Recently acquired a Cricut Cake machine because lady did not have time to use it.  She practiced a few times and became discouraged.  I was very happy to receive it; however, it is a struggle for me too.  I have watched/read the tutorials, Youtube videoes, searched CC forums and practiced for weeks.  I have frozen fondant, air dried fondant over night, placed in baggies over night, dusted with corn starch, used gum paste fondant combo, changed pressure and speed, cleaned blades repeatedly, varied the amount of veggie oil, cut different depths of Wilton fondant (down to 1/16ths) and still having problems.  I have now ordered a new mat and blades.  The previous owner's mat was really "engraved" so I think she cut very deeply perhaps dulling the blade?  The fondant is gumming up and the design is a mess.  I am now trying gum paste alone.  I could have simply used my craft knife and cut my designs from stencils in the time that it has taken to attempt a simple design.  I did manage a few squares, stars, etc. but I have cookie cutters that would have done just as well and much quicker.  

What is going wrong?  Any other suggestions?

AHi! I feel your pain.. My cricut has gone through all those problems as well .. Well I won't say I have it perfected.. The best results come from straight gumpaste..rolled out, in the freezer for a few minutes and then a bit of shortening on the top layer right before cutting. I still have not been able to do some of the extreme detailed images with the elegant cartridge. Let me know what you find out the cricut has so much potential. :) .. Oh and make sure you clean the blade after each cut.. If any sticks it will not cut right. Good luck .

Thanks so much for responding.   No one answered so I thought I was the only nut that could not get it right.  I know the machine has been around awhile and thought maybe everyone had either mastered it or dumped it.  I did finally get a straight gum paste swirl to turn out this morning but that is not much progress for 5 hours of working at it.  I had not tried the straight gum paste, freezer and then vegetable oil on top.  I can only hope that my new blades arrive and I see better results.

We have not eaten at the dinner table in a week because I refused to put up my mess until I saw something that resembled a swirl or phrase.  I will try your suggestion in the morning - if my husband has not put me and the machine out with the trash. 

Thanks, again!