Cardstock Tearing Please help

[charmy98]

Hi everyone,
Sorry this may be rather long but I want to give as much detail as I can about my problem. I am new to SCAL but I am a fast learner. My problem is I have tried to cut a somewhat intricate design pictures and files to follow. My first attempt resulted in torn cardstock ( 65lb cardstock used ) and each subsequent attempt has been the same. I have tried using different blade settings and speed, pressure. The attached photos were cut with the following Blade 5 Speed 2 Pressure 5.
The first file I used ( svg file name T1 )was worse so after learning about nodes I went into inkscape and removed some of the nodes. My second file (svg file name Treebirds3) is the one I am attaching photos of. I am still getting tearing of the cardstock as well you can see that some parts of the tree didn't even cut. Please if someone can tell me what I am doing wrong or is this file just too much for cricut to cut? My neice is getting married and she really has her heart set on this design.
Thank so much.
Charmy

I wanted to add more file but I could only put up 3 so I hope this is enough to be able to answer my question.

Thanks again.

[HeatherM]

I would try a new blade. If the paper tears again you need to check the blade holder for paper bits before adjusting and trying to cut again. Also, I think your blade depth and pressure might be a little high, though it varies from machine to machine.

[charmy98]

Thanks Heather,

It's a brand new machine Cricut Expression with a new blade but I will check the blade and try lower settings.

[Sweetness4713]

Some people have reported their blades being used when they purchase their machines.. This is probably due to the fact they test the machine.. Also make sure your mat is free of lint...

[scraphappysue]

I find that happens sometimes on certain papers...you might try to change the type of paper you are using, especially if it has a weave to it.

[charmy98]

Thanks all,

I changed the blade and now all is fine. Who would think a brand new machine comes with a blunt blade.

[GrammyKrausse]

Thanks all,

I changed the blade and now all is fine. Who would think a brand new machine comes with a blunt blade.

Mine came out of the box with a bad blade and provo craft replaced it for me. They sent me two in the mail. Must have had some bad ones come equipted with bad blades.

[stuartcalls]

this happened to me with a whole pack of Roland 60* blades that I ordered off of ebay. I had to go back to using the regular cricut blades. I was bummed that my new blades didn't work.