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The Ultimate Guide to Cricut Explore Air 2 Blades

Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Maker are the most widely used die-cutting machines. People often get confused between their blades as they both come with double tool holders. Use the right Blade for your project if you want the best results. But it can be overwhelming for a beginner to figure out the right CricutExplore Air 2 blades. In this blog, we will educate you on different types of blades compatible with Cricut Explore Air and how to calibrate them.

Different Types Of Cricut Explore Air 2 Blades

The Cricut Explore 2 is compatible with three types of blades. These blades come color-coded, so you can easily identify them. All three mats are designed for different materials, so you must choose the appropriate cutting mat.

Type One: Fine-Point Blade

The fine-point Blade is a multifunctional blade designed to make intricate cuts on various thin to medium-weight materials, including paper, sticker paper, vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, faux leather, suede, infusible ink transfer sheets, and smart materials. Previously fine-point Blade was called the Premium German Carbide blade, made from German carbide steel.

The fine-point Blade comes pre-installed with the Explore Air 2 and Maker series. The housing is available in two colors, gold, and silver. It has a 45-degree point and can easily handle most cutting jobs. Generally, the fine-point Blade generally works best with the StandardGrip or blue LightGrip, mat.

Type Two: Deep-Point Blade

The machine does not include deep-point bade, so purchase the blades and housing separately. You must use the Blade with the deep-point blade housing only. Its blade housing comes only in black. It is compatible with both Explore 2 and Maker series. The deep-point Blade is much stronger and more durable than fine-point blades.

The Blade has a 60-degree angle and is designed to cut heavier and thicker materials such as cardboard, chipboard, craft foam, genuine leather, magnet sheets, stiffened felt, and wood veneer. The deep-point Blade works best with the purple, strong grip mat.

Type Three: Bonded-Fabric Blade

The bonded-fabric Blade is a fine-point blade made from premium German carbide steel. The Blade is designed to cut bonded or stabilized fabric. The Blade is compatible with Cricut Explore 2 and Cricut Maker series. Its housing is pink, so you don't mix it with paper-cutting blades. You can use a Pink Fabric Grip mat or the green StandardGrip mat to cut fabric with the bonded-fabric Blade.

How to Replace the Explore Air 2 Blade?

If the blades have worn out and you cannot achieve the desired cuts, you must replace the old ones with the new ones. You can place the order from Cricut’s official website. But first, you need to have a basic knowledge of The Cricut Explore mechanism; only then can you correctly replace the Cricut Explore Air 2. The Explore Air 2 comes with a double tool holder allowing you to cut and score or cut and draw without needing to change the tools between operations.

A clamp on each side of the tool holder secures the tool in place. The left tool holder is A, and the right one is B. The Clamp A holds accessories such as pens and markers. Whereas all types of blades and scoring Styli go in Clamp B. First, to change any of the blades mentioned above, unclamp Clamp B and pull the blade housing straight up. At the top of the blade housing, depress the plunger to remove the Blade, which will protrude from the top of the blade housing.

Out of the blade housing, carefully pull the Blade down. Carefully remove the protective cover from the new Blade to install the new Blade, as these blades are very sharp. Carefully insert the new Blade into the blade housing; the magnet inside will hold the Blade in place. The blade end should be facing outwards. Replace the blade housing and close Clamp B.

How to Calibrate the Cricut Explore Air 2?

When the Explore Air 2 cannot make proper cuts, and you are unsure what the problem is, you can calibrate your Cricut machine. The calibration process may sound complicated, but the process is simple and only takes a few minutes. You must open the Cricut Design Space app to calibrate your Cricut machine. Then in your canvas, choose the icon at the top left of the screen. It will expand the Cricut menu and choose 'Calibration.’ Next, print the calibration sheet with your printer.

Then place the sheet on a LightGrip mat with the squares and lines facing upwards. Press the 'Continue' button to load the mat in your Cricut machine. Once the machine cuts the design, Design Space will prompt you to examine the line to determine the most accurate one. Select the number and letter that fits the center of the line and tap the 'Continue' button. The machine will cut out the larger square in the center of the piece of paper, and with that, the Explore will finish calibrating.

FAQs

Is Cricut Rotary Blade compatible with Cricut Explore 2?

No, the Cricut Rotary Blade is exclusively designed for the Cricut Maker series. It is not compatible with Cricut Explore 2. The Blade works with Adaptive Tool System, and Cricut Explore doesn't have that feature.

Is Scoring Stylus a blade?

The scoring Stylus is not a blade but an accessory that goes in clamp A of the printer. It's shaped like a pen and used to score or fold lines to paper and cardstock projects.

 

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cricut design space setup

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