Having just purchased this awesome die cutting machine, I thought it would be helpful to share the information and resources I come across while learning to use my new ScanNCut2. This is what it looks like:
The machine comes the following accessories:
- Operation Manual
- Spatula
- Stylus
- Pen Holder
- Two Pens, black and red
- Standard Blade Holder and Blade
Mine also came with a wireless card.
Out of the Box Instructions
Once you have opened the SNC2 you may want to start out by untaping everything and installing your blade. I set mine at 3 and popped it right in. It’s very easy to do and doesn’t require instructions 
Next you will want to start by calibrating your machine to ensure that it cuts properly. You may not need to do this, however, I did so I recommend learning how to do it right away.
Calibrating the ScanNCut2 CM350H Machine
Start out by clicking on tools button:
You will use the up and down arrows to scroll down to the 4th page of options and choose “Scanning/Cutting Position Alignment:
When you click on that it will tell you to put a piece of paper/cardstock (12″ wide) on to your mat, load the mat and press start.
The machine will cut a line across the top of the paper and on either end. Once it’s finished cutting, you need to manually align the machine by pressing the up, down, left and right arrow buttons until the cursor is exactly in the cross hairs of the lines. Once you do that, your machine is calibrated and you are ready to make your first cut!
Here is a video that shows step by step instructions:
Your First Cut
Once the machine was calibrated, I stamped a few images on Neenah Solar White 80lb Cardstock and loaded it onto my mat. With the blade set at 3 and the pressure at 0, I loaded my mat by pressing the load/unload button. I then scanned my image and chose to cut my first two stamped images with a zero border. I chose to cut the second set of stamped images with a .004″ border and this is how they came out:
This is the absolute easiest die cutting machine I have ever used. I’m so thrilled that I don’t have to buy anymore stamp companion dies anymore, think of the money I’ll be saving! From now on, I simple stamp it, scan it, cut it and create it.
There is so much more that this machine can do such as cut svg files, etc., and I will post more on those subjects at a later date. I just wanted to give you a good starting guide so you can start creating right away!
Order Your ScanNCut2 for only $299!!
How does this compare to a Silhouette Cameo or Cricut?
Thx for the tips , mine will deliver Monday and im so excited ,I only wanted it to fussy cut so anything else is a bonus lol .. I love my sil but just too many step to do fussing cutting even with pic scan matt .
Thank you so much for sharing. I have been contemplating this purchase. Do you always have to use 12×12 paper (after calibrating )? Can you scan other images such as words and letters? Tyia. If you don’t mind answering.
Tfs. I’ve been researching my options. Always been a cricut girl. Have 3. Got the Silhouette used and really haven’t played much but love the idea of the cut n scan. Had a few crafters say they had a bad experience with cut n scan but have heard more good reviews than bad. Thanks again for your sharing.
Thanks for the post. Mine comes Monday, and this will help a lot.
Really interested in finding out more about cutting svg files. I have the Cricut Expression and SCAL so I use svg files a lot. I stamp a lot more now and would love to be able to cut and not keep buying companion dies, way too expensive. Thanks for any additional info!
~God bless~
I can’t wait to try the stamp, scan and cut feature when mine arrives! That is the main reason I purchased it, since I’m primarily a stamper and cardmaker. My Silhouette Portrait isn’t really working for me in that regard….may give it to my daughter or sell it, if I find the SNC will do everything I need to do.
Thank you for this quick beginner’s tutorial. I opened the box, unpacked it and then felt completely lost. I expected a sort of “quick start” guide to come with it, but there was really nothing that said, “start here.” I found your blog online, followed the steps you give, and was off to creating and cutting in no time. I still have a LOT to learn, as I’m a total newbie to paper cutting machines in general. Again, thanks for the rescue!
Kris Lewter…You had no beginner’s tutorial? I have more than expected. You should check where you bought it because that’s not right. Are you sure there was nothing there? Really too bad for you for sure.
Would LOVE to know what all this can do! I don’t have anything like this, but have been thinking about checking into which would be best for sometime in the next year or two. Love the idea of this one, so you can scan in stamps and cut them out…but would also want to be able to buy shapes to cut out (as it’s cheaper than buying dies)…and haven’t heard if you can for this or not. I’m going to have to start researching more this next year I think…but will see. Keep being to busy lately.
I am brand new to all of this. I have no idea what I’m doing. When you say stamp, what exactly do you mean? Stamp with ink? I just for my SNC2 yesterday. I’m excited and lost all at the same time!
I am not sure what part you are referring to but you stamp your image with ink on paper and you use the SNC to cut it out.
thanks for this! mine just came and was disappointed what the cuts were not near perfect… but i knew there must be something i can do about it.. i can’t wait to try this at home.
Does this have the option for pes files
Can you use pes files
What does the activation card get you? I have to buy it separately at $59.95 if I want it. Do I want it? Thank you for this much help. It really is getting me off to a good start.
It just gives you wireless access to the scanncut. You don’t need it unless you plan on working wirelessly with a computer but you can scan and cut images without it.
can you use this machine to cut adhesive backed paper and just cut the paper and not the backing?
I honestly don’t know because I’ve never tried but I say give it a go and just move your blade down by 1 each time you try until it cuts the way you want.
Thank you for writing this! My machine also had no manual with it, and this is s big help.
So, experimenting around with the machine, before I read this, I set the pressure too high, and cut a nice hex shape into my mat. Is there a way to repair a mat that has been cut through? The mat says not to put anything sticky on the back, so I’m guessing duck tape is out….
Thanks!