How To Use the Cricut Maker Engraving Tool

The Cricut Maker Engraving Tool is such a great addition to the quick swap family of Maker tools.  See how easy it is to use in this tutorial.

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One of the many things I love about the Cricut Maker is all the tools that are available to use with the machine.  There are so many tools, that it’s sometimes hard to know where to start.  Or even how to get started with them.  I admit that there are some that I will be using more than others, but it’s nice to have those others available to add fun touches to your projects.

One of the new Maker tools I’ve been intimidated to try has been the engraving tool.  I just wasn’t sure exactly what I’d be using it for.  I just have such a great love of vinyl and iron on, that I feel comfortable with them and the engraving tool just doesn’t fit in with those types of projects.

Even though I’m not always up for it, I thought it’d be fun to give it a try! And you know what?  It was super easy!  And super fun.

Here is what you need to make this project:

Cricut Maker

Strong Grip Mat

Engraving Tool/Quick Swap Tools

Aluminum Sheets

Acrylic Paint

In Cricut Design Space find a design you’d love to see engraved.  Click on line type in the top menu bar and when the drop down opens up, select engrave. It will change all the layers from draw to engrave.  Size the design to fit your project. Make sure the layers are attached, and click make it.

On the mat/prepare screen, click the design so the blue box is around it, and drag and move the design where you want it to be on your aluminum sheet.  See picture 3 in the collage below.  I knew my aluminum sheet was 5×7 so I placed the design in the center, of that area.  Click continue, and then browse the materials and select aluminum sheet from that list.

Cricut Maker Engraving Tool

Use a strong grip mat when working with aluminum sheets.  You can even place masking tape around the sides of the aluminum sheet to make sure it really stays in place as the Maker does the engraving.  Remove the plastic film that is protecting the aluminum before doing any engraving.

I decided I wanted the engraving to really show, so I removed the aluminum sheet from the mat and gave it a quick coat of pink paint.  Let the paint dry completely before engraving.

Use the quick swap housing and remove any existing tool head using the button on the top of the housing.  Just press it down and pull off the tool you don’t need, and then keeping the button engaged, place the engraving tip onto the end of the housing.  Then insert the housing into the cutting mechanism of the Maker.

Place the aluminum sheet on the strong grip mat so it will line up where you want the engraving to go.  Remember where you placed your design on the mat screen of Cricut Design Space.  Load the mat into the Cricut Maker and press the blinking go button.  The Maker will make sure you have the correct tool installed before it will begin engraving.  I love this feature.

Once it’s done engraving, unload the mat from the machine.  Use a piece of tape or very carefully use your hand, to remove all the aluminum shavings created during the engraving.  Peel the mat off the back of the aluminum sheet and you are ready to display it.

It turned out so cute! And I love that my daughters will have this reminder in their room.

Happy Crafting!

Liz