I use the Sizzix Big Shot all the time. You can use some of the dies for multiple uses. Example: When I need several 2 1/2 in, squares, I cut the strips with the strip cutter. You can then fold each strip four times and lay several of these strips back on the strip cutter and have over 250 accurate 2 1/2 in squares cut with three passes through the machine. As others have said, I don't mind a little waste if I can have consistent, accurate cuts.