I just bought a Cricut Joy Xtra for the sole purpose of cutting out the patterns for my stained glass pieces. I have a foil sheers and they work but with smaller or more intricate pieces the sheers tend to cut the paper funny or cause tearing of the paper pattern.
With the Cricut Joy Xtra this will not be a problem with the patterns that I buy or make myself. I believe that the foil sheers takes out about 1mm when cutting. So my lines will need to be about 1mm between shapes. Or 0.5mm on each shape to be able to accommodate the foil thickness. Need to be able to keep everything relative close so that the stained glass pieces will fit with this new process.
Hopefully will get the Cricut soon and to do a simple pattern test run and see if it will work as I am expecting. I will report back once I get this new process all figured out.
I know that it is an extra cost to an already expensive hobby, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. Can work on more detailed/smaller pieces without have to fight with the foil sheers. Plus this way using vinyl, the patterns will be reusable for a few times at least.