I have electric scissors I use in dressmaking. Would those be helpfull?
jeannedog

I also recommend the Martelli rotary cutter. I have tendinitis and RA. I could cut for about 5 minutes before the Martelli. I no longer have the pain radiating up my arm or my hand going to sleep. My hand does ache but I can use it for an hour before I have to let it rest. Usually in an hour I have cut enough to sew awhile, iron seams and put a couple of blocks together before I need to cut again. It did take a little getting use to. I recommend watching the video on the website. They show you how to hold it, unlock and lock it and where to put your thumb and first finger. I love mine. I showed it to several ladies in my sewing ministry with the same kind of hand problems. At least one of them has ordered one.

constantly replacing mats? hmmm. I've heard of scissors doing the cutting for you but not rotary cutters. I would buy pre-cuts or get those machines that cut shapes first. or find someone to cut different shapes needed. Good luck.

If you are talking about the battery powered ones I have two of them and love them. They are easy to control and cut well. They also hold a charge well. I bought them at Sears for less than $30.00 apiece. I also have the Simplicity cutting machine and don't like it at all.

I did a search for power rotary cutters and found this link, http://www.allbrands.com/categories/1914. Looks like there are many types, and brands.

never heard of them

Well lookie there they do have some. Although for some reason they all look heavy and more cumbersom than the ones we power ourselves. Not sure it would benefit someone with arthritis etc. They look like an finger cutting off accident just waiting to happen....

the Martelli looks good for arthritis (which I also have) found one on ebay for $22 see description below....

[h=2]Martelli Ergo 2000 45mm Rotary Cutter[/h]Cutter fits in a natural hand postition and is engineered for easy maneurverability. Hand pressure points are evenly distributed when cutting. Hand placement requires less pressure when cutting. Great for those with arthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, hand fatigue, neck & arm pain. Has automatic spring-loaded guard. Flips guard open with finger or rolls open on mat.

LMAO - some look like they could have been used in the Spanish Inquisition.

I'd want to read some reviews before I spent that kind of money. They all look a little different.