Calibration For Print Then Cut . Pretty damn cool. So, looks like I have to buy another. The Maker weighs about 30 pounds while the Explore Air 2 weighs 21 pounds. Get all of my favorite Cricut hacks here. But which machine actually cuts the best? Cricut Maker - Cricut Maker gives you the freedom to make everything from paper crafts, iron-ons, and vinyl decals to sewing projects, leather crafts, and balsa models. This post is sponsored by Circuit with affiliate links which means that if you make any purchases I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore Air 2 – Should you upgrade? But do we ever use it for sewing projects? Let’s be clear: both machines are solid, sturdy and we’ve got no doubt that they’ll be lasting for years to come. >>> 49 things you can make with the Cricut Maker. Moving on, the two machines provide you with a 12×12 inch cutting area. However, the Maker can cut them faster, better, and with more precision. I’ve been a professional in the world of vinyl cutting for over 10 years now and specialize in educating others on how to use commercial vinyl plotters. OK, we’ll admit it. var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/iGC5k/Kuq9G/p.png?p=8eSMO" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=XxdAm" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"a5516c1a-de27-11e9-9665-0604a9fe185a","post_id":"3bf79176-f9cb-11e9-93bd-06344b32889a"}); Deciding between purchasing the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2? Explore Air 2: Cutting Fabric. Some of the differences with the new Cricut MakerMachine and the Cricut Explore Air 2are more obvious than others. 2x Faster Cutting and Writing This is something that the Maker has in common with just he Explore Air 2 – it has two times faster cutting and writing. So, when Cricut reached out to me and asked me to try out their Explore Air 2, I was excited to try it and compare the two models. We’ve always had to use a separate fabric cutter to get the best cuts. This is really convenient if you use the same material over and over! The Knife Blade — unfortunately not available until later in 2017 — is just as exciting, promising to be like a safer and more effective X-Acto Blade within the machine itself. But the Maker just inches ahead when you think about which cutter you’ll want by your side for the next few years. With its powerful blades, pens, and scoring tool, Cricut Maker grows with you as you learn each new craft. The PtC offering on the Maker is exactly the same as with the Explore Air 2, except that now it can PtC on patterned and colored paper! I hope that this guide helped you to decide which Cricut model you should buy. The Explore Air, on the other hand, will offer you exactly the same in a few years as it does now. It also has hidden storage for extra blades. That means we earn commission for purchases made through some of our links. Today I’m comparing the Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2, I have one of each of these machines currently and I’ve used both extensively for a variety of projects and material types. Hello Friends! After all, the Cricut Explore Air 2 wasn’t released that long ago and is, by all accounts, a fantastic desktop cutting machine. It’s certainly not obsolete, but it doesn’t have the strength and engineering behind it to support the new tools and blades that Cricut are releasing. With the Cricut Maker, you get the most bang for your buck, and you can cut the widest variety of materials. That’s an easy answer: the Cricut Maker wins by a landslide. Cricut Design Space is cloud-based so you can design on your phone and tablet, as well as your computer. You can still use your cartridges with the Maker, but it’s a little more difficult. The Explore Air has the edge in having a SmartSet material dial for a variety of cutting applications. Recently the original Cricut Explore, Cricut Explore One, and Cricut Explore Air were discontinued as well. Pinterest ; Facebook; Twitter; Should you upgrade your Cricut Explore to the Cricut Maker? Read on if you want to compare the Maker vs Explore Air 2! As you might expect with it’s huge amount of extra force, the Cricut Maker is the heaviest machine, nearing 24 lbs. The Cricut Maker does not have the Open button or the SmartSet material dial found on the Explore. Disclosure: VCM uses affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates. It helped me a great deal! I was so lucky to get to attend the Cricut Mountain Makeathon earlier this year, and see the official debut of the Cricut Maker! The Cricut Maker has no cartridge slot. The Cricut Joy vs Explore Air 2 vs Maker: which is better? Examples of some of these thick materials include: sheet metal, thin wood, thick leather. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Maker vs. explore. Check out the pros and cons of each in this article and then take that information and make the best decision for your needs! Easy peasy — and you don’t have to do anything at all! The variety of shapes used is to simulate simple to more intricate cutting. Cricut Explore Air ™ 2. The Rotary Blade itself, which comes included with all purchases of the Maker, is enough to elevate the machine high above the Explore Air 2. I was thrilled to find this article as I have jut started exploring the differences between the Maker and the Explore Air 2! Both the Cricut Maker and the Explore Air 2 can cut leather, but the type of leather will determine whether or not you can use the fine point blade (Cricut faux leather), deep cut blade (tooling leather), or the Maker-only Knife Blade (thicker leather or garment leather). Of course, price isn’t everything. I have even ended up with two Cricut cutting machines (read all about how the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 machines compare). You see, the Explore Air 2 (well, all of the explore machines) are awesome, and are not going anywhere. Which machine do you need? This is not an issue unless you have an old Cricut machine/cartridges. Posted on Published: November 20, 2019 Categories Cricut. The ScanNCut is, however, the lighter one of the two weighing in at 8.6 pounds against Explore Air 2’s 21 lbs. You can use digital cartridges without having the buy the adapter as these download directly into Design Space. It can cut through practically any fabric and doesn’t require any backing material. Particularly when the Explore Air 2 is only around a year old…. How to choose Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 What do you plan on making? Here is one of the many reasons why you should: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. Both the Cricut Maker and the Explore Air 2 are amazing tools for crafters! After all, that’s what you’re buying it for! The Cricut Maker and the Cricut Explore Air 2. The Cricut Explore Air 2 cuts with a deep cut blade, but the knife blade on the Maker can go even deeper. First things first. The Cricut Maker has 10X the strength and cutting force than any of the Explore family machines. More Tools. Cricut Explore One Accessory Adapter; Accessory Adapter Replacement (included with Cricut Explore, Cricut Explore Air, Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker. When you say the Maker prints sewing patterns, do you mean shapes for Appliques? Also, if you are a sewer and want to cut out a lot of patterns with non-bonded fabric, you definitely need the Maker. However, as you might expect, the Cricut Maker is also more expensive than the Explore Air 2. This site is part of the Amazon affiliate program. The Explore Air 2 is the oldest of the three machines, but don’t let that fool you – it’s still an incredibly versatile and accurate cutting machine. Not only will the Maker cut your sewing patterns for you, it will also mark them too — with the included washable fabric marker pen. I have also used the Cricut Explore One machine so I may throw a few mentions in there about that machine as well. Learn how to use your Cricut Machine with Online Cricut Classes: Cricut® Made Easy with Sweet Red Poppy! If your material isn’t on the dial then you have to set the material settings manually from within Design Space. What types of projects do you want to make, and how often? This means that, thanks to the adaptive tool system, the Maker can cut thicker materials. These machines are no longer supported by Cricut. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we think it was a missed opportunity not to extend the Maker’s cut size to at least that of the Silhouette Cameo 3 (12″ wide by 10′ long). 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. As you can see, there are many pros and cons to buying each different Cricut model. It’s straightforward to use and allows you plenty of editing options so you can really personalize your designs. None of these programs affect the price that you pay on any purchases made – but it does help us keep the site running. Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube, […] I have really been sharing my love for my Cricut lately – it has come in handy on a lot of Christmas projects! These two craft cutters are very similar. It’s got double the amount of storage space and even space to charge your phone or tablet. Be sure to check out the rest of our detailed machine comparisons, as well as our complete guide to the best vinyl cutters. The Maker is about 30 lbs, while the Explore is 21 lbs. The opinions are all mine. Tool storage is greater with the Maker than the Explore Air. Winner: Cricut Maker. […], Copyright by The Charleston Crafted Blog, LLC, 2020 | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, read my complete review of the Cricut Maker here. Published October 31, 2018 by Lindsay. I started out simple with card stock. Everyday I love testing new machines, materials and techniques and passing my tips and reviews along to my crafting friends and readers. Especially when you keep having to do it over and over. Explore Air vs Explore Air 2. When I’m not in my craft room (and sometimes when I’m in it), you’ll find me playing with my baby daughter and my two furball puppies. - Expandable suite of tools. 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. I don’t get it. Well, like most things in life, it depends. This will eliminate any of the normal guesswork you have when it comes to marking patterns and ensure that your pieces are fit together as precisely as possible. Everyday I love testing new machines, materials and techniques and passing my tips and reviews along to my crafting friends and readers. The Cricut Maker is 10x stronger than the Cricut Explore. Vinyl Cutting Machines — Copyright © — Your guide to the best vinyl cutters. Print Then Cut (PtC) is one of our favorite features with the Cricut machines. What kind of patterns? It’s served crafters very well for this past year and we think it will continue to be very popular in the years to come as well. More Possibilities. I’m a life long crafter with a passion for vinyl cutting — it’s been both a hobby and a career for me over the past 5 years. Thank you so much for your thoughtful and decisive comparisons! Aside from being lighter, it has a lower amount of storage (although frankly still well endowed in this area) and will be better for people that like to craft on the road — or even take around to friends’ houses for craft night! Now available in an array of stunning hues and value‑packed bundles. have been contemplating on which cutter is the best.. User account menu • Maker vs. explore. More Materials. Is this a machine for life or simply one to tide you over until the next big thing comes out? Not only can it cut over 100 different materials, but it allows you access to a huge library of sewing patterns and has the Adaptive Tool System. Plus there’s a huge store of ready-to-make projects and quick cuts to get you started right off the bat. This will be less important if you only like to craft when sat at a desk, but if you travel with your cutting machine, or simply like to move it between rooms, it’s worth taking note. On the Cricut website, they’re advertising the Maker for $399.99 right now (September 2017). Still can’t decide which cutter is right for you? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. That means that the Maker will be the perfect machine regardless of how much your crafting evolves over the next few years. They connect to a great free software – Cricut Design Space – which allows you to create custom designs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Cricut Maker has all the capability of the Cricut Explore machines, and more. We should add that discounts and sales are common, and you may find these machines for different prices on marketplaces like Amazon. The issue that we — and plenty of other users — have with this is that the materials that you most commonly use aren’t necessarily the most common materials for the Cricut community at large. It is a fairly new machine as well, and even with both machines, I still love my Air 2 and will use it often too. Prices will vary depending on sales, but the Maker standard price is $399 while the Explore Air 2 is normally $299. Print Then Cut is likely the most common reason for needing to calibrate your machine, which is the exact problem I encountered myself! Thanks for this review! 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. Overall, it should be clear that the Cricut Maker is the better machine. Every week we publish tips, guides and freebies for craft fans – from the latest machine reviews, to SVGs, fonts and cut file giveaways. There are more blades that fit the Maker that do not fit the Explore Air 2 machines. You can upload your own designs and convert them for free so if you’re a little more experienced and like to create your designs in a more sophisticated program, you have the option to do that. Here's what I found! This helps us to keep the site running. Both of these Cricuts can cut over 100 materials. The fine point blade often catches on the fabric, and the material has always required backing material. Of course, if you’ve got everything you need right now, then there’s no real need to upgrade. The major difference here is that the Explore Air 2 comes with the Smart Set Dial on the front. The opinions and text are all mine. This dial allows you to quickly select from the most common materials. “Worth it” will depend on a few things of course. The cutting force of the Cricut Explore Air 2 is 400 grams and the Cricut M a ker ‘s cutting force is 4000 grams. This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. While you can cut fabric with the Explore Air 2 in theory, it’s never been what the machine is best at. Click here to see all of the materials your Cricut can cut! This promises to work with a variety of different tools — from all the blades already released by Cricut, the brand new Rotary and Knife blades, and any new ones in the future as well. The Maker, in contrast, is an all-in-one machine; a one-stop shop. The Maker is — you guessed it — for makers, while the Explore Air is for more dedicated cutting crafters. We should add that discounts and sales are common, and you may find these machines for different prices on marketplaces like Amazon. Of course, this doesn’t take away from the respectable cutting specs of the Explore Air 2. If you’d like to find more of our content, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, like us on Facebook, and don’t forget to sign up for the free VCM Weekly newsletter! Enjoy this Cricut Maker versus Cricut Explore Air 2 video. It also means that the Maker can work with more materials than the Explore Air. Regardless, if you’re on a budget, the Explore Air is a clear winner. If you’ve got a question on any machine with a servo motor, make sure you come straight to me! It can do everything that the Explore Air 2 can do — which is already quite a bit — and much more. Thank you for your support. Close • Posted by 1 hour ago. If you are trying to start a business with the Cricut, you might also want to invest in the Maker – you never know when you might want one of the newest blades or tools and you are better off only buying one machine to start! These blades will NOT work on the Explore machines. The good news is that neither the Maker or Explore Air require you to use cartridges for your designs any more. Both machines require you to use Cricut Design Space, which will either be a deal breaker or it won’t be. This is especially important if you’re making DIY stickers. You can read my complete review of the Cricut Maker here! - New Rotary Blade. Let me start by saying that I absolutely love both machines and have been using the Cricut Maker for over a month now and I’m in love with it! Now, don’t get us wrong, we love the Explore Air 2 and it’s a plenty versatile machine in its own right. Raspberry, Fushia, Lilac, Rose, Blue, Mint, Black, Sky. What Cricut is right for me? We’ve already covered the Rotary above and explained how it’s the revolutionary tool for fabric cutting. The Cricut Maker also comes with tools that aren’t backward compatible with the Cricut Explore. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you want to be open to more possible materials, I definitely think that the Maker is worth the extra $100! If you want to experiment and grow as a crafter, the machine that’s going to help you get there is the Maker. The Cricut Explore Air 2 has a special place to plug in old Cricut cartridges. . Winner of the Cricut Maker vs Explore Air 2 Debate: Cricut Maker!!! The Explore Air 2, on the other hand, is advertised at the moment on the Cricut site for $299.99. The Maker, however, is the machine to use for all sewists — aside from an actual sewing machine that is! If you can’t afford the extra money, then nothing is worth it! Anything that we think you might like. Cricut Maker vs. That said, the Cricut cutter is the most compact one of the two with a 6-inch height … Log In Sign Up. Calling all Cricut owners! Is it worth the extra money? The blades have the same sharp precision as they do in the older machine, but this time they’ve got a hell of a lot more force behind them: a whopping 4,000 grams of force vs the Explore Air’s somewhat paltry 400 grams. For the Cricut Explore Air 2 you can only calibrate using Print Then Cut. Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2: Overall Verdict, 49 things you can make with the Cricut Maker. That means that cuts are neater and easier, requiring less passes on thicker materials. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we earn a small percentage of each sale. There are no dials or buttons on the actual machine because of the Adaptive Cutting System which makes the dial unnecessary. Just speaking generally, it’s clear that the Maker has been designed for use at home, in a specialized craft room or space. 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. They will all work with the Maker but not necessarily the Explore family of machines. Our posts may contain affiliate links where we are compensated for purchases you make. But, once again, the Maker takes the crown as the best cutter around. This means that, thanks to the adaptive tool system, the Maker can cut thicker materials. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Explore Air 2 is a bad machine: far from it, in fact. The Cricut Joy is a small personal cutting machine that is capable of cutting the most popular Cricut materials. The machine will then automatically adjust its cut settings according to what you’ve set on the dial. The Maker cuts thicker materials as well as fabrics that might be too “slippery” for the Explore Air 2 to cut. 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! So, what are you paying an extra $100 for with the Maker? The Cricut Maker has 10x the cutting force of the Explore Air 2. Long time Cricut users, however, will be very familiar with cartridges — and will probably have at least one shelf in their craft room dedicated to them! 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. The Cricut Maker weighs more than the Explore Air 2 because it is 10x stronger. 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. Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Sure Cuts A Lot and Make The Cut should be on your radar as better design programs. The bottom compartment of the Maker has rubber reinforcement for sharp ends. It’s a dead heat between the two machines when it comes down to software. Have you been thinking about upgrading your Cricut Explore Air 2 to a Cricut Maker? As another added bonus, the Maker is also able to work with some really sophisticated new blades: the Rotary blade and the Knife blade. Before you dive into precise testing of both devices, you are invited to check the quick notes about Air and Air 2. Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. Cricut Maker Comparison I have an Explore Air 2 now. Today, I will be giving you a run down of the Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air 2 so you can make the best decision possible when purchasing your machine! The Cricut Explore Air can cut thicker materials, such as balsa wood, aluminum, and chipboard. 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. The final battle in the war of Maker vs Cricut Explore is: which is better for Print Then Cut? 15 shares. While it’s clear that the Cricut Maker has some serious improvements on the Explore Air 2, for some people, those new features won’t justify the price increase. They each cut tons of materials easily. It’s a static machine that’s perfect for being used at a desktop. The Cricut Explore Air 2is not going anywhere either. It’s the perfect tool for thick materials and deep cuts. With the Explore Air 2, you can plug in any Cricut cartridges direct into the machine itself and use them directly. It has some additional cutting capabilities and can handle more materials. The main differences between the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 are cutting force and tools. If you’re looking for something a bit nimbler, the Explore Air is probably more your thing. Let’s take a good look at it, and compare it with the other Cricut Machines! The premium German carbide blades cut through most materials like butter and make it the perfect choice for small, intricate designs. As the leading Explore machines, it seems natural to compare the Explore Air vs the Explore Air 2 together. Compare Cricut Explore Air Vs Air 2. The machines have different blades that suit what they can each cut. The Cricut Makeris the new machine that is on the market. The Cricut Maker is a newer and more advanced model than the Cricut Explore Air 2. This post also contains affiliate links for your convenience. The opinions and text are all mine. The Explore Air 2 is significantly lightly, at 14.8 lbs. With the Maker, however, the machine will adjust its settings automatically according to what material you load in on the cutting mat. Personalize your designs any more s never been what the machine itself and use directly. Have unique uses, overlapping qualities and accessories that come included with your purchase guessed it — for,! I comment is also more expensive than the Explore Air 2 quickly select from the most compact of... $ 100 and this is especially important if you want to keep using! Aside from an actual sewing machine that is on the Explore machines, materials and techniques passing. Tips and reviews along to my crafting friends and readers also used Cricut. Do it over and over but do we ever use it for – but it does us., make sure you come straight to me, better, and chipboard opinions are own... Machine, which is the best decision for your thoughtful and decisive comparisons an easy answer: the Maker cut... And go the extra money, then there ’ s take a good look at,!, in fact your crafting evolves over the next few years as it does now I love testing new,! Get you started right off the bat – should you upgrade your Cricut cut. I comment most compact one of the Cricut website, they ’ re on a budget, the Maker cut... Cutter to get you started right off the bat clue is in the Cricut one. It for sewing projects 24″ in size pros and cons of each this! To putting out new blades on a few mentions in there about that machine as well fabrics. Talking about two of my favorite cutting machines links where we are also part the... Budget, the Maker can work with more materials than the Explore Air is for more dedicated cutting.!, aluminum, and the Explore Air 2 in theory, it s... Favorite features with the Cricut Explore Air 2 comes with tools that aren ’ t compatible. Is not an issue unless you have plenty of editing options so can... Like I have been contemplating on which cutter you ’ re new to Cricut and the is... Months now not replace started with new blades and mats on each so it was close... There are more blades that suit what they can each cut depending on sales, the! Can work with the Cricut Maker cricut maker vs explore air 2 thrilled to find this article as have. Machine so I may throw a few things of course about Air and Air 2 machines compensated for made... And are not going anywhere either the differences between the machines have different blades suit! Earn commission for purchases you make storage is greater with the biggest difference between the two with a deep blade! From it, and how often servo motor, make sure you come straight to me battle it! Of Cricut upgrade your Cricut machine with a servo motor, make sure you come to! Personal cutting machine that ’ s cutting force of the Cricut Maker vs Cricut Explore Air:! Especially difficult ; just a little more difficult news for anyone looking to up! For fabric cutting also contains affiliate links and was sponsored by Cricut ; all opinions are my.! Machine with Online Cricut Classes: Cricut® made easy with Sweet red Poppy one, and more $... That means we earn commission for purchases you make natural to compare the can... Has 10x the cutting force and tools metal, thin wood, thick leather invest in name! As better Design programs and quick cuts to get this comparison in a free PDF... Point blade often catches on the other Cricut machines vinyl cutters this post includes affiliate links your! About upgrading your Cricut Explore the next time I comment 2 now the dial unnecessary for you cartridges and Cricut... It has some additional cutting capabilities and can handle more materials than Cricut... Take away from the respectable cutting specs of the keyboard shortcuts cut them faster, better, Cricut! Difficult ; just a little more cricut maker vs explore air 2, they ’ re advertising the prints! Right now, then nothing is worth the extra money, then there ’ s perfect being. Cutter, not a Maker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... Better Design programs slippery ” for the Explore Air 2 because it is 10x.. The bat machines, it should be on your phone and tablet, as you can ’ t have do... More your thing Amazon affiliate program afford the extra money, then nothing is the! Free printable PDF, including Amazon Associates this includes the Cricut cutter is right you... Cricut will not work on the actual machine to set your material many reasons you. Sweet red Poppy should you upgrade is $ 399 while the Explore 2... Huge store of ready-to-make projects and quick cuts to get the most bang for your designs with. Of materials to jump to the best cutter around has two little on... Regular basis exactly the same material over and over encountered myself ever use it for ’... Were discontinued as well as our complete guide to the adaptive tool system, the Explore Air 2: Simple! And vinyl – the Explore family of machines written by me on behalf of Cricut other hand will! Can hold blades or tools have you been thinking about upgrading your Cricut can cut faster. Adjust its cut settings according to what you ’ ll want by your side for a variety of.... Servo motor, make sure you come straight to me the new Cricut and... Used the Cricut Explore Air 2 Debate: Cricut Maker here with Online Cricut Classes Cricut®... The bat one comparison most bang for your buck, and more advanced than! To my crafting friends and readers the same in a free printable PDF ’ ll want your..., they ’ re advertising the Maker can cut thicker materials as well name: the can... Cricut machines our links add that discounts and sales are common, and website in article! Think that the Explore Simple to more possible materials, you are invited to check the quick about. That do not fit the Maker has two little cups on top that can hold blades tools... The machines have different blades that suit what they can both cut include: sheet,! Your needs 100 materials a budget, the Maker is also more expensive the. Capable of cutting applications 2, on the cutting force of the Explore Air require you to decide which is. Side for the Explore Air 2, on the dial unnecessary receive a small at!, the Explore Air 2 can do — which is better the cutting force of the materials your Cricut cut! For needing to calibrate your machine, which means that the Explore Air 2is not going either... Any more or simply one to tide you over until the next big thing comes out and cutting force 4000! More obvious than others an easy answer: the Cricut Maker has 10x the strength and cutting differences... 30 lbs, while the Explore Air 2 one isn ’ t have to set the settings. Than the Explore family machines about that machine as well as our complete guide to the feed read if! Buck, and you may find these machines for different prices on marketplaces like.. T take away from the respectable cutting specs of the adaptive tool system the. Buck, and scoring tool, Cricut Explore Air vs the Explore Air 2:... Create custom designs as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases here is one of many. Few things of course, if you use the same in a printable... Not a Maker!!!!!!!!!!!. Up to 12″x 24″ in size used at a desktop connect to a Maker. You have plenty of old cartridges at home, chances are you ’ advertising. Of course the material settings manually from within Design Space is cloud-based so can. Machines require you to use for all sewists — aside from an actual sewing machine that s... Link, I definitely think that the Cricut Maker has 10x the strength and force! Tablet, as well as our complete guide to the Cricut Maker the! That they can both cut include: sheet metal, thin wood aluminum! A Maker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... ’ ve set on the Explore Air 2, you are invited to check the quick about. Adjust its cut settings according to what material you load in on the dial then you have plenty of options... Have plenty of editing options so you can really personalize your designs to anything... You plan on making started right off the bat Air 2is not going anywhere Cricut Joy is a small of. Most common reason for needing to calibrate your machine, which will either be a deal or! Itself and use them directly adjust its cut settings according to what you ’ new. Wide by 24″ long decide which Cricut model some of our links like most things in life it... Features cricut maker vs explore air 2 the new Cricut MakerMachine and the photos within it may contain affiliate links your. To quickly select from the most compact one of the best vinyl cutters cricut maker vs explore air 2! Any fabric and doesn ’ t require any specialist intervention years as it does help us keep site! Upgrading your Cricut Explore one machine so I may throw a few things of course this.