BrendaK

If you are talking about the Simplicity rotary cutting machine, I purchased one. I tried to use it and it seemed to me to be more trouble than it was worth. It is now sitting in storage. I use the June Tailor rulers. I paid around $100.00 (with a coupon at JoAnn's) for it when I first started quilting. I was having a hard time cutting a straight strip I kept getting an elbow (bend) in my fabric. With the JT rulers I cut fine. Someday I will get rid of it. Now I try to be careful of the things I purchase. BrendaK
Maybe some people will like the machine. I DON'T.

AliKat

I know of a LA'er who uses one to cut batting and trim quilts. It was very expensive but she has a flourishing business. I got to try it and found it very heavy, such that it isn't even an option for me.

DOTTYMO

They have similiar at a shop near me to cut the fabric quickly. Just think how quickly you could cut wrong sizes shapes and sizes.
Good point then you would need to do more fabric shopping. I'll keep to slow and steady.

patricej

i think i'd have to agree with those who "worry" it might not be your safest option.
a power cutter is bound to be heavier than a standard rotary cutter.
your two conditions together increase the chance of accidents with such a device.

here are some things you might be able to do to reduce your discomfort when cutting:
1. check the height of your cutting surface. if it's too low, you can't cut in a comfortable position. your surface should be at at least high enough to reach just below your belly button. i recently indulged myself in a fancy-shmancy ironing center. it's just a small cabinet with leaves on each side that create a long, rectangular surface. the pad comes off, so it doubles as my cutting table.
2. sharpen your blades often and change your blades to new ones more frequently.
3. check out some of the ergonomic cutters now on the market. can you get to a quit show? that would be a good chance to test a variety of cutters without spending money first in search of just the right cutter.

the Simplicity electric strip cutter can do a very nice job cutting long strips, but it does take practice. a lot of practice. (i also found that it's easier to get a clean, straight cut if i starch the heck out of the fabric first.) i use mine to cut binding strips. i always run scraps through mine first each time i use it so i can retrain myself and find "the zone".

Shorebird

Don't bother….If you have tendonitis - have you tried the Martelli ergonomic cutters? Periodically, they have them on their REDLINE DIRECT monthly sale for 50% off - and make both right and left hand models. I find those so comfortable to use……..and the Martelli blades outlast any other brand - also on sale periodically for 50% off……..

One other option - if you need to cut strips or shapes - is to check with your LQS and see if they have an Accucut Studio machine………my LQS will, for a very small annual fee ($30)…allow me to use their studio and their dies to cut fabric…...

Good luck and Happy Quilting!!

cindynvb

I've never heard of a power rotary cutter, I'd sure like to see one. They sound much too expensive for home use though.

I have a accuquilt go cutter and I think you could use it instead of a rotary cutter for most things, as long as the patches you want to cut are standard sizes. If you could find a quilt shop or a friend that has a die cutter you should try one out first.
This book is great to read before you buy, I wish I had bought the Sizzix Big Shot Pro instead of the GO.

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Fa...rds=ebony+love

There is a facebook page called Accuquilt and beyond where people talk about die cutters. You can get a lot of good info there.
Good Luck,
cindy

nvb50

If you are talking about the simplicity cutter it does not work. I had one and was very patient with it and could not get the material feed properly. I tried very starched material and it still did not work.

willferg

I second the Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter. It is easier to use than I ever expected. Helps me a lot to avoid wrist pain.

mighty

I have not heard of them before. They sound kind of scary!

Hulalulu

Another option would be to use jelly rolls and other pre-cuts to decrease the amount of cutting you need to do. Know this can become a problem, suffer from it myself.