A Cricut machine is a must-have for any crafter, but they need to be kept well maintained for the machine to be as effective as possible. This is particularly the case for the blades that are used within a Cricut machine.
This is because they are needed to keep the cuts from the machine as crisp and clear as possible and able to be used to their full potential.
Cricut machines are known for being able to create intricate designs out of a wide variety of materials, including thicker materials that a lot of cutting machines can’t handle.
But, this can only be possible if you regularly check and maintain the blades.
There are different kinds of Cricut machines, so we are going to be taking a look at how to change the blade for three Cricuts in particular: the Maker, the Explorer Air2, and the Joy. Let’s get started.
How to Change The Cricut Maker Blade
Step 1. Remove the Blade Carrier and Slot in the New Blade
First off, switch on your Cricut Maker machine and open up the cartridge slot. Locate the metal piece that holds the blade in place, otherwise known as the blade carrier.
The carrier tends to be located under the handle of the machine. All you need to do is lift the protective cover on the top, and it should pop out. It is a small and fiddly piece, though, so be careful not to drop it.
Once you have removed it, you should be able to see a small, square hole in the middle.
This hole is where you will need to place the new knife blade. Make sure everything is lined up correctly before slotting the new blade into place.
Step 2. Reattach the Blade Carrier
With the new blade firmly in place, you now need to reattach the blade carrier to the machine. This is another simple process. Just press down on the top of the carrier, and it should all snap into place.
As with every step, make sure that everything is completely in place before you try to put it in to avoid accidentally breaking any part of the machine, including the knife blade itself.
Step 3. Reassemble the Machine, Check and Clean Your Blades
As long as everything is back in place and is all lined up, you should be ready to start using your Cricut Maker machine. Don’t forget to check the blade every time you use it to avoid any issues.
Another element to remember is the cleanliness of the blade. Maintaining cleanliness will ensure that you don’t have to deal with any clogs.
How to Change The Cricut Explore Air 2 Blade
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is pretty similar to the Maker when it comes to changing the knife blade inside.
But, it is always essential to make sure that you know how to maintain each machine individually as even a small difference between them could lead to breakage if you use the wrong process with a Cricut machine.
Step 1. Remove the Bottom Cover
Firstly, remove the bottom protective cover of the Cricut Explore Air2. This isn’t too hard to do, but it does need some care to avoid any unnecessary breaks.
Unplug the power cord from the outlet in the wall and then carefully pry the cover away, making sure not to pull too hard. This can be a little difficult as the bottom cover can be hard to remove.
If you find that it is too fiddly to remove, you may need to use a tool – such as pliers – to get it off. Whatever the case, be as gentle as possible to avoid damage.
Step 2. Blade Orientation
Checking the orientation of the blade is another key element, as the last thing you want to do is insert the blade incorrectly.
Careful examination should allow you to discern whether you require a replacement blade or whether it is orientated correctly.
The blade needs to be pointing down, so if it is definitely already facing downwards, then you can leave it be. If you find that the blade is pointing upwards, flip it over, but do so gently and with care to avoid hurting yourself.
Step 3. Blade Alignment
With the orientation of the knife blade checked and fixed, if it needed to be, you can then proceed to the alignment phase. To align the blade, simply slide it along the edge of the machine.
Keep the blade parallel to the edge of the machine as you do so, and be sure to check that there is no gap in the space between the blade and the machine.
If there is a gap, this can be fixed by moving the blade until it is flush with the edge of the machine. You may have to move it even further over if necessary, but be careful as you do so.
You could do yourself some damage with a Cricut blade, so take every precaution to avoid hurting yourself.
Step 4. Replace the Bottom Cover
With the blade orientated and aligned, you are now ready to put the cover back onto the machine. Slowly and gently push the cover back onto the bottom. It should snap into place.
Keep note of where the screws are located when replacing the cover, though, as if you screw the cover back in the wrong place, you could seriously damage the motor inside the machine.
Plug the machine back into the wall with the cord, and there you have it! Your blade will be replaced, and the machine will be ready to go.
As with the Cricut Maker, you need to make sure that the blade is checked every time before use with the Cricut Explore Air2 so that you don’t damage the machine or yourself!
How to Change the Cricut Joy Blade
The smallest, most compact Cricut machine is the Cricut Joy, and it also has a blade that will need checking and changing, so let’s take a look at how to do so.
Step 1. Open the Side Panel
Rather than a bottom panel, the Cricut Joy utilizes a side panel, which is where you will find the blade. The side panel has four Philips head screws that will need to be unscrewed to get to the blade inside.
As well as the side panel, you will also need to unscrew the main body of the machine.
Once the side panel and the main body have been unscrewed, you will see that both pieces of the machine are being held together by a single bolt. Use an Allen wrench to remove this bolt, and you should be able to see the knife blade.
Step 2. Removing the Blade
The next step is to remove the blade. To do this, all you need to do is lift the entire blade assembly up and take it out of the machine.
Carefully examine the blade, making sure to note any signs of wear and tear. If you do find that there is some damage of any kind, then it will have to be repaired or changed.
Step 3. Blade Orientation
Another element of the blade that you need to check when you remove it is which way around it is, as it needs to be orientated correctly so that it will work properly.
Much like the blades in the other Cricut machines, the blade needs to be facing downwards.
It also needs to be flat against the base plate of the machine. If it isn’t, then you may need to adjust it slightly.
Flip it over carefully if it is the wrong way around, and make sure that it is as close to the base plate as possible if there is a gap between said plate and the machine.
Step 4. Replacing the Blade
With the blade properly aligned and orientated, you should now be able to replace the blade assembly. First off, reattach the bolts that hold the main body together to ensure that everything stays in one place.
It can be easy to lose track of things when the machine is completely open!
Next, carefully place the new blade assembly into the machine. When you are sure the blade is attached, orientated, and aligned properly, you just need to make the panels secure by tightening the bolts.
Step 5. Close the Side Panel
All that is left to do is close the side panel of the Cricut Joy. Gently press down on the top of the panel. As you do so, make sure to hold the bottom part in place so that everything is aligned correctly.
Whatever you do, only apply pressure to the top panel. If you apply pressure to the bottom panel, you risk crushing the battery compartment at the bottom of the Joy!
Replace the panel as carefully as possible, and you should be ready to start the machine up again.
Final Thoughts
Changing the blade on any of the Cricut machines is relatively easy.
All you need to do is have some patience and some care when doing so, and you should be able to change it quickly and efficiently so that you can resume your crafting in no time!
Remember to check the blades before you use the machine each time, no matter what Cricut model you have. Dull blades will lead to less precise cutting and could ruin your crafting as well as damage the machine in the long run!
Take note of all the factors we have talked about here, and you should be able to change a Cricut blade quickly and efficiently in the future!
Through Love and Robots, I hope to share my knowledge with others, and provide advice about everything 3D printer related.
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