newbie cricut owner HELP!

[Macduffy]

I just received a cricut create for my birthday and have probably the silliest question anyone has ever asked. I chose a blade depth of 3 and it cut into my mat - I mean I could see what I chose to cut. I tried a depth of 2 (this is for regular scrapbook paper) but it didn't cut all the way through. So..... is it normal for the cricut mat to be cut so intricately when cutting?

 

[PrincessNancy96]

I have had that happen too... Just make sure you rotate your mat...

I usually use a depth of 4-5 on my blade especially w/ heavier cardstock..
I usually use a 2-3 on thin pattern paper

 

[LindaBabe]

I have had that happen too... Just make sure you rotate your mat...

I usually use a depth of 4-5 on my blade especially w/ heavier cardstock..
I usually use a 2-3 on thin pattern paper

That sounds right to me. Your mat will get marked up with cuts, but it doesn't really hurt it. My favorite mat has a 4 inch diagonal crack clean through it, but it still cuts like a dream.

 

[beaucoup]

Above Rubies Studio has a downloadable PDF file with every type & manufacturer of paper imaginable & the settings for it. I was ready to throw my Cricut out the window even after trying new mats & blades. It was neither. It was the settings!!!

The info is also available as an iPhone app from them.

AND she updates with new paper settings.

http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/the-cricut-cutting-guide/