Brother Scan and Cut 2 SDX125E Review (Updated)

Brother Scan & Cut 2 is a powerful machine that not only allows you to edit designs and improve cuts, but it has a scanner and big display to simplify the process.

This cutter can be used as a standalone machine, or you can hook it up to your computer. Let’s take a closer look in this Brother Scan and Cut 2 review to see if it’s worth the potential cost.

Brother Scan and Cut 2 Review

What is Brother Scan and Cut?

Brother ScanNCut SDX125E is a scanning cutting machine that provides you the freedom to scan, create, and your designs.

The SDX125E comes with a 300 DPI color scanner and 682 included patterns. It can be easily upgraded to have more.

You’ll have the ability to scan, cut, and paste your favorite images or graphics onto everything from walls, posters, clothing, bags, and more.

• SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS
• STUNNING DIY PROJECTS
• NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED
• CUTS UP TO 3 MM (0.1 in) THICKNESS
• MAKES THE PERFECT PAIR WITH BROTHER SEWING MACHINES

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Appearance

With just a total 1 pound weight and 8.4 x 20.9 x 6.8 inches dimensions, Brothers Scan & Cut 2 is so light that it is easily transportable, which means trade shows and fairs can be managed more efficiently.

LCD touchscreen

The LCD is much bigger now, which makes designing faster. One of the biggest selling points is how easy it is to use the touchscreen LCD. There isn’t even a need for a computer, making this machine very versatile. It can also save you time, which often equals money.

With the touch screen LCD, you can easily manipulate objects within this machine. You can use the stylus pen or your finger to do it. It takes some time for the device to process commands, but overall, it works well enough.

Connection

It is easy to scan and cut designs you have done in Brother Scan & Cut software.

The included USB cable allows you to send these designs through any computer that has a USB port, but the USB cable is not included with your purchase. You will need to purchase your own USB cable.

Scan and Cut Canvas

Scan and Cut Canvas is a cloud-based software that allows crafters to complete all the steps of design, editing, & cutting their materials. It also has a free version. If you’re looking for a program that’s easy to use & allows for creativity – try Scan and Cut Canvas!

You can use this software to simplify converting SVG files into FCMs. It also allows users to access various templates, guides, and tutorials.

Some users say this software isn’t user-friendly. However, there are fewer complaints about it than people using the Silhouette or Cricut programs. I’ve been using this software for a while and found the learning curve not that hard.

You can use CorelDraw and Illustrator to create and upload designs. This software is suitable for tablets since it is cloud-based.

The Brother Scan n Cut boasts of having up to 600 pre-loaded designs & fonts. You will be provided with an activation card, which you get to help you access them. It sounds impressive and exciting.

In short, Scan and Cut Canvas is free, comes with 600+ designs, and can convert files quickly. However, it comes with a learning curve.

Cutting abilities

The ScanNCut SDX85 is great for cutting a wide range of materials and has a powerful blade that can handle tough jobs. Its robust design will give you a fantastic finish every time while remaining lightweight and easy to use.

It is a popular choice for artistic and craft-hobbyist. It has many features for adjusting speed, pressure, & cut settings. Its portable design makes it easy to store and grip when using it in your everyday activities.

It also helps you make easy sewing projects such as quilts from fabric pieces by adding extra space for seam allowance.

If you’re looking for a cutter machine that can handle light materials, the Brother Scan and Cut 2 will do the job. This cutting machine is for you if you want to be precise or want a product with reasonable consistency.

Supported materials

The Brother SCANNCUT2 can cut Sticker papers, magnetic sheets, tracing papers, satin, cotton fabric, or felt up to 0.6mm thick and denim up to 1mm thick with the deep cut blade. It has a great selection of blades.

It can cut up to 0.2mm adhesive vinyl, up to 0.2mm plastic sheet, and up to 0.5mm HTV.

This is a fairly robust cutting machine. It cuts precisely through a variety of different materials with accuracy. However, it’s not as versatile as Cricut. It might not be the best choice for everyone, but it’s good enough for many people to use.

Blades

The Brother cutters come with German steel blades that have Japanese design quality. They can handle paper, vinyl, fabric, and more.

They’re relatively standard blades & are easy to use.

ScanNCut Standard Cut Blade

ScanNCut Standard Cut is a versatile and easy-to-use cutting blade that can cut a wide range of fabric and paper. With 12 inches X 12 inches, it is perfect for cutting anything from quilts to banners.

ScanNCut DX Thin Fabric Auto Blade

This Auto Blade can easily slash through materials such as quilt blocks and other paper products without damaging the surface. It can also reach a thickness of up to 0.5mm for fabric and paper cutting projects with an effortless cut.

Deep Cut Blade

You can cut through materials of up to 1.5 mm thickness, such as foam, balsa wood, and much more, quickly with the Brother Scan & Cut Deep Cut Blade.

Cutting mats

The Brother cutting mats are available in three different strengths. They come in 12 by 12 or 12 by 24, and they have a lot of space to work with. Additional sheets also allow you to use them as interfaces.

These cutting mats aren’t the top of the line. They may get stuck or not stick very well after a while. To keep these mat properties consistent, use them as directed and make sure to replace them when necessary.

Pen and pen holders

You can use the Scan & Cut 2 to draw with pens and color pencils, cutting paper with its blade if necessary. The machine comes with a pen holder for pen size compatibility and an erasable pen for designs on fabric.

Other accessories

Spatula, a touchscreen stylus, bag, AC adapter, Power cord, and CD.

 Warranty

It comes with a 1-year warranty for parts and labor. There is a 2-year warranty for electronic components.

A 1-year warranty is pretty standard on home craft machines, so getting two years on the electronics seemed like a pretty generous offer to us.

Price

The price of this scanning and cutting machine depends upon the bundle you choose.

Mainly, the price range falls between $250-$350.

Reviews

Brother scan and cut reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. It scores 4.5/5 on Amazon and 5/5 on Swing Design. The users seem to love the touch screen, user-friendliness, and the number of blades. Some reviewers did not like the learning curve, though.

Brother Scan and Cut 2 alternatives

Cricut Maker 3 and Silhouette Cameo 4 are good alternatives to Brother Scan Ncut.

How to use Brother Scan and Cut 2 SDX125E?

• Connect this cutting machine through the included power cord.
• Use the touchscreen LCD to Upload your design, create it using the software, or scan it.
• You can connect it to your pc/laptop too.
• Select cutting dimensions and choose a compatible blade.
• Let the magic begin!

Pros and cons

Sccan n Cut SDX855 vs SDX125E

Scan n Cut SDX125E vs CM350E

My Expereience

I am extremely satisfied with this machine. Its cutting capabilities are fantastic, quick, and accurate. The scanning quality is also impressive.

I tested it with a printed bow pattern on regular printer paper and was impressed with the end result.

The instructions could be improved, but once you get the hang of it, it’s quite simple to use. You can even modify designs right on the machine’s screen.

If you choose not to connect the machine to the internet, you can still scan and cut any design of your choice. However, if you do choose to connect, you will have access to the software that converts SVG files to Brother’s file format. It will allow you to create your own unique designs.

The cutting performance is clean and precise, even on regular printer paper.

I have not had the opportunity to try it with Walmart paper, but based on my experience, using good-quality paper will result in clean cuts.

I have had multiple interactions with their customer service and have found their response time to be prompt and efficient.

The mat can be a little finicky at times, but it generally works fine. I purchased several accessories for the machine, but I may return the punch kit as I do not see a need for it.

The machine itself punches holes just fine. The fabric blade produces better results for fabric compared to the regular blade.

I have been warned that the software may be too basic. However, I created my own designs and they looked perfect.

The machine is capable of cutting fine details.

Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the Brother Scan and Cut 2 CM650W and the CM350?

When the Brother ScanNCut 2 was first released, it had two different models: the CM350 and the CM650W. With greater processing power and a hefty price tag, the 650W was more technologically advanced than CM350. Unfortunately, the CM650 has been discontinued.

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Sam Billings

I’ve been in the printing business for 25 years. I love to share my experiences and knowledge.