Summary: This article provides an overview of the specialty tools available for the Silhouette Curio 2 and Cameo 5. Use this guide to understand tool compatibility, required accessories, and best practices for achieving professional results.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


1. Power Engraver

The Power Engraver is designed to etch surfaces by removing material, allowing for permanent designs on metal sheets or acrylic.

  • Supported Models: Curio 2

  • Required Accessories: Curio 2 Dust Tray (to prevent debris from entering the machine rails).

  • Installation: Must be installed in Tool Holder 2. Align the ribs on the tool with the notches in the holder.

  • Key Tip: Secure all four sides of your media with masking tape. Always use the "Test" button in Silhouette Studio to ensure your settings are correct before starting a full project.

2. Leather Carving Knife

This tool is used to create intricate carved designs on vegetable-tanned leather. It operates by spinning the blade to "carve" into the surface.

  • Supported Models: Curio 2

  • Required Accessories: Curio 2 Debris Tray and Double-Sided Adhesive Sheets.

  • Installation: Must be installed in Tool Holder 2.

  • Key Tip: To ensure a clean carve, the leather must be softened first. Distribute water evenly across the leather surface prior to processing.

3. Leather Punch

The Leather Punch allows you to create clean, circular holes in leather media. It includes interchangeable tips for different hole sizes.

  • Supported Models: Curio 2

  • Hole Sizes: 1mm, 3mm, and 5mm.

  • Installation: Must be installed in Tool Holder 2.

  • Key Tip: The tool does not come with a blade pre-attached. Use the included pin or the hole-replacement method to secure your desired blade size before use.

4. Heat Pen

The Heat Pen allows for foil transfer directly onto your project surface, creating a shiny, professional metallic finish.

  • Supported Models: Curio 2

  • Installation: Must be installed in Tool Holder 2.

  • Key Tip: Once turned on via Silhouette Studio, the pen takes approximately 3 minutes to reach the necessary temperature. The lamp will turn red when it is heating. Use masking tape to keep the transfer foil taut against your media.

5. Embossing Tool (Type C)

The Embossing Tool (Type C) creates raised or recessed designs on paper and cardstock. It includes two tip sizes: Fine (1mm) and Wide (3mm).

  • Supported Models: Curio 2, Cameo 5

  • Required Accessories: Embossing Mat (12 in. x 12 in.).

  • Installation: Must be installed in Tool Holder 2.

  • Key Tip: For the best results, Silhouette Studio can perform a "Score & Emboss" function. This uses the Auto Blade in Tool Holder 1 to create a slight crease before the Embossing Tool in Tool Holder 2 finishes the design.

6. Pen Holder

The Pen Holder allows you to use various third-party pens in your Silhouette machine to "sketch" designs rather than cut them.

  • Supported Models: Curio 2, Cameo 5, Portrait 4

  • Compatibility: Includes adapters for Normal Pens and Flat Tip Pens.

  • Installation: Can be used in Tool Holder 1 (or Tool Holder 2 depending on the project type).

  • Key Tip: Ensure the pen is firmly seated in the adapter and that the tip extends the correct distance using the provided cap/guide to prevent dragging or skipping.

7. General Safety Precautions

  • Keep Distance: For tools involving heat or high-speed rotation (Engraver, Leather Punch, Carving Knife), keep your face and hands away from the machine during operation.
  • Thickness Detection: If the machine cannot automatically read your media height (common with reflective materials), use the manual Thickness Detection Button while the tool carriage is over the masking tape.
  • Clean Up: When using the Engraver or Carving Knife, remove the entire tray from the machine before cleaning debris to prevent scraps from falling into the internal mechanics.