Cricut Venture: What to Know Before You Buy Cricut's 24" Cutting Machine! | Pros & Cons

[@darkstar7422]

Hi I appreciate your honesty and candor regarding this new machine. I bought it from HSN and it is an impressive bundle of material But after watching many videos on it, I have decided to return it unused. The reason being is that it just doesn't seem like something I will use. I do not have a business and was mostly thinking I could make large stuff with it but actually I am doing fine with my little Maker 3. I am going to keep the paper (additionally I bought some extra paper) to use with my 11x24 mats ( of course I will have to cut it down to use) but thats ok. I think its a great machine and wish they had made it so it could be used with existing mats and blades and also had the automatic cutter preinstalled. Oh well. Maybe someday down the road I will purchase it but for now I have come to the decision that its not for me!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm glad this video helped you come to a decision! :)

[@marypabon2929]

I'm the owner of Evoking Uniqueness Art Studio and this is for sure a GAME CHANGER for my business!!!! It's already in my Santa's list... Thanks for this overview video!!!!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

So glad you like it!!

[@siserjulietbeginnerstopro5041]

As an experienced Pro machine user, I can see a big problem with those who want to use the jumbo mats. The supports look flimsy and I would say it is really only catering for those who want to cut rolls of vinyl. That being the case, there are better machines out there with better in house software or the option of using off brand software.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I actually talked to Cricut today about the mat supports because I was concerned as well (I'm at their headquarters today). They said they made them intentionally "flimsy" because they didn't want a handle or leverage point that could potentially be used to knock or pull the machine over (like if a kid grabbed it). They have breakaway elastic inside the supports so they will break away if anything hits them or the weight gets too much. Thought that was an interesting response!

[@Weatheredstorms1]

After buying cricut items for my business, and then of course having to replace items, I have to say when I went to replace some consumables I found a better deal with other brands. And those other brands not only were cheaper they were made a whole lot better and lasted a whole lot longer than cricut products. That and I tried for quite some time to get their website to work. They knew for months (maybe even a year) that their website had errors. I tried ordering $2300 worth of products for my business and kept hitting a dead end when the page would go to an error page and wouldn’t let me order. I finally did order when they finally fixed it.

[@createinspain]

@@Weatheredstorms1 There is a world of difference between pro type supplies and hobby supplies, a big one being the price! Most hobbyists have no idea.

[@lashundarice5869]

Love the machine, but I expected a different software. We will still have the same issues in Design Space that we have with the other machines. Design Space has to get better before I buy anymore of Cricut 's machines. I'm tired of all the bugs, crashes and useless updates. Cori thanks for being honest because I feel the people I already watch are not saying really much about the cons.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don’t seem to have quite the difficulties that other people have with DS. Yes it updates often. But I think it’s been improved in the last year.

[@ilovehandmadestuff]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuffyea I don’t have issues either that other has experienced. Nice video thanks! def saving up for it

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

@@ilovehandmadestuff I agree. It's not perfect but it is so much better than it used to be!

[@ilovehandmadestuff]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff and it’s easier to use than a lot of other competitor brands

[@CheetahTheHowToGamer]

Along with the announcement of the cricut venture, cricut also said DS was getting added features and fixes. I haven't had a problem with DS at all.

[@DebraSpencer-cg3uh]

THANKS so much for the DETAILED video of the Venture. It’s definitely an investment… I’ll be watching

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@MrGylsen]

Game changer, now brother will have to come up with this size ❤

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes they will!

[@cappymiller7402]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video and give your opinion on the machine. This was very helpful.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You are so welcome!

[@Zonerfamily]

What a great introduction to this new Cricut machine. Thank you for sharing. Do you know if you could cut fabric with it? Is there a FabricGrip mat available for this?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Only bonded fabric - no rotary blade, no fabric mat.

[@KellyGadberry]

I will have one once I get my craft room finished.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Dee_B23]

Hi Cory! Thank you for the overview. Will be a nice machine for small business for sure. 🤗

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I think so too!

[@annalenala6968]

Thank you for your great review on the new Cricut venture! I’ve had it in my cart since it was released here in Germany, but since the cutting mats were sold out, I had to wait with making the purchase. This gave me time to overthink, watch reviews and go a lil insane 😬 I’m having a small business, so this machine would probably make sense, but I’m a lil concerned about the loud noises that it makes. It seems that the venture is much louder than the other Cricut plotters, right? Might be typical for commercial plotters (I’m used to the cricut maker) but I hate loud noises and wanna be able to talk (not shout)to someone while working on orders… Btw I’m running my small business from home, so there are other people around who wanna do their stuff without being bothered by my plotter 😂 So what do you think about the loudness - is that a reason to not buy the machine?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I wish I had something to measure the decibels! It's definitely louder than other Cricut machines. It might be a bit loud if other people are trying to, say, watch TV or something, But it's not as loud as my laser machines. Not sure if that helps! :)

[@LouRao]

Thank you for a well done Cricut Venture presentation. Did you get the opportunity to test fabric cutting? I placed an order few days ago. Main functions using the Venture is for my sewing projects.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I haven't, but it should be able to cut bonded fabric. If you're looking to cut unbonded fabric (like straight cotton), you'll probably struggle since you can't use the Rotary Blade.

[@KellyGadberry]

Great overview. I love how much detail you put into your reviews.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I appreciate that!

[@lauraedgmon947]

Thanks for all the great info on this new machine from Cricut!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hazelparr8461]

Thanks for the honest review. Might be something for the future for our pronting business mainly because of the speed.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You bet! It’s so fast!

[@darlahpotechin1668]

Mats that are 24” is mighty cumbersome. I cut mostly mat less and once again mat less is only with smart vinyl limiting your choices. So only 2 pinch rollers? That means small pieces must be on a mat? Also the machine sounds loud. Did you have your microphone close?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Small pieces on a mat yes. It makes noise but it’s not as loud as my video would suggest!

[@atirababy]

​@@HeyLetsMakeStuffso can you cut large 651 regular vinyl without a mat?

[@brianlofton2489]

Thanks for the review video. Sounds like they are trying to compete with the Siser Romeo 24" cutter, this new Venture is $300 MORE (MSRP) and significantly LOUDER. Not sure how small / intricate this new Cricut can go with cuts / designs, that would be a great demo video to add in the future. All the time I hear the CRYcut 🤪owners complaining the print n cut size is too small, well now they at least have a larger P&C option.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Doing intricate cuts is on my list! I've had more than a few people ask about it.

[@christychessher1967]

I love it. I also heard cricut is coming out with a laser too. Is this correct

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Not that I know of! There were rumors based on patents but they probably patent any possible products but it doesn’t mean they’ll make it to market.

[@jackiekraemer596]

i would like to see how it cuts fabric

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It cuts bonded fabric but it doesn’t have a rotary blade for unbounded fabric. Angie Holden has cut some and it’s on my list to do as well!

[@CraftWithSarah]

Wow, it's so quick at cutting!! Great overview video, thank you!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It's so hard to explain how fast it is! I feel like it feels even faster in person!

[@cocoprincess2013]

I was wondering do you have to use Cricut cardstock for it or can you use other cardstock

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You can use any card stock!

[@simplyroses2]

I’m sorry if this is a dumb question, but I don’t own any “craft” machines. I’m looking for a way to cut Larger reusable custom designed vinyl stencils. Would this machine work for this? I ask because my friend has 2-3 of the cricket machines and made me 3 smaller reusable stencils but only in 12” width, I’m definitely wanting bigger for my projects. Please let me know? The other thing is I’m not “tech savvy” so is it user friendly? Thanks Christine

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

What material are you using for the stencils?

[@andymichael6993]

Amazing review.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thanks!

[@GreyRose333]

Hi. I am considering this machine but, I have a question: Does it cut cork, leather and other vinyls ( not Smart)? If so, which mat would I need?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, it should cut both using the Standard Grip mat made for the Venture! It probably will cut both of those materials more slowly, however, as not to ruin them.

[@sarahstarr101]

I have a small space do you know the specifications for the venture stand

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I've got all the details here! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2bdoYF4qJyZqc0

[@Jmurph5000]

Do we know when it will be available?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Monday July 24 at 10pm MST. Sign up for my notification email here if you'd like! hey-let-s-make-stuff.ck.page/5fb2b70731

[@gabbyg561]

Can the smart products be cut with the regular Cricut Maker not the 3?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Yes, but they need to be cut on a mat.

[@suitsandsneaks1194]

Thank you for this video! I'm in a predicament and was wondering your opinion....i haven't used the cricut or any cutting machine before and had been eyeballing the maker 3 for some time, but i know i will very soon need cutouts larger than 12" for my business. Would you recommend just going for the venture then? And does the venture cut wood material as effectively as the maker 3? do you have a video where you compare the venture to the romeo? I'm just trying to figure out the best decision to make thank you so much!

[@MegaTerrance123]

I would love to see a comparison video also. I do know the Venture doesn't cut wood. It only cuts what the Explore cuts.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don't have a Romeo, BUT I am doing a live over on Instagram probably next week with Jennifer from Pigskins and Pigtails. She has a Romeo and we're going to answer questions about both. The Venture won't cut wood like a Maker. It only has Explore-level tools.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don't have a Romeo, BUT I am doing a live over on Instagram probably next week with Jennifer from Pigskins and Pigtails. She has a Romeo and we're going to answer questions about both.

[@gailmiller5327]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Darn, that's what I figured. I love my maker & all the things it can cut. I guess there was a reason they modeled it after the explorer instead of maker. :(

[@nj7422]

Thank you for the video on the new product!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You bet!

[@janielangton6690]

Great review! I am definitely considering purchasing the Venture for my small business. One question that I do have though is the Venture can handle large scale projects as you have shown but I am wondering how design space is handling them. For example I used vinyl for a 24x36 project for a seating chart for a wedding that I cut out in sections on my Maker 3. Design space was extremely sluggish as I added or rearranged the names for the seating arrangement. Do you think design space has been improved to handle a big project like a seating plan?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

This is a really valid question. Design Space has been updated recently to allow for larger projects BUT we all know that DS can be a bit finicky sometimes! I made a file with 27 9" shirt decals the other day and had no problem with it. You could probably pop into DS now and try it out to see if it might be working better for your large file!

[@nananjdz]

Great Video! I noticed you referenced the Cricut Explorer with the new Venture. Are the Maker 3 accessories not compatible with the Venture?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

That is correct-there's no geared carriage. Cricut said it would've made the machine too heavy and too expensive.

[@gailmiller5327]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Oh, ok, makes sense. Ignore my other comment asking why, but darn that means all new tools huh.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

@@gailmiller5327 All the Explore tools work in Venture! You do need new mats, though, because of the size and force and speed of the machine.

[@kamelacrum371]

Great review

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thanks!

[@gailmiller5327]

Great video

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thanks!

[@JudyAngelman]

Looks awesome, I am relatively new to Cricut cutting and making mugs and just bought the Cricut Auto Press so I will wait to see what everyone does with this. It is exciting to see this new product!

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'll be making more videos about it, so stay tuned! :)

[@onekansasmom]

Wow! Should you wear hearing protection with that??

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It's not as loud as it sounds in the video! I don't think it comes close to something I'd want hearing protection for (it's not nearly as loud as my lasers).

[@waterup380]

besides what most people make is only stickers what else can this machine do that be fun to make or watch

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You can make all sorts of big projects-huge paper flowers, big posters drawn with the pen, repeated cuts for HTV and vinyl.

[@waterup380]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff All I hear is people saying can this machine make stickers with this vinyl. or what is everybody making this year for stickers and stuff

[@onekansasmom]

How do you control the vinyl when applying that large of a piece?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I like using the parchment paper technique. I don't have a video, but this is how you do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHrEaKppg5hkac0

[@barbarabriggs384]

do you need to set up for cardstock for intricate cuts in design space, if you have an intricate project?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I’m not sure! I haven’t tested super intricate cardstock cuts yet. Cricut says it’s even more accurate than their other machines so it could go either way.

[@christianarcos4333]

How is this better than a cameo 4 pro???

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I'm working on finding someone to compare!

[@tmgcustomdesign8689]

When able, please let’s us know which cutaway you use from UnitedThread? And other supplies. I recently ordered from them

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don't believe United Thread carries any sort of Cricut products or supplies.

[@tmgcustomdesign8689]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff Sorry about that comment! I was watching a few channels and commented on the wrong one :)

[@REJECKTID]

I am wanting to use an ET15000 for printable HTV T-shirts is there an alternative at that size?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

An alternative to what-not quite sure what you're asking!

[@REJECKTID]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff I was thinking in terms of cuttable area. Cricut had increase the print and cut of machines. (I'll be able to use 11x17 sheets) So I guess I don't need a venture 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂ Ugh I'm new and learning on the fly. The processes seem simple enough, I just want to make mindful equipment purchases. Machines that will work together decently from the start. Could be overkill, but I want a second ET15000. One for Sublimation and one for printable HTV. Am I crazy? I am open to suggestions of course.

[@bunglebonce5354]

What is the cost of the 24 inch mat please?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Looks like $29 MSRP, but I see them on sale closer to $23 right now.

[@supernova4760]

So this is more for the person running a small business.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I think that's the primary user, yes. And folks who want to make huge projects-there are lots of at-home crafters that love making big cardstock characters, paper flowers, etc.

[@JanineMKartist]

I’d like to know about print and cut. It seems like it was made more as a vinyl cutter. Is anyone testing the print and cut?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I saw @avantimorocha_1 showing a quick shot of it on Instagram in the last few days! Once I figure out how to get a larger print, I'll be testing as well.

[@JanineMKartist]

@@HeyLetsMakeStuff the problem is larger printers are expensive. I have a 17 inch wide epson and that was about $1000 Canadian.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

@@JanineMKartist Oh for sure. One option might be to have a print shop print larger prints for you. But yes, wide format printers start around $800USD and go up from there.

[@briarturvey9334]

Its pretty noisy though right?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Definitely louder than another Cricut, but not as loud as something like a laser.

[@CLTGeek]

Loud? But is it as loud as a Cameo? ;-)

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I don’t know because I haven’t turned mine on 😂

[@drbeautyglam7092]

2 b quite honest when I saw it I thought it was gonna cost more than 1 grand so the price is quite fair...

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I agree. This can do way more than a professional plotter and it costs less than many of them!

[@MrGylsen]

The only thing I don’t like, it does look like a knitting machine 😂

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

I did not know until this moment when I Googled what a knitting machine even IS much less what it looked like 😂 😂

[@hopeeisman811]

I have used a Cricut machine since its inception. I have learned to NEVER NEVER EVER buy the first iteration of ny of their machines. Or tools. Or mats. Always wait beause they always replace everything.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You're free to wait, of course!

[@polovw89]

Its a 1000$ garbage bin. Design space is still living in 1990s, no amount of justification can cover that fact. Comes from a long time cricut user.

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Thanks for the input!

[@mycreativedesignsspace6739]

So expensive… obviously it’s not made for your everyday crafter…

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

You’re right! It’s not for everyone. It’s not here to replace the other Cricut machines.

[@mackin800]

Poor machines in the background 😔

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

Don't worry, I have no plans to stop using them!

[@marieclaire6089]

What are you using to hold up the Washi tape at the back please?

[@HeyLetsMakeStuff]

It’s all IKEA!