mats are about $50. I wish we could get them on sale for $20! I love my machine and would rate it 4.5 only because the mats wear out far too quickly. Otherwise it would be an easy 5/5. I use it almost every time I craft.

[@christinaherring6635]

I use my scanning cut to cut out the ephemera on sticker paper. It’s wonderful.

[@Michelle-CraftyWACatLady]

I wish more digital creators would put the lines like you have so we could use our machines to cut the items out.

[@Anna-Lyste]

I use a wet one to clean my mat and it refreshes the tack. To retack, Aleens tack it over and over is good.

[@elainemccroan5803]

Ooo....a new toy that I "need"!!! I've always wondered about these. Question for anyone here....how long does the cutting blade last? Thanks so much for show-n-tell!!!!

[@timeenuf4200]

The best method I've found to clean and re-sticky the mat is recommended by Allbrands (major distributors of Brother). Spray it with LA Totally Awesome cleaner in a minute use a scraper of some kind (plastic) to go over it.. Works great and gets it sticky again - not as sticky as new but better. Good review thank you.

[@amandaramseyer3686]

I LOVE my Brother! Cutting out PMP fussies on here is a life saver! I just tape my corners down, when the sticky goes away….still on my first mat, after 2 years!

[@KrystalBrown-b2r]

So you tape it down not completely stick it to the mat?

[@dianewolf-latham3766]

I loved this video... thank-you for creating it and providing all the details. Never heard of it before. For folks who have arthritis, hand/arm or shoulder surgery or injury this is a perfect way to replace scissor cutting. The perfection of the cuts as you showed for corners and circles makes this a must have.

[@dianebuchanan9571]

@@dianewolf-latham3766 I bought my machine seven years ago because I have arthritis in both hands. Game changer!

[@stitchingmatters6184]

You are the best instructor, ever! All of your videos are so easy to understand and you’re always so prepared. Thank you, thank you, thank you!✅🫶🏼

[@renmo3974]

I bought an older used one last fall for $50. I have loved using it and like you, I am amazed every time I use it! although I admit, cutting out ephemera is calming for me! But the SNC is a game changer! I still have lots to learn but I’m loving what it can do.

[@debiguymer7240]

Thank you for doing this. It's nice to get an honest opinion. Debs. ❤

[@jruckman2386]

I have been using mine for awhile for this and it’s amazing! Such time saver!

[@missygilly9917]

Great demo of how these machines work! Last year I worked on a journal making project for 40 journals! Took me 5 days to cut everything out! It was brutal but the project turned out great. This machine would have been brilliant! TFS

[@smoss4847]

Since I started downloading digital kits, I've been using my Scan N Cut. As you mentioned, it is a huge time saver!!! I still haven't figured out how to reorient the machine when it misreads a shape as you indicated in your video. That drives me crazy and I just erase the whole image rather than deal with a wonky cut. I've haven't been able to find a fix for that. If you find one, please let us know. Thanks for sharing!

[@AngelaJonesQuilts]

I just bought this same model earlier this month! ❤ But I haven't used it yet... I'm intimidated by it. You make it look easy, so maybe I'll give it a try! Thank you!!! 🤗

[@thegrandfernalley9146]

I've been thinking about getting one of these, but I was afraid it would require a lot of fussing on the computer. You made it look really easy! Thank you for this video!

[@deborahdoesscrap]

I had asked a question about the computer from another content creator and since I am not very good with any technology driven I didn't want to waste my money. She told me that it is very user friendly and that you don't need to use the computer at all if you are just having it cut something you have printed off. If you download and want to cut without scanning, I have no idea how to do that but for me, I just download my image, print it out and then go to the SNC. I buy most of my images like journaling papers, images etc. from Etsy or other sites. Not sure if that answers your question or just me rambling!!

[@thegrandfernalley9146]

Not having ever used one, this machine seems to be the perfect blend of easy-to- use and can-do- more-if-you-study-a-bit @deborahdoesscrap

[@lisahopson2724]

​@@deborahdoesscrap, thank you so much for telling us this. I, too, am not computer savvy, and I am intimidated by anything that requires me to use the computer beyond my understanding. Knowing I can scan it and let it cut the ephemera seals the deal for me, and I will be purchasing one. Thank you again!

[@deborahdoesscrap]

@@lisahopson2724 You are welcome. I believe it is the only cutter that has a scanner so that makes it really good for those of us who don't have a lot of computer knowledge. I am 71 years old and the technology passed me by a long time ago. I call my daughter and she helps me over the phone and she also can remotely access my computer so she can do things for me but without her I would probably not ever gotten a computer to begin with. I think you will like it!

[@deborahdoesscrap]

Sorry, I forgot to mention. I read all of the comments and there are some helpful ideas with regards to the two issues that she mentioned, the mat losing its stickiness and the images not cutting if they aren't dark enough so if you haven't read through those it might help you also. I learned about cleaning the mat from reading the comments and the comment about the images is really helpful. They said to draw around the image with a pencil so the scanner can see the image better and then after it is cut out you can just erase the pencil marks. Great info.

[@celesteberrick1391]

There is an edit function before cut that can eliminate the wonky tiles so the machine won’t try and cut it. It shows a trash can and outline to void them.

[@musicgal1961]

Grateful for your video review. I was wondering if I should buy one of these.

[@nicolinavincelli9369]

Very nice tutorial, you are a very good instructor, thanks for sharing, enjoy your day.

[@karenvenning5744]

I have one and hey are brilliant for card making, and junk journalling as well as other crafts. It saves so much time. Best machine ever.....❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Heather-s3y]

OMG! How have I never heard of this before? My hands are begging me for this.. lol this would cut my junk journaling time down by 50% at least.. 🤯❤️ thank you

[@lisamills8139]

Thank you so much for this honest review. I purchased this model over a year ago and I absolutely hated it for my digital paper crafting. However, I hadn't tried it on YOUR kits and amazing ! Yours work so well! 🎉

[@DonnaFernandez74]

Thank you so much for this review!!! I want this machine so badly!!! Won't be too long until I can no longer resist the urge!!!

[@preciousmemoryboxesjunkjou3642]

Thank you so much, Elena! I received a Brother scan and cut as a gift! I can't wait to try mine with the Febraury Kit!

[@abpentland]

Thank you for your honest review of this. I think I might have to save up for it! It looks amazing!

[@Karin-]

I do fussy cutting on my Cricut, that was a game changer for me too. This however, although it is doing the same thing, looks so much less faffy. As far as sticky mats, I had the same problem with my Cricut ones, but replaced them with an alternative at a much lower cost and they work just as well, if not better. Just because something is branded, doesn't always make it better in my view. Thanks for sharing this, it's very interesting 😊

[@pinkmonarchprints]

I'll definitely have to look into alternative mats! That's a GREAT idea!! Thank you ❤️

[@giselalemus9057]

Karin, which mats do you get? Cricut can scan?

[@Karin-]

@ You're welcome. There are usually alternatives out there for most things

[@preciousmemoryboxesjunkjou3642]

I struggle with my cricut, so I hope the Brother is easier. Thanks for the info on the mats.

[@Karin-]

​You're welcome. I used to struggle with the Cricut too, but then one of the crafters I follow here on KZbin did a tutorial on it and it's been great since. Good luck with whatever you choose 😊

[@jennygamble1258]

You could use a stencil glue to re-tack your mat, this is what brother suggest.Yes the replacement mat is expensive but I also advise having a separate mat to use for any fabric cutting of you do any. So glad you had made this video as I ordered a scan n cut last week and am waiting for it to arrive! I will be using it for fussy cutting from digital kits and have some of yours.

[@littlemissjmoomin8146]

Just watching you video and the problem with not cutting that tag at the bottom is because the image does not have a continuous line around it. Easily corrected by going round the image with a fine liner pen or pencil. It should pick it up and cut it perfectly.

[@BluebonnetCrafting-Shelley]

Excellent video! This is on my wish list!

[@DianeHughes]

Super job, Elena.

[@kerriegood1046]

Thanks so much for this video. I bought the machine last year and I plan to take a deep dive into getting used how it works.

[@pinkmonarchprints]

You’re going to love it! I feel like mine changed my life! 😄

[@tracydelagardelle8990]

I love my scan n cut. I've had mine for almost 6 yrs

[@MundiJournals]

Those cut nicely. I saw someone use Tacky adhesive on the cutting board to make it sticky again so you may want to try that.

[@jenXMAGA]

There used to be a girl, that I fell in love with because she was very knowledgeable and so kind. She taught class and had a Facebook group. Scanncut canvas & scal help. She has been gone for a few years because of her health..... And we all miss her terribly.

[@connielynn195]

I purchased the brother scan and cut back during covid and it's still in the box. So is my Epson ecotank printer.

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

Thanks for tthe review. I have had my eye on it for about 5 years now. I have a Silhouette Cameo 3 and a Cricut Maker 3. I know both can scan and cut but it takes many more steps. I don't like my Cricut and am going to donate it to a teacher's store, because there are too many people selling theirs, so I assume it is not user-friendly, for me... I love my Silhouette and want to buy a newer model. So yes, I have been wanting a Brother Scan & Cut for a few years now. Priority is the key.

[@pattyh2410]

I love my SNC!

[@shabbyrosecreationsbykem]

I ❤this, it seems easy easier than a Cricket or the Silhouette machine.

[@orlandogonzalez9310]

Hello! Thanks for posting this simple project demonstration of one of the many things that the Scan n Cut can do. No other brand machine can do this because it's the only machine with a built in scanner. I don't need to say more. For your very busy business, I would like to recommend the you view a hack that will help you preserve your original mats and save money on cheaper mats to combine with the Brother mats. Watch: Debbie J's crafting corner "Resticking my Scan n Cut mats 3 ways." I personally use 1 of the 3 ways that she demonstrates and it's a game changer. There are many money saving hacks on KZbin. This one helps you to keep the original mat like new and you only change the top hack affordable mat. Your bank account will be happy for it. Keep on crafting!!!

[@DanaCreatesStuff]

Also I clean the mat with a lysol wipe (I don't think it matters what type of wipe) at end of day use, let it dry and sticky comes back. Of course less as time goes by and use of it.

[@sylviaatkins7316]

I’m in the UK and have had scan and cut machines for a few years now. My first was a CM machine then I upgraded to a DX when they came out, mostly because the DX machines are a lot quieter. Have you tried re sticking your mats? I do to make them last as long as possible, they are expensive and not always easy to get hold of here.

[@Sunny_day2468]

I love my Scan N Cut .. you can restick your mats I use a 2 way glue by Zig Memory System .. clean your mats real good then apply glue.. I have watched videos by Papered Chef she has a lot of good hints using the Scan N Cut

[@angela14962002]

You can get some repositional spray for your mat.

[@anneslattery7495]

❤ Thank you for sharing this video.

[@sandrasneed3180]

Loved the video I have one and love it❤️

[@diedre58]

Very informative video. Thank you so much!

[@janetstiner7741]

Great video, i had a brother scan and cut and had the same issue’s that you described. But it’s wonderful not to fussy cut. I use my Cricut joy extra now. I do have a question. How to you organize all your pieces from the kits. Do you combine tabs together, tickets together from all kits when your done with that months kit. Or do you organize them by color. Or keep everything from a kit together. I’m over loaded from having so many pieces and having anxiety because i have this out and this out and my desk is overloaded with babies and boxes lol Does anyone else feel my pain lol

[@sued2433]

Have you cleaned the mat??

[@DianeHughes]

Thank you for making this video. I want to know what settings you use, e.g., black and white or color, the measurement of the outline cut, sensitivity of the contrast, etc. Did you use the factory settings? I've experimented quite a bit with mine. I'm not getting the clean cuts you're getting.

[@pinkmonarchprints]

Of course! I'll see if I can help answer your questions. I used the settings that came ready to go on the machine. So, color settings, the middle contrast sensitivity (although I will change it if needed), and yes, the factory settings. it cuts right on the line as I didn't adjust that part. Let me know if you have more questions ❤️

[@elib7311]

Just tuning in. Interested to see if you compare this with Cricut.

[@pinkmonarchprints]

I do not have a Cricut so I probably won't! 😂 I love this machine too much!

[@elib7311]

@ Ah, did not know if you had another cutting machine, and had switched to Brother.

[@lorihaney8296]

There is a video on YT that shows you how to wash them and refresh them… it worked for me…I’ll try to find it and sen you the link.

[@witchycraftsbyKJ]

Honey, wash the mat with some soapy dish water.. I use Dawn. When it's dry, it should be sticky again.

[@DanaCreatesStuff]

Have you tried a light adhesive spray? That's what I use, very successful!!

[@lizward8410]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I have a very hard time fussy cutting. Have you done a video like this on your printer? I am wanting to purchase a new one but really not sure what would work best.

[@pinkmonarchprints]

I don't think I have! My go to printers are also in my AMAZON STOREFRONT. The Epson ET 4760 and the Epson Et 4850 are both GREAT! A little pricey but the ink is not expensive at all and it lasts FOREVER!

[@lizward8410]

@pinkmonarchprints thank you so much 💓

[@suem3596]

Aleen's tack it over & over or Pixie spray

[@suem3596]

If it's not cutting properly, just outline with a pencil.

[@pennyhodgin8780]

I think another pro for the SNC is you do not need an app or subscription to use it like for instant the cricut. I have the cricut and had it first but find I use the SNC for all my paper cutting

[@pinkmonarchprints]

That's a good point! I didn't realize the Cricut had a subscription!

[@pennyhodgin8780]

@ cricut design space does

[@deborahdoesscrap]

I have the original Cricut machine. I think I bought it within a week or two after hitting the craft stores. Over the first couple of years I collected probably 20 or so cartridges. Now, I have the SNC and my Cricut just sits there. I am 71 and not able or willing to learn the whole Design Space so I am trying to decide what to do with it. My only child, is not interested in crafting in any way, shape or form so leaving it for her is crazy. I live in a very small town in Montana so no one wants it. I may just take it to a thrift shop and give it to them but I do miss the cartridge images and I paid a whole lot of money for them and the machine. I have to remind myself that I bought it sometime in the late 1990's so I did get my monies worth out of it but still not sure. I haven't used in since I bought the SNC so useless unless I still used it! At my age, the SNC will be the last machine I buy for my crafting so I am not worried about getting my money out of it!

[@suziescrapbook3574]

Love my Brother SnC. I’ll never go back.

[@crystalbrant2299]

How does this work with magazine pictures etc? Can you share another video maybe with other pictures...

[@dianebuchanan9571]

If you have something that doesn’t have clearly defined edges, you can just trace over it with a pencil, then just Ezra’s the lines after it’s cut.

[@DianeHughes]

If possible, could you post links to some of the best tutorials on KZbin that you've found?

[@TheTwoBeauties]

Someone may have mentioned this already and I glanced through a few of the comments, but I didn’t see it so I thought I would put my two cents in here. When the scanner doesn’t pick up the image and wants to cut inside of it, all you have to do is outline the image in pencil and the machine will scan it properly. Sometimes I have to outline a lot of the fussy cuts because they don’t have very defined borders. It’s a hassle and added time, but it’s still better than fussy cutting myself. The other thing is I have to babysit the machine while it’s cutting, because a couple of times something went wrong and my papers got mangled. Also, does anyone know how to cut out circles and such on the inside of an image? Such as the inside of a wreath, for example. I don’t know if that’s even possible with the Scan n Cut.

[@MemahsMadness1416]

If ‘re sticking’ doesn’t work, maybe you could use those little corner things for photos and just slide your paper into them rather than tape each corner every time.

[@pad9862]

Can you cut things out on sticker paper..

[@deborahdoesscrap]

Yes.

[@bonzibonnie]

***Does this machine print?????? I need a new Printer and if it Prints & Cuts….. I am buying it!!!!!

[@lnet1970sfav]

I love my scan and cut. I am not a fan of fussy cutting

[@dianewolf-latham3766]

I loved this video... thank-you for creating it and providing all the details. Never heard of it before. For folks who have arthritis, hand/arm or shoulder surgery or injury this is a perfect way to replace scissor cutting. The perfection of the cuts as you showed for corners and circles makes this a must have.