The turning gets easier when the handle loosens up. I think there is an adjustment on the handle where it attaches. One tip, when you use the rag die place a piece of thin paper over the die before the fabric. It will keep the threads out of the die when cutting all those rag ends. Thin paper will not dull the blades for the rag die. I have used mine with paper to cut over 30 rag quilts for guild and the blades are still as sharp as new. Sorry about your 6 1/2" cuts. I heavy starch my fabric for that die size. For some reason it is the only size that will be off a smidgen for me too.