Desktop vinyl cutters are becoming a staple for libraries around the country. A beloved tool of crafters and hobbyists, these machines are no longer just for vinyl! They cut cardstock, iron-on paper, and other materials like leather as well, opening up a world of possibilities for you and your patrons. These machines are the Ellison die of the 21st century! If you’re thinking of purchasing one for your library, there are some things you should know.
The term “vinyl cutter” also applies to large format printers that print on vinyl — these are popular for businesses. You can also use the term “paper cutter” or “cutting machines” for the smaller machines we will be discussing.
There are different brands of vinyl cutters available, with the two most popular being Cricut and Silhouette. These machines come with their own web-based software and libraries of fonts and images. Many of those digital fonts and images will need to be purchased (they do not expire). If you plan to loan out one of these machines to patrons, you will want to encourage them to create their own accounts for these services.
Materials
There are a number of supplies needed for vinyl cutters, so be sure to consider this when you are looking at whether to purchase one. Here are just some of the supplies you can purchase:
- Cardstock & Paper: the most frequently used materials for these machines will be cardstock and other paper. This paper is specifically crafted for cutting machines, and come in numerous colors, thickness, and patterns. There are also specialty papers available, like scrapbook paper, sticker paper,
- Vinyl: There are different types of vinyl available, including adhesive, removeable, foil,
- Iron-on paper: This paper helps transfer designs onto fabric.
- Transfer tape and paper: These materials will allow vinyl and other papers to be easily transferred onto different items and fabrics, and can actually be used more than once. You can also use regular contact paper.
- Markers: Markers can be used in place of blades to draw different designs.
Parts and Tools
Vinyl cutters come with many different parts, pieces, and tools to operate efficiently. It is important to remember that a number of these tools and pieces can be sharp. Here are some of the basics:
- Blades: these blades are the pieces of your machine that do the cutting! There are different types of blades for different materials and kinds of cuts, so check your manufacturer’s guides and tutorials on which blades you will need. It is also important to maintain and replace blades so that they do not get too blunt. Keep extra blades on hand.
- Cutting mat: These mats are where your design will be cut, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. They are sticky and come in different grip strengths. Many of these cutting mats are considered “self-healing.” Self-healing mats are usually made with rubber, and are designed to compress when a design is being cut. This helps prevent cuts from causing too much damage to the mat. However, over time, the mats will need to be replaced. Mats can be cleaned with non-alcohol wipes.
- Scraper and Spatula: these tools do exactly what they say! The scraper helps to quickly remove scraps and other debris from your cutting mat, and the spatula allows you to carefully lift a design from the mat.
- Weeding tools: The weeding tool is excellent for carefully lifting vinyl off the mat. Weeding tools come in a few different shapes, including tweezers to lift small pieces of vinyl, hooks for larger pieces, and a piercing tool — among others.
Software
Most vinyl cutter manufacturer’s will require you to use their own software and programs to work with their machine. These programs are generally web-based, but mobile apps will be available as well. These programs come with both image and font libraries to help you create designs. Some of these images and fonts are free, while others will not. You can also upload your own images and fonts, so you are free to design your own images in programs like Photoshop or Illustrator, or even free programs like InkScape.
It is important to take some time and learn about the software that you are using, as there will be a slight learning curve. You will want to know how to upload and manipulate images and text; how to work with pre-made templates; how to use the canvas space given to you; and more.
Like all technology, cutting machines require trial and error, patience, and lots of practice. Give yourself time to work with your new machine before you make it available to the public. Once you are ready, you will immediately see the fun your community can have!