That's a good tip, Izzy, but actually it was the narrow setting that I started out on! I was about to give up, then I tried the wider setting and it worked fine. Maybe I will just have to always make wide ovals. :) Joelle, I got mine at Wal-Mart for $17.96. I have heard that they have them at Michael's, and they are probably available at most places that sell Fiskars products. The blades are not the same ones that are used in the Fiskars circle cutter. At Wal-mart here, the replacement blades are $3.96 and come two in a package.

If you have the one I'm thinking of (clear plastic, long handle you hold and another spins to make the circle), I do like that one, my mom has it and it works pretty smoothly. I have found that most cutters work better on glass (I have a glass cutting board) I don't have a circle cutter--want to get one!--but do have the Fiskars oval and don't really like it. I also have a doodle cutter...works good with strong templates and on a glass cutting board. It takes alot of practice, but works better than scissors; especially for making fun shapes and it's very compact! I think as part of Natl Scrapbook Day, I may end up getting the CM cutting system (circles/ovals) I used it at a party once and my pics looked so much nicer than when using scissors. Have fun with it! Hilary Here is a link that might be useful: doodlecutter

You are right. First I had some regrets to not ask my DH to bring me back the guide too, because it is sometimes a little bit difficult to place the oval in the exact place you want, but the shapes are perfect. And I assume that with some practice I can place the ovals where I want. I cut a paper before to check if the size is the good one, and then I imagine 2 perpendicular lines crossing on the center of my subject, and I adjust these lines with the 4 grooves located at the base of the oval cutter (it is the Helpful hint on the paper given with the cutter) and it works pretty well! good luck! Joelle.

I have a similar model. You just have to play with it to figure out the margins. The orange "thingy" has the blade. Move it to one end or the other. The ruler-looking part lifts up, allowing you to insert your paper. Adjust the paper, and slide the blade piece across to the opposite end. It does take a few practices. The blade is quite sharp, and remains so fthrough any slices. And, it is easily replaced! I hope you end up enjoying your per cutter.