Hi there Araxy.
I got one from Aldi too. I have it working great now.
I was fine with free cutting - like you, I suspect, but found the instruction sheet that came with my Purple Cow very misleading.
I went on their website and found a much clearer instruction sheet. Bit of a hunt, but then I’m not very clever on the web search stuff!
To use the templates (mine is the classic kit - ruler, circle and oval) you remove the triangular insert on the underside of the cutter.
Then it will fit in the ‘tramlines’ on the templates with a cutting zone in position either inner, outer (for circle and oval), cms straight or inches straight (for the ruler).
Then you turn Purple Cow to your preferred cutting blade and away you go.
Very good with paper, but may take a few passes on card.
Make sure you keep pressure on the template to stop the paper sliding
(paper / card always stays underneath the template).
If all that is clear as mud, PM me and I will copy the instruction sheet I got and I can attach it to a PM reply.
Good luck and I hope you can get it working. 
Bargain if you can.
Edit - meant to say great big welcome to this fab forum.
Hope you enjoy being on here and find lots to keep you crafting!
