There is very little waste if you precut. I add about half an inch to the width of the cutting portion of the die, so have mostly just narrow strings left over. Some people roll excess fabric through, off to the side of the die. I haven't tried that yet but might in the future, as I do not like precutting fabric for the strip dies.

A lot depends on the type of quilts you want to make. I am currently working on strip type quilts, and the June Tailor shape cut works better than the Go for me when it comes to cutting strips. However, if you want to make a double wedding ring quilt, an apple core quilt, a Sunbonnet Sue fusible, or a quilt with lots of triangles or hexagons, the Go can make the cutting for such a quilt much easier.

Lets talk percentages, if you add 1/2 inch (the bare minimum) to all 4 sides of a 2 inch square, you are wasting 1inch of fabric on a 2 inch square. Doesnt sound like much until you start adding up for a big quilt. I found I was using 25% more fabric as a rule, and on expensive fabric, that is way too much.

this has been talked about dozens of times. I have one, love it, if I had to decide again I would get it. I have never regretted getting it. And yes I still use my rotary cutter and rulers and mats.

OK. Thanks for the help. I have the Alto cutting system and haven't used it for two years. Guess it's time to refresh myself on that. I do see the advantage to having the dies for applique. Right now, I'm working on a double wedding ring and had that laser cut which was expensive, but accurate. I love the Board, because there's so much experience and you take time to answer and share your experiences and knowledge. Thanks!

I had one and never used it so I sold it,dont miss it.

I am trying to make the same choice. One day I am ready to buy it and then I talk myself out of it.

Maybe the point is - some tools work better for some things than others. It seems to me - without having a die cutter - that for some things it would be a lot more efficient - for other things, that rotary cutter would still be more effecient - and - gasp - once in a while, scissors are still useful?

Example: I have several kitchen knives. I have one that I use the most - and several I use 'occasionally'

Your percentage works only if you are cutting one 2-inch square at a time. I have never used my Go in that way. When cutting strips, squares and triangles, I found the waste to be very similar to that for rotary cutting.

For example, the 2.5" strip die cuts 3 strips at a time. By pre-cutting my fabric 8" wide, I have (1/2"x42") total waste on 3*(2.5"x 42") cut fabric strips, or 21 square inches of waste for every 315 square inches of useable jelly roll strips. This is about 6.5% waste.

All of the dies that make multiple geometric cuts have a similar waste percentage, making The Go very comparable to rotary cutting in terms of fabric waste. I don't think most people would use the Go if they were getting 25% fabric waste on all their cuts!

This looks like a good check list to me! Think I'll just start at the top and work on down. Thanks for the info!!

We can argue this topic to death regarding waste and such no matter what tool we may decide to use to cut with.

Personally I would not be quilting today if it were not for these type machines. For a person who has mobility issues in there hands and arms an Accuquilt Go or similar die cutting machine is so worth it. As far as waste of fabric I have absolutely no waste using the GO, Studio, Westminster Pro cutting machines.

If you learn to use these machines correctly and as instructed you will have no waste of fabric. I line my fabric right to the cut line on one side and cut and repeat the process. I don't even leave 1/10th of an inch when I cut. I prefer using my Studio machine at home but I just as often use my GO if I want to cut in another room which for me is usually the dining room.

Since I am a fiber artist of sorts any left over pieces of fabric, threads and the like are used in my projects therefore no fabric is wasted ever.

Lets face it those that grew up on scissor or rotary cutting most likely will not like using a die cutting machine for the most part. Those of us who have never cut with scissors or rotary cutters or who have tried and find it cumbersome to use prefer a die cutting machine such as the GO.

I belong to a couple local quilt groups and I see all the time some waste good fabric cutting with a rotary cutter and I have also seen some do the same with a die cutting machine and its all because they have not been taught or learned how to measure and use the tools properly.

Lets face it what tools work for one may not for another or what one is comfortable with in using may not be for another.

First of all; at that price you could resell it and not lose if you didn't like it. I love mine and yes, I could probably use it a lot more. I first got it mainly because of the time and energy it saved me for my rag quilts; what a time saver. One of the first things that I didn't was go thru my scrap bins and make 1 in to51/2 squares out of it and put it in bins. That has helped so much, first of all it's not stuffed into a bag where I hated to go digging thru. I can see fast if I have certain colors that are needed. I use the squares for applique, quilting, etc. The dies you do like most things, pick them up here and there and add to your "stash" just like you do when you are trying to build up your thread or fabric. I've gotten some great deals on ebay and the Accuquilt site has lots of patterns; some are free. If you have EQ you can even download shapes to use with it in designing quilts. This is just another one of those items that you'll always here both negative and positive sides so you have to decide for youself. Since you aren't paying full price you won't lose money if you sell it later on. The dies you buy will also sell or make you happy when you use them.

Lets face it there is always a waste when cutting fabric; between squaring up the fabric, etc. There are ways to lay the fabric to minimize the waste. Accuquilt has even started making the dies two tone to help with this and it saves from having to draw aroung the shape with a sharpie to see it better.

The Alto cutting system is the next thing I want to get. It would be such a great asset to have along with the Accuquilt. I saw it at the quilt show this year and really liked it.

I've been looking at the Alto cutting system too. Maybe after I settle down with the Accuquilt Go I'll be much more serious about the Alto 2. I have quilted for years and my cutting still gives me fits. That's got to be the reason these tools are so appealing to me. I am really getting tired of triming everything I do. I just finished a batch of HST's and had to trim each one. Took me most of the day!!

My DH just bought me one this weekend and I'm anxious to use it. Thanks for all the good info about the system and now I just have to wait for shipment from quilting warehouse for my other dies!! Can't wait, thanks again!

I got one for Christmas, dh and ds gave me it. It came with a starter set of dies..from Amazon. Was $300.00 and something. I also got the 2 1/2" strip cutter and the large mat. Heres the funny?? part: I didn't open and use any of it until last week!!:shock: I was actually thinking I would just sell the whole schebang...this after wanting it all so bad!! But, I signed up for a 6" square swap here on QB, and decided to just get the Go! out and give it a "go"...bad pun intended...sorry...lol...Anyways, it cut those squares perfectly! I then "threw caution to the wind" and cut some jelly roll strips!!! It was super with those, too. I also have the JT shape cut ruler, and I do agree that cutting strips with it is great, too...I think it just really depends on the person...
Kif
PS Prism99 is right, I precut and fan fold, make sure just a lil bit of fabric is overhanging the shape, and there is very little waste...

Totally agree about the mobility issues! I have Lupus, and while it doesn't affect my left hand, and pretty much only 3 fingers on my right hand, that is enough to make for some major issues...as we all know, if everyone liked the same thing, what a dull world it would be, eh??..
Regards all,
Kif

I use mine for lots of quilts. Love the 2, 2.5 and 3 inch strips plus the other shapes I buy all of my dies on ebay and usually pay less than 1/2 price. You have to be patient but for me it is a godsend. My wrists used to ache from cutting, now I can cut an entire quilt in no time!!

I purchased the Accuquilt Go because I do not cut perfectly. Sewing clothing for a zillion years has me lazy in cutting. I do not have to be so perfect in cutting out pieces of a garment. However, in quilting, perfection is a goal. The Go gets me closer to perfection. I own a Cricut Expression, I use cartridges for cutting applique pieces. With both, I am closer to living happily ever after.

I am now waiting for delivery with high hopes!! Thank you, all of you, for your ideas and thoughts on this pro or con, it's helped me decide. I love this board, what a wonderful group to belong to.

Our guild has one and I'm in charge of it currently, When I give it back I'm buying one. I love it. Everything in quilting is an investment. Your basically paying for convince. I love piecing and do applique rarely so I would probably buy the dies for the quilts I do the most. Think of the quilts you do on a regular basis and get the dies that best suite you. They also have sets of dies you can buy and it come with a set. A great site for dies is www.sewforless.com, sales all the time!!

I also bought several strip dies 'cause I can't cut straight strips. Also bought the 4 & 8" square and the rag die. I store my dies in a large trash can (the kind with a domed lid that slides up & down?). Just stand 'em on the end and it takes up minimal space.

I would love to have one -- I think it would ease up on some of the pain for my hands. but how and where do you store them with all of the dies?

By standing them on end they can be stored in a closet. Do no stack them. It will dull the blades. You can also buy racks to store them on

I have one and don't use it much. Great for appliques - and my dgds love using it. Thought I would use if more. For the price and the dies and how little I use it - probably a waste of money.

I don't use mine a lot but I don't make a lot of quilts. But when I do need to cut strips/blocks/etc. it's wonderful. The Go itself takes up very little room and the dies stand up just right in a tall trash can (they don't fall over).

Huh? I don't add that much at all. 1/4" is the max and the geometric dies are grouped to cut just on the outside of the main fabric, not around each shape. The starter die is the one that has the most waste if you don't fussy cut. I don't use the starter die except to cut some of my fabric scraps. On some dies I want waste as it will cut the waste to be perfect size pieces too. I experiment with all the dies in different ways get different cuts. I use paper for my experiments. I have wasted much more fabric by cutting wrong with a ruler then I ever have with the Go.

I have the GO cutter. I bought it online from Nancy's Notions.com and got it on a sale which was about $50 less than in the LQS. I also got 2 sets of dies with it (instead of one), then I also got free shipping on this order. The 6-1/2 " triangle is great, with the dog-ears cut off. I don't use the GO every day, because I'm trying to work up all those I cut with the GO (hundreds)! there are also several different designs you can make. Go to Nancysnotion.com and click on clearance and then click "go cutter dies" - there are many dies at lower prices.

do your homework...what is the big shot pro running?

My Accuquilt Go came today!!! It's like Christmas, hope I keep playing with it when the new wears off. So far, sew good!!

I've been debating the same question. But after seeing one for $350 at the local Hancock's, I voted no. But Aamazon has them cheaper? Hmmmmmm... & people see to like them... hmmmmmmmmmmmm again...

I think you could save money on your purchase if you scout the web a bit. I ended up paying $159.99 shiping included for my Accuquilt Go. I bought basic dies; 2", 3 1/2", 5" squares and 2 1/2" strip and one mat all for $113. 32 shiping included. Full price on the Go is 399.99 but is currently selling for 349.99 on Accuquilt. I saved $240 off of full price. The dies and mat full price are $244.96 I saved $131.64. Total savings $371.64. My total investment so far is $273.91. I know I will be buying more mats and dies, but I am ok with that. Sewforless is where I found my dies, and Blue Discount Club? is where I found my Go. (I'll check on the Discount Club for exact name if you are interested).

I want the studio with the starter set, list price is ~$1500. It was on sale last black friday so I'm hoping it will be at a good discount again this year. I'm using it as a reward for passing a certification exam for work. It's a pretty big deal and I have a hard time studying. So, I'm working on bribery on my self-if you study and pass this exam in Aug..you can buy this really cool toy as a reward. We'll see how well it works. You notice I'm here and not studying-so far it's not working.

Been watching this thread. What did you decide to do? I too have been thinking of purchasing one, however, price was my concern. I do have the June Taylor ruler, however, am not comfortable cutting things with my rotary cutter (I seem to "veer off" more than I'm on)... So very interested in your question and thanks to those of you that posted!

check out the posting on the ALTO cutter.

How about this for ambivelence! I bought one, due to complete fear of learning to cut quilting material. Once I learned to cut the material, it just collects dust. Although, I have the tumbler plate and want to make a tumbler quilt. I will probably use the accuquilt for that. If your buying it out of fear of learning to cut the material, forget it. You will find out that cutting is not so terrible. Also, it is very time consuming to cut the material on the accuquilt. I know this did not help, but like I said, ambivelence.

I have both the GO and the Altos2.. I love the both for different reasons.. I use my GO more than the Alto.

I disagree with pmrosie, in my experience the Go makes cutting faster for me, and as for the prep time it not time consuming at all. grab a scrap, pile them on, roll thru the GO.. Voila ! .. I have tons of pre-cuts waiting to be made into quilts.....And when im ready i grab the cuts i want and sew sew sew I go..

I love the studio...i have both the Go and Studio. I love it for strips and all shapes except for the squares...if I had to do it over I would not buy any of the squares. I have tried everything...they do not cut evenly. For the smaller squares not a big deal but as they get larger you really notice. If you are not picky it will do but I like my seams to match. Also I would rather fussy cut my squares. Would I buy the Studio agian...YES!! The strips alone are totally worth it!

Oh....and I paid 129.99 for my GO..you can find sales...and my Go dies were all on sale on Amazon. Oh yeah...i also was in a sewing store and they decided not to sell them anymore so got a bunch of dies for 60 percent off...Yah...If I have two dies to choose from...I would buy the 6 1/2 tumber and the 2 1/2 inch strip...if I had a third pick...My small tumblers...then my circles after that more strip cutters...

well since I saw one in person just two weeks ago i have been going nuts too, and then Joanne's has one that with shipping cost me 207, which was still a lot cheaper than the local one, and then I found a site with really good discounts on the templates, I reposted my featherweight, sold it within hours, then got on line bought the Go and several of the templates, I can't wait to get it, just doing the research on line and seeing it at work at the shop, really convinced me it would be a great tool to have. I work, and need as many short cuts as I can find to help with my quilting. good luck.