I needed to be able to cut through 10 or so layers at once to reduce labour time and although this beastie sacred the living daylights out of me, (seriously risk averse) I braved up and gave it a go. When I reopened my eyes after switching it on, it was quite steady, (it is heavy but you don't hold it, just guide it) it cut through the fabric like butter,. I did use a thick velvet upholstery fabric to test using 6 layers and it had no problems, like a knife through butter! Turned out great after all the apprehensions I had about fingerless hands and the rest!