I use mine continually, and had it a long time before I even did card making. The blade and the point should be about the same height, then when the point goes into your card, the blade (keep the whole thing as upright as you can, if you start moving sideways that's why the hole gets too big ) goes in enough to cut it. I make sure I gave enough space to turn the card, if it's thick. Thinner and I turn the cutter. make sure you put fresh blades in. When I use the cutter, I turn it in a clockwise direction, and sort of skim over a couple of times, and then press a bit harder to cut. Once you get the hang of it, it's really simple. Have you watched Steph making her circles and handbag handles etc? Well it IS just as easy as that. but everything takes a little practise to start with, good luck xx Jacqui x