I read the previous reviews, and they were very helpful. I must have watched the presentation video at least 10 times, and yes, I did purchase a glass cutting mat too. The best advise I could give is to relax, and pull the cutting tool toward you; work with it,there is a spring like apparatus inside of the cutting tool, and you have to be agile, and feel what direction that sping is twisting and maneuver/manipulate your hand accordingly; ( steady breathing helps too.) Good luck