I broke mine a few days before mothers day this year, just recouperating, getting back to sewing & crocheting AND driving!! but I made it. I also think weights for the material would be a good one, which I have to experiment myself. cutting I haven't tried yet, but I did cut the plastic bag for the homeless mat,(cutting in strips) and did fine there, of course the stuff did move some. as some of you said, weights, what about those clips to put on the table & material to hold down while cutting? looks like I am going to have to try this too. I had 20 pins & a plate put in mine, mine was falling backward and trying to catch myself. I do physical therapy daily. now on to projects!! I am doing fine in crocheting though. anyway AJ everything will work out just fine, I am 71 so how about that.