- ART AND CRAFT CUTTING MADE SIMPLE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS - Designed...
- CUTS 100+ MATERIALS WITH EASE – The included Premium Fine-Point...
- APP BASED CRAFTING TOOL WITH WIRELESS-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY -...
- KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT AND ORGANIZED - Machine comes with built-in...
- ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - Compatible with 6 tools for cutting,...
If you need Cricut Explore Air 2 reviews, look no more.To give you a thorough overview on this popular vinyl cutter, based on all kinds of different customer feedback. So let's jump right in.
What Is A Cricut Machine Used For?
A Cricut Explore Air 2 is a cutting tool that works up to twice as fast as previous models thanks to smart technology. It can cut over 1oo materials making it an endless list of project possibilities. This Cricut can cut almost anything from cardstock, to vinyl, to iron on, and even thicker materials as leather! You could also cut a pattern paper, glitter paper, poster board, bonded fabric and heat transfer vinyl.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 will allow you to create or upload a design on your computer, android app, smart phone or tablet. The device has Bluetooth for the wireless connection to whatever device you want to connect to and make whatever you want out of it. The great thing is to make cards, shadow boxes, puzzles, fun home decor signs, sewing and DIY projects!
The personal DIY cutting machine makes it more fun when making something creative and an expression of art. To help understand the cricut explore air 2, we have put together a comprehensive Cricut Explore Air 2 review. Read on!
About The Cricut Explore Air 2
Originally released in 2016, the Cricut Explore Air 2 really packs in the unique features and makes it a pretty fast and versatile cutter. When the machine was released, it sold out incredibly fast which confirms that it was one of the best vinyl cutting machines on the market.
Explore Air 2 is packed in a box which has 1 Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, 1 Cricut Design Space software and app, 1 German carbide premium blade, 1 USB cord, 1 power cord. It also has Accessory adapter, 100+ free images, 50+ free projects, cutting mat, Pen and cardstock sample.
Cricut Explore Air 2 Review
On first glance, the simple design of the Explore Air 2 may not excite you. Now, when you take a second look and look into all those features available right in that package, you see an effective DIY crafter’s tool.
The Explore Air 2 is designed to cut vinyl and a wealth of other materials (over 100 in fact) twice as fast as previous models. You can use it in two different modes, normal and fast, normal for everyday cutting and fast when you're in a hurry. Fast mode will be used by those using it to meet client deadlines.
You get a massive library of over 3,000 available images via their Design Space website, and if that's not enough, you can use your own images and patterns! Unparalleled printing power and lots of flexibility is what you get with the Explore Air 2.
On the other hand, when it comes to its flexibility the Explore Air 2 is supported by a huge range of different devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. And that’s why, if you are working on project from a personal computer, you can walk away and come back to work on it from your phone. It also liberates the user from almost anywhere to design and print.
With the Cricut, you can have it cut with amazing precision. Plane is perfect for cutting more delicate patterns, like the stationery designs, or even more intricate, like snowflake designs, for those that want to cut stuff.
The Explore Air 2, however, isn’t much of a complaint; it is limited by only executing jobs while connected to the Design Space website. And for those with limited constant access to internet this probably isn’t the cutter you want.
1. Design
Cricut machines are very well designed and well thought out. It’ll look gorgeous on your desk, but cutting should be simple. Curved and elegant layout, it comes in an incredible number of colors you could choose from. These colors are most common mint, black, sky blue and persimmon, fuchsia, cherry blossom, raspberry, boysenberry, sunflower, peacock, cobalt, merlot, lilac, coral, pale blue and many more.
Furthermore, the Explore Air 2 delivers fully functional features which are reliable, easy, and quick to use. At the touch of a button it effortlessly opens. In addition, this cutting machine has a double tool holder and storage tray for accessory. One of the most attractive vinyl cutters you can find, the Cricut Explore Air 2 is amazingly attractive.
2. Size And Weight
If you opt for this vinyl cutting machine, the unit will be on the average size and quite certainly heavy. 7 x 8 x 8 x 7 x 8 x 6 weighing around 14 pounds. 24 x 9. 5x 9. 5 dimensions. The cutting width is 11.5 inches as well and cuts iron on vinyl easily. You find most people thinking that Cricut machines are heavy and cannot move around the machine. But the Cricut Explore Air 2 has bested the other machines, possibly because they utilize better materials.
At first, these Cricut crafts machines were utilized for both heavy and light duty, commercially and for home use in most cases. They are not the biggest in terms of cutting with or cutting depth, but you can bet they are blazing fast. The critical thing to consider here is that the cutters cutting width can be reducing on a depending on the machine or depending on which function you have taken.
3. Cricut Design Space Software
Cricut Design Space is free online software where you can choose of thousands of pre made designed or upload Scalable Vector Graphics files of your own choice. All of operating systems – Windows, IOS, Mac, and Android are designed for the Cricut design space. To find the beautiful photos for your project, the design space app, you only have to go to the Ready to Make page.
There are many benefits and only one major drawback of the design space. However, one of the advantages of this design space is it doesn't need installation and can be used basically on any device possible without an issue with compatibility. Along with their design space, many images, fonts, projects, and the ability to design lace stationery, vinyl cardstock and various other snowflake designs are provided.
Another thing is that you can make vinyl decals with the use of SVG files without any hassle and create whatever you want. Additionally, it comes with superb privacy settings that guarantee your work is very safe. The only real disadvantage is that you do need internet access to use the design space software.
Set in order to cut anything with Cricut Cutting Machines you absolutely need to have Cricut design space. Cricut design space software is very user friendly and very easy manageable software. Another huge advantage of the Cricut Explore Air 2 is if the design space doesn’t have what you need, you could use a whole bunch of different types of software.
4. Connectivity
The Cricut explore air 2 is among the easiest-to-use machines to connect to the device wirelessly. The Explore Air 2 has Bluetooth technology, which means that you can now control your machine via your smart devices. Additionally you can connect to an Android app or an IOS app, and you would have Cricut access at your fingertips.
Wireless connectivity is the best for one reason – it diminishes the chances of accidents, and especially when you are around tiny kids or pets at home. Additionally, if you have cables messed up around you could also accidentally pull your Cricut explore air machine and even get it broken which makes wireless connectivity an additional benefit.
5. Cricut Maker Adaptive Tool System
The Cricut Adaptive Tool System is incomparable to the Cricut Maker. You are able to swap out blades or tips without changing the housing. What makes this cutting machine different from the other machines in the market is their Cricut Adaptive Tool System.
With this adaptive tool system, you can plan out where you’d like to move and know you can interchange tools when you want to make a turn, which only offers more precise cutting. The system will also have 10 x cutting force – that’s 10 times as much force as you provide at home – so you’ll be able to do even more complex projects.
6. Cutting Force
The cutting Force is another factor that makes the Cricut Explore Air 2 stand out. In most cutting machines the cutting power is limited to 210g, a lot less than has this machine can handle. The Cricut Explore Air 2 is great, but it’s not the only machine out there. There are very few such as Brother's Scan and Cut and Cricut Maker match the Cricut Explore Air 2.
7. Speed
The Explore Air 2 has a dual carriage where you use the blade and a Cricut pen at the same time, making it faster. The cutter has a 350g cutting force and can cut through various materials 4 inch thick in just a matter of seconds. The regular models of the machine cut twice as fast as the regular models. It will cut through thicknesses of up to 1.5 millimeters.
8. Noise Level
The noise level of this craft cutter is acceptable compared to other cutting machines in th market. It is whisper quiet and will cut at whatever time you want. But make no mistake, you’ll discover that the Cricut Explore Air 2 can be a tad noisier from new, but it gets better with time.
Cricut Explore Air 2 Accessories
Here are some of the accessories you could purchase alongside your Cricut maker:
1. Cricut Blades
Different blades will help to make your own Cricut from the different cuts. The best thing is that all Cricut blades are compatible with all blades. For example, with Cricut explore air 2, we know you could use the blade come with the machine named fine point blade, bonded fabric blade, or deep point bade which you have to purchase one yourself.
A) Fine Point Blade
- ????INSPIRE CREATIVITY???? Our fine point blade is the best...
- ????HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS???? The premium fine point blade and...
- ????LIGHTWEIGHT AND ANTI-RUST???? The premium fine point cutting...
- ????WIDELY APPLICATION???? The premium fine point cutting blade...
- ????APPLICABLE MACHINES???? The premium fine point blade and...
It has a fine point blade for cutting lightweight materials, such as vinyl decals, iron-on, poster board or card stock. So the blades are fine and they are made from super durable German Carbide that also cuts pretty quick. The nice thing about these blades is you can use them for most Vinyl and Paper projects (at least for medium weight materials).
B) Bonded Fabric Blade
- [Bonded-Fabric Blade]---Aosry bonded-fabric blade is compatible...
- [Recommended Cutting Materials]---Aosry bonded-fabric blade is...
- [Sharp Blade+Sturdy Housing]---Aosry bonded-fabric blade includes...
- [Easy to Use and Install]---Aosry bonded fabric blade comes with...
- [Cuts Precise and Clean]---Aosry bonded fabric blade makes...
The bonded fabric blade is designed to cut through fabric. It is made using German Carbide, making it long lasting. The Bonded blade will cut any lightweight material. And this would be the best blade for sewing projects and appliqués. Moreover, there are more than 50 projects you can do with the blades.
C) Deep-Point Blade
- SEAMLESS CUTTING FOR YOUR CRAFTS - Cut designs of your choice...
- HARD AND DURABLE GERMAN STEEL - The deep-point blade has a...
- COMPATIBLE WITH CRICUT MACHINE - The deep cutting blade and...
- NUMEROUS CUTTING OPTIONS - This blade cuts through the chipboard,...
- BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS RIGHT IN YOUR HOME - Cricut accessories are...
On the other hand, Deep cut Blade is made for cutting thick materials. Use the deep pointed blade to cut materials such as leather, stiff felt or magnet. The best thing with this blade is that it can cut thick materials or almost everything that you may require. Whereas, it cuts the solid materials which can not be cut by the fine pointe blade. The best part is the Deep cut blade is able to cut thicker materials up to 2.4 mm thickness.
2. Cricut Weeding Tools
- Tools Scissors cut cleanly with a micro-tip blade and provide...
- Tweezers are designed with a reverse grip feature, enabling them...
- Scraper tools is custom designed to scrape and clean unwanted...
- Spatula will precisely lift images from the cutting mat,...
- Weeder tools is perfect for removing tiny cuts, including...
3. Cutting Mat
- REUSABLE CUTTING MATS FOR SEAMLESS CUTTING - Enjoy smooth,...
- STRONG ADHESION, LONG LIFE - Each Cricut mat is designed to offer...
- VERSATILE USABILITY - Carefully engineered to take on a wide...
- PACK OF THREE - The pack consists of 3 Cricut StandardGrip...
- COMPATIBLE WITH CRICUT MACHINE - The easy-to-use Cricut Cutting...
The cutting mats are important accessories you must have each time you use the cutting machine. Different materials and grip strengths of mats are used and vary in size. Cutting mats come in 12×12 sizes and 12×24 sizes.
There are different colors of the cutting mats, and you can use the colors to distinguish their grips. The light grip blue mats are usually the light grip mats that will cut through paper, cardstock, washi sheets, wrapping paper or construction paper. Medium or standard grip mats (green mats), for instance, can cut through materials such as vinyl, iron-on and cardstock. But be sure to take note of all the details below if you are planning on using those mats too. It is the strong mat that will cut through leather, wood, chipboard, magnet, suede, fabric or glitter cardstock purple mat. Last, the pink mat is the cutting through fabric fabric!
There’s light, standard, strong, fabric grip of cutting mats. If you want a properly fine pointed blade, you’ll be able to use the light grip, but if you’re looking for a mat to do your general projects, the standard grip is the best option. You want a firm grip if you use deep pointed blades.
4. Cricut Pens
- [Pens for Cricut Maker 3]--Xinart dual tip pens for cricut are...
- [33 Colors,Dual Tip Pens for Cricut ] Xinart pens set for cricut...
- [Multi Purpose] Xinart pens for cricut maker 3 are fabulous for...
- [Premium Quality Ink ] Xinart medium point markers pens for...
- [Organized Storage]---The pens for cricut explore air 2 storage...
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a machine that coed with a double tool holder that lets you hold your pen and blade with the same time. By using the Cricut pens, you won’t have to alter the structure, and you’ll have to buy them separately.
And if you think using the pen and the blade at the same time sounds good, you’ve got to have the pens. If you also like to make signs, invitations or cards, then we suggest that you have different Cricut pen colors on hand.
5. Scoring Stylus
- DODODUM Scoring Stylus is for Cricut Explore/Air 2/Maker.
- DODODUM Scoring Stylus is prefect Score fold lines for cards,...
- DODODUM Scoring Stylus Very convenient to use,You can cut and...
- DODODUM Scoring Stylus is for Cricut can make your work more...
The Scoring Stylus are accessories that will let you use the Cricut Exprole Air 2 machine to score fold lines for envelopes or cards. With the scoring stylus you can use your Cricut machine to do many projects.
Specialty Cricut Materials
When you get the Cricut cutting machines, you’re going to need a couple of items you can use to get prepared to make projects. The smart cutting machines could cut through tons of material. Moreover, almost all cutting machines have blades of German Carbide that will cut through any type of materials so easily.
Its the suitable materials you need according to the kind of blade you have been (deep point or fine point blade). If you are a beginner the materials that you can use on them are Adhesive Vinyl, Paper, Cardstock, Iron–On or Heat Transfer Vinyl.
1. Adhesive Vinyl
- SAVE MONEY! BEST PRICED PACKAGE! 12” X 12” INCH VINYL 40...
- HIGH QUALITY ADHESIVE BACKING AND LINER to protect the adhesive...
- LIFETIME SATISFACTION GUARANTEE OR YOUR MONEY BACK. If unhappy...
- THIN BUT STRONG, DURABLE vinyl sheets. We've covered all corners...
- COMES FLAT AND READY TO USE WITH ALL CUTTERS. Unlike Vinyl rolls,...
The adhesive vinyl is one of the commonly used materials, and they are different types of these materials that include essential, premium outdoor, patterned, mosaic, glitter, stencil or premium removable.
2. Heat Transfer Vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl is another material you need to have when you want to use the best material. Under this category are some of the different materials such as every day, foil, patterned, mesh, mosaic and sportFlex.
3. Paper And Cardstock
- 65 lb Cardstock
- Assorted Colors 10 sheets of each color
- 8.5
- Acid free and free
- 65 lbs - 176 gsm
If you need to make cards, the other ubiquitous material you need to own is paper and cardstock. Scrap books, foil embossed, cardstock and poster boards make up this category. This is the best material if you love papercrafts, again.
4. Maker-Only Materials
- Material: 30% Wool Blend+70% Rayon, High Quality Acrylic Craft...
- Thick: approx 1.4 mm / 0.055 inch
- Innovative, non-woven fabric, easy to cut, fold, glue, sew and...
- Perfect for cutting into shapes, making costumes, decorations,...
If you are looking for some extra special projects, you can’t go wrong with the maker only materials. People that are familiar with these materials used them. Among chipboard, leather felt, corrugated cardboard, wood, kraft boards and aluminum are these materials. Note that this is a material that should be used with the deep point blade that cuts through thick materials.
How Do I Use The Cricut Explore Air 2?
When you have purchased your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, and it's time to start creating your crafts, you could use the steps to ensure you get the best out of your machine.
- The first thing you should have is that make ensure your machine is correctly set up in the space of design that you want to work in. That being said if you have a laid out working area you have to find room for the machine. Avoid accidents by placing it properly.
- Next move on to creating your design space in the Cricut. Or you could choose to get designs from the Cricut image library or some free library that the Cricut has.
- When you pick the design or the images, you could set the design or the images to size. When you have the image well sized you can go to ‘Make It’.
- Just pick the right material when you click on to make it. In this section, the use of material that you will use should be left to your personal preference. But the blades you have might influence the material you use. And with the fine point blades, for instance if that’s all you have, you have to use your lightest materials because a fine point blade doesn’t really cut heavy materials.
- Once you do decide on the material of what you will use, then you will decide on the matt. Early we also discussed the mat, of which your pick will depend on the blade you have. So, you know you have the blade and the mat, so you place the mat in position.
- Make sure the mat is set up, then you can go ahead and turn on the smart set dial on the Cricut machine itself. You can leave this in custom, as it will be chosen in the design space.
- After that, you will need to be aligning the cutting mat and placing the end of the mat in the cutting machine. Next you want to pull the double side arrow and push it until it's all the way down loading the cutting mat into the machine.
- Once that’s done, check the design space screen to see which tools you need to use to load into the machine. The kind of design you settle for will basically determine the tools you are going to use. Working with complex crafts, you must use several tools for the perfect result.
- When done you will get your craft ready on the flashing C in minutes, and you will have to clip on the flashing C.
- Once the cutting is complete you will need to click the double side arrow to unload or remove the mat. When that’s done, you’ll have your complete craft.
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
If you are a beginner or are interested in vinyl cutting at the hobby level, the Explore Air 2 is the perfect machine for you. It’s fast, gives you loads of free designs and is accurate. Being connected to the internet however, holds it back, but it wins bonus points for how flexible it is. The great thing is that if you want a cheaper version of these machines, then the Cricut Joy fits the bill and is great even for beginners.
Cricut’s Explore Air 2 is the best Cricut Machine around, and represents exceptional value for money. It also turns out to be an easy to use, reliable and versatile cutter, used for creating what you may have imagined in your project. Secondly, it has to be a machine that has a well thought out storage compartment. The Cricut Air 2 remains a great deal for beginners and hobbyists.
