How long a blade will last depends a lot on what media you are cutting. When your machine is new, you may need to press quite firmly for the blade to pop into place, but over time it will become much easier. This is especially true for the Autoblade on the newer Cameo and Portrait models. To cut properly, the blade must be pushed all the way down, with no visible gap between the tool holder and the blade. I’ve diagnosed this issue so often that I keep a photo of a properly installed blade on hand to share whenever someone is having cutting issues. #1 Blade is not properly inserted and/or locked down This will help you determine if the issue is with the machine or the blade and what further troubleshooting is needed. While many of the items listed here are applicable to ALL Silhouette machines, if you are having cutting issues with a Cameo 4, my first recommendation is to try a different blade – either a ratchet blade or a premium blade. Thanks for your support!Īre you new to the Silhouette world and need help getting started? Check out my online course Getting Started with Your Silhouette: First Steps to Silhouette Success! It will boost your crafting confidence and get you well on your way to creating beautiful things with your Silhouette!įind out more here! Note: This post was originally published before the Cameo 4 was introduced. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher, and the commissions I earn help keep Caught by Design online. This means that if you click on a link in the post, I may make a commission based on your purchase. This post contains affiliate advertising.