You might not be particularly familiar with vinyl cutting machines, but today we are going to take a look at several of the highest-rated selections within the industry. It can be frustrating and stressful to look through dozens of cutting machines with the intent of finding the best one.
We have used a combination of several factors to filter out the very best options so that we can present them to you within this review. Customer feedback was one of our most influential factors to use when creating this review of vinyl cutting machines.
Top 5: Vinyl Cutting Machines Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
9.9 | ||
9.8 | ||
9.5 | ||
9.2 | ||
 9.0 |
This Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine is ideal for cutting multiple types of material, including vinyl and other forms of paper. Wireless Bluetooth support is available and can easily sync with a household computer.
The Silhouette Studio software is also included with your purchase. This particular cutting machine also comes equipped with a self-adjusting auto blade. It is reasonably affordable and has a positive collection of reviews from verified customers.
It has rightfully earned the top position within this review because of its impressive consistency across all of the categories that we looked at.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a high-quality cutting machine for your very own DIY projects, this Cricut Explore Air 2 Cutting Machine could be your favorite choice. It is ideal for these types of projects and supports cutting up to one-hundred different materials.
It is offered in up to five different colors and also offers an optional vinyl accessory kit. Your purchase would also include a simple design software that can be used for free at any time. This Cricut cutting machine also has a fairly impressive customer reputation. Several customers have claimed to be impressed by this product's capabilities.
Pros
Cons
It is now time to take a look at the VEVOR Vinyl Cutter 34 Inch Plotter Machine. This is our third recommendation and should be considered one of the higher-tiered products within this review. It has an emergency-stop function and a helpful LCD display. It can be used for several different purposes and has several custom speed settings that can be configured.
While it is relatively popular with customers, we can't help but wonder if its potential is being limited by its significant price range. This might not be an ideal selection if you are limited by a budget. If you are looking for a top-tier vinyl cutting device, this could certainly be the product for you.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a cheaper product, this USCutter Vinyl Cutter might be a good place to start your search. It might not be the most popular, but it is affordable and has a customizable design that should suit your needs.
It comes with fully-integrated design software and a one-year limited warranty for all purchases. This could be a solid alternative vinyl cutter selection, particularly if you are heavily restricted by your budget.
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Cons
#5. Mophorn Vinyl Cutter Machine
Our final choice features the high-quality Mophorn Vinyl Cutter Machine. This particular device is available in three different sizes. It is equipped with an extremely simple design and is flexible for all types of users. It has some very popular customer feedback, specifically because of its user-friendly design.
It is designed for beginners and experienced users alike, but seems to be somewhat overpriced for what it has to offer. Even still, it certainly has proved to be one of the better selections and has impressively earned a placement within our top-five.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What re vinyl machines used for?
These types of devices are commonly used for branding purposes. For example, you might make large banners, logos, flags, or even large signs with a high-quality vinyl cutting machine. The possibilities are limitless and your own creativity can lead you on a path to complete your most desired projects.
How expensive are vinyl cutting machines?
The general price range can vary significantly for this particular industry. Vinyl cutting machines are not cheap and can typically be found between 150 to 300 dollars.
There are also optional accessory kits that some manufacturers offer to customers for a slightly higher price. These kits can be particularly useful if you do not already have the materials that you are looking for.
Which vinyl cutting machine is best?
Our top choice belongs to the Silhouette Cameo Wireless Cutting Machine. It has an impressive customer reputation and seems to be really affordable for what it has to offer. This is an industry-leading device that can surely get the job done at a reasonable price.
If you are looking for a slightly more affordable option, you might want to look elsewhere for a somewhat cheaper product.
What can I make with a vinyl cutter?
Vinyl cutters can be used to create your own designs on a variety of objects. Some of the many things you can do with a vinyl cutter include:
- Making stickers or labels
- Print t-shirts with logos and custom designs
- Transfer a design or logo to a bag or other fabric item
- Decorate water bottles or cups
- Make removable wallpaper patterns
- Create yard signs
- Create text for a wall display
- Make your own greeting cards
- Add text to 3D objects
- Make your own stencils
- Cut, score, crease, or perforate papers for craft projects like origami
- Create temporary tattoos
- Frost or add a translucent blocking to a window pane
In addition to being able to create and cut your own designs, you can also find lots of different files and patters for sale that you can use with your vinyl cutter.
Do I need a vinyl cutter?
If you're debating whether you need a vinyl cutter, you'll want to think about whether you will use it enough to make the investment worth it. If you are very crafty and like making your own designs and creations, you will likely enjoy all that you can do with a vinyl cutter.
Another group of people who would likely benefit from having their own vinyl cutting machine is many business owners. If you make custom apparel or other printed designs, you can save a lot of time and effort by having a vinyl cutter. While you can cut vinyl by hand, it is a very tedious process and one wrong snip can completely destroy a design.
Vinyl cutters, on the other hand, have a blade that is controlled using a computer, ensuring each design is perfectly cut and laid out.
Does a vinyl cutter also print?
No, vinyl cutters do not also print. They are designed to precisely cut the designs you load onto the computer out of the vinyl. The computer controls the blade to create a perfectly-cut design every time.
What materials can a vinyl cutter cut?
Vinyl cutters are designed to cut vinyl, but they can also be used to cut some other materials. You can cut other materials such as paper, cardstock, stencils, or stickers.
Before cutting any material other than vinyl, you will want to confirm that it is not too thick for your machine. You should also read our manual to learn how to adjust the downward force of the blade to cut through thicker materials.
You will not want to try to use your vinyl cutter to cut acrylic, mylar, or leather. These materials are too thick and abrasive and could damage your machine and blades.
How do you put your own design on a t-shirt?
Many people use vinyl cutters to add designs to t-shirts or other clothing/fabric items. If this is something you want to do, there are a few materials and supplies you'll need. These include heat transfer vinyl, a heat press machine, a cutting tool, a cutting board, a weeding tool, and, of course, the t-shirt you're designing.
First, you'll need to create your designs using the different materials, and then use your vinyl cutter to transfer it onto the heat transfer vinyl. Using the weeding tool, remove all of the extra vinyl from around your design.
Next, lay out the design on your t-shirt and use the heat press machine to press it down for the correct amount of time. Be sure to let the t-shirt and vinyl lettering cool down all the way before trying to remove it from the press. Remove it prematurely could damage your design.
Can you make money using your vinyl cutting machine for business?
Yes, you could potentially set up a business and make money using your vinyl cutting machine. Since vinyl cutters can be used for so many things, including designing t-shirts, water bottles, custom cards, stencils, and wall text, you could choose to create your own designs and sell them.
Starting your own vinyl business will not require too much of an investment. It is likely that you'd be able to start your own business without even needing to take out a loan.
If you are interested in starting a vinyl business, here are some of the things you'll need before you start:
- Vinyl cutter
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Heat press
- Rolls of colored vinyl
- Cutting mat
- Transfer tap
- Application tape
- Squeegee
- Camera
- Packing and shipping materials
How long does a vinyl cutting blade last?
The amount of use your machine receives will impact how long the blade should last. If you're only using the blade to cut vinyl, it should easily be able to cut through about 500 to 1,000 yards of material before needing to be replaced. If you're using the blade to cut through thicker material, it will likely get dull more quickly.
Depending on how often you use your machine, the materials you're cutting, and the specific manufacturer of your machine, you should expect your blade to last for somewhere between a few months and a few years.
How do I know if my vinyl cutter needs a new blade?
When you begin to notice a difference in the performance of the machine, it likely means it is time for a new blade. Before beginning a new task, check your blade to confirm that it is still working properly. Try using a scrap of material to test the blade.
If after testing the blade, the cuts do not look right or you are having more trouble wedding the vinyl, it often indicates that you need to purchase a new blade.
If you seem to be going through blades more quickly than you should based on the materials you're cutting and the amount you're able to cut before needing a new blade, it could also be a sign that something else is wrong with your machine. For example, instead of needing a new blade, you may simply need to clean your current blade or make sure that it isn't overextended.
What is the difference between a vinyl cutter and a vinyl plotter?
While vinyl cutters and vinyl plotter are both designed to work with vinyl, each of these products is used for different purposes. Vinyl cutters are designed for cutting, and vinyl plotters can be used for both cutting and printing.
Vinyl cutters take the designs you load onto the computer and cut them out of vinyl. They offer very precise cutting capabilities, making it possible to create intricate designs.
Vinyl plotters can both print your designs onto a vinyl surface or cut out vinyl images or lettering. Vinyl plotters are best if you're looking to make larger banners, posters, or signs. They are also good to use for car wrapping or window tinting.
While vinyl plotters can do more than a vinyl cutter, they are significantly more expensive. You can expect to spend over $1,000 for a vinyl plotter, and could easily spend closer to $10,000 if you choose a large, high-quality commercial-grade machine.
Final Verdict
Now that we have had the opportunity to take a look at all of the important aspects that come with a high-quality vinyl cutting machine, we are closing in on the conclusion of this post.
You will now have the chance to take your very own look at each of these five products. It can be extremely challenging to differentiate each of them, but we have done our best to include a useful list of pros and cons for each item.
We have listed products that offer different perspectives so that different types of users can all find something that works for their respective needs. We have presented vinyl cutting machines that vary in price, features, and design quality. You probably won't find a 'perfect' product, but there are certainly some good ones that offer great value and exceptional levels of quality.
Don't forget to take a look at the FAQ section before you make your purchase! It contains some very useful information that can help you understand more about these types of vinyl cutters. You should now be prepared to finalize your purchase of one of these fantastic vinyl cutting machines.
