Is it possible....

[moosenoops]

Hi,

I have the personnal cricut machine. I noticed that in scal you can change the mat size depending on the machine. Here's what I'm thinking and hoping is correct... Can I change the mat size on the scal to 24x12, use the large expressions cutting mat (12X24), cut the cutting mat to 6x24 and cut wording that is 24 inches in length but still less than 6 inches in height?

Has anyone ever tried this? I'm hoping it will work because I need to cut things in 24 inch length and this would help eliminate the need for trying to line the wording up after it's cut.

Thanks

[firstcut]

I am guessing that the machine is hard coded to only use a mat that is 12 inches long, but you could try it in the software first and find out pretty easily. Use your regular mat with blade set at 1 for the trial run and see if you get an error when you go to cut. If not, then watch when it "cuts." If the mat falls out during cutting then you will know that the machine has been tricked into thinking that the mat is longer than 12"
And by all means, let us know what happens...

[raewyn64]

I made a wall plaque for my niece where the black backing was 24 inches long and probably about 10 inches tall. I have some of the cricut 24 inch paper and a 24 inch mat - did my design in Inkscape - imported into SCAL, changed the mat size to 24 inch mat and it cut perfectly - all one piece, no joins required.
Raewyn

[firstcut]

Raewyn,
Did you do that on a Cricut Personal?

[HeatherM]

It looks like it is. I just tried cutting a file with something at close to 24 inches and the mat ran all of the way through my baby bug. You can cut the larger mat in half, but then it is slightly smaller in width than a 6x12 (but still usable with some modifications).

[raewyn64]

Raewyn,
Did you do that on a Cricut Personal?

Sorry missed that bit about it being a Cricut Personal. i did it on the E machine.

Raewyn

[firstcut]

Very cool! Craftedge should be using this in their marketing ... SCAL will double the cuttable area of your baby bug!
The problem with cutting the mat in half, though, is going to be the adhesive in the middle since you need a clean margin for the rollers. You can use some kind of solvent to clean off that half inch on the edge. You can also make your own mats with walmart or dollar store cutting boards, but they are not 24" long so that would defeat the purpose.
Wonder if CDS lets you do this, too?

[no_hiking]

Wow this is a great idea and thanks for sharing. I am loving my baby bug more and more.

[craftyvegan]

That is an awesome idea, never would have thought of that!

[stargazer20]

oh that's crazy awesome! good thinking!