I have the Sizzix Big Kick and love it. With the Sizzix you can use dies from other systems. I purchased mine on Ebay a few months ago and must say it is worth every penny! I purchased the extra long dies to cut strips. I cut enough strips for 2 bargello quilts in about 20 minutes. Granted some of the dies can be a bit pricey but if you plan on using them more than once the price balances out, IMO. My sister has arthritis in her hands and shoulders. I convinced her to buy one. She was making a quilt with half square triangles, she was blown away. Now, if she can't cut it with her Sizzix, she ain't makin it!