Tips for Success with the New Silhouette Electrostatic (ES) Bed - Cameo 5, Curio 2, Portrait 4

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Additional Resources: - Silhouette Heat Pen Setup & Foiling for Cameo 5, Curio 2, and Portrait 4 - bit.ly/49mmrHu - Silhouette Curio 2 Classes - bit.ly/40hv6XP - Beginner Acrylic Etching Class with the Power Engraver Tool step-by-step class - details here: bit.ly/3MmzQFx - Silhouette Curio 2 Resources - bit.ly/40ixdKZ

[@chocol8cutie]

Thank you for the tips! When I was test cutting a few days ago, I did not notice the ES charge had turned off. That’s great to know. I’m hoping to have time to read through the manual today so I do more practice work myself.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

You are welcome! So glad it helps!

[@rebeccaquinn3937]

This machine is exciting! ❤

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

I'm so glad others think so too! I got so excited filming the videos I'd have to pause to take a deep breath many times 🤣🤣🤣

[@desireemartin3485]

Looking forward to the cameo 5 but I'm learning a lot by watching you. Has anyone received the cameo 5 yet?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

No. It's not in the U.S. yet - ....black is expected mid-October.

[@vidaencristo1857]

In your opinion which is better, cameo 4 or new portrait 4? I am making my final decision

[@rebeccaquinn3937]

Do you know if the electrostatic bed will be a replacement part in the event that anything should tragically happen?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

On the Curio 2, yes. That is what we were told at Summit. It was actually something we gave feedback on right at Summit and stressed how important it was to be able to replace it. I do not know a time frame on when that would be available as a replacement part. So I'd recommend keeping good care of the machine until then.

[@po123gsxr]

will the mat be available for the cameo 5+?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

Yes, there will be an electrostatic bed for the Cameo 5 and Portrait 4. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3yXfoqGbbN7aLM It is not backward compatible as the older model machines do not have the technology to run the ES bed. The Cameo 5 plus will use the sane ES bed as the Cameo 5 - 12" machine.

[@miracles1234]

Newbie question: does the ES mat stay in place (in the off position) when using thicker materials (wood, faux leather, etc.) or should we replace it for a less delicate mat?

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

No. The ES mat doesn't stay in place if the bed is off- there is no charge to hold it in place. It would depend on what you are doing and which machine you are using. If using the Curio 2, you'd want to use a cutting mat, which can be used with or without the ES mat. You would tape it in place so it stays to cut materials or use with other things like wood. With the Cameo 5 or Portrait 4, you'll unhook the ES bed and simply use the cutting mat.

[@miracles1234]

@@SilhouetteSecrets, thank you for your quick reply! My question was for Curio 2. Your videos convinced me and I am planing on getting a Curio 2 🥳 To further clarify re "you'd want to use a cutting mat, which can be used with or without the ES mat." How do I use the cutting mat without the ES mat? (I saw your video of how to use a cutting mat with the ES mat - as always it was very useful!). Thank you once again!

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

@miracles1234 Silhouette states you use it on top of the ES bed instead of the protective mat. I've seen too many users cut through their cutting mat and even a few now that have already cut through the protective sheet, so it's not what I'd recommend. But they say it can be done. You just don't want to damage the ES bed or it would need replaced.

[@miracles1234]

Excellent point! That would hurt! 🫣

[@richardoffin11]

Quite disappointing that the repeated selling point is it will need lots of experimenting to maybe get it right. Here in the UK the original curio was a complete flop as the results were poor and the tools not very good. It's a shame they have churned out another white elephant rather learning from past failures.

[@SilhouetteSecrets]

I had excellent results with the Curio 1, but it was a machine that takes time to learn. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f37Sgaxnm9aIqbc It didn't catch on quite as fast as other model machines because you really had to understand how it worked. The same is for the Curio 2. If a user does not take time to learn how to use it, for instance, how to properly add materials to the ES bed and do it correctly, they won't be successful either. It's kind of like driving a car. You don't just get in it and know where everything is and how to operate it safely. You have to invest time into learning it. Don't get me wrong, in the beginning with the Curio 1, I said plenty of cuss words, but I invested the time and made hundreds of amazing projects. In this day and age, everyone wants easy and fast..... but that's not always the case. I think every single person could learn to use the machine, if they took the time and followed the correct instructions. Unfortunately, there is already misinformation out there on the Curio 2.... that doesn't help anyone learn faster. I have lots more information coming and have already made some awesome things on the new Curio 2.