Cricut Cutting Help

[mommytotwo]

I just recieved my Cricut yesterday, and have been experimenting with it. But, my papers don't cut properly. I have used both cardstock, and thin scrapbooking paper in various sizes, speeds, and blade settings. I had wasted so much paper already . Can anyone help me.
And if anyone has tips on anything, especially on telling me how to make my mat sticky again...my paper keeps moving. That would be great.

 

[fimac]

Have you watched the video's on the cricut website ? It might give you an idea were your problem is. I found them very helpful for finding out all the things that the cricut can do.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

Some folks have had luck using baby wipes - but not the aloe or lotion ones. Don't ask.

I am very fond of the painter tape method. The blue, quick release paper. I put it on all the sides just a bit on the paper and then on the mat. Pressing it firmly to the mat. That helps with the sliding.

Some paper cuts better than others. That is just trial and error I guess. The less fiberous or cloth like, the better it cuts.

Hopefully someone else will have better advice. I bought an assortment pack of paper at Hobby Lobby and just used it to practice with. Taking note of brands & textures that worked and what didn't and used that as my base when buying the stuff I would really want to use. I still make mistakes though.

 

[123SA]

I am very surprised that you would need to make your mat sticky again if you just got your cricut yesterday. Did you use construction paper? That is the worst on mats in my opinion.

First -- the plastic sheet that covers your mat is NOT the same on both sides. Before you take it off for the first time, write on it with a sharpie --TOP is what I write. Here's a hint -- if the sharpie ink beads up -- that's the part that goes onto the mat. Nothing wrecks a mat like putting the top sheet on wrong -- it really rips off the stickiness. ANother way -- just put a little bit onto the corner - -the wrong way sticks to the mat.

Make sure you are really pressing the paper onto the mat -- more pressure as your mat loses stickiness.

For bazzill textured cardstock, I use the highest speed, or next to highest, depth 6, highest pressure.

For regular weight, non textured cardstock -- like the kind that comes in the value packs from ACM,Ms,Js -- depth 5, presssure next to highest, speed highest

I find paper hard to cut -- I have to slow down the speed, blade depth 3, pressure 3 or 4. I use older mats for paper -- too sticky is not good. I often has unsuccessful cut while I figure out the settings.

If I want to keep using a mat that isn't very sticky, I just tape the paper in place with my ATG gun.

 

[123SA]

Hey AWM -- check out the OP's post count!

 

[mommytotwo]

Hey AWM -- check out the OP's post count!

 

[mommytotwo]

Thank you both for the advice. I read elsewhere that there were sets of mats that were not made properly, so maybe I had gotten a defect as well.

Ann, I will try the baby wipes.

123SA-no, I did not use construction paper, but do realize about the fiberous papers. That is a good tip.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

Hey AWM -- check out the OP's post count!

Sorry Patsy.
She teasing me. I made a big deal about hitting 13,000 and you have WAY more than me.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

Thank you both for the advice. I read elsewhere that there were sets of mats that were not made properly, so maybe I had gotten a defect as well.

Ann, I will try the baby wipes.

123SA-no, I did not use construction paper, but do realize about the fiberous papers. That is a good tip.

Unfortunately getting the defective ones is still a possibility. I have a mat that used TWO times and was no longer sticky. It was sticky as all get out the first time and ripped everything I tried to get off of it.

 

[mommytotwo]

Unfortunately getting the defective ones is still a possibility. I have a mat that used TWO times and was no longer sticky. It was sticky as all get out the first time and ripped everything I tried to get off of it.

IC, thank you for clarifying that Ann.

 

[123SA]

Hey AWM -- check out the OP's post count!

Sorry Patsy.
She teasing me. I made a big deal about hitting 13,000 and you have WAY more than me.

Oohh -- I was teasing Ann. I'm sorry!

 

[Mawnna]

MTT

Try cutting with the pressure high or max and the blade set on 4 or 5. Some people don't realize (I didn't at first) that the blade housing has numbers on it also, and is typically set at 3. Everything is trial and error for depth and pressure.

As for the mat. When your mat is no longer sticky or if you received a defective one clean it off well (make sure there are no "paper bits" on it and then get a jumbo tip two way glue stick and restick your mat. Start at the top and INSIDE the mat area reglue your mat. When you've reach the bottom of the cutting area lay it aside and let it dry. Once it's dried then you can use it again.

It's real important to not get the glue outside the cutting area because it'll get on your rollers.

Hope this helps.