Looking for a cutting machine that doesn’t require a computer or expensive cartridges?
The Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e stands in a league of its own in the world of DIY crafting. While other machines rely heavily on external software, the ScanNCut2 features a built-in 300 DPI scanner that allows you to turn your hand-drawn sketches, magazine clippings, or favorite fabric patterns into custom cut files instantly.
Whether you are a dedicated quilter looking to cut applique pieces with precision or a scrapbooker wanting to fussy-cut stamped images, this machine offers a tactile, “standalone” experience that is hard to beat. In this review, we’ll explore the performance, the large 4.85-inch touchscreen, and why the scanning feature makes this the ultimate time-saver for your craft room
Is the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e Still Worth Buying?
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The Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e can still be worth buying if you specifically want a standalone cutting machine with a built-in scanner. Its strongest advantage is the ability to scan hand-drawn artwork, stamped images, fabric patterns, paper shapes, and printed designs, then turn them into cut files without depending on a computer for every project.
It is best for scrapbookers, quilters, appliqué makers, paper crafters, card makers, and DIY users who value scanning and standalone editing. It is less ideal if you want the fastest cutting speed, the quietest machine, or the most modern app-based workflow.
Best for
- Scanning physical artwork and printed designs
- Scrapbooking and paper crafts
- Quilting and appliqué projects
- Standalone cutting without always using a computer
Skip it if you want
- The fastest cutting performance
- A quieter and sleeker machine
- A simple app-first workflow like Cricut Design Space
- A machine mainly for quick beginner vinyl projects
What We Like
- Has a built-in scanner
- Can be used without a computer
What We Don’t Like
- Very slow
- Tough on the eyes
- Hard to understand instructions
The Bottom Line
The built-in scanner of the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e is nice, but the slow work time and clunky design make this a less-than-optimal choice.
Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e Specs at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the key Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e features for crafters comparing standalone cutting machines, built-in scanners, Cricut alternatives, and die cut machines.
| Product Name | Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Electronic cutting machine with built-in scanner |
| Best For | Scrapbooking, quilting, appliqué, card making, paper crafts, vinyl projects, scanned artwork, and DIY cutting projects |
| Built-In Scanner | 300 DPI scanner for scanning drawings, printed designs, stamped images, fabric patterns, and paper shapes |
| Screen | 4.85-inch LCD touchscreen |
| Built-In Designs | 631 built-in designs, including shapes, fonts, and patterns |
| Computer Required? | No. Many scan, edit, resize, and cut functions can be done directly on the machine. |
| Software | CanvasWorkspace for additional design editing and file transfer |
| Main Strength | Built-in scanning and standalone cutting workflow |
| Main Limitation | Slower and less modern-feeling than some newer cutting machines |
Note: Product bundles, included accessories, wireless activation details, and pricing can vary by seller and availability.
I have never used a computer-based cutting machine before in my life. I know my way around a tough craft project, but I’ve never had the opportunity to get my hands on a die-cutting machine, which, similar to how a printer uses ink to draw out an image on a page; instead, this machine cuts out a programmed design.
My partner and I focused on a few things while testing out the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e: ease of use, an easy-to-comprehend set-up process, and whether or not we liked that fact that you could use this machine without a laptop. We created our own designs and scanned some old photos. We learned a lot about rotary blades and material thickness. Read on to get my thoughts on whether or not the ScanNCut2 CM350e makes the cut.
Set-Up Process: Paper overload
The first thing that threw me off about this machine was the over-complicated instructions that were less than helpful. Getting the machine on was easy enough as it’s ready to go from the box. Once you have it plugged in, you have to swap in the blade or pen you wish to use. There’s a pamphlet of instructions that breaks down the main functions of this cutting machine.
This machine comes with a forest-worth of paper. Besides the instructions, there’s a separate how-to for connecting to wireless networks, a blade care guide, a notice updated customers about a new version of the software, a customer service notice, three separate pages outlining the warranty and how to register, an extensive product safety guide, and a paper outlining the included accessories. You also get an operation manual in disc form and a “ScanNCut Online Activation Card,” giving you free access to the CanvasWorkspace app. The information overload feels overwhelming and like too much of a time investment. Compared to other options like the Cricut Maker Machine, those instructions are incorporated in an app and easy-to-digest flashcards.
During set-up, it felt like this tool is better suited for an engineer who enjoys the ins and outs of gadgets, digging into every aspect of a machine, and curling up on the couch reading instruction guides.
Can You Use the Brother ScanNCut2 Without a Computer?
Yes. One of the biggest reasons to choose the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e is that it can work as a standalone cutting machine. You can choose built-in designs, scan artwork, resize patterns, edit basic shapes, and cut directly from the touchscreen.
This is useful for crafters who do not want every project to start on a laptop. However, editing directly on the screen can feel slower than using desktop software, especially for detailed designs. For simple paper crafts, appliqué shapes, stamped images, and scanned patterns, the standalone workflow is still a major advantage.
Best use case: Use the standalone workflow when you want to scan a physical design and cut it quickly without rebuilding the design from scratch in software.
Performance: Slow, loud, but effective
If you don’t necessarily care about speed or quiet performance, the ScanNCut is a good option for you. But for those who want speedy cuts with very little noise, this option should not top your list.
This machine comes with access to CanvasWorkspace online software. CanvasWorkspace allows you to create and transfer designs offline and send them to your Brother machine.
The included blade cuts materials up to 2mm in thickness, which is similar to other machines on the market. Another notable performance point is that you can transfer SVG files or scalable vector graphics, which isn’t the case with all cutting machines.
The built-in scanner is a great value add to the performance of this machine. The flip-up screen on the cutting machine has two options on the home screen: pattern and scan. Its interactive display is easy to use. It gets a little complicated when you try to edit images for scale and contrast since the options are not clearly labeled, but with trial and error, you can get the desired pattern.
The machine comes with a small accessory kit (aside from the included blade, pens, and mat), consisting of a stylus for the display and a spatula intended to help remove the materials from the tacky mat. The stylus helps when using the display since it can be tough to use with your fingers. The spatula comes in handy as the mat is not very thick and easy to crease and bend.
Features: Built-in scanner
It’s pretty clear after a few uses that the built-in scanner is the real hero in this machine. Other cutting machines allow you to design custom patterns and images, but this one lets you scan images, postcards, papers, anything with a graphic on it. After scanning, you have the option to save the scanned image directly onto the machine or the web-based CanvasDesignspace program.
There are 631 graphics available to you when you purchase the ScanNCut, which makes getting started on your project right away super easy. Once you use your CanvasDesignspace activation card, you will also design your own patterns and transfer them to the machine wirelessly. If you don’t want to deal with the added work of connecting your machine and using a separate software program to make your own designs, you can use the cutting machine as is. There are shapes, fonts, and patterns pre-loaded and ready to be used as soon as it’s plugged in.
While the ability to use the machine straight from the box sounds nice, it can limit your creativity. I found myself blocked from designing something I liked. The shapes are pretty basic, as are the fonts.
Built-In Scanner: The Main Reason to Choose ScanNCut2
The built-in scanner is the feature that makes the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e different from many other craft cutting machines. Instead of starting every design inside software, you can scan a drawing, stamped image, paper shape, fabric pattern, or printed artwork, then turn it into a cut file directly on the machine.
This makes the ScanNCut2 especially useful for makers who work from physical designs, not just downloaded SVG files or app-based templates.
Design: Not the prettiest machine
This machine is not the easiest on the eyes. It might look at home in a woodshop, especially since this machine cuts through balsa wood, after all—but this cutting machine is far from sleek or fashion-forward. The scanner is the best design element. It’s not bulky, but a little slow. The flip-screen works fine, but it’s hard to use with your fingers, so I opted for using the stylus.
Price: Below market
Most cutting machines come in under $400. The $350 price tag puts the Brother machine right in that sweet spot. Despite the clunky design and slow work time, I could see someone really latching on to this machine if they often need to scan images directly into the machine.
It’s pretty clear after a few uses that the built-in scanner is the real hero in this machine.
Competition: There are more creative machines out there
As the built-in scanner is its major selling point and there aren’t many—if any—other options with the same functionality at this price point, this might be enough to push someone over the edge toward purchasing this machine. Compared to the built-in designs and app you get with the Cricut Maker Machine, I felt that the machine encouraged more creativity.
Extra Supplies You May Need After Buying
Like most electronic cutting machines, the real cost of using the Brother ScanNCut2 goes beyond the machine itself. Depending on your projects, you may need extra mats, replacement blades, cardstock, vinyl, transfer tape, fabric support sheets, pens, and weeding tools.
For related supplies, see our guide to iron-on transfer papers and our roundup of craft supplies for kids.
Final Verdict
Go with another option.
The ScanNCut gets the job done, and its built-in scanner was great, but other machines will get your job done quicker, quieter, and potentially better.
9 Best Die Cut Machines for Crafters and DIY Projects in 2026
More Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e Questions
Is the Brother ScanNCut2 good for beginners?
It can work for beginners, but it is not the simplest cutting machine to learn. The built-in scanner and standalone workflow are powerful, but the instructions, touchscreen editing, blade settings, and mat choices may feel overwhelming at first. Beginners should start with simple cardstock projects before moving to fabric, vinyl, or detailed scanned designs.
Is the Brother ScanNCut2 good for quilting?
Yes, the Brother ScanNCut2 can be useful for quilting and appliqué because it can scan shapes and help cut fabric pieces. Quilters should test fabric, blade, mat, stabilizer, and seam allowance settings before cutting final project pieces.
Who should skip the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e?
You may want to skip the Brother ScanNCut2 CM350e if you want the fastest machine, the quietest cutting experience, the most modern app workflow, or a very simple beginner setup. In that case, compare it with Cricut, Silhouette, or newer Brother ScanNCut models.
