Am I missing something or is it just because my extruder is a cheap and nasty ebay type? I got it though the post about a week or 2 ago and had to have a go but I found it really difficult to push the fondant through the hole practically breaking my fingers and getting about 3mm of fondant out of the end! Should I grease it? or warm it? is there a knack to it that I havent found out yet? or should I invest in a slightly more expensive one? (it was only about £5 I think)

You have to make your fondant really mushy. I add both water and shortening to a small amount. Then once you get it through, you may have to let it sit a minute or two so you can pick it up. Its a pain in the rear but also can be really worth it when you need it. HTH

I use the green Makins extruder I found at Hobby Lobby (an arts / crafts store). I knead the fondant until it's pliable and add a little shortening to it and then put it in the tube. It's always worked well for me that way. Good luck!!

Thanks for both of those tips. I will try the soft and mushy way! I am willing to go for the long route because I know what wonderful designs people can creat with one of them done right! I cant wait to try it again lol my poor children will be neglected if I carry on trying things...

I add plenty of shortening to the fondant and make sure to grease the inside of the extruder. Then it isn't so hard to push the fondant out. Much easier that way. Good luck

I used shortening in my fondant to make it soft. I also find that when my husband kneads it, it gets warm and is easier to push through. (I have COLD hands!) Although, I also find it VERY easy to do if I just hand it over to DH and he does it! (I just love him!!!)