A machine for the creative and crafting person inside you! As rightly said that creativity is inventing, experimenting, taking risks, and having fun. And Cricut Explore Air 2 will help you practice your craft without any mess or stress.
Cricut Explore Air 2 is a personal crafting machine that can cut roughly 100 different kinds of paper material.
And guess what it also possesses the ability to print and cut, and score your project! And you need not worry because Cricut is a renowned company dealing in cutting and crafting essentials.
So, today we will discuss the great things the Cricut Explore Air 2 can do, what all extra benefits you will get by buying this product, and how does it actually work.
Do read this review further if you are thinking of buying a new easy-to-use and multi-functioning cutting machine.
About Cricut Explore Air 2
Cricut Explore Air 2 is a smart tech cutting and crafting machine that has proved to be two times faster than its previous models.
With this machine, you can easily cut over 100 different materials including iron-on, premium vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, bonded fabric, and more as this model has a mat that allows feeding these materials in it.
In this model of Cricut Machines, there is a double tool holder, which makes it easier for users to keep the blades and the drawing tools like a pen or a scoring tool. This model is also said to be double the speed of the previous models of exploring.
It works with precision and is completely hassle-free so that your DIY dreams can come true. Made with simplicity and value for every user, it is compatible to effortlessly make custom T-shirts, cards and so much more.
Luckily, the makers have a wide variety of products and this one is handy for small businesses. We would rather say this would count as a profitable investment for one, as it is efficient and effective if you have a deadline that you have to meet.
This cutting machine, being the latest model from its manufacturers, comes with other handy tools, which you’ll get to know under the next section of ours “What’s in the box?”.
What’s in the box?
With this amazing cutting machine comes an amazing tools kit that can be used for modifications required in your projects. This one package is full of useful accessories.
- The machine comes with a guide, a detailed manual to set up the cutting machine and how to use basic features, which comes in handy for new users.
- There are three scoring styluses cum blades that are included with this Cricut Machine. One may wonder why three? The answer is because of the feature of cutting different materials.
- For materials like HTV and adhesive Vinyl, standard cardstock and regular paper sheets, there’s a premium fine point blade. Harder and thicker materials like magnetic sheets, leather, craft foam, and a deep point blade are used. Bonded fabric blade is the one which is used to cut out fabrics, bonded fabrics to be specific. When using bonded silk or polyester or bonded burlap this stylus comes handy.
- The box also includes an adapter, USB Cord, power cords, the guide to install the machine software and the app, cutting mat and the standard grip (12 × 12 inches), and some free images.
- It comes with over 50 ready-to-built projects and other materials useful for a practice project.
- This light weight cutting machine is available in three different colors Mint, Blue and lilac. New users also get a free Membership trial with the new machine.
Materials supported by Cricut Explore Air 2
Explore Air 2, as said can be used for 100+ materials. Most of its users are in love with the feature of cutting heat vinyl transferring.
Besides just using it for HTV and adhesive vinyl, the Air 2 can be used for cutting a wide range of other materials.
Standard Materials supported are:
- Paper
- Fabrics
- Washi Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Light Cardstock
- Iron-On
- Paper Cardstock
- Poster Boards
Some interesting materials supported are:
- Window Cling
- Vellum
- Canvas
- Magnetic Sheet
- Thin Faux Leather
- Adhesive Backed Cork
- Felt
- Wrapping Paper
- Aluminium Foil
Cricut Explore Air 2 Important Features:
Explore Air 2 cutting machine has a number of features and benefits. Check them out below:
- You can wirelessly connect your Cricut machine with the new Bluetooth feature. But it also comes with a cord in case you still like the old and easy way. You can connect it with Android, iOS, Windows or MacOS, using the Cricut app.
- It consists of two clamps: one for holding the scoring stylus or Cricut pen and other one for holding the blade in place. This allows you to draw and cut the project without having the need
- It cuts more than 100 different types of material.
- This machine is compatible with 6 more tools that are sold separately at Cricut and are used for writing, cutting, foiling and more.
- The smart dial on this cutting machine makes it easier to set the material type you are going to use. The most common material types are already displayed on the dial but you can adjust you can adjust it yourself for other material types.
- This machine has a big storage space: you will find a cup that holds accessories and makes them readily available to you and two other accessory compartments (one big and one small). All your important things can be kept inside these compartments so that you do not lose anything.
Specifications of Cricut Explore Air 2
- Product Dimensions: 24 × 9.5 × 9.5 inches
- Product weight: 14 pounds or 6.35 kg
- Manufacturer: Cricut
- Colours available in: mint, lilac, gold, blue, rose, fuchsia, raspberry, black, coral, denim, sunflower, peacock, boysenberry or wild rose (some colours of this machine are only available at select stores)
- Assembly of product required: no
- Batteries required: no
How does Explore Air 2 work?
- The first and foremost step is to download and connect your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine with the Design Space app on any of your devices. To do so, go to or search design.cricut.com on the web browser > click on Download and follow all the prompts thereafter > once the app is downloaded, sign in or create a new account with the free membership trial that is given to you with the machine > now you are ready to start making crafts and DIY projects.
- Click on the new project button on your screen to start a new craft project with the machine.
- On the left side of your screen, you will see al the things that you can do using this machine, like print images, projects, templates, images, texts, shapes or upload you own images. You can select the most appropriate option for yourself.
- After you have adjusted the size or uploaded the image or text you want to use, select between draw, cut or print options on the top.
- If the app shows that no device is found then you machine is turned off. So, make sure you turn it on and set the dial on Custom.
- Choose the material from the list and you will be good to go.
- Stick the paper material you want to use for the project on the adhesive grip mat and ensure that it sticks properly and there are no bubbles.
- Now just place the mat properly in the machine in between the two plastic slots.
- Click on the flashing arrow button and then you will see the C-button beside it starts to flash.
- Click on the C-button and the machine will start the process.
You would have noticed already, how easy it is to work on this machine with the Design Space application.
Pros of the Cricut Explore Air 2:
- High quality components
- Wireless design and cut system
- Affordable price
- Easy to use especially with the smart dial
- Can be used on a wide variety of materials
- Suitable for all types of business (including small business)
- Two times faster than previous cutting machines by Cricut
- Bluetooth connectivity is supported for almost all devices
- Multiple compartments for storage
- Consists of an accessory cartridge which is compatible with Cricut cartridges
- Comes with a double tool clamps
In addition to the guides available to you with the machine, you can use the online design studio tutorials that sort things out. It will also help you enhance your creativity in designing new attractive projects.
Cons of Cricut Explore Air 2:
- The Design Space software is a little slow.
- The machine is short in terms of its length.
Conclusion:
Cricut Explore Air 2 is a wonderful machine that is updated and better than its predecessors. However, we must remember that each and every device or machine has its own features and benefits.
The new features added to this machine make it special and different from others. You can check out all the details, features, and specifications of this machine in the blog above along with how to use this machine properly.
This machine has received positive reviews from critics and other customers, so do give it a shot!
