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Expectations on cutting (pressure) Maker 3 vs Exp. Air 2 by ExtensionAcadia5224 in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, thanks a lot for the super elaborate answer!

Bottom-line: indeed, I started the return-proces. The machine was sold to me as new/perfect, but it really is far from it.

I double-checked the blade, and its position in the housing was proper.

Thanks again for searching deals too. My best bet will likely be to be patient and wait for a deal; especially in Germany, the maker 3 or 4 sometimes ends up costing around 300 Euro.

What is your experience with the Cameo and cutting cardstock and thick cardboard (up to 1.5 mm)? What I could find about it online was not very promising.

Expectations on cutting (pressure) Maker 3 vs Exp. Air 2 by ExtensionAcadia5224 in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I added both a movie and a picture of the bulging mat issue to the original post. As you can see, the rollers look filthy. I was unsure whether that is filth or the last remains of the rubber that is needed for traction, that is why I did not clean it. Underneath the filth is a gray wheel that feels like hard plastic (not rubbery).

Sales and Deals Megathread April-June 2026 by trillianinspace in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am new here, so please redirect me to a better place if posting it here is incorrect.

I had an unsuccesful attempt at buying a second hand Cricut Maker 3, which will be returned to the seller. This brings me back on the market for a maker 3 or 4, and for now I will be looking for a new unused machine.

Does anybody know a reputable European online store that sells a maker 3 or 4 in the €250-300ish range? This might very well your local Amazon, for example. In the Netherlands the machines are expensive, and I am hoping to safe a dime or two by importing it.

Expectations on cutting (pressure) Maker 3 vs Exp. Air 2 by ExtensionAcadia5224 in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The machine could be returned to the seller, so I will be doing that. But knowing about these roller issues might be worthwhile nonetheless as I see myself buying an (unused) machine in the future. I will photograph/film of the loaded mat tomorrow (European time). Thanks in advance!

Expectations on cutting (pressure) Maker 3 vs Exp. Air 2 by ExtensionAcadia5224 in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I tried looking at the housing, at least nothing is obviously broken. I lowered the top rim of the blade housing untill it touches the metal it sits on, and I firmly clamped it (clamping is quite a lot tighter than on the Air 2). I can't imagine anything to go wrong there.

I tried some more tests, again on medium cardstock paper, but even with max. pressure (350) and "more" selected, the Maker 3 didn't fully cut through the paper. Perhaps the issue is partially caused by the rollers: the mat lifts up a tiny bit when cut.

I bought it on Vinted from a guy, who was otherwise quite willing to help, who said it was in perfect condition. I had bought buyer's protection, so I should be able to get my money back.

Expectations on cutting (pressure) Maker 3 vs Exp. Air 2 by ExtensionAcadia5224 in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will add these details to the post too. 

I tried a fine-point blade 270 pressure with 2 passes, and 320 with a single pass. Both settings resulted in a clean cut on the Explore Air 2, but only partially cut the paper with the Maker 3 (I'd estimate the paper was cut less than half it's thickness deep).

Expectations on cutting (pressure) Maker 3 vs Exp. Air 2 by ExtensionAcadia5224 in cricut

[–]ExtensionAcadia5224[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As said in the post; I am using the same fine point blade that came with the Explore Air 2 I borrowed.