I LOVE my SlideLock tools! I had to completely change the way I cut to use them but it was worth it. These tools are pricey but after buying the long one last year at Road 2 CA, I bought the shorter one this year. You use them with the rulers you already have. I am taking more time now when I use them to do my cutting BUT my confidence and my accuracy have improved tremendously. With the price of fabric continuing to rise, I figure I need to "take the time to get it right the first time".