A Cricut Maker is a wonderful addition to any craft room. I bought mine for $179 from the refurbished section of the Cricut website (link). Recently I saw one on Joann’s website for $199, completely new (link).
I have used the Maker to cut 1/16″ basswood, veneer, paper, cardstock, mat board, 2 mm chip board, vinyl, fabric, and felt. By using different attachments, I can also draw, decorate with foil, score, and engrave.
This coffee table, for example, uses basswood cut on the Maker and cardstock that I used to Maker to decorate with gold foil.
Which Model Should I Buy?
In terms of the different models of Cricuts, the Maker is the best for miniaturists because it will cut basswood. The “Maker-only Materials” section of the Cricut website (link) will show you how much the Maker expands your materials options. The larger Cricut Venture looks like a good fit for businesses. The Maker 3 can use “smart” materials without mats.
A Cricut is not the right tool for all cuts. A laser cutter will do much more intricate cuts, but the price point is much higher. (I have a glowforge on my wishlist.) For long, straight cuts, I use a Proxxon table saw (link).
Getting Started with Basswood Cutting
To get started cutting basswood on your Maker, you will need the purple StrongGrip mat (link), the knife blade (with housing <link>, replacement blades <link>), and masking tape (e.g., link).
Our best tips for cutting basswood on the Maker are in this post: link. Our discussion of the different basswood sheet options is in this post: link.
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Saint B Miniatures 
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