I could not stand not having all the toys to use for quilting. Back in Feb I caught the Go for $199 at Joanns and got free shipping so I jumped all over that. When it came I was tickled pink. But even though I would look at it and pat it on it's head I did not try it out until tonight. Good Grief :? I was cutting 2 layers of flannel (from old shirts) and I worked on this thing for 3 hours. It is not an easy machine to use. I must be doing something wrong. Everyone has gone on about how nice it is for some of us with arthritis but I swear - no way anyone with arthritis can use this thing. It worked me to death. I am trying to type this to you all and I have my arms laying on a pillow because my shoulders and the sockets are killing me. Tonight will be double pain pills before I go to bed. :-( Can anyone tell me if this is suppose to be so tough??? I have got to be using or doing it wrong. The die I was using is the 8" rag die.

it is hard to put through at first until you break it in. I only do one layer of jeans or flannel on it...do one layer until you break it in...I have not use the rag die...also...turn the die slightly that make a huge difference

I've not used the rag die, but I found it did take a few turns to break it in. I have arthritis in my hands and left shoulder and need a shoulder replacement, but I keep putting it off. Anyway, even with my shoulder problems it didn't bother me at all.

I hope it gets better. No matter what it has got to be good exercise for my arms. If this thing was electric it would be awesome ;) .

I just finished a rag quilt using the rag die and it was a NIGHTMARE! I was using 2 layers of flannel and 1 layer of cotton and it was extremely difficult to turn the crank. I've had mine for about 9 months and I don't have any problems with the other dies. The machine is tight when you first start to use it but it will loosen up.

Sounds like we have to break them in. One layer at a time at first. Preferably a nice crispy cotton. Wonder how long it will take to "be broke in".

I have used mine a few times using the 'rag' die and find that using it on a table lower than a "counter high" table helps and having the die on an angle is important to getting the cutting "started" is the way to go. I also have rubber shelf liner underneath the "go".

:thumbup:

Oh yea - I definately need to use the rubber shelf liner. I had to chase it all over the table. Good idea!

I have terrible arthritis and love my GO. I have not used the rag die, but the others have made cutting out a quilt so much easier for me. Hope it gets better for you. Give it another try with a different die.

Oh, my. I think you had the worst possible introduction to using it!

It is harder to crank at first, and the rag dies are the hardest dies to use. This is because there are so many cutting edges on that die!

Mine was hard to crank at first; I could only crank through 2 layers of fabric for the large tumbler die (an easy die to use!). Now that it is broken in, I could do two layers of flannel with the rag die. However, I think I would place a piece of flimsy paper between the die and the flannel to stop all those shreds from getting stuck between the blades and foam (HATE digging those out!).

I like my Go! primarily for the triangles because they match up so perfectly at the sewing machine, with all the dog ears already trimmed off. Plus I am able to cut a *lot* of triangles in each pass.

I did that and it doesn't always work!!

whenever I "test" drove those things I could not figure out how anyone could use it without 2 hands on it at all times...
I bought the Sizzix!

i bought mine used. already broke in and i love it. cause i cant cut straight with a ruler and rotary cutter to save my life!!

Try it at different table heights. Also if you can feed the die in at an angle it will help. The more detailed the die, the fewer layers you should cut.

I didn't like the Go either. I tried it at different heights, different positions, different amounts of fabric. It all was painful for me. I have the Big Shot Pro Westminster now and it's a LOT easier so far.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried it again this morning and decided that I am a little too sore but I will get the hang of it thanks to everyone. As I sewed today it was really nice to have every thing line up exactly. I managed to cut 130 blocks yesterday and sewed them all up today. It was really a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone!

I put a thin sheet of paper over the die before cutting the rag quilt block. It really helps. I don't cut but one layer of the rag block at a time. As for loosening it up. My two nephews had a cranking contest using my Go! Youngest boy won that one. LOL. My Go has fell from the roof of the car to the pavement, cut everything that could be sent through it, DH has taken the thing apart and reassembled, and it still works great. Mine was one of the first batch made for sale so it's been a darn good one.