We normally don't exchange gifts as we're all adults and buy what we want when we want it, but my daughter and her two boys went in together and got me a Cricut Maker.

I saw the one my Granddaughter-in-law has this past Summer and commented at the time that such a thing might be handy for my modeling pastime. It wasn't intended as a hint but they apparently took it that way.



After playing with it for a bit, I managed to make an exact copy of an existing gasket. Scanned the original on my flatbed scanner, saved it as a JPEG picture. Imported that into the Cricut software, scaled it based on measurements of the original and cut it out. Got a perfect duplicate after some tweaking.

Do need to get the "deep cutting knife" accessory for it as the default cutter won't cut the gasket material as it's too thick. (The yellow example is cut out of cardstock) Might with multiple passes, but I'd rather do it in one pass for clean cuts. Will also need it to cut styrene and basswood for modeling projects.

I think this thing will be at least as great an improvement to modeling possibilities as the 3D printer was.

Those are pretty cool, my daughters both have them and make stuff all the time..

Guessing the gasket is a Marvel-Schebler float bowl gasket for a tractor?

quote:

Originally posted by Gene Hillman:
Guessing the gasket is a Marvel-Schebler float bowl gasket for a tractor?

You're good!

Leftover from rebuilding the M-S on the John Deere Crawler debacle.

That is the coolest gift ever! I’m serious. Something I never knew existed, but I know I need one. My birthday is coming up and I didn’t get a Christmas gift because I thought I already had everything I need.

Fascinating. Didn't know such a thing even existed.

I make custom decals on vinyl…

I also make sticker collections for the grandkids.

It’s a very useful machine.

I think ours is a Cameo.

So far, have only used it to cut heavy paper for my daughter's school project.

My mother-in-law has 2 & uses them heavily for vinyl.

I've thought about doing it on the side & make a bit of fun money, but just don't have a lot of spare time to give to it.

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
I make custom decals on vinyl…

Good to know!

My wife has one. I was skeptical at first, but now it’s label making time!

I know a guy who uses one to create punch holes in IBM cards for use as Allen Organ Tone Cards.

flashguy

I have an older Cricut Explore Air 2. I use it to cut vinyl, mostly just stickers to customize stuff for my kid. Still pretty cool.

I'd like a 3D printer next, then a laser engraver/cutter. All in due time I guess.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
I have an older Cricut Explore Air 2. I use it to cut vinyl, mostly just stickers to customize stuff for my kid. Still pretty cool.

I'd like a 3D printer next, then a laser engraver/cutter. All in due time I guess.

A laser is on my wish list, but prices will have to come down substantially.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
I have an older Cricut Explore Air 2. I use it to cut vinyl, mostly just stickers to customize stuff for my kid. Still pretty cool.

I'd like a 3D printer next, then a laser engraver/cutter. All in due time I guess.

I've been casually looking at 3D printers, so many options, tough to narrow down the choices.
The Crealty Ender 5 Plus has my interest.

My Mother-in-law has a laser engraver on her radar.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
I have an older Cricut Explore Air 2. I use it to cut vinyl, mostly just stickers to customize stuff for my kid. Still pretty cool.

I'd like a 3D printer next, then a laser engraver/cutter. All in due time I guess.

I've been casually looking at 3D printers, so many options, tough to narrow down the choices.
The Crealty Ender 5 Plus has my interest.

My Mother-in-law has a laser engraver on her radar.

I have the Creality Ender 3 and I've been very happy with it.