I just bought a Cricut Expression and I am having a lot of trouble!! I bought cardstock to cut and it won’t cut through it! I have the blade on the highest setting and I have the unit on multi-cut 4 times, and it STILL won’t cut properly. Then, when I take the paper off of the cutting mat, it sticks to the mat so badly that the paper is ruined. Does anyone have this problem or know how to fix it? I am thinking of returning it immediately unless there are some tricks to using it that would help.

I too agree that it sounds like the blade housing is inserted wrong. It should be in the middle notched section so the bottom is almost flush with the machine. Also make sure that you actually have your blade inserted properly in the blade housing unit. I would remove it and and re-insert it just to be sure.

I had the baby bug and now have the expression on both models the mats have sometimes been an issue as to being too sticky. I usually take some heavy cardstock that is just an "extra" and apply it and pull it off a few time to break in the sticky mat. I would also recommend buying a cricut spatula($5) to help lift off the cut pieces.

I LOVE my expression and wouldn’t trade it for any other scrapbooking tool! I hope it gets fixed. If all else fails call provocraft Customer Service they are typically very helpful and they do stand behind their products. Or go to the Cricut site there is a message board there and everyone is always very helpful.

I’ve changed the speed and preasure, but It still doesn’t cut anything.

A friend of mine had the same problem – there was a blade guard on the blade itself – did you check that?

If not – make a quick call to their 800 number.

ADD: Another friend noticed that the blade was taped inside the machine and not even on the arm – did you check that?

What is every thing you need to use it.. mine came with 3 mats. i know you need cartridges what else do you need? do you need like ink and stuff?

Cutting out shapes is the machines main function. You do not need ink unless you plan to draw with it. you should have the sticky cutting mats and a blade You only need a cartridge if yours didn’t already come with one

I recently purchased a cricut die cutter. I am wondering if I need to purchase the tool kit to go with it.

When I looked at the nearly $30 tool kit for the Cricut, the tools seemed to be common, much like ones I already have in my scrapbooking supplies, with the exception of the mat scrapper. Does anyone own these tools, and can one get along without purchasing them?

but I wouldn’t buy the whole kit. I have it, and there are only two tools in it that I use. The first is the spatula, which can be purchased separately. The second is the tool that looks like a dental pick with a point on the end. I use that for punching out the small pieces in the centers of designs. You can purchase a needle tool that would work almost as well. It would just be a little less sturdy. Or, ask your dentist what he/she does with their old tools – sometimes they will let you have one. (Yep, I worked for a dentist, and they do get rid of old tools on occasion – just tell them what you want it for.)

The other things in the tool kit; scissors, ruler, etc…. you’re right – you probably do already have them and you really don’t need them. My husband bought me the kit — I would have passed on it.

does any one own this machine? i was thinking of getting it and was looking for some reviews on it.
i saw it on an infomercial for about 50 bucks. it seem like the perfect size for my scrap booking needs (not interested in the larger more expensive machines)…
thanks

If you are only going to cut out regular card stock you should be fine with this. You do realize you need to buy cartridges to put into it. The machine use to come with one.

I prefer my Sizzix machine. I am not a big fan of the Cricut, but some of my scrapbooking friends love theirs. If you have any one or any store that can demo this for you or let you try it out first it would be a good idea.

I have never seen it for this low of a price. Are you sure it was the machine and not the cartridge for 50?

I am debating buying a Cricut. I hear the mats lose their sticky surface quickly.

they kind of do lose their sticky fast but not too fast they could last longer but you get 2 for $10 when you buy more and for what the machine does that is a very small price to pay.

I just bought my Cricut and am having trouble with the paper tearing to shreds? Ive tried using the spatula, any tips will be helpful!!!!

I would contact customer service for your cricut.. or call you local Michaels store… locally they had one of their employees trained as an "expert" on the machine…. not sure if all the Michaels has one or not..(DD used to be a local expert at Michaels)

here is their support site

http://www.cricut.com/support/

Talked with DD last night, she has a cricut and she said it could be several different things..

first you have to be sure you have the pressure and depth of your blade correctly set for the type of paper you are using (ie.. if you are using thin paper and you blade is set long (can’t remember exactly how she worded it, but most of the blade is exposed).. you will tear your paper… it will have to be very short and a good point showing.. so be sure you have the right setting set..

assuming you know how to do this and it’s done correctly… the other thing is you need new blades

Hope this makes sense

The mat may be worn out. Each mat will last anywhere from 30 – 50 full-page cuts, depending on the size of cuts and what kind of paper/cardstock you use. You may be able to get a few more cuts out of it by pressing the paper or cardstock onto the mat extra firm. At some point you’ll need to discard the mat and use a new one.

For a discussion forum about the Cricut mats see the link I have provided.

cricut machine tricks to make the sticky mat sticky again.Or best place to purchase a new one

if the mat is velcro you can get new velcro at hardware store