Using cricut or a similar cutting tool for masks

I used my daughter's Explore for several months and just upgraded to the Maker. Mostly I have used it to cut basswood shingle strips and a few other items out of styrene, like windows and doors. I have also made a few lettering stencils and masks. I used vinyl and transfer tape to keep the letters aligned, but I have heard some people used regular contact paper. I would think you could use any material you like that has adhesive to make a mask.

As for the software, I have always used third-party software like Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer to create a .svg file and upload that into the Cricut Design Space software and Design Space to make any necessary tweaks, but I know many people do everything in Design Space..

You might want to check out the Facebook "Modeling with the Cricut Explore" group, which has some people with a lot of experience using their Cricuts on a variety of projects. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModelingwiththeCricutExplorer/ 

Greg

My daughter uses a cricut machine to cut masks for sandblasting etching on glasses.  She uses Contact shelf covering material.  I had some of that in my workshop, so I tried that for a mask.  The material was fine- results showed my hurried and not-great artwork, however. I tried using my photo-editing software instead of CAD.  My old CAD software will not work on recent versions of Windows, and I have been trying new cheap CAD, without great luck.

I notice Micro Mark has a different brand but very similar machine in their catalog now.  And others are using a third brand yet, and successfully getting masks, but don't remember them saying what they used for material.

greghile

...You might want to check out the Facebook "Modeling with the Cricut Explore" group, which has some people with a lot of experience using their Cricuts on a variety of projects. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModelingwiththeCricutExplorer/ 

Looks like we have to join the group, to see anything there.  Probably not a big deal, but if you want to see anything, you'll have to join.

The Baron: yes, I forgot to mention that it is a closed group, but it’s not a problem to join. Took maybe a day for me to be approved.

Don: what CAD programs are you trying out? I use SketchUp for structures and am now moving to Fusion 360 for other components. Both are free and Fusion is a part of the Autodesk family.

Greg

I sent a request to join the group but no response yet. I just ordered a Cricut Air (the original version) Paid about $169 on the cricut website after $10 off for signing up for their email notifications. I have high hopes for the machine after spending time watching youtube videos and I think my kids should get some good use out of it too.

I'm mainly looking to cut my own masks. I'm thinking I would scan the decal sheet from my model and use photoshop to create PNG files from the scans and import them into the Cricut Design Space. I've already set up an account. The machine should be here in about a week or two so we'll see how it goes.

greghile

The Baron: yes, I forgot to mention that it is a closed group, but it’s not a problem to join. Took maybe a day for me to be approved.

Don: what CAD programs are you trying out? I use SketchUp for structures and am now moving to Fusion 360 for other components. Both are free and Fusion is a part of the Autodesk family.

Greg

 

I tried Sketchup, and didn't like it.  I will look up Fusion and maybe give it a try.  I used to use Autodesk's Autosketch and loved it.  Then they raised the price suddenly by a factor of three!  Too expensive now, if they even offer it.

Don if you are learning fusion 360 I recommend checking out Lars Christensen's youtube channel. As a complete CAD noobie I learned  a lot from watching him.

https://www.youtube.com/user/cadcamstuff

I agree. Lars is wonderful. Also, keep in mind that the full version of Fusion is totally free for hobbyists