How to Engrave Acrylic Using the Cricut Maker and the Cricut Engraving Tip

[@Audria_apdesigns]

Instructions were very clear by the way. Thanks for sharing

[@crystalsimmons2560]

Thank you so much for giving a easy way to do this 😊

[@DIYAlex]

Any time!

[@peekaboo8785]

Thank you for your instructions. They are clear and precise directions. I have read some of the comments regarding background music. Honestly, it is not bad or in no shape or form does it interfere with the narrative. One thing people have to remember is that this was provided for all for free and with much detailing so that we all can be successful. So the next time you are annoyed by music, voice from the narrative or you just don't like how it is presented. Just remember that you can always pay for lessons or do it by trial and error. Again, thank you Alex for your how to video's for people who want to purchase the machine.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re so welcome! Thank you for thinking through it! 💙 I try to make sure every video is clear and precise, but I make mistakes too like leaving the music too loud. I appreciate you!

[@analyticmoviereviews101]

I just got a circuit 3 machine for Christmas. I want to make things so I can eventually set up a animal rescue for unwanted animals here in Central Florida. This is amazing tutorial. You explain everything so clear and I guess I have to add magnets, acrylics and t-shirts to what I'm going to sell. I'm also thinking keychains as well but that's more jewelry. Thank you this has been a huge help.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@cathyzampogna1200]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I ruined 2 acrylic pieces and then I saw this! Excellent tutorial!!!

[@lorialdrich1186]

Thank you for the great tutorial.

[@DIYAlex]

You're very welcome!

[@kristiereece1200]

Perfect tutorial. I followed the steps that you laid out and i was able to create some amazing signs for my party. Great Job!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@lindabeaudry3038]

Genius hack!!!! Thank you :)

[@patticatron6573]

My daughter’s wedding is in 2 weeks. I’m engraving one for the kids table. I’m thinking “COOL KIDS ONLY”. I needed this detailed tutorial. I haven’t engraved before so this was perfect. Thanks so much. I’ll be sure to share!

[@DIYAlex]

Thanks Patti! I hope it worked well for you!

[@amysiemers4176]

This was a great tutorial. I just completed my first engraving project. I love it. You could not have made the process any easier. Thank you!!!!

[@DIYAlex]

I’m so glad to hear that Amy! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@jeanmaria1409]

This was a great video I just started with my maker 3 and the first one of these I made came out perfect. Thank you for doing a great video.

[@DIYAlex]

You are so welcome!

[@miracleslramirez9010]

Hi, thanks for posting this helpful video! I love how you were direct and to the point AND you didn't ramble on about your personal life like some people. Your video was very professional, and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYAlex]

You're so welcome!

[@smk1964]

Your voice was very clear! Music wasn’t distracting at all!

[@shariz2998]

Thank you for very clear instructions and great tutorial!

[@DIYAlex]

Glad it was helpful!-Lindsay

[@thecraftytaurus852]

So easy to understand. Thank you.

[@ToniasBusy]

This is TOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!

[@abbydennis3239]

Thank you so very much this was the help I needed; it has been a while since I did any engraving. thank you again

[@engridcrawford6306]

love your tutorial and it inspired me to try crating again thank you

[@DIYAlex]

You're welcome!

[@1juice8]

This was awesome and so helpful 👍👌Thanks

[@richardlynngarst3728]

This is exactly what I have been wanting to learn to do

[@DIYAlex]

Yay! I'm so glad this came at a good time for you! :)

[@richardlynngarst3728]

@@DIYAlex I do hope that my earlier comment was not offensive to you. If it came across as rude, I hope that you accept my apology because that it certainly was not meant to be anything other than a suggestion. I have always enjoyed your tutorials and appreciate the time and effort you take to help all of us stretch our creative boundaries.

[@DIYAlex]

No not at all! I thanked you for your feedback because I genuinely appreciate the chance to improve ☺️. I think the music adds to the tutorial, but I’m going to chat with my editor about turning down the volume so it doesn’t compete with my voice. Don’t worry, you’re allowed to have an opinion here 💕☺️

[@joyscranfield5527]

Great tutorial! This is a beautiful fall decoration I would be happy to display!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! I have loved looking at it everyday!

[@redcaml1690]

Hi! How do you prevent minute scratches on the acrylics? And how do you remove them after engraving them? Thank you!

[@SheWritesHerJourney_]

Ooooo this is beautiful!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!

[@IraQNid]

That is really cool. From a Brother Scan N Cut user's perspective we don't have as many steps to go through. I can load my image into the cutter itself, place the blank on any part of my mat, tape it down for extra strength, then after loading the mat I can scan the mat. If the cutter determines the material is too thick to pass under the scanner element it will prompt me to adjust the height position lever to either 1 or 2. The cutter can handle materials up to 3 mm thick. Position 1 is the lowest clearance setting for materials to pass under the built-in 600 DPI color scanner element. My 125 DX machine can scan up to 12x12 inches. Machines with higher model numbers can scan up to 12x24 inches. Now that the cutter knows what is on the mat I can drag & drop the file on the cutter's integrated 5" color touch screen display until it aligns with the material on my mat. I can choose to save my work or just go straight to Draw Mode. I then insert a 3rd party engraving tool (Zoom for instance). Next I make any adjustments necessary for pressure and speed. After that I press the OK button on the touch screen display. I don't have to count squares on my mat to get my file(s) to align with the usable area of the material. I could even set the machine to auto fill my design onto the usable area of material to get the most out of it. But for that I may have to resize things. A simple matter using the built-in computer on the cutter. The basics of what you just went over is done at this point on my 125 DX Scan N Cut. During the engraving stage the cutter will show an ETA of how long it will take to complete the task. This is adjusted in real time during the operation. Once the project is done the mat will almost fully eject itself with maybe an inch or so of the mat still inside the machine. If I like the outcome I can press the eject button to remove the mat and then remove the material on the mat. If I want to make other adjustments or if I want to load some other material to the mat I can do that without disturbing what is already mounted to my mat. I can make any tweaks or edits to the design(s) as I like, including creating new elements, patterns, shapes, importing new designs from the cutter's internal library, scan new images in as data or cut files, Import new designs from my PC or a USB Flash Drive, create new text art, duplication of existing or new elements, designs, text, etc. Once I have things the way I want I save to my cutter's internal storage or to the USB 2.0 port for USB Flash Drive. I can even save it back to my PC or over wi-fi to my PC or wi-fi mass storage. Our machines can use almost any .SVG file from other sources. We also have a proprietary file format ".FCM" to work with. .FCMs made on any generation Scan N Cut will work on any other generation of Scan N Cut. If you were to take a Scan N Cut to a live event you could have customers draw or write whatever they like, scan it into the machine, and then have the machine create whatever it is you are selling right there while the customer waits. No Internet required. No external PC required.

[@DIYAlex]

Cool! Thanks for the explanation! Though the Scan N Cut sounds like it engraves easier than the Maker, I personally think that the Maker is the superior cutting machine on the market when it comes to personal sized cutters. But that's just my opinion :)

[@conniemartin7217]

Excellent video...directions are so easy to follow

[@lindabradford9591]

Thanks for the tutorial. To the point and you made it look so easy. Your project is so cute also.

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome! Thank you, I love this design!

[@nitafoote]

Really cute and nice video.

[@danareed1656]

that looks great i told my sister she needs to check you out! she loves her cricut and has not tried this yet!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! ☺️❤️

[@tammyescoffier274]

love it, I must make some for the grandkids

[@cynthiawalker1550]

Thank you!!!! This was very helpful! 😊

[@moli310]

That is fantastic!

[@Jaredog2006]

That very nice and good work 👍

[@daynidanelson14]

Amazing tutorial, thank you for this content.

[@DIYAlex]

You're very welcome! 🥰

[@kimvaughan2140]

Excellent tutorial

[@andreaoneill7047]

That was really cool. Love the project

[@rukiaabbas1133]

Thank you,great tutorial, can’t wait to try this trick

[@DIYAlex]

This trick is a life saver!

[@raghadali9404]

OMG this is so pretty love it. and thank you for the great tutorial

[@DIYAlex]

You’re welcome!

[@ednatorres2545]

Love it

[@vanessapereira3243]

Can you use the engrave tool on cured Resin projects

[@DIYAlex]

No you can't

[@tammaraharris870]

Beautiful! I can't wait to try this!

[@jennifergamblin1547]

Great video thanks

[@philmatoph]

very beautiful

[@barbarahorton8182]

👏 Awesome 🤩

[@sherrimilkie8834]

Awesome! Thank you !

[@iWaoOnEQPWONnokwon]

Hi, where did you get your organizer from. The one behind you in the beginning of the video

[@DIYAlex]

It’s from IKEA and it’s called Kallax

[@robira1313]

Excellent video. Just wondering why you needed to download the LED square shape? Couldn't you just choose a square shape from DS?

[@DIYAlex]

You could just use a square, but I prefer to be exact.

[@jeanninefrontela8764]

Do I need to put the blade in a special position

[@DIYAlex]

No, just put it in the clamp and it’s ready to go.

[@JackJack-wc6nr]

Hi I buy yesterday my first cricut maker 3 I wondering whic blade I need buy for 2.5 mm acrylic cut ✂️ not engraved i need cut acrylic thnk u ☺️

[@DIYAlex]

Unfortunately you can’t cut acrylic of that thickness with your Cricut.

[@courtneypie4715]

What housing does the engraving tip need? Is it the rotary?

[@DIYAlex]

The engraving tip comes with housing already :)!

[@rubz0123]

Thank you for this

[@twinhousex2204]

Thank you so much

[@jayy4081]

Hi may I know if this works for bigger acrylic?

[@DIYAlex]

It has to fit on a Cricut mat in order to be engraved.

[@bigred4994]

Do you mirror the object?

[@DIYAlex]

No

[@SweetsnTreatsbyGee]

Trying this for acrylic fondant stamps, any tips I should know if anyone has done it for that type of acrylic stamp, im paying a fortune for those type of stamps, do I select embossed and debossed thanks

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t made those types of stamps before so I’m not sure. Sorry!

[@MayzieeLee]

Can I do the same thing on a mirror?

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t tried a mirror so I’m not sure!

[@jenniferingram6628]

I am not seeing the 3 dot choice on design space? I wonder if I did something wrong?

[@jenniferingram6628]

I am also using a Maker

[@DIYAlex]

Make sure you’re on the prep screen and click on the item in the mat preview.

[@lausuetying215]

Super helpful.may i know how thick of the acrylic you use?

[@DIYAlex]

I address that in the beginning sections of the video ☺️

[@talibsahib5759]

Nice

[@luxxarieproductionz1605]

WHERE CAN I FIND THE SVG FOR THE BLANKS?

[@DIYAlex]

It’s on 143vinyl.com

[@visamishra4009]

Nice explan

[@JenitaBrown]

So this would be good to make fondant prints with?

[@DIYAlex]

I wouldn’t recommend this with fondant because the mat isn’t food safe.

[@jillb7234]

Thanks so much for this!!! The music is a little distracting though!

[@iamme9876]

Yes! It's not needed for sure

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@radish6691]

Yeah it’s not good background music, and a little loud during the voiceover.

[@mitrabandoo3136]

@@DIYAlex you so amazingly beautiful 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! That’s so sweet!

[@lolsurprise4434]

Hi there thanks for your video… from where do you get this blank led acrylic stand. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@DIYAlex]

It's from 143VINYL! It's linked in the video's description.

[@Steven-e7c]

Hi. How large can I make an engraved acrylic sheet that lights under LEDs? So if I can go larger, what base do you recommend, or would I have to make my own?

[@DIYAlex]

Your machine can engrave as big as the mat, but I’m not sure you could find an LED base for acrylic that big.

[@Steven-e7c]

@@DIYAlex Thanks for your reply. I was thinking of making a custom LED base.

[@poolpilot07]

Can you do a custom design ? Also when you have a custom one does the app do the tracing ?

[@DIYAlex]

I don’t offer any custom work. Sorry!

[@CatherineSummerfield]

Thank you !! What tool would I use in my Maker to transfer an image onto Parchment so that I can then hand emboss the parchment>

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t tried that but I think you could draw it with the pens.

[@upstatecre8]

Question about scoring, I want to cut denim with my maker. Would a scoring wheel do the trick?

[@DIYAlex]

No, you would need to cut denim using the rotary blade.

[@upstatecre8]

@@DIYAlex Thank you!

[@marktabacca4793]

What tip do I need for my Cricut explorer air 2

[@DIYAlex]

You want the Chomas tool from Amazon.

[@marktabacca4793]

What setting do I use

[@DIYAlex]

I have not tried it myself, so I’m not sure! You’ll want to look up a tutorial.

[@brookemcquiggan6781]

Can you do this on a cricuit 2

[@DIYAlex]

You can! Here’s the tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJKok6aDetCUmqs

[@marianecutrufello5995]

Just watched your video and loved it. I am about to try out a 4" circle. I don't have a light stand and was planning to hang in a window. Do you have any suggestions on making the etching stand out? wondering about backings or paint, etc. Look forward to hearing any ideas! Mariane...your newest fan!

[@DIYAlex]

I find that leaving it clear is best! Any background color seems to make it harder to see.

[@Pmiketube]

Very good video! Can you tell me how long it takes for the engraving tool to become dull if used only for acrylic? I visited a store today and was told that if I used it for acrylic, it would be ruined after a couple of uses... I thought it was too strange and didn't buy one before doing some research first! Thank you very much.

[@DIYAlex]

I haven’t gotten to a point where mine has become dull yet. I don’t think the person who gave you that information is familiar with this tool ☺️

[@helenvandenadort5871]

Thanks for an easy to follow video. ! Will this work with just writing ?

[@DIYAlex]

No it will work for any shape/ design

[@helenvandenadort5871]

@@DIYAlex Thanks :)

[@ranjithshetty7078]

Which tool r u used for engrave the acrylic madam

[@DIYAlex]

The engraving tool for the Cricut Maker

[@ranjithshetty7078]

@@DIYAlex thank u for reply

[@israelbelachew4360]

Can you use engraving tola mekar 3 please answer me ?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes, the Maker 3 can use this tool too.

[@tammylingenfelter2218]

I just started really using my cricut and wanted to try this but 143vinyl is sold out of the bases. I looked everywhere to find them but the ones I found have a 4mm slot. Is there any other place I can get them or do you have any recommendations for the bigger ones?

[@DIYAlex]

I have seen lots of listings on Amazon as well, but I would make sure you read the description before you buy! Sorry for the lack of availability. I know that can be frustrating!

[@DaysRusticreations]

Can this be used in the explorer 2

[@DIYAlex]

No, this tool is only made for the Maker, but there are third party tools available on Amazon for the EA2. Look up the Chomas tool.

[@angelmariano5070]

May I ask for how long Cricut maker 3 finished engraving this design?

[@DIYAlex]

It took 20-30 minutes!

[@sweetpea8107]

Can I do this with the keychain

[@DIYAlex]

Yes you can, you just need engraving compatible blanks that are thin enough to fit under the rollers of the machine.

[@davidhawkins4329]

Great Video, Can I make this using Explore 3?, all the engraving tools on amazon refer to the Maker series.

[@DIYAlex]

No, the tool is different for Explore machines.

[@bodascondetalle]

It can engrave wood as well?

[@DIYAlex]

No, this tool is made for acrylic and metal.

[@micheleseverson174]

Can you tell me how many times you let the acrylic go through the machine. Once or twice? Thank you. It looks great! I want to do one as soon as my order ships.

[@DIYAlex]

You just follow the prompts from Cricut Design Space, which will only put it through once.

[@altoobaateliert]

All these tools come with it or we have to buy ? The cutters

[@DIYAlex]

The engraving tip is a separate purchase from the machine. I don’t believe that we any bundles that come with it, but you can check and see if you can find one on Cricut’s website.

[@WilliamB3315]

Hi Alex So neat, love your videos! Where can i buy the lights for this neat project!

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you! The supplies I used are linked in the video’s description ☺️

[@1CristieLove]

nice! I see the bigger one on your background did you do that with Cricuit?

[@DIYAlex]

All my engraving has been done with a Cricut!

[@deborahgiblin6914]

I like how your very descriptive

[@DIYAlex]

I appreciate that!

[@jabrjaws2009]

If I don't have a strong mat which would be best to use?

[@DIYAlex]

I would buy a purple mat specifically for this project, but you can buy off brand mats on Amazon that work in your Cricut but won't cost as much.

[@lilmeowmeow5439]

Hello how long did it takes to finish the engraving when using cricut hope you answer

[@DIYAlex]

It depends on how your intricate your design is. This one took 20-30 minutes.

[@aliciafoor5078]

hi there i have the explorer air 2 can that do the ingraving

[@DIYAlex]

Yes but you need to use a different tool. There is a third party tool on Amazon called the chomas tool you can use.

[@aliciafoor5078]

@@DIYAlex thanks ill look that up

[@briangalloway905]

so cute ❤️ 😛💣💚

[@DIYAlex]

Thank you!

[@sturleung6738]

Great tutorial! May I know the thickness range of acrylic which is available to this machine?

[@DIYAlex]

It needs to be 2mm or thinner.

[@Audria_apdesigns]

I get an error message that my engrave tip not detected ☹

[@DIYAlex]

I would reach out to Cricut and see if they can help.

[@Audria_apdesigns]

@@DIYAlex Thanks for responding Alex .. later realized that the error message was because it wasn't a genuine Cricut tip. I have since gotten a Cricut Engrave tip and it works fine.

[@scarletta7346]

I read somewhere if you wanna test drive w/out wasting good materials, you can use parchment paper (color it w/ marker) so you know where it’s going to engrave. Not sure where I heard that from? Maybe it’d work. I just bought the circuit & all the supplies yesterday

[@DIYAlex]

Interesting! That might be something to try!

[@rickschmier7658]

I Just tried to use 2mm acrylic on my Maker 3, it scans then says "tool may lift or spin" then the red light flashes and I can do nothing. No other buttons work, and I have to hit cancel cut to get the mat out of the machine. Advice??? what am I doing wrong?

[@DIYAlex]

Hmm. Is the engraving tip and housing loaded correctly? If it is and you're still having problems, I would contact Cricut customer service.

[@pinedoclaudia65]

Hey I love your video, have you used any other acrylic svg files? I was trying to download the 5*7 but I keep getting a page not found any advice?

[@DIYAlex]

Reach out to 143VINYL if you're having trouble with their SVGs. You can call them at 502-909-3100

[@riley050209]

This isn't acrylic related but can you use the engrave tip on Cricut wood veneer and the Maker?

[@DIYAlex]

I honestly haven't tried that so I'm not sure! Sorry about that!

[@yasminewilliams7655]

will this work on Cricut 2 ?

[@DIYAlex]

You can buy a third party tool that can be used in the Explore Air 2.

[@adelereynolds347]

Excellent tutorial thank you, however I am a little concerned about the 2mm gap and the acrylic wobbling. (I ordered some bases which came with 4mm thick acrylic which I am replacing with 2mm acrylic). How do you overcome this? Do your bases just have a 2mm gap?

[@DIYAlex]

You know I'm honestly not sure what size the gap is on my base. As long as you keep the base stationary there shouldn't be a wobbling issue with it.

[@MLCInnovations]

You can add any sort of buffer to snug up the gap. The led light traverse’s through the acrylic. Anywhere that there is engraving refracts the led which gives you the image. So as long as the bottom edge of the acrylic that sits on the leds isn’t covered you are ok.

[@cherib6309]

Very neat! Is it possible to do this with the Air 2?

[@DIYAlex]

Yes! Look up the Chomas engraving tip on Amazon.

[@bfcmumma]

Hi Alex, I'm wanting to make some acrylic embossers for using with fondant for cookie decorating. I've trawled the internet, Cricut FB groups, and even called Cricut support, but they weren't able to tell me...well, the Cricut support lady said it was possible, but she did not sound convincing, like she was really really unsure. My question is, because the embossers need to be engraved deep enough to be able to press fondant into, can the Cricut Maker/Cricut Maker 3, engrave to 1-1.5mm deep or do they just etch across the surface? At the moment I only have a Cricut Joy, so I really want to know if the Maker/Maker 3 can do this before I go and spend the $600 on the machine (I'm in Australia, hence the $600 price tag for a Maker/Maker 3). Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer. Cheers, Vicki

[@DIYAlex]

Hi Vicki! No, the the Maker/3 can only fit a maximum of 2mm under the bar, and it just etches into the surface lightly, so I don't think it would be able to engrave deep enough for fondant. I would look into someone who owns a laser if they could engrave that deep for you!

[@blueeyedbabydoll1]

Are the acrylics permanently stuck inside the base once you put it in or can you change the piece of vinyl in the base?

[@DIYAlex]

No, you can remove the acrylics anytime you want. You will likely scratch up the acrylics changing the designs, so I recommend you buy multiple and have one design per piece.

[@karenward2856]

I’m trying this

[@DIYAlex]

Yay!! -Lindsay

[@karenward2856]

@@DIYAlex I did it and it came out beautiful’ I wish I could show you. I made a traveling trophy for a business.