Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? I just picked up a Cricut Paper Cutter a couple of days ago, and I'm convinced it can be hacked into a general CNC very easily, with the right expertise, which I lack! They're on sale until the 30th at Michael's for $139.00 if anyone is interested. There is a USB port, which Windows XP recognises as an FTDI FT8U2XX Device (USB to Serial), which leads me to believe that there is the possibility to access the stepper controller via the USB. The device uses font/shape cartridges that contain an ATMEL ATMEGA16 and some type of Flash Memory that I have not yet identified. If anyone is interested and capable of reading the contents of this cartridge, I can lend it out. My goals are to determine what CNC language is being used to define the shapes, and to figure out if control via USB is possible. Beyond that, I can see the potential to adapt the guts of the machine to a RepRap frame. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,1496#msg-1496 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:31:11 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,883318#msg-883318 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,883318#msg-883318
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DaviesD
@jj sorry for being off topic wanted to ask if you are happy with your cricut machine? Have you experienced difficulties?

I'm looking for a decent desktop cutting machine and so far all i got was confusion. I don't know which one to pick.
And to make things worse all the hype reviews are not helping either.

I was looking at cricut but on a forum I've read that they have horrible customer support. Is that true?
On the other hand I've found a blog that seems to tell the truth. In a way it's a bit harsh.

Here's a perfect example die cutting machine comparison. This post has put me on the fence.
Maybe cameo or I should keep looking at brother. Any advice would be helpful.

My Silhouette Cameo is one of my favorite tools. It'll set you back around $200. Cuts beautifully. I've made and sold a lot of things that have more than paid for my rig. Cartridges were needed for older Cricut machines, which were costly. To save money, I decided to go for the Cameo. The majority of my photos are created or traced, and you can use any font on your computer with it. I know that the newer Cricuts can be used without cartridges, however they need you to be connected to the internet; however, the Cameo's program is installed on your device, so you don't need to be connected to the internet to use it.]]> Areba21 RepLab Working Group Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:46:38 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,860303#msg-860303 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,860303#msg-860303
I'm looking for a decent desktop cutting machine and so far all i got was confusion. I don't know which one to pick.
And to make things worse all the hype reviews are not helping either.

I was looking at cricut but on a forum I've read that they have horrible customer support. Is that true?
On the other hand I've found a blog that seems to tell the truth. In a way it's a bit harsh.

Here's a perfect example the cricut maker vs cameo 3 comparison. This post has put me on the fence.
Maybe cameo or I should keep looking at brother. Any advice would be helpful.]]> DaviesD RepLab Working Group Thu, 03 Oct 2019 15:27:27 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,652026#msg-652026 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,652026#msg-652026 vahowa@msn.com RepLab Working Group Wed, 13 Apr 2016 14:39:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,593514#msg-593514 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,593514#msg-593514 jmchristopher RepLab Working Group Sun, 06 Dec 2015 09:43:21 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,592219#msg-592219 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,592219#msg-592219 kohly RepLab Working Group Thu, 03 Dec 2015 05:04:31 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,574917#msg-574917 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,574917#msg-574917 Thanks]]> expression2user RepLab Working Group Sat, 24 Oct 2015 17:48:09 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,545187#msg-545187 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,545187#msg-545187
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Tech_Mom
If you follow the directions your CRICUT EXPRESSION (and Expression2) WILL WORK with MTC and other softwares... and you CAN find the OLDER VERSIONS of MTC online.
It is NOT as hopeless as it originally felt when all of this happened... SIX (?) YEARS AGO.
I will NEVER buy a product from Provocraft (PROVOCRAP) .... My DH Bought Mine as a gift... HE was so hurt when he realized I had to find a work around!!!
I am a GEEK and computer tech, so I DID!
MY BEST ADVICE... RESEARCH BEFORE YOU UPGRADE ANYTHING!!!!!

I have used MTC (Make The Cut), SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot), Inkscape, and Design Studio.... DESIGN STUDIO IS THE WORST!!

There was a file years ago that somone uploaded with 100s of Cricut cartridges saved as SVG FILES.... if you can find that you'll be in heaven.
If anyone knows of the link PLEASE post for the people still struggling with this issue.

Take Care

Hi Tech Mom,

Are you able to give me all the info I need to make my Cricut Exp 2 work with either my SCAL 2 or MTC (which I don't have)? I only have SCAL and would prefer to use that but I simply cannot find any info on how to change the firmware on my exp 2 or driver in the software or whatever you need to do to make it work - I'm ready to pull my hair out!]]> horsewhisprr RepLab Working Group Thu, 13 Aug 2015 02:38:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,544721#msg-544721 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,544721#msg-544721
Thanks]]> horsewhisprr RepLab Working Group Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:44:02 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,544718#msg-544718 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,544718#msg-544718 Thanks,
Debbie]]> horsewhisprr RepLab Working Group Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:41:20 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,527777#msg-527777 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,527777#msg-527777 They work well and I like mine.]]> djmartins RepLab Working Group Tue, 30 Jun 2015 23:43:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,522044#msg-522044 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,522044#msg-522044 thetazzbot RepLab Working Group Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:02:12 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,518245#msg-518245 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,518245#msg-518245 Shnelzbth RepLab Working Group Fri, 05 Jun 2015 23:30:20 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,492746#msg-492746 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,492746#msg-492746
Any help in PM would be much appreciated... Very frustrated cutter!]]> Atoxuk RepLab Working Group Sat, 04 Apr 2015 14:00:41 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,465457#msg-465457 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,465457#msg-465457 Crazy Cricut hater RepLab Working Group Wed, 04 Feb 2015 00:54:05 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,465456#msg-465456 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,465456#msg-465456 Crazy Cricut hater RepLab Working Group Wed, 04 Feb 2015 00:53:11 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,451903#msg-451903 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,451903#msg-451903
Pm please?]]> Tacomanova RepLab Working Group Wed, 07 Jan 2015 02:43:31 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,441386#msg-441386 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,441386#msg-441386 lalovi RepLab Working Group Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:45:27 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,435203#msg-435203 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,435203#msg-435203 anonycraftMom RepLab Working Group Fri, 21 Nov 2014 23:24:34 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,422850#msg-422850 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,422850#msg-422850 I hope someone can help me. I read that someone got to have run a Cricut Expression 2 with MTC (or Sure cuts a lot).
I just fall into the trap: one week ago: I bought the Cricut Expression 2, to discover right after that in this model apparently can not get it to work with Make The Cut, or Scal2 due to firmware ...
I have a mac and OSX10.9 Mavericks,and have too the Parallels within Windows XP.
I wish to get some way to reach to cut any svg.

This will result a toy too expensive to be so useless without spending large amounts of money]]> Brisa RepLab Working Group Wed, 22 Oct 2014 05:44:39 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,407248#msg-407248 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,407248#msg-407248 Memma64 RepLab Working Group Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:28:46 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,387313#msg-387313 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,387313#msg-387313
Thanks!
Carrie]]> carriewynn RepLab Working Group Thu, 24 Jul 2014 15:25:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,370781#msg-370781 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,370781#msg-370781 justcoley RepLab Working Group Mon, 16 Jun 2014 23:55:30 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,351610#msg-351610 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,351610#msg-351610 koglanby RepLab Working Group Wed, 07 May 2014 09:58:27 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,350394#msg-350394 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,350394#msg-350394
*** Edit: removed email]]> koglanby RepLab Working Group Sun, 04 May 2014 23:22:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,329273#msg-329273 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,329273#msg-329273 horsewhisprr RepLab Working Group Mon, 24 Mar 2014 07:07:17 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,327645#msg-327645 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,327645#msg-327645 Kiradeli RepLab Working Group Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:05:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,308262#msg-308262 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,308262#msg-308262
Thanks for any help]]> horsewhisprr RepLab Working Group Sat, 08 Feb 2014 17:21:14 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,308261#msg-308261 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,308261#msg-308261
I also noticed that you mentioned that work arounds are available to the expression 2 - can you please tell me how? I have been trying for over a year now with my expression 2 just sitting on my worktable. I prefer someone send me links to where I can get software, etc. I have tried a couple of sites that say they have older version of MTC and the dll file but Vipre tells me that they are dangerous sites - so not sure if they are or if it just thinks they are. I have an older version of SCAL that I use with my old Cricut personal cutter but I need the 12" mat and that is why my hubby bought me the exp 2 (not knowing there was an issue with it) HELP SOMEONE???]]> horsewhisprr RepLab Working Group Sat, 08 Feb 2014 17:19:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,302701#msg-302701 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,302701#msg-302701
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jmferner
Can you send me instructions on how to make MTC work with my E2? You are the first post I've read stating that you can make it work with the E2. You can email if you are more comfortable with that

This is also the first time I've seen someone say that old versions of MTC or SCAL will work with the Expression 2, as opposed to the original Expression. Other places indicate the the firmware of the E2 is different enough that no drivers were ever written for it for MTC. Were you ever able to get anything to work with the E2?]]> flipflop RepLab Working Group Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:29:02 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,294851#msg-294851 Re: Cricut Automatic Paper Cutter - Hackable? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?128,1496,294851#msg-294851
I keep getting an error, something like my firmware is out of date or this isn't a cricut machine at all or if I check do not use serial communication I get something like the drivers aren't installed for my machine (which I've tried to download several times).

Any suggestions would be great!]]> RykerBug RepLab Working Group Tue, 14 Jan 2014 20:23:02 -0500