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What is the Difference between Cricut Machines: A Guide

After writing this article on the differences between Cricut Machines, I’ve received a lot of positive feedback on people like yourself starting their Cricut journey.

Do you want to know everything about a Cricut Machine?

If yes and further if you are also interested in knowing more about the features, functions and other such interesting pieces of information about Cricut, then you are perhaps in the right place. We will try and find answers to the same over the next few lines. We are sure it will be enlightening and informative. It will help them to get clarifications on some common doubts that are related to Cricut machines.

What Is A Cricut Cutter?

Put in simple words, when we talk about a Cricut cutter, we are referring to a machine that is vital when it comes to cutting various types of materials. They are useful for cutting items required for craft projects such as vinyl, paper, card stock, and a few others. In fact there are some other Cricut machines that are capable of cutting fabric, leather, wood and more such items. Hence, this could further expand the scope and limit for those who are looking for what is a Cricut used for and how to use it.

What Is A Circut Used For?

As I mentioned above, there are many ways and means in which Circut machines can be used. It may not be possible for us to talk about the various uses of these vinyl cutting machines. However, we will try and list down some of the major uses of these machines.

  • A Cricut machine is commonly used for making customized and handmade cards. These come in handy during some special occasions like birthdays, New Year and Halloween and other such special occasions.
  • If you want to design a logo for your T-shirt, then you have many reasons to have a Cricut Machine at home.
  • There are many people who struggle making leather bracelets. It will become quite simple and they will be able to save a lot of time using these unique machines.
  • If you are a student and are looking for some special letters and fun shapes, you can make use of a Cricut Machine. The machine will help you to come out with amazing cutouts and shapes and they will be perfect.
  • Have you tried making party decorations? You may be finding it tough making it using conventional methods and approaches. A Cricut machine may go a long way in making the whole thing simple and easy for you.
  • Many people use these machines for making those one of a kind Christmas ornaments.
  • You could also make your tumbler, cup and mug look attractive by adding some decoration to it.

As you can see there are a lot of things a Cricut can be used for. If you spend time researching pinterest you will be able to come across many other uses of Cricut machines.

What Is The Difference Between Cricut Machines?

Let us now try and understand the answer to the question what is the difference between cricut machines. Let us begin by understanding that there are three major types of machines. They are Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker.

Cricut Joy

Cricut Joy Machine - Compact and Portable DIY Machine For Quick Vinyl, HTV Iron On and Paper Projects | Makes Custom Decals, Custom T Shirt Designs, Personalized Greeting Cards, and Label Maker

The first one is a compact and versatile machine and it has some stunning features. It is almost 50% the size of the other two machines. It comes with a pen holder and single blade and it has a cut width of 4.5 inches. It can cut up to 20 feet in a single movement and that is awesome. It is capable of making different types of cards for different occasions.

Cricut Maker

Cricut Maker, Champagne

The Cricut Maker is considered to be the most advanced and top of the line model it is similar to the Explore range but it has a number of other added features. It has gone through a complete redesign from the bottom up. It is suited for cutting unbounded fabric and it makes use of tiny Rotary Blades. It also can be used for cutting felt

Explore Air

Cricut Explore Air 2, Mint

Finally Cutting Explore is a value for money Cricut machine and it is often considered to be a workhorse of a machine. It is capable of cutting through cardstock, vinyl, iron on, leather, suede, and around 100 other materials. However, it may not be able to cut thicker materials that the Cricut Maker range can, but it nonetheless is a fantastic machine for the price at which it is available.

Do You Need A Computer To Use A Cricut?

While you may not need to buy a new computer for working on your Cricut machine, there are some things you will need for your computer or laptop to have.  You need a computer that has the required resources to handle the extra burden that will be imposed by these machines on the hardware resources. There are a few things that you must keep in mind.

The system that you are using must certainly have the right hardware configurations. The machines do work on Mac as well as Windows computers. You also need to have Android and IoS operating systems available as part of hardware resources.

So yes, you do need a computer, laptop, or tablet to use a Cricut Machine.

Is a Cricut Wireless?

Having a Cricut machine that is wireless is a huge plus.  The Explore One And Explore Model requires a wireless connection to operate them. However, this is not the case with the Explore Air 1st model as well as the second models. These have inbuilt Bluetooth modules in them. The older models of course need a wireless connection to operate the machine.

Wrapping it up

There is no doubt that there are some obvious benefits and advantages when you do your research and buy the right model of Cricut machines. They are built to perform and they are robust, and some models are considered to be solid workhorses.

They are hugely versatile and can be used for a host of cutting, shaping and other such purposes.

They can be used both in homes and also offices and commercial establishments. They are also priced reasonably and therefore you can be sure that you will be able to get the best value for money.

And they will be able to make a big difference to all types of cutting and other related activities.

About Maker Industry

Joshua Garcia, Founder

Hi, I'm Joshua. I created Maker Industry to share my passion for maker tools and help others learn about 3D printing, CNC systems, laser cutting and more. Learn More