If you are a craftsperson who loves to work on different projects, you know it can be a struggle to cut materials and shape them in a way that fits perfectly in the project at hand. One mistake in cutting can cost you the entire project. The same goes for folding as well. Therefore, it is important to get the exact measurement before folding or cutting the material. One thing that heavily factors in is the cutting device – that is what Cricut machines are famous for. They can cut through any material – paper, cardboard, vinyl, etc. At times, you can cut leather as well! Here’s where the Cricut scoring wheel comes in.
In this article, we will learn about this accessory of a Cricut machine – one that is handy and does the job well.
The Cricut scoring wheel and Cricut scoring stylus are two different accessories of a Cricut machine – however, they have pretty much the same function. Both of them are used to cut crafting materials of different sorts. They are also used to make folds. If you are a crafts lover who loves working on various projects that require you to cut and fold the material at hand, these accessories will make your life easier by getting the job done before you know. However, if two items do the same thing, why do we need both? Any one of them should suffice, right?
Now, the question is, which one should you choose – the Cricut scoring wheel or the scoring stylus?
To put it simply, the scoring wheel is better than the scoring stylus because it cuts through surfaces more smoothly and completes the job fairly well. It is arguably the best accessory to make folds and get immaculate cuts.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Let’s look at this matter subjectively and then decide which accessory is better suited for your crafting needs.
Cricut Scoring Wheel vs. Scoring Stylus
Here are some basic differences between a scoring wheel and a scoring stylus:
1. In Terms of Use
You can use the Cricut scoring wheel only in the Cricut design space. However, the scoring stylus has other uses as well. You can use this accessory in many other Explore Family Machines.
2. In Terms of Look
The Cricut scoring wheel looks and works like a blade, whereas the scoring stylus looks like a spatula.
3. In Terms of Purpose
The Cricut scoring wheel has two tips for two different purposes. One of them is for light materials, while the other one is for heavy materials. No matter what kind of material you want to shape or cut, you can easily do so using a Cricut scoring wheel. On the other hand, the scoring stylus has only one tip.
4. In Terms of Placement
Every Cricut machine has two clamps to hold different items. Clamp A accommodates all the accessories, while clamp B holds blades and other pointed items. Therefore, clamp A holds the scoring stylus, and clamp B holds the Cricut scoring wheel. The manufacturers of the Cricut scoring wheel use the Adaptive Tool System to enhance its quality. This system can assist in better handling of the accessory by regulating the blades and controlling their position. It can also apply the required pressure, making sure that it is not too much or too little considering the material you are working with.
5. In Terms of Strength
Since the Cricut scoring wheel has an Adaptive Tool System, it is sturdier, faster, and much more powerful than the scoring stylus. It has more strength, too, due to which you can easily get sharper cuts and deeper lines.
Experimenting on Different Materials
Experimenting with different types of materials can show us which accessory is more suitable for your crafting projects. We have covered the basic difference between the two. Let’s dive into the experiments and see the results.
The following are the materials that we will be experimenting on:
Construction Paper
Construction paper consists of a thin material that can be easily cut through using either of the two accessories – the Cricut scoring wheel and the scoring stylus. Both of these accessories can make a fine line and fold the paper in any direction you want. You can make different shapes using construction paper that can be later used in crafting projects.
Take two construction papers and place them on a flat surface. Decide on the shape you want to cut and then use your preferred accessory to make folds. Here we are using both the Cricut scoring wheel and the scoring stylus to see which one works the best.
The one on which you make folds using the Cricut scoring wheel will have overlapping lines. This is because of the Adaptive Tool System. Because this system exerts pressure on the paper, it is natural for the overlapping lines to appear.
On the other hand, the scoring stylus sweeps a line across the surface in one swift motion, without overlapping or damaging the construction paper.
Poster Board
Poster boards are heavier than construction paper. They are a lot sturdier, which makes it easier to score different lines. The Cricut scoring wheel is ideal to make shapes out of this material. There is no overlapping and the lines are smoother and clearer.
On the other hand, scoring stylus fails to produce a smoother surface. The shapes might come out as you intended; however, the lines aren’t as smooth as those of the Cricut scoring wheel.
Since the poster board is heavier than construction paper, it tends to crack upon folding. Poster boards can break into two if you put pressure on their surface. However, with the use of the Cricut scoring wheel, the additional power from the Adaptive Tool System makes it easier for you to fold the board without breaking it into two pieces.
The Cricut Design Space suggests the right tip of the Cricut scoring wheel, considering the material you choose to work on. However, you need to be cautious before working on a crafting piece. Make sure you are using the 01 tip on lighter materials and the 02 tip on heavier materials.
Corrugated Paper
Corrugated paper is a heavy material that is harder to fold. A crack might appear if you put excessive pressure on it. These papers, however great for crafting projects, can be a bit challenging to manage.
However, if you use the Cricut scoring wheel, you can get smooth lines and decent shape without any damage to the surface. These shapes are quality-driven and crisp, which makes the Cricut scoring wheel a big success!
On the other hand, the scoring stylus can get the job done; however, it is relatively tough to use it on corrugated paper. The results aren’t as smooth and crisp as that of the scoring wheel. This is because you are exerting pressure on the tip. Every point inevitably turns out differently shaped. On the contrary, The Cricut scoring wheel has a mechanical system that exerts the same pressure at every point, inducing a crisp result.
Craft Foam
Craft foam, like corrugated paper, is a heavy material. If you use the scoring stylus on the surface of craft foam, it might have a rough, uneven look in the end. However, the Cricut scoring wheel with the help of the Adaptive Tool System can produce a smoother result.
Craft foams are relatively easier to work on than corrugated paper. Nonetheless, you should use the Cricut scoring wheel if you are looking for a crispier design. A rough or uneven look of the design you are working on overshadows the entire project, which ultimately ruins the results.
The Pro and Cons of Using Cricut Scoring Wheel
The Cricut scoring wheel can get better results. However, they need constant attention. You can’t just let it work on its own. You need to keep an eye on it as it scores lines and develops various new shapes. On the other hand, the Cricut stylus is easier to use. You can leave it on its own and indulge in your side hustle simultaneously.
The Cricut scoring wheel works best on heavier material. The results are crispier and smoother as compared to the scoring stylus. However, if you use this accessory on a lighter material, it tends to leave overlapping lines, which give an untidy look to your crafting project.
On the other hand, the scoring stylus works well on intricate designs and lighter materials. However, when you use it to score a line on heavy material, it cracks the surface, ruining the entire look of the crafting project.
Which Accessory Should You Choose?
Cricut scoring wheel and scoring stylus have the same functions. However, the Cricut scoring wheel is an ideal choice for all crafting projects. It is easier to use and produces the desired results in one go. However, this accessory is a bit expensive. Its prices vary according to its tips. Some Cricut scoring wheels have only one tip, while others have two tips for better performance.
If you are working on projects with lighter materials, a scoring stylus should suffice. It works well and gets the job done on its own. You don’t have to look over your project all the time if you are using a scoring stylus.
On the other hand, if you have projects with heavier material in the pipeline, the Cricut scoring wheel is the best choice. It might be the cause of overlapping lines on the lighter materials; however, the heavier material needs mechanical assistance to fold without creases and wrinkles on their surface. Since this accessory has the Adaptive Tool System, it scores the line perfectly and produces the desired results in one go.
Along with the heavier materials, coated materials also require a Cricut scoring wheel as they are difficult to cut or fold through. If you want to achieve optimal results for multiple projects, you should invest in a Cricut scoring wheel.
Final Word
Crafting projects are so much fun if you have the correct accessories for them. You need to have the right materials as well. If you are new to crafting, do your research, find the right items and then give your creativity a whirl.
If you are using Cricut Design Space to complete your project, you should get the right accessories, considering the type of materials you are working on. As mentioned in this article, a scoring stylus is perfect for intricate designs. On the other hand, the Cricut scoring wheel is the ideal choice if you are working on a heavy or coated material. The prices differ even though they have the same functions. However, the Cricut scoring wheel has two tips, both of which help shape the project. If you are working on multiple projects simultaneously, you need to have both tips readily available for emergency use.
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