To Buy or Not to Buy an Accuquilt Go?
 

I am driving myself nuts trying to decide what to do. I think I would like and would use an Accuquilt Go. I have read a lot of pros and cons. I would appreciate some comments on this undecided quest I am on. There is one on Amazon for $183.00. That is a price I could handle. What say ye, fellow cutters of quilt pieces?

The thing that discourages me is the fact that after you get the cutter, you have to purchase die for every shape you want to cut. Those seem really expensive to me.

I have one! I'd say it really depends a lot on the type of quilts you want to make.

It is absolutely wonderful for triangles (nips off those corners, making perfect lineups easy), odd shapes (tumbler, octagons, circles) and fusible applique (Sunbonnet Sue, etc.).

For log cabin and other strip quilts, I personally prefer the June Tailor Shape Cut mat. It is actually easier for me to use for strip cutting than the Go is. If you cannot cut straight strips using the June Tailor mat, then the Go can be a godsend.

I find that I am not using mine as much as I thought I would, primarily because I am currently more interested in piecing strip type quilts and doing freezer paper applique (turned under edges). I do like the Go, however, as it stores very conveniently. The dies are less convenient to store, but still not bad.

Be aware that the cost will not stop at $183. You will want at least a couple of dies and mats to make the cutter really useful. Sometimes the hardest part is deciding on exactly which dies you want right away.

If a curved piece is envolved, the GO is GREAT! Accurate cutting means much easier piecing.

I love my go.. ( i actually have two- long story..)
I use it ALOT.. and its a great scrap user-upper!!!
IMHO the dies are not that expensive.. it just depends on the ones you want and if you can 'wait' for it to go on sale..
I have almost all the dies.. Hubby gets them for me for my birthday, mothers day and all the other holidays.. For my last birthday ( i think it was my birthday) he got me 4 of each size cutting mats for the go.. ( little did he know i already had a set or two of each so now I have back ups to the back up to the back up- as I go thru them very quickly anyway..
For some Its a learning curve to use it to minimize your scrap waste.. So dont get discouraged..

My favorite dies are:
2x2
2.5x2.5
Bricks
Tumblers - both small and large
Rags- all of them are great !!
9 in hex
Chisel
Apple core

And ones Im glad i have 'cause id hate to cut them by hand are:
DWR
Blazing star
Sue & Sam

I have the strips but its easier and faster for me to to rotary cut ?? by WOF - but its a breeze when im cutting scraps into strips- saves time..

* Desden & Rob Peter dies are on my wish list..

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Go..

I have the Go and it's the best thing I've bought since my sewing machine. I paid full price for mine and would again. I don't think the dies are expensive for the time and fabric they save me. I have about all the dies. I stock up on mats when I find a sale. I bought the Go Baby when if first came out and got it for $89 introductory price with carrying case, and it works great and there are many dies that fit the Baby including strip dies. My DD borrowed it and I'll never get it back. LOL. Lots of tips on youtube for the Accuquilt die machines. When I first got the Go, my DH asked me why I was carrying around a portable typewriter everywhere. :D I have the Alto Quilt Cut 2 and it's very nice but I like the die variety of the Go.

Thank you so much for your comments. There is nothing like experience to tell it like it is. I have had thoughts on the extra cost of the dies. I think most can be had at sale prices and there are some web sites that have them much lower than retail pricing, however, it still will be an investment for me. I just want to learn enough to make an intelligent decision before buying. I did take a look at the Alto Quilt Cut 2 but it didn't appeal to me as much as the Accuquilt Go. I don't let prices scare me if it is something that will be used and helpful with my quilting needs. Quilting is priceless.

I have not used mine as much as I would like, but one thing it has been great for, English paper piecing the Hex's, I cut 2.5 strips then lay them across and cut 2.5 squares. Great time saver on all those squares. They may not be perfectly cut, but they work great for what I am using them for.
The 5" square is next on my buy list.
I have the drunkard path, and one or two for applique.

I bought one for Christmas, by Easter, I had not used it so I sold it and the dies I thought I could not live without. WEverytime I came up with a design I wanted to do, I didn't have the right dies. It sounds like a good idea but it is very limiting.

hobo2000, did you use your Accuquilt at all? What designs would not be limiting? Is everything geared to what die is available?