Today I ran a few test on Balsa and Bass wood. I like the results. Keep in mind that I am using the standard blade that came with the machine. I have ordered the deep cut housing and blades, so I am assuming I will get even better results once I have installed the "correct" blade.
Results based on this test: The Cricut Explore Air does a great job making precise cuts to simple shapes. Using the standard blade, a deep pressure setting and running the machine around each shape 5 times still did not produce cuts that went through the 1/16 thick wood, but with a little help from a sharp Xacto knife the shapes easily released.
Next Test - Deep Housing unit with Deep Cut Blade
Testing Photos...
Balsawood, Deep Pressure Setting with 5 runs using the standard blade.
Balsawood purchased from Michaels |
After the Cricut Cut. The little dots are from rods that hold the material in place. I tried to move them, but it seems as though they are glued in position (can lightly sand, as they are not deep) |
The cut did not go through the back of the wood, keep in mind that I am using the standard blade and housing. I will test again once I receive the deep cut housing and blade. |
After I ran a sharp Xacto knife through the cuts, the shapes popped right out. |
Close up of the Balsa cuts using the Cricut Explore Air (standard blade) with the help of a super sharp Xacto knife. |
This is when I started getting really excited. The Basswood cuts are GREAT! Again, this is using the standard blade.
Basswood, Deep Pressure Setting with 5 runs using the standard blade.
Basswood purchased from Michaels |
I used painters tape at the ends to avoid the wood from moving while cutting…just in case. |
After the Cricut Explore cuts…just PERFECT, less dots too! |
Back side of Basswood after cutting with standard blade. Used my sharp Xacto knife, gently following the cuts. The shapes popped out. |
Super clean shapes. |
Close up….SUPER HAPPY MINIATURE ARTIST! |