Sonshine
04-19-2009, 07:24 AM
Went to CK convention yesterday, asked the Cricut demonstrator specifically how to cut chipboard with my "baby Cricut" as they now call them. (it's the original Cricut- not a new smaller version) I got some answers that I'd like to pass onto anyone that is interested in how to do this. Before I begin though, this is the main gripe I personally have with Cricut - they KNOW these things and don't bother to inform their users of it. In spite of other posts I've read regarding using the regular cutting blade and green housing, I'm going to assume here that you have the deep cut blade, and the deep cut housing (blue) just so we're on the same page.
You have to make multiple cuts into the chipboard. But you have to TRICK the Cricut to make sure it goes back to cut precisely in the same place, and here's how you trick your machine.
1. Set your Cricut cutting blade housing to 5.
2. Set your pressure dial on your machine to 5.
3. Load your chipboard and mat into machine.
4. Select something to cut.
5. Choose a size (bigger might be better while you're experimenting here.
6. Cut.
Now here's where you "trick" your Cricut to get it to go back to the exact same location:
7. After it cuts the first time, DO NOTHING. DO NOT UNLOAD YOUR PAPER - LEAVE IT RIGHT WHERE IT IS AND:
8. Hit Load Paper (yes, even though it's already in there!)
9. Hit REPEAT LAST
10. Hit CUT.
Repeat the above steps about 4 times to cut through completely.
**NOTE: If you hit UNLOAD just to check it - YOU CANNOT RE-LOAD AGAIN AND EXPECT IT TO GO TO THE SAME EXACT SPOT. Once you hit UNLOAD - you're done, whether the machine has cut through it or not. You're done. There's no going back for just a bit more cut at this point. So obviously it's better to just keep cutting. You'll soon know after experimenting how many times you'll have to repeat cutting. You should also hear a difference in the sound of the cutting too once it's cut completely.
How many times you repeat these steps is going to depend on A: the thickness of the chipboard you're cutting; B: how sharp your blade is.
Another good tip he gave for both sizes of machines - give some support to your chipboard and cutting mat while cutting by placing something under the mat to elevate it so it's level. This will prevent your chipboard from separating from the mat at the tail end.
If anyone's brave enough to attempt this with their regular cutting blade and green housing, I think we could all benefit from hearing of your success!
I hope this helps.
You have to make multiple cuts into the chipboard. But you have to TRICK the Cricut to make sure it goes back to cut precisely in the same place, and here's how you trick your machine.
1. Set your Cricut cutting blade housing to 5.
2. Set your pressure dial on your machine to 5.
3. Load your chipboard and mat into machine.
4. Select something to cut.
5. Choose a size (bigger might be better while you're experimenting here.
6. Cut.
Now here's where you "trick" your Cricut to get it to go back to the exact same location:
7. After it cuts the first time, DO NOTHING. DO NOT UNLOAD YOUR PAPER - LEAVE IT RIGHT WHERE IT IS AND:
8. Hit Load Paper (yes, even though it's already in there!)
9. Hit REPEAT LAST
10. Hit CUT.
Repeat the above steps about 4 times to cut through completely.
**NOTE: If you hit UNLOAD just to check it - YOU CANNOT RE-LOAD AGAIN AND EXPECT IT TO GO TO THE SAME EXACT SPOT. Once you hit UNLOAD - you're done, whether the machine has cut through it or not. You're done. There's no going back for just a bit more cut at this point. So obviously it's better to just keep cutting. You'll soon know after experimenting how many times you'll have to repeat cutting. You should also hear a difference in the sound of the cutting too once it's cut completely.
How many times you repeat these steps is going to depend on A: the thickness of the chipboard you're cutting; B: how sharp your blade is.
Another good tip he gave for both sizes of machines - give some support to your chipboard and cutting mat while cutting by placing something under the mat to elevate it so it's level. This will prevent your chipboard from separating from the mat at the tail end.
If anyone's brave enough to attempt this with their regular cutting blade and green housing, I think we could all benefit from hearing of your success!
I hope this helps.