This is a very heavy piece of equipment, and really needs space so you can leave it out.There is a wind up/down, guard that holds the card in place and you have to use 2 hands to release the blade but need very little pressure with one hand to actually cut.The instructions are very limited but it is easy to work out, you will need to turn the handle around (that lifts the bar that hold paper or card in place) on the wind up/down guard;there is an additional cursor which you screw in place to help line up card and hold in place.The cutting accuracy is very good and I can_ believe how well it cuts card and 2mm greyboard. This machine has made prepping for projects and my classes so much quicker.There are a couple of small tools should you wish to remove the blade to sharpen it- at the moment mine is still very sharp and I have used it many times.I have a rotatrim M series that I used to use for the grey board; not any more I use this machine all the time.Only quibble, cannot cut below an inch, but still worth the investment.Also there may be some oil residue on the blade for the first few cuts so use some scrap card first.