Category: DIY Projects

INSIGHTS OF EXPLORE AIR 2 MACHINE

How to Design

Log into your Design Space.
Select “New Project” and then, click on “Templates” in the top left corner. Choosing a template makes it easier to visualize your design to know how good or bad it will be on your T-shirt.
Choose “Classic T-Shirt” and pick your preferred style, size, and color.
You will see tons of beautiful designs for iron-on T-shirts. Browse through the entire images before you make your choice.
Remember, if your preferred design isn’t available, you can upload your pictures to the Cricut Design Space. We have created a tutorial on how to upload your images to Cricut Design Space.
After you have selected the image, resize the image to fit the T-shirt. You can do this by clicking the resize handle in the bottom part of your design and dragging the mouse to enlarge or reduce.
When you are done, click the “Make it” button in the top right corner. You will be told to connect your Cricut machine.
Toggle the green “Mirror” button on. Toggling it on will make sure your design is not cut backward.
Face the shiny part of your vinyl design down on your cutting mat. Remember to move the smart set dial to the iron-on option.
Remove all the vinyl designs you don’t want to be transferred to your project when it’s ironed. Use your welding tool to remove those little bits that will jeopardize your beautiful design. This process is called weeding.
Transfer your design to your T-shirt when you are done weeding. You can either use an iron or an Easy Press. Preheat your Easy Press before use.

Congrats! You just learned how to make a simple T-shirt on the Cricut Design Space.

Maintaining the Cricut Machine

When using your Cricut machine, over time, it will inevitably collect paper particles, dust, and debris. Also, grease in the device will begin to stick to the carriage track.

If you want your machine to last long, then you should clean it regularly, or else it can get damaged prematurely. Here are some cleaning tips to help you out when cleaning the machine:

Before cleaning your machine, disconnect it from the power outlet. It will prevent electrocution or any other accident that can damage the device or injure you.
When cleaning your machine, don’t use any form of acetone. Acetone, like nail polish remover, will damage the plastic parts of the device permanently.
You can clean the machine using a glass cleaner instead. Spray it on a clean, soft cloth and wipe the device gently.
In the case of grease buildup on the carriage tracks, then you should use a tissue, cotton swab, or a soft, clean cloth to wipe it off gently.
There is also the case of a buildup of static electricity on your machine. It can cause dust, debris, and particles to form on the device. Besides, it can be easily cleaned with a soft, clean cloth.

Application of Grease for the Cricut Explore Models

Disconnect the Cricut machine from the power outlet.
Push the Cut Smart carriage gently to the left.
Wipe the entire Cut Smart carriage bar with a tissue. The bar is the surface in front of the belt where the carriage slides on.
Push the Cut Smart carriage gently to the right.
Repeat the cleaning process for the other side by cleaning the bar with a clean tissue.
Then, push the Cut Smart carriage to the center of the bar.
Take a lubrication packet, open it, and squeeze out a little grease. Put the amount of grease on a clean cotton swab.
Apply a small coating of the grease on the two sides of the Cut Smart carriage around the bar so that it will form a quarter inches ring on both sides.
To make the grease become even in the carriage, push the Cut Smart carriage to both sides slowly and repeatedly.
Clean off any grease that stained the bar while you were greasing the machine. You can purchase a grease packet from Cricut. It will work better than using a third-party grease packet so that the machine will not get damaged. After using another grease product, your Cricut machine is making a grinding sound. This process is almost the same as greasing your Cricut Maker machine too.

Maintaining the Cricut Cutting Mat

You also have to clean and maintain your Cricut cutting mat because that is where the cutting takes place.

If the cutting mat isn’t clean, it can stain the machine. Also, if your cutting mat has stopped sticking, it can spoil your designs and creations.

When your mat is no longer sticky because of debris and grime, cleaning it and making it sticky again will bring it back to life.

The solutions that I will mention are not ideal for the pink cutting mats, only for the green, blue, and purple.

There are many ways to clean your cutting mat:

Using baby wipes

To clean your mat, make use of alcohol-free and unscented wipes. You should use the plainest baby wipes that you can find so that you don’t add lotions, cornstarch, solvents or oils to your cutting mat. If not, you could affect the stickiness and adhesive of the mat.
Also, after cleaning it, let it dry completely before using it.

Lint Roller

You can also use a roll of masking tape if you don’t find a sticky lint roller. Run the roll across the mat to get rid of hairs, fibers, specks of dust, and paper particles.
This form of cleaning can be done daily or between projects so that dust doesn’t accumulate on the mat. This is a fast way to remove dirt apart from using tweezers or scrapers.

Using warm water with soap

Furthermore, you can clean the mat with soap and warm water. You should use the plainest soap possible too so that you don’t mess with the mat.
Use a clean cloth, sponge, soft brush, or a magic eraser. Also, rinse it thoroughly and don’t use it until it is scorched.

Using an adhesive remover

In the case of heavy-duty cleaning, then you should use a reliable adhesive remover to clean it properly.
When using an adhesive remover, read the directions properly before you start.
Then, spray a little amount on the mat and scatter it with a scraper or anything that can act as a makeshift scraper.
Wait for a while so that the solvent can work on the mat. Then, scratch it off your mat.
After this, wash the mat with warm water and soap in case there is leftover residue and let it dry properly.

How to Make Your Cutting Mat Sticky Again

After washing or cleaning your cutting mat, you have to make them sticky again.

The most advisable way to make your mat sticky again is by adding glue to it. Get a solid glue stick like the Zig 2-Way Glue Pen and apply it on the inner part of the mat. Then, stroke the glue around the mat and ensure that there is no glue residue.
After about half an hour, the glue will turn clear. If the cutting mat turns out to be too sticky after you apply glue, you can use a piece of cloth to reduce the adhesive by pressing the material on the parts of the mat that are very sticky.
Cover the mat with a clean and clear cover after some time.
You can also use tacky glues or spray adhesives that are ideal for cutting mats.

General Maintenance

When your mat isn’t in use, cover it with a transparent cover so that dust and hairs won’t accumulate on the mat.
Handle your mats with care. If you want to ensure that the adhesive does not get damaged, avoid touching the sticky surface with your hands.
Always ensure that your mat dries entirely before using it or covering it up. Don’t use heat when drying your mat, but you can place it in front of a fan.
Also, ensure that it is drying hanging up so that both sides will dry.

Maintaining the Cricut Cutting Blade

You can use your Cricut fine point blade for over a year if you maintain it properly! The same goes for the other types of cutting blades.

When maintaining your Cricut cutting blade, you have to keep it sharp all the time so that it does not get worn out.

Keeping your blade sharp is essential because if it isn’t, it can damage your materials, and cause wastage. Also, if you don’t maintain your blades, you will have to replace them often.

Keeping Your Cutting Blade Sharp

Spread a portion of an aluminum foil on a cutting mat. Without removing the blade from the housing, cut out a simple design in the foil. It will sharpen the blade and remove any paper particles, or vinyl stuck on the blade. It can be used for any type of cutting blade.
In the case of heavy-duty cleaning, you should squeeze a sheet of aluminum foil into a ball. You need to remove the blade from the housing of the machine to use this method.
Then, depress the plunger, take the blade and stick it into the ball of aluminum foil repeatedly. You can do this 50 times. It will make it sharper and also remove vinyl or paper particles on the blade.

Materials That Can Be Used

Paper and cardstock – this includes about 35 types of paper and cardstock.
Fabrics – it includes about 16 types of fabrics and textiles.
Iron-On – it includes about six types of iron-on materials.
Vinyl – it includes about ten types of vinyl materials.
Additional Materials – ranging from adhesive foil and adhesive wood to washi sheets and temporary tattoo paper, Cricut can cut them all.
Cricut Maker Special – this particular model of Cricut can cut through materials that the others can’t like chiffon, cashmere, terry cloth, knits, jersey, velvet, tweed, and others.

CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2 VS CRICUT MAKER

DIY Projects

When the Cricut Maker was introduced to the public in the summer of 2017, one of the buzzing questions was; how does it compare to the Cricut Explore Air 2?

1. Versatility

In terms of versatility, there’s only one winner – The Cricut Maker! The Cricut machine does 100% of what the Explore Air 2 can do, and even more. It consists of an adaptive tool system that can cut over a hundred various materials and sewing patterns.

When you consider all this, you’ll realize that the Cricut Maker is versatile enough to use with a variety of tools–including all types of blades released by Circuit, the new look of Knife, and Rotary blades, and yet to be released ones as well.

You don’t have to look any further because the Rotary blade that comes with the Cricut Maker during purchase already puts it above the Explore Air 2. The blade needs no supporting or backing material because it easily cuts through all types of fabric.

2. Cutting Specs

When we talk about cutting specs, we are referring to the machine that cuts best. Besides, cutting is the reason why people even go out to buy the machine in the first place.

If you consider the price (entry-level price) of the Cricut Explore Air 2, you’ll agree with me that it is incredibly cost-effective. The machine remains one of the most delicate cutters around because its German-made carbide blade cuts through materials with extreme ease, and that’s why it is used to make designs that are small and intricate.

In contrast, the Cricut Maker comes with blades that aren’t only sharp and precise, but also possess a more significant force behind them; the Cricut Maker has about four thousand grams of force, whereas the Explore Air comes with a paltry 400 grams only.

The Cricut Maker cuts more leisurely, and neater requires fewer passes on thicker materials. Also, it can work with extra materials. Furthermore, the Maker is designed to potentially work with newer and sophisticated blades (such as the Knife blade and Rotary blade), as opposed to the Explore Air.

3. Price

It is evident the Cricut Maker is an improved version of the Explore Air 2; however, many people are of the view that those improved features fail to justify the hike in price.

The Cricut Maker is listed at $399.99 on the Cricut website, and although it comes with improved features, many people see it as a significant amount to lay down on a cutter.

On the other hand, Explore Air 2 is listed at $299.99, and during sales, the price drops down significantly.

4. Longevity

Generally, when people weigh their options for products they intend to purchase, most times, they consider price ahead of other factors. Thus, another factor to look out for is the products’ longevity.

In terms of longevity, the Cricut Maker and the Explore Air 2 are excellent machines, and there’s absolutely no doubt about their durability. However, the Maker seems to be more suited for the future because the cutter will ultimately outlive that of the Explore Air 2.

In comparison, Explore Air 2 is meant for people that are happy with their available options and concerned about upgrading their skills. In contrast, the Cricut Maker is suitable for people that intend to experiment and develop their crafts further.

5. Software

In terms of software, there’s nothing that separates these two machines because they both use the Cricut Design Space software.

Design Space Software is a decent program that is easy to use and contains plenty of editing options for users to personalize their designs effectively. Besides, there’s a store that contains hundreds of editing options for users to use and personalize their designs.

Users can upload their designs and convert them free of charge; thus, expert users can create their intricate designs in more sophisticated programs like Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Make the Cut, and Sure Cuts a Lot. Cricut Design Space is cloud-based so that users can design on their personal computers, tablets, and phones.

It is a user-friendly program, but it has its flaws: sometimes, it gets buggy and limiting, especially while creating new designs within the program.

6. Sewing Projects

In terms of the usage for sewing projects, it’s a no contest! Explore Air 2 is a versatile machine, but it doesn’t measure up to the Cricut Maker.

On the other hand, apart from the actual Sewing Machine, the Cricut Maker is what people use for serious sewing projects. The Maker comes with a library that contains plenty of sewing patterns, and not only will it cut the sewing patterns, it also marks them with the washable fabric marker pen.

The Cricut Maker eliminates guesswork with regards to the marking of patterns, and this ultimately improves the final output of the work.

7. Portability

One of the most critical but often overlooked features of machines is portability. If you’re a crafter that prefers to be static, then you can overlook it, but if you’re someone who prefers to travel with your cutting machine, then you have to consider the size of the machine.

Between the two machines, the Cricut Maker is heaviest, weighing almost 24lbs as against the Explore Air 2 that weighs only 14.8lbs

The Cricut Maker is a static machine specially designed for use in a functional space, home, or craft room. It has plenty of storage space and even comes with a provision for charging phones and tablets.

Explore Air 2 is nimble, and it comes with a smaller amount of storage. Thus, it is perfect for people that like to craft on the road.

In terms of portability and ease of movement, the Explore Air 2 stands taller than the Cricut Maker.

8. Ease of Use

Both machines are relatively easy to use with a little practice, but in terms of ease of use, the Cricut Maker edges the Explore Air 2.

Explore Air 2 is built with the Smart Set Dial on the front, and this allows users to select from the most common materials easily. Once the dial is set, the machine automatically adjusts its cut settings accordingly.

However, the problem most users face is that most materials most cutters use are not always the most common materials for members of the broader Cricut community. Thus, you have to manually set the material settings from within Design Space if your material isn’t on the dial.

It is not an extremely difficult process, but it is a bit frustrating, especially when you have to carry out the same procedure repeatedly.

On the other hand, the Cricut Maker automatically adjusts its settings according to the type of material that is loaded on the cutting mat.

It is effortless, and the user doesn’t have to do any settings at all.

9. Cartridges

Newcomers in the world of Cricut and the cutting of crafts might not understand this; however, a long-time Cricut user will know all about the cartridges–they might even have a space dedicated to them in their craft rooms.

It is no longer mandatory to use cartridges for designs on both the Cricut Maker and the Explore Air 2.

However, in case you have a couple of old cartridges at home, you might want to use them; thus, you can plug them directly into the Explore Air 2, and use.

It is possible to use the cartridges with the Cricut Maker, but it is a bit more complicated. You will have to get the cartridge adapter that will allow you to link the physical cartridges into Design Space. The cartridge adapter connect uses a USB port to connect the Cartridges with the Maker.

There is also the option of using digital cartridges instead of buying the adapter. The digital cartridges are downloaded directly into Design Space.

10. Print Then Cut

The last and final battle between the Explorer Air 2 and the Cricut Maker is which of the machine has a better for Print Then Cut.

The Cricut Maker comes with the Print Then Cut (PtC) feature, which allows users to print out their designs onto a white paper, and then cut. This feature comes in handy for crafters that tend to experiment more on new designs, as opposed to just downloading designs from Cricut Design Space.

The Explore Air 2 also has the same PtC feature as the Cricut Maker; however, the difference is that the Cricut Maker can PtC on colored and patterned paper, during the Explore Air 2 can’t.

Thus, in terms of Print Then Cut, the Cricut Maker edges the Explore air 2.

OVERALL VERDICT

At this point, it is evident that the Circuit Maker is the superior machine.

It is more durable, offers better Print Then Cut functionality, more comfortable to use, more versatile, and an all-round better cutter.

Explore Air 2 is an excellent machine that has served crafters for some time now and will continue to do in the future; however, the Cricut Maker is just too right for it.

Explore Air is the perfect machine for crafters that use paper, thin materials, cartridges, and also those that have a limited budget.

Both machines are highly efficient, and they serve their purposes perfectly; the Cricut Maker is for makers, while the Explore Air 2 is for cutting crafters.

What Is a Cricut Machine and How Does It Work?

DIY Projects

What is a Cricut Machine?

A Cricut machine (also known as a craft plotter or die-cutting machine) is a personal cutting machine. It is similar to a desktop printer; Images and designs printed on a computer are sent to the machine. Except that instead of printing the design, the machine moves a blade around to cut out the desired material.

The Cricut machine works automatically and can cut through materials such as paper, vinyl, craft foam, fabric, metal, faux leather, sticker paper, and even adhesive sheets.

There are models of the machine that allow users to use a pen rather than cutting to write texts and draw images and can be used to produce wedding and party invitations that look handwritten.

The designs are digitally stored; thus, users can select and edit different patterns on their personal computers or mobile devices. Furthermore, there is a Cricut Image Library with over 50,000 images, fonts, and projects that users can choose from.

How does the Cricut machine works?

First of all, Cricut machines are electrical appliances and, as such, require power to work. Similar to the workings of the ink nozzle in a printer, they have a tiny computer located within the machine that controls a cutting blade. They use digital cutters that can be connected to a computer through Bluetooth and wireless.

What can I make with a Cricut machine?

There is a lot that can be done with a Cricut machine.

The possibilities are limitless!

However, the following are a few examples:

Make custom bags, shirts, or hats using iron-on (heat transfer) vinyl.
Cut quilt square and appliqués
Create and produce customs cards for events like holiday cards, party invitations, and thank you notes, etc.
Make window clings using static cling vinyl.
Make and address envelopes
Print and cut out stickers
Etch glass
Make stencils for etching and spray painting
Create Christmas ornaments
Produce Wall decals
Produce vinyl decals for shot glasses, mugs, and champagne glasses, etc.
Make leather bracelets
Cut out letters and shapes for scrapbooking
Make monogram pillows
Make painted wooden signs
Make window clings
Label items in a playroom or pantry

Cricut Types and Uses

Cricut Machine Comparison Chart

Cricut Joy

Cricut reported their most up to date cutting machine, Cricut Joy, last February 17, 2020. I was fortunate enough to find out about the machine before it was declared. I wasn’t sure from the start if I would utilize a littler machine, yet it immediately prevailed upon me.

This machine is a reduced small cutting machine, not exactly a large portion of the size of Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore. The cut width is 4.5″. Yet, don’t let it, simpleton, you because a ton of fun new highlights! Two major ones are without tangle cutting, which implies you can slice up to 20 feet of “Brilliant vinyl” in a go. Cricut Joy additionally has a Card Mat, which makes it very easy to create cards for a wide range of events.

The value purpose of $179 may, in any case, be somewhat high for confident crafters, mainly since a portion of the capacities are somewhat restricted. In any case, Cricut Joy is ideal for practically the entirety of your essential Cricut makes, remembering iron for vinyl, glue vinyl, writable marks, and cardstock.

Best for: producers without a devoted specialty space, new Cricut clients scared by the bigger Cricut machines, which can also be a partner machine to your Explore or Maker.

Cricut Maker

It is the Cricut’s best cutting machine, which appears to be like the Explore line of machines. However, it has been restructured from the base up. It does everything Cricut Explore will do, yet with included highlights.

This cutting machine cuts unbonded texture utilizing the minor Rotary Blade. It cuts thicker materials like balsa wood and thick calfskin utilizing the Knife Blade. It can score a wide range of materials utilizing the Scoring Wheel (a stage up from the Scoring Stylus).

The Debossing Tool
The Wavy Rotary Tool
The Perforation Tool

Cricut Maker’s versatile apparatus framework is worked in light of development—which means it was worked to utilize instruments that Cricut hasn’t concocted at this point! This machine will accomplish increasingly more as new instruments are discharged because they have twelve extra apparatuses in testing.

The value is the most noteworthy in the Cricut line, and that is $399. Be that as it may, if you’re a genuine crafter who utilizes an assortment of materials, or if you are a sewing fan, a devoted paper crafter, or maybe even a carpenter, this is for you.

Best for: people who need everything—particularly the individuals who cut texture or cut thicker materials.

Cricut Explore Air 2

It is the Cricut Explore that I have (notwithstanding my Maker), and I should state that I love it. At $299, however, I realize it may be out of the value scope of particular clients.

There are two differences between the Cricut Explore Air 2 and the Cricut Explore Air. One is enormous, and one is little. The enormous one is that the Air 2 will slice and evaluate to multiple times quicker than the Air. It’s not all materials, yet it functions admirably for most materials that you’d need to cut. This is a distinct advantage if you utilize your Cricut a ton—you comprehend what it resembles to sit tight for a since quite a while ago eliminate or compose position to wrap up!

The little difference is that Air 2 arrives in a gigantic assortment of hues to coordinate your specialty space. For a few, it’s not worth spending the extra $50. However, it may be if you merely LOVE one of the numerous hues available today.

Best for: users who possess a creating business will genuinely see the speed difference, and it will have any kind of effect with how rapidly they can deliver things for customers.

Cricut Explore Air

Cricut Explore Air is a stage down but offers you the two things that the Cricut Explore One beneath doesn’t. It is Bluetooth-empowered, so you don’t need to plug it into your gadget, and it has the auxiliary device holder, so you can compose and cut or score and cut simultaneously. At $249, I believe it merits the move up to get these two additional highlights. However, you may conclude that they aren’t justified, despite any potential benefits for what you need to do with your Cricut.

Best for: most clients will see this as a competent machine for all that they have to do.

Cricut Explore One

Cricut Explore One is the most essential and conservative machine that Cricut offers, and at $199, the cost can’t be beaten. It has the entirety of the exact cutting, composing, and scoring capacities of the Explore Air machines, and you can cut no different materials (there are more than 100!). None of the three machines require cartridges. However, you can utilize your heritage cartridges in every one of them.

The sorts of vinyl you use for Cricut relies upon what you need to do. You can’t utilize a similar kind of vinyl for each Cricut undertaking, and there are specific sorts of vinyl for each venture. So, it’s ideal for getting them straight in your mind before you start.

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