3 best vinyl cutting machines

Vinyl cutting machines are versatile tools used in various crafting and creative endeavors, including scrapbooking, cardmaking, and home decor projects. These machines are also closely related to die cut machines, die cutting embossing, and other arts and crafts sewing tools.Here's some information about vinyl cutting machines:

Overview: Vinyl cutting machines, also known as vinyl cutters or plotter cutters, are electronic devices designed to precisely cut various materials, including vinyl, paper, cardstock, fabric, and even thin leather. They are commonly used by crafters, artists, and businesses to create custom designs and shapes.
Functionality: These machines operate by using a computer program or software to send precise cutting instructions to the machine. The vinyl cutter then moves a blade or a laser over the material, cutting it into the desired shape or pattern.
Materials: While vinyl is a primary material for these machines, they can also handle a wide range of other materials, making them highly versatile. Some machines are specialized for cutting thicker materials like balsa wood and chipboard.
Applications:
- Scrapbooking: Vinyl cutters can create intricate designs, titles, and embellishments for scrapbook pages.
- Cardmaking: Crafters use them to cut out cardstock shapes and intricate designs for greeting cards.
- Home Decor: Vinyl cutting machines are used to make custom decals, wall art, and labels for home decoration.
- Apparel: They are also employed in customizing clothing and accessories by cutting heat transfer vinyl for iron-on designs.
- Business Use: Many businesses use vinyl cutters for creating signage, logos, and labels.
Die Cutting and Embossing: Some vinyl cutting machines offer additional features like die cutting and embossing. Die cutting involves cutting shapes from materials, and embossing adds texture and design to surfaces.
Software Compatibility: Most vinyl cutting machines come with proprietary software that allows users to design their projects. Some machines are compatible with third-party design software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW.
Types of Vinyl Cutters:
- Desktop Cutters: These are small, compact machines suitable for hobbyists and home use.
- Wide-Format Cutters: Larger machines designed for professional and commercial applications.
- Craft Cutters: Compact and user-friendly, these are ideal for crafters and beginners.
Accessories: Various accessories and tools are available for vinyl cutting machines, including cutting mats, weeding tools, and different types of blades for various materials.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance includes cleaning the cutting blade and ensuring the machine is properly calibrated for precise cuts.
Cost: The price of vinyl cutting machines varies widely depending on the brand, size, and features. Entry-level models are affordable, while professional-grade machines can be more expensive.

In conclusion, vinyl cutting machines are valuable tools for crafters and businesses alike, allowing for precise and creative designs on a wide range of materials. They are versatile and offer various features to meet the needs of different users in the arts, crafts, and sewing communities.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best vinyl cutting machines on the market

Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint

Cricut

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cricut explore air 2 is a DIY Speed machine. This quick, smart cutting machine lets you make projects with over 100 different materials. Plus, save even more time with Cricut mobile Apps and predesigned projects.

CREATE MORE: The Cricut Explore Air 2 is your personal DIY cutting machine. It will flawlessly cut over 100+ different types of materials including premium vinyl, iron on and htv vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, adhesive foils, specialty paper, poster board and more
ENDLESS PROJECT POSSIBILITIES: The Cricut Explore Air 2 makes it so easy to create a wide arrange of DIY projects. Make custom stickers, personalized home decor, home-made gifts and party favors, unique greeting cards, custom designed apparel, and more
INCLUDED WITH MACHINE: Each machine includes a Cricut Premium Fine Point Blade and Housing, a Cricut 12 inch x12 inch Light Grip Adhesive Cutting Mat (perfect for vinyl and htv projects), a Cricut Black Fine Point Pen, access to Cricut's design software Design Space, and a 2 week free trial to Cricut Access
DESIGN FOR FREE: Upload or create and design your own images for free from your computer, tablet or mobile phone using Cricut's free design software design space. Enhance your design space experience by subscribing to Cricut Access, Cricut's vast library of over 100,000 images, fonts, and make it now projects and designs
BECOME A PART OF A COMMUNITY: We know it can be intimidating to start creating your first DIY projects, so don’t do it alone. When you buy a Cricut you become part of a close-knit community of crafters, makers and DIYers. There are dozens of groups across all social media platforms that allow our members to share tips, ask for help and share their projects and inspiration with an amazing community

User questions & answers

Question:	Can i use with a window based computer or does it have to be a MAC
Answer:	We just got out of a Cricut class tonight, 10/14/2019) at a local Michaels. We (my wife and I) both downloaded the DesignSpace software in class from the Cricut website to our Windows 10 laptops and after downloading a small Windows add-in, were able to launch DesignSpace, create and cut projects successfully from out laptops. We also had out Apple iPads and downloaded the Apple Store DesignSpace app and had no problem using them to design and cut. Can’t speak about the Mac though...
Question:	I am looking to get my first Cricut machine. Will the faster speed matter or should I save some money and get the previous version to learn on
Answer:	The only difference between the air1 and air2 is the speed of the cut and the color options for the machines. I have the air2 and I honestly haven't even tried the faster cutting option because I've been cutting really delicate things and I was afraid that it would rip the material at a faster speed. I guess this question depends on how much you would use it and for what. I don't, by any means, think the air1 is "slow".
Question:	I want a machine to cut out my own designs from photoshop/illustrator, I'm not interested in any of the library images etc. Can this do this, well
Answer:	Through personal experience, the Cricut Design Space software let’s you upload svg files, but not ai or eps. The best advice for cutting images from Illustrator is to use a USCutter instead, it uses a software called Sure Cuts A Lot and works with alot of file types (ai, eps, svg)
Question:	what are included in the box in addition to the mashineeverything you need to get started (what’s included in the box) • cricut explore air™ 2 machine
Answer:	here is whats included.....Cricut Explore Air 2 machineCricut Design Space software and appGerman carbide premium bladeUSB cord and power cordAccessory adapter100+ free images50+ free projectsGetting Started guidePen and cardstock sampleCricut 12″ x 12″ StandardGrip cutting mat

Product features

Cut

Cut intricate details with ultimate precision, from lace stationery designs to fine snowflakes and spider webs for holiday decor.

Write

Use Cricut Pens to make 'handwritten' cards and projects. Choose from over 370 fonts, or use a favorite font from your computer for free. Then sit back and watch Cricut Explore write away!

Score

With the Scoring Stylus, Cricut Explore machines create perfect fold lines for cards, envelopes, boxes, 3D paper crafts, acetate pinwheels, and much more.

Cut And Write Up to 2x Faster.

Make the most of every minute with the new Fast Mode – up to 2x faster cutting and writing for vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. Get it exclusively with the Cricut Explore Air 2.

Cut 100+ Different Materials.

This machine cuts everything–from thin vellum to thick leather. The Smart Set dial and custom material selection in Design Space put more than 80 different material settings at your fingertips.

Design Anytime. Anywhere.

Are you a designer? Then this one’s for you! Upload and cut out your own artwork absolutely free. Upload files, and turn your masterpieces into home decor, cards, gifts, fashion, and more. Design on your computer, iPad, or iPhone with Design Space–free, cloud-based, easy-to-use software that lets you edit, customize, and preview projects. Choose from ready-to-make projects and thousands of Cricut images, or upload your own designs. Download the Design Space app for iOS to craft on the go, and try our new offline feature to design without an Internet connection!

Your Designs. Our Tools. Endless Possibilities.

Are you a designer? Then this one’s for you! Upload and cut out your own artwork absolutely free. Upload files, and turn your masterpieces into home decor, cards, gifts, fashion, and more.

Go Wireless.

The Cricut Explore Air and Cricut Explore Air 2 offer wireless cutting, writing, and scoring with built-in Bluetooth.

Choose Your Image.

Find images for every project, holiday, and style in the Cricut Image Library! We offer more than 60,000 images.

Print Then Cut. Simple As That.

Print full-color images and patterns, then watch your Cricut Explore machine cut them out for you! There are more than 50,000 printable images and 920 printable patterns in Design Space. Or you can simply upload your own!

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Bundle Beginner Guide, Tool Kit, Vinyl Pack, Designs and Project Inspiration

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Cricut Explore Air 2 is Cricut's fastest cutting machine ever. Cut over 100 materials from paper to leather for a wide range of projects. Now it's faster and easier than ever to create personalized, professional looking DIY projects.

MACHINE BUNDLE: Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine bundle with tool kit and vinyl in assorted colors. Air 2 die-cutting machine cuts variety of materials from paper, iron-on and felt, making personalized diy home decor, indoor decals, wall signs, and more!
USER-FRIENDLY: Machine has built-in Bluetooth for wireless cutting, writing, and scoring. Smart Set dial adjusts to material. Upload images (.svg .jpg .png .bmp .gif) to Cricut Design Space online with an iPad app, computer, tablet, or smartphone.
ACCESSORIES: Tool Kit contains Spatula, Weeder, Scraper, Scissors, and Tweezers. 9x12 inch sheets Cricut Vinyl (colors vary) and 9x12 inch sheets Transfer Paper. Vinyl can be used for personalizing home decor to car decals and more!
BONUS: Getting Started Guide an electronic format e-book for beginner Cricut Explore Air 2 users. Tutorials and projects will help you create your first project! Digital guide will be emailed to you in PDF format (a printed copy is not available).
INCLUDES: Cricut Air 2 Machine; Blade; Accessory Adapter; USB cord US Power Cord). Getting started guide; Pen, 12x12 LightGrip; Tool Kit; 8 sheets vinyl, 2 transfer sheets; 12 Vinyl Designs (digital); Vinyl project inspiration ebook (digital).

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you put images on shoes
Answer:	I would reach out to customer service or the seller.
Question:	Will this work to create a cake topper
Answer:	Hello, Thank you for your question. This carrying case sized 24 x 7.75 x 6.5 inches, please measure your machine before purchasing. So sorry for the inconvenience. Please don't hesitate to contact with any further questions. Have a good day. Best,
Question:	How would you use this machine to decorate wine glasses
Answer:	Sorry, I don't know. Measure it and compare to the bag dimensions.
Question:	Do you need to be connect to a computer to use the cricut cartridges
Answer:	Hello, Thank you for your question. We are so sorry that these lightweight carrying bag can not fit silhouette cameo. We have another style can fit silhouette cameo 3, would you like to try it? Please see the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MZPQBGD?ref=myi_title_dp Please don't hesitate to contact with any further questions. Have a good day. Best, HOMEST EU DIRECT Customer Service Team

Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Silhouette Portrait

Silhouette Portrait 2 with Bluetooth and Autoblade
Cuts a variety of materials including: cardstock, fabric, heat transfer material, transparencies, paper, vellum, adhesive vinyland magnet paper
Mac and PC compatible software included
50 exclusive digital designs
Note: Kindly refer user manual before use

User questions & answers

Question:	How does it match up with the print outs on my paper to accurately cut out what is printed? Or is that not something it can do
Answer:	There are two ways that you can "print and cut". One is by using a special new mat called the PixScan that is available for it, and an app that goes with it on your phone. With that you can cut around anything...it doesn't have to be something you printed from the Silhouette software. It can be a stamped image, or handwriting, or whatever. The other way is by creating the file in Silhouette's Design Studio software and then adding registration marks to your document before printing it. The machine reads these to orient itself on the paper when you feed the paper into the Portrait to cut.
Question:	Can you use 8 1/2" paper even if it only cuts 8" or would you need to trim your paper to
Answer:	I have put 8 1/2 by 11 paper on the mat. You just cannot see all the numbers on the side but you do not have to cut it to 8 inches. Hope this helps. I absolutely love my Silhouette and I still do not even know how to use have of the items yet.
Question:	Will the software that comes with this print .ai files? Is there other software that will print out designs for this printer
Answer:	Not the software that comes with it. However you can buy Silhouette Connect software for $40 which allows you to cut directly in Adobe Illustrator. Would highly recommend using that program if you know Illustrator.
Question:	What will the Cameo do that the Portrait will not do
Answer:	I had purchased the Portrait, but found I was limited on what I could create since it's width is just 8 inches wide. Most of the paper or vinyl I wanted to use with the Portrait were at least 8 1/2 inches wide. So I bought the Cameo and I'm very happy with it. Other than the width limitation, they both operate the same way.