I don’t have any experience with stamping at this point. Cricut Explore Air 2. Elle élargit plus que jamais votre champ de possibilités créatives. Voici la Cricut Maker - la machine ultime pour des découpes intelligentes. You can do 90% of the things from your phone. I have been checking out both machines and a friend also told me that the Cricut maker was a must to buy first. I just don’t know what to do please help!!!? You can still use your cartridges with the Maker, but it’s a little more difficult. If you are going to stick to only paper, vinyl and other thin materials, sure go for the Explore Air 2. I have read many other posts in regards to the cricut maker having many glitches due to the release rush before Christmas I believe this was maybe a year or two ago, not really sure. That alone should get you super happy! Today I’m going tell you the differences between the Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air 2 machine. … Now that it's arrived and I have had a chance to play, I've put together a comparison of the Maker and my previous machine, the Cricut Explore Air 2. Crafts, Made with Cricut Cricut Maker vs. That’s for people who have older machines and want to keep their images when upgrading. The biggest difference between the Cricut Maker and any of the Cricut Explore machines is the cutting force. Having said that, there are different pros and cons to both machines, and we think that different crafters will be more suited to either one. Would we have to get an Ipad or Iphone to use any of the Cricut machines? I don’t have a Cricut yet but I want to mostly design t-shirts and maybe birthday cards for my kids. You get so many more materials than the bundle from Amazon. You’ll need to buy the cartridge adapter separately (available from December 2017), which will allow you to link your physical cartridges into Design Space. but I still have a question about the software, do I need to have it? Hi, They make cutting machines that work quickly and can cut up a hundred different materials. This blade also comes with the Cricut Maker (this is a big deal because you normally have to buy these sorts of tools separately or in a bundle) and can only be used with the Fabric Grip Mat. If you actually look at the price of the machine individually and the bundles, you’ll see that you are getting so much more value for your money. You can use your phone! I wouldn’t cut something that is less than a third of an inch. Hello, thank for this review love it. While it might not have the bells and whistles of the Maker, it’s a perfect machine for paper crafters, or people who like to work with reasonably thin materials, those that love cartridges and people on a more restricted budget. Although this post is mainly directed to the Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 because those are the machines I happen to have on hand; there are two other versions of the Explore machines that you may want to consider as well. If you’ve been contemplating whether to purchase the Cricut Maker or the Explore Air 2, then look no further! Yes you can on Design Space. Let's You need backing to cut fabric with the Explore Air 2. Hello. The Pens allow you to create a more personalized project. The Cricut Maker does not have the Open button or the SmartSet material dial found on the Explore. Weight & Color: the Cricut Explore Air 2 comes in so many colors, but the maker only comes with 3. I’m trying to buy a circuit but mostly just for cake toppers with glitter paper and maybe occasionally for fabric. Cricut Maker vs. Air Explore 2. I know it’s more expensive but you get to grow with your machine because rumor has it that there are more tools coming up soon. Oh! The variety of shapes used is to simulate simple to more intricate cutting. The opinions and text are all mine. Hello, thanks for all this informations ! So which one can only do white paper for the print then cut method. I would also like to do pillow cases and walk art for their rooms. I have a how to do a quiet book tutorial coming up soon. This kit is 3 tools in 1; to best suit your project, Cricut it comes with fine, medium, and bold tips. It was and has been very hard to decide which machine to use or purchase. But do we ever use it for sewing projects? – Cricut Maker vs. Air Explore 2. I got a Mint Color for the Explore and Rose for my Maker. If you want to do pillow cases I would highly recommend you get the Maker! You can use digital cartridges without having the buy the adapter as these download directly into Design Space. - The Silhouette Portrait 2 features Bluetooth technology (US, Canada, EU only) and is compatible with Silhouette’s new AutoBlade. I think a bundle is a great way for you to get you started. I LOVE this because it has the most common materials for you to choose from. I’m so new to the craft world. Here’s the thing; I mainly got it because it’s my line of work and I want to make sure I provide you tutorials for both machines as I need to keep my website up to date. Of course, price isn’t everything. None of these programs affect the price that you pay on any purchases made – but it does help us keep the site running. https://vinylcuttingmachines.net/comparisons/cricut-maker-vs-explore-air-2 If you print con colored paper the sensor won’t be able to read the marks. *It depends on the type of material and/or blade. I also started with that one! Figured out how wrong I was very early in my Cricut-gasm. Good to know that pressure comes with the rotary blade I wonder how intricate it can get with it, and excited to hear there are more tools on the way. I don’t line the feel of vinyl on t-shirts. I’m happy I was able to help. This baby shower banner can be made using both machines, but I want to talk about using the Cricut Maker vs. This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. The Maker is — you guessed it — for makers, while the Explore Air is for more dedicated cutting crafters. Thank you for all the helpful information! The fabric you are going to cut needs to be bonded to a backing material. Especially when you keep having to do it over and over. Different tools you can use with the Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2. Hi, I haven’t cut felt yet but I see people doing it all the time. Cricut Explore Air ® 2. The Cricut Maker has 10X the strength and cutting force than any of the Explore family machines. The Explore Air, on the other hand, will offer you exactly the same in a few years as it does now. Check out my Scoring Wheel tutorial. However, if you have the budget, I encourage you to make the little investment on the Maker! If you want to cut fabric without backing the maker is the best alternative. The main difference between the Maker and the Explore Air 2 is the cutting force and the tools. 2x Faster Cutting and Writing. Is this a machine for life or simply one to tide you over until the next big thing comes out? I do not own a Cricut and have never used one, but I am trying to decide which one to buy! Before you dive into precise testing of both devices, you are invited to check the quick notes about Air and Air 2. The angle of this blade is so much steeper – 60 degrees compared to 45 degrees for the fine point blade – This really allows the blade to penetrate and cut intricate cuts in thick materials. However, the main purpose of this article is to show the testing of Cricut Explore Air vs Air 2. Print Then Cut (PtC) is one of our favorite features with the Cricut machines. I want to make t-shirts, but I’m more interested in the type of ink transfer iron on, not the vinyl. She has made many lovely projects. Whether it is the Maker or the Explore Air 2. However regular sales and bundle pricing is more readily available on the Explore Air 2. Before I had my original Cricut, an Explore Air, I used the Silhouette Cameo (you can read why I switched from Silhouette to Cricut here ) and the time I spent crafting and creating almost doubled when I made the switch. But, once again, the Maker takes the crown as the best cutter around. The Cricut Maker is available in three colours: champagne, blue, and rose. Sorry if this is a silly question, don’t own a Cricut yet, just want to know all the details before making a decision. On the comparison chart you stated the air 2 can do colored but the maker did only white, but when you spoke on the cricut maker you stated it can do colored as a side note. They were both designed to be a lightweight yet powerful digital die-cutter for crafters. With the Maker, however, the machine will adjust its settings automatically according to what material you load in on the cutting mat. However, each one of them has different features. I am quite impressed. Every week we publish tips, guides and freebies for craft fans – from the latest machine reviews, to SVGs, fonts and cut file giveaways. Thanks to the Adaptive Tool System, Cricut have more or less guaranteed that the Maker will be a vessel for all the different blades and tools they plan to release in future. Well, today we are going to see just how the Cricut Maker VS Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machines compare and hopefully it will help you decide which machine is best for you. As the leading Explore machines, it seems natural to compare the Explore Air vs the Explore Air 2 together. It helped make my decision a lot easier. I started out simple with card stock. I was wondering though, because I’m going to be using it for card, vinyl transfers, shirts, and cutting fabric for masks, due to this crisis were facing. We’ve broken down every battle in the war of Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 to help you make the choice of which is the best cutter for you. I am sure a Cricut customer service can help you! The Cricut Explore machine can cut and draw up to 12 x 24 inches. Which machine is right for YOU? To give you the best results, Cricut has designed The Scoring Wheel with two different tips, 01 and 02. To say they beefed up this machine is an understatement, the Cricut Maker possesses 10x the force behind it’s cutting vs the Cricut Explore’s Cut Smart 2 system. Maybe, but your bread will be tear apart. If you plan on using a lot of fabric I will recommend the maker. Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air 2 – Should you upgrade? I understand your frustration. Dear Daydreamers!Due to maternity leave, comments will be turned off from Nov 9th - Feb 9th.Thank you for your understanding! Of course, this doesn’t take away from the respectable cutting specs of the Explore Air 2. Explore Air 2. While the Explore Air 2 doesn’t have as many blades or the adaptive tool system like the Cricut Maker the deep point blade does allow you to cut some thicker materials. All opinions and ideas are mine. Both the Cricut Maker and the Explore Air 2 are amazing tools for crafters! Backing, in this case, is a type of material that you adhere to your fabric when you cut it with any of the Explore machines. Should you get the Explore Air 2 or Maker? Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2: Which Machine Should I Buy and Why? Very informative. It was very easy to understand. Now, don’t get us wrong, we love the Explore Air 2 and it’s a plenty versatile machine in its own right. After all, that’s what you’re buying it for! The Cricut doesn’t print, but it does cut what you print. is it possible any other way? The Maker is louder. The adapter connects your cartridges and the Maker via a USB port. Now available in an array of stunning hues and value‑packed bundles. There is a significant price difference between the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2. While you can cut fabric with the Explore Air 2 in theory, it’s never been what the machine is best at. If they could come out with a blade for intricate cuts using all the extra force, I think sales would be even higher. I’ve been considering buying a cricut machine and this post provided me with great information and comparison! I look forward to getting the adapter and using the old cartridges! The final battle in the war of Maker vs Cricut Explore is: which is better for Print Then Cut? I am just getting into crafting and the possibilities these machines give me seem to be endless and that thrills me. Have you tried this before? If you don’t link them, you would need to purchase them again. As a larger device from the two of them, Maker weighs 24 pounds , and Explore Air 2 is the lighter one with just 17 pounds . The Cricut Maker eases ahead ever so slightly of the Explore Air 2 in the ease of use stakes — although we do think that both are very easy to master with a little practice. Champagne, Blue, and green. Would I have to purchase those images/fonts again through the software? I was blindsided by my ancient cricut dying and salvaging my investment in the cartridges. I sat these machines side by side for a one on one comparison. I don’t like to play favorites, but it’s hard to deny that the Silhouette Cameo and Cricut cutters hold a special place in my heart! Most of them were mentioned on the comparison table. If I could use it at all I am assuming it would limit my use, but by how much? Another important but often overlooked feature is how portable are these machines? Deciding which one to buy. The Cricut Explore Air 2 retails for $249 I have seen it as low as $179 on Black Friday. Do they both use different colors when printing? We do think that you get a lot of bang for your buck here, but there’s no doubt that that’s a significant sum to lay down on a new cutter. Some people prefer to select them on the software. The debossing will bring your projects to a whole new level because of the detail you can now add to your designs. It’s the perfect tool for thick materials and deep cuts. Conclusion? This is great if you are into planner stickers, patterns, card making, etc. Our posts may contain affiliate links where we are compensated for purchases you make. This is very helpful information. It’s 100% Free for my daydreamers (aka subscribers) check out a live preview here, or get access here. However smh I really want both but I know I also have to buy the press, so I am limited as my total budget is $500. have been contemplating on which cutter is the best.. The clue is in the name: the Maker is a machine for makers. If you’re looking for something a bit nimbler, the Explore Air is probably more your thing. Cricut Explore Air 2 Silhouette Cameo 4; Perfect Use: DIY Craft Projects: DIY Craft Projects: Max Material Width: 12 inches : 12 inches: Max Material Length: 24 inches: 24 inches (with mat) Up to 10 feet (without mat) Max Cutting Force: 400 grams: 5,000 grams: Material Compatibility: 100+ Materials: 100+ Materials: Software: Design Space: … There are also bundles on Amazon with extra tools that will help you get started. If you’ve got a question on any machine with a servo motor, make sure you come straight to me! I purchased the Maker! Winner: Cricut Maker. We’ll be totally upfront: we think that both are excellent stand alone machines and we’re pretty sure you’ll be happy if you buy either of them. However, the Maker can cut them faster, better, and with more precision. Don’t use this blade for any other type of material. The biggest difference in the machines is that the maker has a new adaptive tool system. If you are cutting fabric for masks which should not be backed, no the Explore 2 would not be the best choice. Does this mean that I would not be able to use all my cartridges that I bought for my Expression? Did I read on your review correctly that only the explore does that? I sat these machines side by side for a one on one comparison. It depends on what you want to create and most importantly what you think you will create in the future. From simple to complex. I hear great things about the Maker, but I am struggling with the cost. Maybe at some point they will come up with a blade for more intricate cuts.have you tried the deep point blade? The Explore Air 2 is still an amazing machine that works well for those that want to be able to cut papers, vinyl and fabric with bonding! Pretty damn cool. It helped me a great deal! Cricut Joy ; Cricut Maker; Cricut Explore Air 2; Legacy machines that aren’t being sold anymore include Cricut Gypsy, Cricut Cake, Cricut Personal, Cricut Expression, and the Cricut Expression 2. Explore Air 2: Cutting Fabric. Calling all Cricut owners! Do any of the Cricut machines do this? It’s straightforward to use and allows you plenty of editing options so you can really personalize your designs. As another added bonus, the Maker is also able to work with some really sophisticated new blades: the Rotary blade and the Knife blade. That’s an easy answer: the Cricut Maker wins by a landslide. Don’t dismay, though. We’ve always had to use a separate fabric cutter to get the best cuts. Check out all of the details so you see the potential of this machine. Will a explore 2 be able to cut the fabric I”m looking to cut, just a cotton blend, it doesn’t have a backing. – Cricut Maker vs. Air Explore 2. If you have the adapter you will link them once. I am definitely a cutter, not a maker! I hope this helps . Good question! The same will happen with other different types of knives. First let me say, it is extraordinary what these machines can do. It’s got double the amount of storage space and even space to charge your phone or tablet. As long as you do that I think you should be fine! It’s a good midway point between the lower cost and simplicity of the Joy, and the larger size and advanced versatility of the Maker. The “Foil Transfer Kit” allows you to create beautiful and crisp foil effects on your projects. These things can get quite expensive. However, don’t be discouraged I went through the same thing and this is why I have written multiple articles to help you with your Cricut Journey! 2x Faster Cutting and Writing. I just purchase the Explorer 2 now I wish I would have got the machine .I wish I would have read this before. The list of materials that the Maker can cut is extensive. Most projects I’ve made so far can be made with the Explore Air 2. This machine will be perfectly sufficient for crafters that stick to thin materials and don’t require any specialist intervention. The Scoring Wheel is a tool that allows you to create beautiful, edgy, and crispy folds on your materials. I corrected the table! Only the Cricut Maker can do this with the Engraving Tip and the quick swap housing. The harder the material – sweet potato – the most pressure and even bigger knife you will need to succeed. Adaptive Tool System: This system is what makes the Maker 10X stronger than any of the Explore Family Machines. All the extra force that the Maker is capable of is only available when using the knife blade though, correct? Cricut Design Space is cloud-based so you can design on your phone and tablet, as well as your computer. Disclosure: VCM uses affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. Since the Maker is 10x stronger, that’s how you get the 4000. I was so amazed it peaked my interest; but I purchased a Maker. 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