Cricut Explore Air Testing...

I've been testing cuts on the new Cricut Explore Air I purchased this weekend. I mainly purchased the machine so that I can easily cut basic shapes for the wood work that I do. I thought it would allow for more precise cuts, less sanding and I can create several items at one time. So far I am super impressed with the results I have gotten from this cutter.

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. 

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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!