Start Adding Tech to your Makerspace with Craft Cutting Machines

If you are thinking of adding electronic tools to cut and shape materials to your makerspace, skip the laser cutter and get a craft cutter. People like the idea of having  3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, but they are expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. They can also have a much steeper learning curve than a craft cutter, both for the machine and the software. Craft cutters are a great entry into the world of electronic tools. They will give you the ability to help your students get familiar with this area of technology and with the software that runs these tools. Here is a list of all the advantages of craft cutting machines:

• They are inexpensive and available from many sources.
• Craft cutting machines are plug and play.  They don’t need any venting, coolants, or lubricants. All they require are a cutting mat and a blade.
• There are thousands of online ready-to-make projects.
• There are hundreds of online tutorials.
• They cut a variety of materials;  paper, cardboard, vinyl, leather, and chipboard to name a few. There are things they can’t cut, like thicker pieces of wood, so ask your students if they can substitute something else.

The two machines that are the most popular are the Cricut Maker and the Silhouette Cameo 4.

Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker has a shorter learning curve and it costs around $400.

Silhouette Cameo

The Silhouette Cameo 4 is a little harder upfront, but it gives you more flexibility in using your own designs for cutting. It costs around $300.