i don't know what the alto machine is, and haven't been able to find it online. probably been looking under the wrong name.

can you give me the full name of the product or the website so i can check this out? i have never heard of it.

I don't of any, but if anyone does -- let us know :wink:

Alto Quilt Cut 2: http://www.quiltcut.com/

die cut machie: http://www.accuquilt.com/

There are several brands of die cut machines but most are for commercial use and very expensive. Accucut is the first to bring the die cut machine to the quilters but I'm sure other brands will be doing it too. The Cuttlebug Expressions die cut will cut fabric but it's about $300 and will cut stabilized fabric one cut at a time. Many applique quilters are using it to cut qpplique shapes any size they want. It's perfect for that. The dies are going to cost the same no matter what machine brand you buy. The Accucut dies are the least expensive I've found.

on the alto, it would seem that there is no way to cut curves. do you have this? how many layers can it cut at one time? do the pices relly lay flat and not slip?
AND, most important, price? i don't have arthritis or anything that revents my from cutting except laziness. so price is a factor.

I have both cutting systems.

the Alto cost me (quilt show price) $222.55 total
The Go die cut machine with basic die set cost me $349
I added extra dies, cutting mats, and storage rack, shipping, total was $736.01 for everything.

does either one cut curves like drunkard's path or any other curves?
especially the alto? and which do you personally prefer?

The Alto does not cut curves. The die cut machine has circle and hexagon, leaf, and swirl dies. All the dies for each model of die cut machine are pictured on the website. The Studio model die cut has many more quilt dies then the Go. Most quilt shops have the Studio model.

many thanks for the info