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Cricut maker is an engraving tool that is used for engraving metal. It’s a tiny mechanical object with a sharpened tip at the bottom used to carve designs or write names on metals. However, most of you ask how to engrave apple watch bands with a Cricut Maker? Is it even possible?
Yes, it’s possible to engrave soft objects like watch bands with a Cricut Maker, but it’s a lot of work, and you’ve to be extra careful throughout the entire process.
This article shared the complete engraving process with the right product to make your work easier.
However, if you are looking for a more accessible alternative, we recommend using Glowforge instead of Cricut maker. It’s a 3D printer that uses lasers to burn and carve designs on bands made of silicone or other soft materials.
You have to set the instructions in the machine and put your band in the right place. The device will burn the design as you instructed. Wash your band, and it’s done.
It’s pretty easy but an expensive technique. Also, in case you are stuck with the Cricut Maker, don’t worry; follow this simple process.
Cricut Ultimate Smart Cutting Machine
Skip this part if you already own a Cricut maker. For those who don’t know, here is how it exactly works.
Cricut is a company famous for manufacturing good-quality engraving tools primarily used to carve metals. However, their newest addition is the Cricut maker, which differs from all other products.
This ultimate smart cutting machine is not only focuses on engraving metals, but you can use it to enduringly engrave images and text into various soft metals, leather, plastics, acrylic, and paper. Also, there are endless possibilities, and people love experimenting with them on multiple items.
This smart cutting machine has a host of innovative features to help you create beautiful artwork with minimal effort and skill.
With 2X faster speed than the previous model, and 10X cutting force, the Cricut Maker 3 cuts a lot more than other machines. It’s also matless, meaning you won’t have to worry about damaging the mat after using the blade.
The usage is simple where you need to fix the engraving tools in a machine. Then you need to feed instructions like
- The type of design you want to engrave.
- How much depth do you want?
- How much wider should it be?
And so on. Some are standard settings that are easy to understand, while others are a little complicated, but you will figure it out.
Is it safe to engrave apple watch bands with a Cricut Maker?
It’s pretty safe. You have to fix the band, and the machine will do the rest of the work. You don’t have to touch the band while it’s being engraved.
Their software is user-friendly and guides the process. Don’t hesitate if you’re doing it for the first time. The process is pretty simple, and anyone can DIY it.
Let’s start with the process!
Before you jump into engraving your expensive apple watch, make sure you arrange these products for your safety and a better finish.
Cricut Maker
That’s basic! You need a Cricut maker to use to carve designs. It’s great if you already own it, but if you don’t, visit their website and choose the one that suits your needs.
The company provides five variants for bulk designs or commercial uses for different purposes. Check the specifications and don’t get confused with the pricing. The cheapest one would be fine if you’re using it at home. It’s a one-time investment, and you can carve as many designs as you want.
Engraving tool
They don’t provide an engraving tool with the machine; you need to purchase it separately. A quality Cricut engraving tool will cost you around $30 to $40.
It comes in two parts: quick swap and engraving tip. The engraving tip gets attached to a quick swap in case your engraving tip gets blunt; you don’t have to replace the whole part. Just purchase the engraving tip which costs around $25. Make sure you purchase a good-quality engraving tip if you want a better finish.
Extra apple watch straps
If you are hesitant about the process and don’t want to ruin the original strap of your apple watch (because indeed it’s expensive), we recommend you purchase extra straps for practicing.
Once you are confident, and then try it on the original band. Two pairs of extra bands are more than enough to learn.
Making tape
You cannot hold the strap with your bare hands while engraving. That’s why you need masking tape to stick your band on the surface and make sure it doesn’t move throughout the entire process.
A slight shift will ruin all your efforts, so it’s necessary. Either you can use clips or any other kind of tape. Just make sure it fulfills the requirement.
Cricut mats
These mats come with horizontal and vertical lines on a sheet of paper. It’s used for measurements and shows where you need to stick your band to get the perfect carving.
These mats are reusable and, of course, a one-time investment. The engraving tool will cut objects stuck on these mats, and it never reaches the bottom, making them reusable.
You can purchase a pair of 3 mats for better prices, but we recommend you to buy only one as it’s more than enough.
Scissor
You need to cut the masking tape for that you need a scissor. Do not try to forcefully pull the masking tape as it may damage your Cricut sheet, and you won’t be able to use it again.
Even you can use blades or paper cutters but use them carefully. 7 tricks for changing the Cricut maker blade.
Cricut Access subscription
Cricut provides a paid subscription where you can find 200,000+ images, 700+ fonts, exclusive features, and other benefits.
If you are playing around and want to carve simple designs, then it’s not required, but if you’re going to stand out and enjoy that unique and only for your plans, then purchase the subscription and unlock thousands of options.
Moreover, if you are looking for a business, it’s worth it, but we don’t recommend you invest in it for personal use.
Gloves and Glasses
They are not mandatory but best for precaution. Carving means scraping out, and the tiny scraped pieces may hurt your eyes. So, it’s good if you are going to watch the entire process.
Also, the tip of the Cricut tool is exceptionally sharp, so it would be great to hold it while wearing gloves. This will ensure that you don’t get unnecessary cuts.
The complete process of engraving apple watches bands with a Cricut Maker
Once you arrange all the required products, the next step is to use them the right way to get the perfect finish. Here is the entire process to make your work easy.
Assemble all the items in one place, so you don’t have to run here and there. It saves time and a lot of effort.
Open the Cricut software and select the type of design or image you wish to engrave on your apple band. Make sure you choose the right design size that fits perfectly on the band.
Check the size from the software and measure it on the Cricut mat. Mark the exact places and fix the band in the right place (It’s pretty easy as the mat comes with written measurements). Stick the band tightly with masking tape.
Fix your engraving tool in the Cricut maker machine, place the Cricut mat in the right place and command your device to carve the required design.
Step back and wait until it finishes the job. Also, wear glasses and gloves throughout the entire process for safety.
Once the engraving process is completed, take the Cricut mat out and cut the masking tape using scissors. The process is completed, and you will get the perfect finish.
It’s pretty easy and automatic. You need to take the proper measurements to select the right design; the machine will do engraving.
It is not like the traditional process where you need to engrave the design using your hands. Most people prefer Cricut engraving because it’s easy, saves time, and anyone can DIY it at home.
Precautions you must take
As it’s an automatic process, so you don’t have to worry a lot about your safety. However, follow these simple steps to save yourself from accidents.
- Never touch the sharp tip of the engraving tool with your bare hands.
- Always use gloves, glasses, and a face mask for protection.
- Keep enough distance while the machine conducts the engraving process.
- Always be attentive and adequately use the scissors and other sharp objects.
That’s it. Do not hurry, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. With time you will learn the process.
Final Thoughts
Engraving apple watch bands with a Cricut maker is a simple process, and anyone can DIY it at home. Also, it’s a one-time investment, and you can carve as many designs as you want.
Make sure you arrange all the products and assemble them in a single place to make your work easy and sophisticated.
Many people have tried carving bands using Cricut maker, which works smoothly. Even you can watch some tutorials on YouTube for a better understanding.
