And I'm not even new at this...
 

What lift do you get with an Accuquilt and dies? Sorry to be so ignorant, but I don't hang out at quilt shops nor have I ever had a class, or I would probably be a fan, too. How does it work?

You get accurate, repetitive cuts. So for instance, all your 2.5" strips are 2.5" every time. You don't get that 'ruler nudge' error.
If you do applique, you can iron the fusible onto your fabric, then cut a shape. Again, same shape every time. As you get more used to the equipment, your cutting speed will also increase.
Look here for more info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3ka4EcSsrk
Some folks complain that it wastes fabric, but I don't get any more waste than with a rotary cutter. Not sure what they are doing...

Thank you for that link. I watched two videos and have a much better idea now. Afraid to look at the cost, but don't need it right now anyway.

If you want on e bay you can get a great price. That is how I purchased mine and all the dies. I would replace it if need be. It makes cutting 70% faster and totally accurate!

I can see how it would help with accuracy--a lot! I must say I frustrate myself sometimes with long strips and a little slippage.

eBay, Craigslist...great idea! Thank you.

If you are unsure about the die cut machines, get the Go Baby. Inexpensive and the dies will work with a Go later if you decide to go bigger. I posted a link a few days ago where the Go Baby was on sale for $69.95 until supplies run out. This time of year is a great time to buy a die cut machine. Accuquilt has a sale and free shipping going right now. I use my Go more then my rotary cutter. It is as important to me as my sewing machine.

I have the go baby and love it for half square triangles. I have some applique dies and the only one I have used is the heart. For that I did put the heat and bond on the back before cutting.

I got the AccuQuiltGo and a few dies when it first came out, and I have not regretted it. I recently got the 2.25 inch strip die cut...perfect for cutting binding strips. Accuracy is well worth the cost and you can now buy the cutting machine and dies for less through eBaby, Amazon, etc.

I have about all the Go dies now. I watch for a deep discount or clearance sale and buy a few at at time. I buy new mats when I buy the dies. I found that the worn mats on some dies can be used like new on other dies. The areas used are different on each die. My favorite die right now is the 8 1/2" rag die. I can make a large rag quilt start to finish in less then 4 hours. Those that say the fabric waste is too much haven't used one or used it incorrectly or be like my DGD and cut right out of the center of a piece of fabric. LOL