There are multiple features to consider when you are finding the right vinyl cutting machine. We did all the work for our readers to help them so that you can make an informed decision. We have tested the best machines on the market and examined the technical specifications and other features of the vinyl cutting machines. Below you will find the best vinyl cutting machines on the market. We will also provide you with a buying guide and will offer you all the information that you need to buy the best machine for your needs.
Vinyl Cutting Machine Reviews
1. Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint – Best for Home Use
Technology: The Cricut Explore Air 2 comes with wireless Bluetooth technology, and you can connect to it from a mobile device. The machine allows you to create and upload designs from your tablet, smartphone, or computer.
Settings: It comes with a Smart Set dial that makes it very easy to control the device’s settings.
Cutting: You can cut more than 100 types of materials with this machine. The users can cut vinyl to leather.
Double tool holder: It is equipped with a double tool holder, which allows the users for cutting and scoring, or cutting and writing in a single step.
Adjustable cutting: The adjustable cutting and writing speeds of this machine make it a highly versatile one.
My Opinion
Pros: The Cricut Explore Air 2 has a maximum cutting size of 12 x 24 inches, which is a good enough cutting space for hobbyist crafters.
Cons: The machine is a bit noisy, and it only works with the Cricut design space software
2. Cricut Maker, Rose – Best Cheap Vinyl Cutter
Rotatory cutter: This Cricut machine features a superior rotary cutter that allows you to make an extra-deep cut.
Versatile: It gives users the freedom to navigate through a wide variety of projects, including vinyl decals, paper crafts, and iron-on.
Knife blade: This machine’s powerful knife blade is sold separately and slices thorough, heavier materials quickly. It is a must buy and makes it easy to tackle sewing and quilting projects.
Tool system: Its adaptive tool system controls the blade direction automatically and offers enhanced precision. The machine also provides cloud-based storage, so you don’t have to store your files in cartridges.
App: It comes with its app, making it easy for you to layout your project on your smartphone device or computer and uploads your designs for extra versatility.
Our Opinion:
Pros: The Cricut Maker can support all standard media formats, and it is straightforward to use for a beginner and a professional.
Cons: The knife blade is sold separately, and that adds extra cost to the price of the machine
3. Brother CM350 Electronic Cutting Machine – Best Features
Quality: Brother has produced the machine, and it is a brand famous for its printers and scanners. The Brother ScanNCut 2 CM350 offers a scanner’s functionality and a perfect a vinyl cutting machine.
Cutting: It is one of the few devices that come with an inbuilt scanner. This feature is quite handy and can help you scan your designs from hand-drawn sketches or other sources.
Connectivity: The ScanNCut supports wireless design transfer, and you don’t have to connect it next to your computer.
Software: It is equipped with ScanNCut Canvas software to transfer your tablet and computer designs straight to cutting using Bluetooth or USB cable.
Touchscreen: The Brother CM350 is equipped with a large color touchscreen and makes it easy to select functions. It also allows on-screen editing functions and allows you to edit your designs before cutting.
My Opinion
Pros: The machine is compatible with PCs running on Windows Vista and features a built-in 300 DPI scanner that allows the user to scan everything.
Cons: The machine lacks MAC compatibility.
4. Silhouette CAMEO 3 Wireless Cutting Machine – Best Vinyl Cutting Machine for T-Shirts
Small businesses: The Silhouette Cameo 3 is one of the best choices out there for small businesses. It features built-in Bluetooth technology, and the machine can connect to your computer or tablet wirelessly.
USB cable: It has got a suitable USB cable connectivity option for extra versatility. Three-blade options will help you work with various materials to suit the needs of individual projects.
Table: The standard blade is suitable for cutting thin and thick materials; the auto blade can adjust the force and depth that is required to match the material automatically. The deep cut blade is an ideal choice for cutting thick materials. The best thing about this machine is that it is compatible with both PC and Mac computers.
Dual cartilage: It features a dual-carriage, and it helps work with two tools at the same time. The Silhouette PixScan technology will allow the user to cut around any printed image with precision and quality. It is ideal for digitizing a stamp collection or making a cut from a hand-drawn sketch.
Versatile: The vinyl cutter is the best machine for small business owners, and the customer reviews are good. It will allow you to create designs for a wide range of projects, including personalized party pieces, custom apparel, and unique home décor pieces.
My Opinion
Pros: Feel assured that there will be no worry about the thickness of the material before cutting as the AutoBlade system will handle the cuts easily.
Cons: The cutting force of this machine can be slow at times.
5. Gemini by Crafter’s Vinyl cutting Machine – Best Performance
Sleek: Gemini vinyl cutting machine sports a sleek and low-profile design. It uses higher pressure as compared to other machines in its range. It comes equipped with a selection of buttons for easy use. This die-cutting and embossing machine can work with vinyl and any embossing folder or thin die.
Easy to use: The machine is easy to use. You have to load your favorite folder or die between the plates and send it easily with the push of a button. The pause, resume, and reverse buttons are the essential features that make the die cutter very easy to operate.
Capable: It works well for card makers, scrappers, and anyone who likes DIY arts and crafts and collages. It seems to be a perfect choice for cutting vinyl. It may not be a suitable choice for commercial use but can be ideal for small businesses that only need to work with the machines occasionally.
Multiple dies: It will help to use multiple dies at the same time. The pause button will take the worry away from the mind because you can check your combinations regularly. The reverse button will be suitable for creating smaller dies.
My Opinion
Pros: The machine has got multiple buttons for extra control. It can also make various dies at once
Cons: It can cause trouble while cutting metal dies.
6. US28-inch Vinyl Cutter – Editor’s Choice
Versatile: The US vinyl cutting machine is a suitable choice for vinyl cutting hobbyists and small signage businesses. It is a semi-commercial cutter that can be used for signage purposes and vinyl cutting. You can also cut various other materials, including paper, cardstock, paint mask, or heat transfer vinyl.
Width: It will easily cut a maximum width of 30.83 inches and a length of a full 30.63 inches. It is equipped with the Vinyl Master Cut software, and the best thing is that it is compatible with Windows.
Software: Using the software, you can produce a wide range of logos, lettering, pinstriping, and many more. There is also a vast available collection of fonts. You can play with objects and curves while creating unique designs.
Suitable for signage: The cutter may not be good enough for handling tough jobs, but it does an excellent job of creating or delivering simple signage. The machine comes inside the package with a lot of other accessories. It includes a variety of vinyl supplies and tools, three blades, and it quite durable.
Pinch roller: The adjustable pinch rollers of this machine offer excellent precision cutting. Many users have stated that the device works best when working with small batches of vinyl. It is one of the best cheap vinyl cutters.
My Opinion
Pros: The machine is perfect for vinyl cutting that is precise and clean. It is also suitable for significant cuts.
Cons: It isn’t easy to set up.
BUYING GUIDE
If you have not bought a vinyl cutting machine before, it can be difficult for you to pick the best machine because they come with a sheer number of specifications. There are hundreds of models available, and it is essential to consider the vital specs and features that you should be spending your money on.
Cutting Force
A vinyl cutting machine’s cutting force is a significant factor to consider because it determines how precise your cut will be. It also determines what kind of materials the machine can work with. Cutting force isn’t very important for home use and is more critical for a professional workshop cutter.
Cutting Size
The cutting size is the length and width of the material you can cut with. The models like the Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut materials of up to 12 x 24 inches, which is enough for home projects.
Vinyl Cutter Dimensions
The dimensions of the machine are essential if you don’t have much space to work in. Most devices have 23 x 7 x 6 inches, which would fit perfectly on your desk.
Materials it’s Compatible With
Decide what types of materials you will cut because all models can’t miss a wide range of materials. Most of the cutters can work well with everyday materials, including vinyl, cardboard, paper, or fabric for sewing or quilting. However, if you are interested in cutting thin metal, leather, or balsa wood, choose some heavy-duty machines.
Connection Available
Not all vinyl cutting machines are featured with wireless connectivity. Do check this feature before purchase because models with Bluetooth connectivity come with their app and are easy to use.
FAQS
How to choose a vinyl cutter?
If you don’t have any experience using vinyl cutters, you should choose a basic model to experiment with different materials, and isn’t expensive. The primary machines offer excellent quality and intuitive design that is perfectly suitable for beginners.
What is the advantage of Bluetooth connection for the vinyl cutter?
If you have a Bluetooth connection equipped with your vinyl cutter, it will be easy to work on designs on your laptop, tablet, or even Smartphone. You can also send the finished file to the edge while sitting on your sofa.
Is the vinyl cutting machine safe for kids to use?
Vinyl cutting machines are perfectly safe for children but make sure you supervise them. Many machines are easy to operate, and kids can handle them well.
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