Silhouette CAMEO 3 Autoblade Replacement: How to Use the Ratchet Blade

Wondering if the Silhouette CAMEO 3 Autoblades are being discontinued? They're not...but they are very hard to find right now.

So if you're in need of a Silhouette CAMEO 3 Autoblade replacement, the Silhouette ratchet blade is what you'll want to use. The Silhouette CAMEO 4 Autoblade is not an option as it can not be used in the CAMEO 3.

The manually adjustable ratchet blade can be used in every Silhouette machine including all models of the CAMEO, Portrait, and Curio. Here's how to use the ratchet blade in Silhouette CAMEO 3.

How to Use the Black Ratchet Blade in the Silhouette CAMEO 3

Unlike when the ratchet blade is used in the Silhouette CAMEO 4 machines, no adapter is needed to use the ratchet blade in the Silhouette CAMEO 3 as an Autoblade alternative. 

With your design set up and ready to cut, start in the Send panel of Silhouette Studio. 

Select the material you will be cutting.  Change the Action to "Cut" and pick "Ratchet Blade" from the Tool dropdown menu. 

When you make these selections the recommended cut settings will appear below. You'll need to match the blade depth on your blade to the Blade depth recommendation.   The recommended blade depth is found on the black dial. 

The ratchet blade blade depth needs to be manually adjusted to match the recommended blade depth. To manually adjust it, place the blade into the built in ratchet on the front of your Silhouette CAMEO 3 machine. 

Twist until the red mark aligns with the recommended blade depth. 

This needs to be done because when using the Ratchet Blade because the CAMEO 3 will not and can not tap to adjust the blade depth prior to cutting as it would with the AutoBlade. 

Place the tool into the left tool carriage of the CAMEO 3 making sure there is no gap. Ensure the fin is pointing straight ahead. 

 Push the lock back to lock the blade into place.

Just as an FYI, the ratchet blade can be used in either tool carriage on the CAMEO 3..or even both at the same time for varying blade depths or forces.  The only difference would be the selected tool in the Silhouette Studio Send panel. 

You can also use the Ratchet Blade in the Silhouette Portrait 2 this way. 

You can now move forward with cutting as you normally would. 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!

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