If considering purchasing check out the Sizzix line. They can use the dies from Accuquilt, Sizzix, and any of the other machines that use the dies for cutting. There is a user group called pinsandneedles1 on Yahoo that consistently sells the machines, accuquilt equipment, and sizzix equipment at a 35% discount. Unfortunately I purchased my machine before I found them. Am now in the process of acquiring the dies that I want. I still have my Alto cutter for cutting straight line cuts but the old hands don't want to use scissors well any more
so the Sizzix machine is a great way to cut lots of shapes that I would still like to use for applique quilting. Then there is the bonus of being able to use it for paper crafting also, which the grand children love to do. Sizzix also has an outlet on line that sells their retired dies at up to 90% off. Have been picking up Hello Kitty dies for my granddaughter there. Ann in TN