I've had the Studio cutter for about 10 years (used it for paper crafting) so when I started quilting, I already had the machine, just needed some dies. The thing I like about using the machine is that your cuts are so accurate. You don't have to struggle piecing, easing stuff in etc. because everything fits. I find I have very little to do when squaring up blocks. I just got the 'winding ways' die and the curved pieces just about fall together. I don't think it really makes the cutting all that quicker, but the accuracy is the thing for me, because it really increases my piecing speed. If you are really accurate with your rotary cutter, you are probably fine without it. If, however, you find yourself constantly fighting to make your pieces fit and get those sharp points, then it may be a good investment.